Milgram

There were Gen 4s built in 2000 as the Gen 4.5 was not publicly released until September 2000. I would hazard a guess production of the 4.5 would have begun late July/early August. Yeah... much the same as Gen 3s built in 97, Gen 4s in '02 etc... you'd find that there would be a "Intrigue" model or an "Advantage" model at those times too. Usually to help sell the rest that Toyota had in the factories if I recall correctly. Basically "clearing out the old model to let the new models in". In reference to the Gen 4, the Intrigue and Advantage models were only released during Gen 4.5. To my knowledge, there was no "runout" of the Gen 4 series one but I am sure some good deals were available at the time, particularly on the Vienta. The Intrigue was introduced in 2001 with a total of 1500 built (in two batches of 750) to counter falling sales of the four cylinder Camry at the time (Google Camry Intrigue). The Intrigue was walked off the 4 cylinder Camry Conquest and was not a runout model as such. The Advantage was launched in 2002 as a runout model, walked off the CSi with Touring interior trim. I can't speak for Gen 3, but I am sure the information on runout models is available through Redbook.

There were Gen 4s built in 2000 as the Gen 4.5 was not publicly released until September 2000. I would hazard a guess production of the 4.5 would have begun late July/early August.

I'd be looking at the wiring in the instrument panel. Have you had any aftermarket work carried out, for example a new stereo fitted?

The Gen 4 Camry/Vienta has all the standard warning lights (low fuel, ABS, park brake on, etc). The only real "pleasant surprise" is the brake light failure light which I can see is on the cluster in my 1999 Touring but I believe it does not work. It might, however, work on the Grande. The light will illuminate when you brake if a brake light is blown. If the light illuminates all the time whilst you have your headlights on, this indicates a blown tail light. To the best of me knowledge, there is no warning light for windscreen washer water.

I will try and answer this as best as I can. There were specification differences between the four and six cylinder models and Series II in late 2000 saw the level of standard equipment improve significantly. The sedan was launched in August 1997, the wagon followed in early 1998. The Conquest four cylinder and wagon was released in April 1999 along with the Touring series sedan. CSi 4 & V6: Std: AM/FM Radio&Cassette, remote locking, immobiliser, split fold rear seat, power mirrors & manual windows. Opt: Air conditioning, safety package (ABS, dual airbags). *Sept 2000 update saw front automatic windows added. Jan 2001 saw air conditioning and driver airbag made standard. Conquest 4 cyl: Std: CSi standard features plus air conditioning, body coloured mirrors, driver airbag, front automatic windows & cruise control. Opt: Safety package (ABS, passenger airbag). *Sept 2000 update saw introduction of four automatic windows. I also believe ABS and passenger airbag was made standard sometime in 2001 on 4 cyl Conquest. Conquest V6: Std: Conquest 4 cyl standard features plus automatic transmission, ABS and passenger airbag. *Sept 2000 update saw four automatic windows added as standard. CSX 4 cyl: Std: Conquest 4 cyl standard features plus alarm, climate control air conditioning, velour trim, body coloured grille, four automatic windows, six speaker stereo. Opt: Safety package (ABS, passenger airbag). *Sept 2000 update saw 15" alloys (ex Grande), rear headrests & body coloured door handles added as standard. Most likely in 2001 the safety package became standard. Vienta VXi V6 Std: CSX standard features plus chrome inserts, 15" alloy wheels, body coloured door handles, chrome surround grille, dual airbags, ABS. Opt: CD player *Deleted in Sept 2000 given Vienta was replaced by Avalon. Touring series wagon replaced Vienta VXi. As mentioned, came with Conquest V6 standard features plus subtle bodykit, CD Player and sports suspension. All above specs are for wagons, sedans may differ.

Hi All, I've noticed of late my rear suspension has become increasingly noisier than usual however it tends to "hush" when there is heavy rain. I suspect a number of my suspension bushings have worn out and the rain is temporarily lubricating them. How expensive and labour intensive would it be to replace all the main suspension bushings in the rear? Secondly, overtime I have noticed my clutch is chattering when taking off in first sometimes. The clutch itself seems fine, there is no slipping that I can detect. Should I be looking at the master slave cylinder or get the gearbox overhauled and the clutch replaced? Any help would be appreciated.

