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BigS · Jan 2, 2007, 03:39 PM

My check engine light has been going on and off. I took the 1999 Toyota Camry to Auto Zone and they came up with the EGR valve so I bought one, they reset it and it was good to go for ten minutes. Auto Zone said the EGR I bought was bad but they had to order another one, I got one elsewhere... same problem. Now when I start the car it starts sluggishly (and the radio stations have to be reset every now and then) now I also smell a strange odour. I took the car to Advance Auto to check the battery and alternator, they said it is the battery, so I bought a new one... I guess that problem has nothing to do with the previous. I was a little disturb when I realised I was charge for a $74 battery and a battery core.. whatever that is. I had asked for the $54 battery. Why should I buy a Titanium battery when it is so expensive. So how many times did Advance Auto get me for the battery? Is my car just falling apart at the seams?
Oh one other thing that odour goes away when I ask anyone to check the smell; I end up looking crazy.

TxGreaseMonkey · Jan 2, 2007, 04:22 PM

The core is your old battery. I doubt your Camry is falling apart. If you take good care of it, it should go 250,000 miles. Start running full synthetic engine oil in the engine and full synthetic ATF in the transmission, if you want to take really good care of it. Many EGR problems are a direct result of how often you change your oil and filter and the quality of the oil you use. Synthetics evaporate less at high temperatures (lower NOACK volatility) and don't clog up the EGR valve as much as conventional oil. Host of other benefits as well.

BigS · Jun 4, 2007, 04:47 PM

I posted this question and have since then received a letter from the Toyota/Lexus dealer stating that there is a problem with certain models and year Toyotas and Lexus with the check engine light being on, blue smoke coming from the tail pipe and excessive use of oil. Turns out there is a possibility of an oil gel problem. I just received the letter and is due to take my 1999 camry to the dealership. Of course this dealership told me that the check engine light is not an oil sludge problem. I will keep everyone informed as this story turns.

BigS

kitch428 · Jun 4, 2007, 05:47 PM

BigS, I promise you your Camry isn't falling apart. It just needs a little love once-n-awhile.
Ok, here's the deal. You have part of it fixed, but you need just one or two more parts.
What the CEL came on for is code P0401. EGR insufficient flow. There is a small vacuum switching valve on the back of your intake. It feeds flow to the egr. This NEEDS replacing!
Also, the EGR modulator. These parts aren't all that expensive, but a must have to correct this issue. You are combusting lean exhaust because of it. That's why the rotten egg smell.

The battery you have is the same one AZ got me for in my '98 Camry. But I tell you what, It's a darn good battery. Been in there 4 yrs now w/o a lick of problem.
Consumer Reports did a test on them and they came out as a CR best buy. That might make you feel a little better.

If you've kept up all your oil changes, there should be no gel issues with your vehicle. But they will pull your valve cover and inspect anyway.