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Toyota Camry 1997-2001: General Information and Recommended Maintenance Schedule

You'll need to have the following maintenance performed on your Toyota Camry during regularly scheduled intervals to properly maintain the condition of your vehicle.

By Charlie Gaston - July 20, 2015

This article applies to the Toyota Camry (1997-2001).

The 1997-2001 Toyota Camry is the kind of car you can put a lot of miles on. It holds up well in terms of long-term performance and it is one of the few passenger vehicles of its size on the market today that is manufactured to perform for the long haul. Even as everyday mileage and general wear and tear pile on, you won't need to worry about too many technical service bulletin (TSB) coming down the line and keeping you off the road. However, you will need to have some general maintenance performed within regularly scheduled intervals to ensure your Camry outperforms your expectations.

Component Breakdown

Gas Mileage

The 1997 Toyota Camry gets 20 miles to the gallon in the city and 28 miles to the gallon on the highway. To improve your car's fuel economy, keep your tires properly inflated and rotate your tires at the first sign of significant tread damage.

Figure 1. Better gas mileage is possible through proper maintenance.

Engine and Performance

The base engine size for the 1997 Camry is 2.2 liters. Expect to achieve 133 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 147 ft-lbs at 4400 rpm of torque.

Figure 2. This is a 1997-2001 Camry engine.

Interior

Generally noted as having a comfortable, although not stylish or elegant, interior, the 1997-2001 Camry features cloth/leather seating as well as air bags, and a CD player. Bluetooth and heated seated were not available.

Figure 3. This is the interior of the 1997-2001 Camry.

Scheduled Maintenance

For the Toyota Camry, you'll want to ensure your fluids are clean and free of odors and gunk. For vehicles with a lot of miles on them, you'll want to check your fluids and major components regularly rather than by a set number of miles, as wear could be your biggest enemy at that stage of your car's life. Your head gaskets might need to be replaced once you reach approximately 175,000 miles. You or your mechanic will need to inspect the head bolt diameter and install a replacement. This might also be a great time to replace your valve cover gaskets. If your CV axle boots are worn down, it's recommended that you visit your local dealer for a complete replacement.

Common Questions

How do I identify bad transmission fluid?

Bad transmission fluid will appear dark in color (new transmission fluid is red) and have a burning smell. Note: Good transmission fluid will exhibit a smell after use, as well. However, it will not have the burning smell fore mentioned. If you're in doubt, compare the fluid to your power steering fluid or consult a local Toyota dealer.

How do I change my transmission fluid?

You'll need about 12 quarts of replacement transmission fluid to complete this do-it-yourself (DIY) project. Before getting started, check the level of transmission fluid currently in your Camry. Next, jack up your Camry using a jack stand on level ground. Drain the old transmission fluid into the accompanying collection pan. You'll need to unscrew the collection pan to position it carefully underneath the drain hole. Replace the bad transmission fluid by adding a high quality transmission fluid in its place, pouring the new liquid directly into the spout.

Common Issues

Coolant Hose Replacement

Over time, coolant hoses can experience bulges or swelling, cracks as well as hard and/or soft spots in one or more locations, rendering it ineffective. It'll need to be replaced at the first sign of significant damage. The hose is easy to replace and requires only the removal of a single clamp.

Upper Radiator Tank Replacement

The upper radiator tank in your Camry can become worn over time. As cracks start to appear along the surface of the tank, leaks are likely to appear sooner rather than later, as well. If you do not immediately spot a crack, and are sure there is, in fact, a leak within the actual tank, don't despair. The likely culprit is a hairline crack that is not readily visible to the eye. You'll need to remove the crimps holding the tank in place and then replace it with a new one. It's recommended that you search the entire length and width of the tank for any sign of seepage before replacing it.

Engine Sputters

Any number of culprits could be at play here. If you own an on-board diagnostic tool, run your vehicle's trouble codes. Otherwise, head down to your local dealership and have a professional mechanic check out your vehicle. Don't wait if you notice a foul smell coming from the exhaust when you press down on the gas pedal.

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