1989 Toyota Camry intermittent problem - unable to accelera

MARKOG

MEMBER
1989 TOYOTA CAMRY
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
142,000 MILES

After driving about 20 highway miles, when I stop at a red light or to pay a toll, the car wont accelerate. It doesn't stall, but sputters and simply won't accelerate. Have to pull over, turn off car, and wait awhile. After a few minutes, it starts up and goes again. This acceleration problem happens only once every three months, and works well except during these intermittent times. This happened tonite. I thought I smelled a burning smell from the front of the car, and thought I smelled gasoline at the rear of the car. Changed the fuel filter last month, but that didn't correct the problem.

6 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Dirty fuel injectors (cleaning the injectors often fixes this).
Bad MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor
Bad TPS (throttle position) sensor
Bad or dirty MAF (mass airflow) sensor
Low fuel pressure (leaky fuel pressure regulator or weak fuel pump)
Vacuum leaks (intake manifold, vacuum hoses, throttle body, EGR valve)
Bad gasoline (fuel contaminated with water or too much alcohol)

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Monday, August 3rd, 2009 AT 2:59 AM

MARKOG

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Thanks. One thing I forgot to mention is that I usually dont travel very far (live in NYC). Rarely do I go 20 miles. I had checked online last nite after posting to you, and found something about the idle control that could cause this. If the long distance traveled is the only factor which correlates to this problem, would it likely be the idle control? Also, is there a way I could do my own on board diagnostic to get computer codes from this 1989 Toyota Camry? Thanks so much.

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Monday, August 3rd, 2009 AT 7:45 AM

RASMATAZ

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The the IACV comes in play while enigne is idling it has no affect on acceleration. You need to check the items I've mentioned earlier and comeback with some results so that we can continue

There's a check connector in the engine compartment close by the left front strut tower that you have to jump Te-1 to E-1 to flash the diagnostic code/s

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Monday, August 3rd, 2009 AT 2:43 PM

MARKOG

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Hi Raz,

I'd like to contribute more $ ($25) for the additional help I'll need to get through this problem. I should be bothering you only once, possibly twice again.

I ran the diagnostic on the car, and it gave me code 51, leading me to believe the throttle body may need to be cleaned.

Also, I found a gas leak at the filler neck. Lately, for months I've been running on less than a half tank of gas, but the other day I filled up, and it is now visible. Could this be part of the problem, possibly affecting the operation of the fuel pump, causing low fuel pressure?

I'm going to locate a filler neck and change it anyway.
There is a rusty fuel line connected to a steel flex connector (which is connected to gas tank). I may change that pipe too to avoid future problems, is that advisable, or am I getting in over my head. I'd like to do a quick repair and get my kids back out to the pools.

Please tell me how to contribute more $ so it gets to you.

Thanks so much Raz

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Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 AT 11:50 AM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

DTC 51

Diagnostic Trouble Codes - 1989
Toyota
11 ECU Power Supply.
12 Engine RPM Signal.
13 Engine RPM Signal.
14 Ignition Signal.
21 Oxygen Sensor (OS) Signal.
22 Water Temperature Sensor (THW) Signal.
24 Intake Air Temperature Sensor (THA) Signal.
25 Air/Fuel ratio lean.
26 Air/Fuel ratio rich.
27 Sub-oxygen sensor signal.
31 Air Flow Meter Signal.
32 Air Flow Meter Signal.
41 Throttle Position Sensor (TPS).
42 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Signal.
43 Starter Circuit Signal.
51 Switch Condition Signal.
71 EGR system malfunction.

The leak has nothing to do with the fuel pressure. Go ahead and fix it to prevent future problems and the other stuffs.

Clean out the airfilter/fuel filter and test the throttle position sensor and the airflow meter in accordance with the repair manual instructions also try to check the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure gauge