I was down at Lane Toyota earlier in the week and had a look at this GTP. It appears to be a clean example however the tint is coming off the front passenger window and it appears the weathershield has been removed from this door too which has left some markings on the paint. I didn't check the tyres to see if they have fitted four of the same brand yet. I personally think the price is too much, regardless of kilometres but then again this is a dealership. I was tempted to take a test drive but I found the sales staff to be a bit pushy and decided to leave it for now.

Timing belt was changed at 150,000kms. I've read on other forums that the 1MZ-FE engine is actually a non-interference engine, which means the engine simply stops if the belt snaps. Of course, I recommend people change the belt as per the schedule regardless of whether this is true or not.

I am in Melbourne in the eastern suburbs. I have a 1999 Camry Touring. It is green, manual and completely stock. I bought it in Nov 2006 with 110,000kms on the clock. Yesterday, the car ticked over to 188,300kms. Hopefully it has a bit of life left in it! I do look after it given it covers about 500km a week. It has been a good car, although I think the clutch might be in need of some attention soon but that is hardly surprising given its age and the fact it is still the original clutch. Aside from the tweater speakers rattling at times, the interior appears to be quite well put together.

I returned to the tyre shop earlier in the week and spent two hours there trying to sort out the problem. I pointed out the two issues - wheel balance and off centre steering. On request, I presented the alignment report to the owner only to be told "no, should be spot on". I mentioned the balance, so the car was taken into the workshop and returned to me about 40 minutes later. I headed straight for the freeway and noticed now the off centre steering was corrected. On the freeway, the steering began to shake after hitting 90km/h. I went back, only to be told that 90% of cars shake on the Eastern Freeway in Melbourne. I quizzed him on this as I have driven both new and old cars along there and have never experienced this "shaking" he speaks of. After [the owner] cracking it at the employee who did the balance, the owner then did the balance again and told me at 100km/h there is always going to be a vibration because my shocks were worn. Considering they were only put on 15,000km ago, I asked him for some sort of assessment of that because they are still under warranty. Naturally, he went quiet and refused. I took the car back and aside from all tyres again having different pressures, there are weights on all wheels now and the vibration seems to have disappeared. I am happy the problems have been addressed but customer service at this shop was terrible. Considering these people call themselves "The Tyreman" and bang on about their long history and good reputation, I was surprised at the poor customer service received and the attitude of the owner to both myself and his workers.

Considering the car was returned missing a tyre cap, I am not sure about anything at the moment hence I was just after an opinion. I understand what you're saying about the wheel blocks, I just assumed every wheel is suppose to have one and thus I will follow up tomorrow with the shop to determine what the story is here. Whilst I am happy with the service received and the new tyres, I am a tad disappointed with the issues I am discovering once driving away from the shop.

Hi All, I had new tyres fitted yesterday along with a wheel alignment. Aside from leaving the shop and discovering all four tyres were pumped up to a different pressure (39, 36, 38, 37), I am happy with the tyres themselves (Bridgestone ER592). However, I found today whilst driving down the freeway that there is significant vibration through the steering wheel, hinting at the wheel balance being carried out incorrectly. After a bit of research, I discovered my front right wheel is missing the little tyre balancing block. I fail to see how this would fall off while driving, so I am assuming the shop forgot to put it back on or it was refitted incorrectly and has come off. Is it possible to get a replacement block? My spare has one but I am not willing to remove it and be down one block. I am expecting the shop to cover any costs of course.

I have taken this from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_MZ_engine

The only engine Toyota has made locally to my knowledge is the 2.4L 2AZ-FE found in the Gen 5 and Gen 6 Camry. The hybrid Camry, set to be launched next year, will have its powertrain imported from Thailand (2AZ-FE + Hybrid system). I have no issues with the 1MZ-FE in my Camry, it was a very advanced motor for its time, particularly in comparison to the competition who back in 1997 were still producing SOHC and pushrod engines.

Seen the advertisement on Lane Toyota website, no photos unfortunately. It is a 2001 model.

Thanks for your help DJKOR. I have a 1999 Camry Touring with factory spoiler. It is a MCV20R model.

