What can cause an abnormally high gas consumption on my 1997 Camry Toyota?

Question

The on board computer says it has a faulty EGR valve, which was serviced. The check light turned on few days later after a hard acceleration (up to 4000-5000rpm). What can be wrong with the car?

Answer 1

Your faulty Exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR), would contribute to poor mileage. However having it replaced should have eliminated that problem. You say that your MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) or Check engine light came back on a few days later. Assuming that the EGR was replaced with a working replacement valve, then your most recent check engine light is indicating another problem. If your on board computer isn't giving you a diagnosis on the new check engine light then you need to have that code read. Many code readers are available in most auto part stores. Some Part stores will even read the code for you. Your Camry being a 97 model will require a OBD II reader. Just remember that the code reader does only that...it will read the code. It will NOT tell you exactly what the problem is. It gives you a general area and direction to investigate.
The fact that the MIL came on after a hard acceleration doesn't mean that the acceleration was the cause for the Check engine light to come on... however it could be. Only reading the code will tell that tale.
As for poor mileage, there are many contributing factors that could be causing you to not get good mileage. I would start with the most obvious, like the air filter, the spark plugs, the plug wires if you have them. You might also consider having the transmission filter and fluids changed. I would either check the engine timing or have it checked at a reputable shop in your area. If you suddenly started getting poor mileage along with a sudden drop in power and performance, I would be very suspect of the engines timing. Your Camry being 10 years old, I would imagine that the timing belt or chain is very worn and slack. A worn timing belt or chain can cause an engine to "jump time". Making the engine very sluggish and non responsive. Since it still runs it obviously hasn't jumped time too far as the engine would not run at all if it jumped more than 15 or 20 degrees. I do not believe that an OBD II operating system will detect an out of time engine, but I could be wrong about that.
At any rate, have the new check engine light code read. Look into what that code indicates, then some basic tune up maintenance such as filters and the like. I hope this helps you

Answer 2

1st to start with a fault code does not tell you what part is bad. A fault code leads you in a aim of direction for repairs you must follow the diagnostic chart for each code and to properly repair any code. You did not list the fault code for egr system. I suspect if it was a code that came back quickly on acceleration it is most likely egr low flow. Which could be the a problem with vacuum going to the egr valve or the passages ways are plugged with carbon and need to be cleaned.
note as for poor gas mileage check your air filter-tire pressure-check and make sure your note need scan tool to this your fuel trims are good check for the proper operation of o2 sensor or wide range A/F sensor depends on date car was made and where . Check and make sure there is no exhaust leaks before upstream or down stream O2 senors. Also check for leaking fuel pressure Regulator or possible injectors note if above where leaking you your can get long crank times starting. Also pull out dipstick and smell oil is there gas in oil if so change ASAP
Any Question's e-mail me

Answer 3

All the things in first few could be problem, -but you might want to take it to a muffler shop and have them "flow check" the exhaust system to make sure it isn't plugged up (especially the catylitic converter) This could possibly be the computer telling you it can't "exhale" very well! Also how good was the "tuneup" last time, - or have you ever had it tuned up yet? If ignition timing is not right it could affect performance as well as fuel mileage (since they are related)

Answer 4

The problem its easy , you car is getting old .