I just recently bought my first camry. Ita a 97 Le 4cyl. And I'm having an issue with acceleration. When I give the car gas there is a 2-3 second lag where it barely accelerates at all, then it will pick up and start going like it should. The motor has 235k miles on it and I don't know any of the service history. If anyone knows what this could be plz help. Other than this one issue the car runs and drives like a dream and I'm very happy with my purchase

 

Check ign system for a strong spark.

 

Went through and did a full tune up. Change spark plugs and wires. Oil change, flushed radiator, fresh new battery. Everything is working nice but still have a little lag. Less than before but still there. I've read in a couple places that doing a CAI will reduce it some but is it worth the money for that?

 

CAI as in cold air intake? Not needed, the engine should perform OK without it. Your issue lies elsewhere.

Check for vacuum leaks in ANY hose that goes to the engine intake.

Clogged or problem PVC valve (you can check valve operation rather then just replace it).

You can try to clean the throttle body and IAC valve system. The internet has posts and videos on doing this.

Hows the MPG, any drop?

Is the problem the same, engine hot or cold?

 

it is doing it whether hot or cold.

I'm not sure on mpg cuz I just got it so don't have a base line to go off of.

Will look into cleaning the systems you mentioned.

Not sure what pvc valve is or where it's at

And I will have to go through all the hoses.

 

PVC. Look on the top of valve cover, drivers side for plastic or metal small can with a hose going to the engine intake system.

A bad O2/AF sensor can cause issue and may show up in lower MPG.

 

Think I found the issue... underside of intake duct has a huge crack. Going to replace it as soon as I can get a new one.

 

Post back with the results.

 

Replaced the duct and still having problem. I've seen in a couple other places that maybe the throttle body being dirty could be the issue so going to try that next

 

Check MPG.

Can you ease up on the throttle to avoid the lag?