Hello,
I have a 87 Camry 2.0 5 speed with 169k on it. The car has a check engine light that comes on after a few minutes of driving it seems to be on a timer as it comes on after a couple of minutes not right away. I need some help here as this is a older car. What makes/triggers the check engine light to come on in a 87 Camry and what can I do to find out what is the problem? Also I might add I saw a diagnosis plug near the battery under the hood I was wondering where can I get a device that will plug in there and let me know what the light means? I guess I should 1st ask do they make a device like that for such a older diagnosis system on that car?
Also is there a code system on that car like on my Honda where I can find out what that engine light means? Thanks so much for the help as I have no clue what to do 1st here or how to find out what is going on.
Dave

 

You can access the trouble code(s) stored in the cars computer without a code reader.

See link below:

http://autorepair.about.com/library/...bl-dtcs-36.htm

 

Wow thanks for all that info I will try it today with a paperclip hopefully it works thanks again.
dave

 

Hello there,
I did the paperclip test it was EXTREMELY HARD because you have to get the correct size paperclip then you have to clean/wipe off the dialectical grease so you get a good connection. Eventually I got it and it rendered code 21 Main o2 sensor as follows below details.
Main oxygen
Sensor Signal
Main oxygen sensor circuit
Main oxygen sensor
ECU
　
During air–fuel ratio feedback
correction, voltage output from the
main oxygen sensor does exceed a
set valve on the lean side and the
rich side continuously for a certain
period.
My question now is can someone please advise me what website or section in the manual that will give me instructions on how to change the Main O2 sensor. Thanks for your help as I don't have a clue.
Dave
　

 

The main O2 sensor is the first sensor on the exhaust pipe if you start from the cylinder head. This should be easy enough to replace if the bolts holding it in place are not frozen.

Try the Autozone website at www.autozone.com

If buying a new sensor suggest Toyota brand or Denso. Get a sensor that is specific to this car, not one that is called a "Universal" sensor, this type may need to be wired to the electrical system as opposed to just plugging in.

The link below is a photo of the first sensor.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=991809

 

Hello there,
Thanks for the help I feel so silly I found the problem it was just the wire to the O2 Sensor it corroded and broke off. I just spliced it back together and good to go now thanks.
Dave