Hi All, I noticed this morning a few of the LEDs on my spoiler brake light have blown. In terms of replacement, do I replace just those LEDs or the strip of LEDs? What sort of prices would I be looking at for a new strip?

I had to change the interior light globe on my Gen 4 yesterday. I went to three auto shops but none of them had 31mm festoon bulbs in 8W. I ended up going with a 10W based on advice that an additional 2W would be fine but anything more is not recommended.

I've noticed for a while that the passenger side window switch on my Gen 4 Camry has been rattling. Having a look at it, the switch surround feels quite lose and whilst it sits plush with the door panel, there is a bit of flex in it. Any ideas on how to fix this? I have tried a bit of Bluetak but it still rattled intermittently.

I work in the car industry (not for Toyota) and can tell you that there are Model Year (MY) updates at least every 12 months. Car manufacturers constantly make running changes to vehicles, often to address quality issues. If the changes are made constantly, a car built last week might have some subtle "under the surface" differences to one built this week depending on the break point of the change. Some manufacturers prefer to bunch these running changes into one big change, referred to as a Model Year. A MY might not be visible to the consumer unless it is accompanied by a facelift or change in specification (i.e. new colour options or extra features). In reference to the Gen 4, in April 1999 I remember the Conquest four cylinder was launched along with the Touring series. Most likely Toyota did a whole bunch of "under the surface" changes across the range to tie in with the launch of both models.

Welcome to the forum 1mzfe_dave. I have a 1999 Camry Touring V6 manual that is identical to yours colour wise, my friends and I have christened her "Emerald". It is completely stock aside from Monroe GT-Gas shocks. I do not have the GT-P/Sportivo kit, but what a lovely find! I bought mine with 110,000kms on the clock back in November 2006, I'm now up to 180,000kms. The only major things to have been replaced are the shocks, steering rack and power steering pump. Other than that, just general servicing following the log book. I regularly switch between a 1999 Touring and 1999 Vienta VXi - I find the VXi a nice drive in traffic as it is auto but my Touring has much more get up and go and seems a bit more effortless.

I do not worry too much about kms per tank, I just focus on my average consumption (litres used per 100km travelled) as it provides the best basis of comparison in my opinion. To calculate this, you will need to fill your car to full and reset the tripmeter each time you fill up. To calculate, divide the litres taken by the number of kilometres travelled since last fill and multiply by 100. Looking at my last receipt: L: 57.71 Km: 548.2 57.71/548.2 X 100 = 10.5272 Therefore, I'm using 10.53L/100km. I drive a 1999 Camry V6 manual and most of my driving for that period was urban but with a few runs on the freeway. If you calculate your L/100km, then it might be easier to tell if that is right. I recently saw a comparison which found E10 to be the least economical fuel, so this could impact your fuel consumption. The results I have seen suggest in some cases a car can use an extra litre of E10 per 100km when compared to ULP. Again, it depends on your average fuel consumption rather than being kilometre based. If the light comes on and you drive hard, then the remaining fuel will run out much quicker than if you take it easy. When I filled up last week, the orange light had been on for about 5km. Considering I took almost 58 litres, I'd say I had about 12 litres in reserve but at that level there could be more gunk in the tank than fuel and hence Toyota and most mechanics will tell you its not wise to drive long distances with the fuel light on. But, going by my average and what in theory should be left in the tank, 100 kilometres on the light would not have been out of the question IN THEORY.

Ended up getting a geniune Toyota reconditioned steering rack fitted yesterday by my mechanic. All up for the part, labour, a hose clamp, wheel alignment and power steering fluid I paid $563. Might be my imagination, but I've noticed the new rack has eliminated the bad steering play I had and that it is easier to make turns, particularly sharp u-turns.

Dunlop 300E Review I just did a Google on the Dunlop 300E and the above website came up. There are three reviews on there. From your comments, it appears you have already fitted two to your car. If you're happy with them, then stick with them.

The CSi, Conquest and CSX have stock standard suspension with Monroe shocks. The Touring has stiffer springs, larger rear swaybar (I think) and Bilstein shocks. They also came standard with Michelin Vivacy tyres. The Vienta models (VXi and Grande) have a more luxurious suspension. My girlfriend has a VXi and it rides quite firm but I tend to find it "floats" more in corners.