How to Tune Up a 1996 Toyota Camry

Change engine oil evey 3,000 to maintain a healthy engine.

Tuning up a 1996 Toyota Camry is a lot of work, but it must be done every few thousand miles to ensure that the vehicle continues to function properly. Giving your Camry regular, detailed tune-ups can prevent the engine, wiring, battery and carburetor from folding.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Replacement fuel filter
• Engine oil
• Hydraulic pump
• Jack-stands
• socket wrench
• Drain pan
• Flat-head screwdriver

1. Checking the Fuel and Wiring

   • 1

     Conduct a system check inside the car. It's important to regularly inspect your Camry so that you can be aware of which parts need tuning. Check to see if the cooling system is operating correctly; make sure the battery is fully charged; clean the fuel system; look for corroded wiring; and ensure that all linkages are operating coherently.

   • 2

     Replace the Camry's fuel filter. Remove the fuel filter connection from the fuel lines and dislocate the fuel filter mounting bracket bolt. Remove filter and install a new filter mount, making sure that the arrow is pointing in the same direction as the engine. Replace fuel filter, remount filter, reconnect, and start vehicle to check for any leaks.

   • 3

     Examine the spark plug wiring to see if it needs to be changed. Using boot pliers, remove the negative-side battery cable to prevent sparking. Use a torque wrench to dislodge the ignition's coil; twist the spark plug wireless loose, and inspect for damage. If there's dust in the spark plug, blow it out with a vacuum or wipe it away with a dust rag.

   • 4

     Grab the recessed plug with a spark plug socket and turn counterclockwise to remove it. A spark plug socket has a special rubber fitting that grabs the plug. Replace spark plugs one by one to maintain the same routing as before. Use silicone grease on the boots to allow easy removal in the future.

   Change Fluids

   • 1

     Turn off engine and place the car in parking gear. Raise the car up with a hydraulic pump and stabilize the car on jack stands. Change engine oil and its filter (you should do this every 3,000 miles).

   • 2

     Place newspaper underneath the car to so that it can absorb any oil spills, especially from the filter. Locate the oil drain plug underneath the Camry (labeled "drain plug") and dislodge its socket with a socket wrench (counterclockwise). Next, look up into the engine and locate the oil filter (a cone-shaped device). Get a drain pan and slide underneath the drain plug. Loosen the plug, set it aside and allow oil to drain out into pan.

   • 3

     Use the socket wrench to replace the socket once oil has finished diffusing. Add new engine oil into the engine oil compartment (as directed on engine oil label). Turn the engine on and allow for the Camry to run for about five minutes, allowing the oil to completely drain.

   Adjust Carburator

   • 1

     Adjust carburetor with a flat-head screwdriver. Rotate needle in and out of the needle's seat.

   • 2

     Set carburetor to idle speed by turning the low-speed needle to the Camry's factory setting, as instructed in owner manual.

   • 3

     Watch the engine's revolutions per minute (RPM) level to see if it drops. Tighten the RPM nodular clockwise until the carburetor barrel is secure when you go from neutral to brake.