AboutTim Expertise Any Toyota, especially Camry, Corolla, or Geo/Chev Prizm problems. Heavy experience with ECM,sensor,diagnostic issues, driveablilty, starting, fuel,charging, electrical, overall mechanical engine/transmission, and suspension problems. If I can't answer a question correctly in a timely manner I will search for the answer.
Experience I have 32 years experience in automotive field as a diagnostic technician. I analyze and correct problems on Toyota cars. I manage a car care organization for my church. The church has approximately 9000 members We provide diagnostic and repair services for low income individuals on a volunteer basis. I personally have owned and driven Toyotas for 27 years. My children, grandchildren, father and mother drive Toyotas. I have converted many friends to Toyotas.
Education/Credentials Unrelated; Computer Science Degree.
My experience has been self taught, always learning. I am not a parts replacer! I've seen way to many parts replaced by shops or individuals that don't have a clue, eventually I get called to resolve the issue. Most of the time its something simple like a bad ground, broken wire, gas cap, or dirty sensor(02 or MAF), etc.
Sensors are there to send a signal back to the computer that something is off slightly, that doesn't mean the sensor is bad!
Expert: Tim Date: 7/6/2008 Subject: Toyota Camry Gas Smell
Question I have a 1993 4 cylinder Toyota Camry with 203,000 miles on it. For the past week there has been a fairly strong gas odor in my vehicle. It is especially noticeable while sitting at stop lights or when I turn my AC on. The smell is fairly persistent. What could be the cause of such an issue.
Also, my car makes a "put put" sputtering sound when in gear and sitting at stop lights. A friend of mind said it may be the oxygen sensor. Do you have any idea what could be the cause of this issue? Is there a chance that the gas smell mention above may be somehow related?
The last tune-up I had was last year September or October.
Please help!
Thanks in advance.
Answer Joe,
Are you sure it isn't a exhaust smell? With that many miles I see
a lot of camrys that leak exhaust up front and the smell comes
through the vents and windows.
Is the check engine light on? I need to know what was done with the
tune-up. You need to check inside distributor for oil leak from
engine, its the O-ring in there. If oil spray a lot of wd-40 in
distributor and cap to clean out then put cap back on and start it up.
See this a lot with high mileage camrys.
