2009 Toyota Camry possible black smoke/smudge from exhaust

2009 TOYOTA CAMRY
17,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ROY MORIZAWA
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Dear Mechanic:

I wanted to ask you a question in regards to my 2009 Toyota Camry- 4 cylinders- 17,000 miles-
I noticed the other day after the rain, while I started my car in the a.m.- It was cold having rained for the last few days and noticed that when I put my hand next to the exhaust pipe - I saw some black smudges on my hand after putting it in front of the exhaust pipe-
I also heard some noise -sounded as though water was being moved around inside the exhaust pipe.

Pls let me know what you think is the problem -
The vehicle is still under warranty- and I regularly change the oil so let me know what you think

Thanks again!

Roy
Feb 11, 2009 at 2:25 AM
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MMPRINCE4000
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 8,548 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Water (condensation) coming out the exhaust on a cold engine is normal, black smoke is not.

The engine will run from a set group of parameters (fuel, ignition) until the PCM is in closed loop, then fuel, ign. are controlled by sensor feedback (O2, MAF, coolant temp etc)., so the engine will run slightly rich until closed loop.

Take it to Toyota and have them scan the emmisions system and run a sniffer test.
By reporting it you will have proof that any future problem can be traced back to this event, even if out of warranty in future.
Feb 11, 2009 at 6:54 AM
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