The Toyota Camry is a top-selling mid-size car that debuted in 1982.
Like any other car, Camry’s have their share of quirks and issues.
In this guide, we’ll do our best to help you resolve your Camry problems.
Table of Contents
Toyota Camry Alarm Keeps Going Off
The most common reason for a Toyota Camry alarm going off at random is due to a faulty hood switch or faulty door switch. Another common cause is that the 12V battery is about to die.
If your Camry alarm keeps going off randomly without something obvious triggering it, the anti-theft system is not working as intended.
Below are the most likely causes for your alarm going off at random:
Faulty Hood Switch/Door Switch
Hood and door switches are responsible for triggering the alarm in the event of someone trying to forcibly enter your Camry.
When the vehicle is locked with the fob, the anti-theft system is armed.
So, if the door or the hood is opened or unlocked by force while the system is armed, it will trigger the alarm.
A faulty hood switch or door switch can cause the alarm to go off even when the door/hood is not being opened.
It’s important to remember that the hood latch and door latches should be cleaned, lubricated, and free of debris.
If the hood/doors are not closing properly, it could cause the switch to trigger the alarm.
This is actually a very common cause across many Toyota vehicles.
12V Battery
The first thing to check when dealing with this issue, is the anti-theft system’s power source – the vehicle’s 12V battery.
A battery that is on the brink of failure or about to die can cause the alarm to go off.
This is because the anti-theft system triggers the alarm when power is interrupted while the system is armed.
So, having the battery tested and replaced if necessary, is always the best place to start when dealing with this concern.
You can always check with a voltmeter, by measuring the voltage across the battery’s terminals. If it’s under 11V then this is causing the problem.
If you’ve had the battery for more than three to four years it might be time for a new one.
Also, ensure your battery connections are tight and clean.
Glass Breakage Sensor (GBS) ECU
The Camry security system comes equipped with a glass breakage sensor.
This sensor can detect tapping or breakage of the glass, which then sounds the alarm.
The sensor is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) which is located behind the glovebox. On the GBS ECU, there is an adjustment screw to control the sensitivity of the system.
It is possible the sensitivity is set too high, causing the alarm to be triggered by occurrences such as lightning storms or large gusts of wind.
Always follow Toyota’s recommendation when setting the sensitivity.
Related: Toyota Camry Alarm Going Off? (13 Causes & Solutions)
Toyota Camry Keeps Beeping
The majority of Camry owners found their vehicle was beeping at them with no indication because the parking brake was slightly engaged, or they set something on the passenger’s seat (such as a bag of groceries). Other problems could be defective door switches or park assist sensors.
The Toyota Camry can beep at you for many different reasons – but when it is seemingly at random or unprompted, it can leave owners frustrated.
Usually this is an easy fix.
Start by checking the parking brake, the passenger’s seat, and the doors.
If the parking brake is engaged while the vehicle is in motion, the Camry will try to indicate the driver to release it by beeping.
Rightfully so, as driving with the parking brake engaged will wear out brake pads and make them less effective.
Another incident that can cause beeping, is objects placed on the passenger’s seat.
The seat has weight sensors used to determine if the airbag should be deployed or not, and used to activate the passenger’s seatbelt indicator.
If the seat weight sensors detects a load on the passenger’s seat but the seatbelt is disconnected, an audible chime will follow.
If you wish to place items on the passenger seat while driving without the beeping, simply connect the passenger seatbelt.
Also be sure to check all the doors and the rear hatch are closed properly.
If all of these conditions are met, the problem could lie in a defective door switch, leading the Camry electronic system to think a door is open while the vehicle is in motion.
A park assist sensor could also be to blame.
Toyota’s park assist sensors are sensitive, and a small amount of dirt, moisture, or damage could cause them to chime continuously, though it will most likely display it on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
You may also be interested in our article: Toyota Camry Beeping?
Toyota Camry Keeps Cutting Out
Usually when owners experience their Camry cutting out, it is due to an electrical problem in the main battery/ignition circuit. This electrical problem could be caused by a loose or corroded ground cable, a defective ignition relay, or poor contact between battery terminals and posts.
Camry owners have reported that their vehicle would suddenly lose all electrical and engine power abruptly.
This adverse situation can leave drivers without power steering, power brakes, acceleration, exterior lights, driver assists, etc.
This issue can take extensive diagnosis, and finding the root cause can be tricky. Therefore, labor costs will vary depending on how easily your mechanic can locate the source of the problem.
However, according to our research, the main causes of this complaint were:
- Loose/corroded battery terminals
- Loose/corroded electrical ground cable
- Loose electrical cable connected to fuse box
- Defective ignition relay
Due to the technical nature of this concern, we recommend leaving your vehicle in the hands of a trained professional, specifically an auto-electrician.
Toyota Camry Glove Box Keeps Opening
When the glove box of your Camry keeps opening, it is usually caused by a broken latch. Unfortunately, latches cannot be replaced individually, so the entire glove box will need to be replaced. Before buying one though, ensure nothing is jammed in the way of the latch or the sides of the glove box.
When this problem occurs, owners should check to ensure the box is not overloaded, and the mechanisms (such as the hinges or latch) are not jammed by an item.
But if this is not the case, then a latch may have gone bad. When the latch breaks they are no longer able to support the weight of the box and keep the glove compartment closed.
The latches cannot be replaced individually, so the whole glove box will have to be interchanged.
On a light note, this repair is relatively easy, which is why “DIYers” should have no issue attempting this repair so long as they have some basic hand tools.
The box itself can be pricey though, sometimes ranging into the hundreds of dollars.
If you’re on a tight budget a used one might be a better option.
Toyota Camry Headlights Keep Burning Out
Headlight bulbs should not require frequent replacement. If you find the bulbs burn out all too often on your Camry, check your alternator output, or for moisture inside the headlight. It’s also important to wear gloves when installing bulbs, oil from fingers can decrease bulb life.
A common cause of decreased headlight bulb longevity lies in the installer not wearing gloves.
This is because the oil on your hands disrupts the uniform heating process.
But if you always wear gloves when changing bulbs, then it may be due to moisture in the headlight assembly itself.
Headlight assemblies should be sealed and free of any moisture. If not, this moisture can cause the bulb to fail prematurely.
Lastly, the alternator output voltage should be checked.
If the voltage regulator in the charging system fails, excessive voltage can be sent to the headlights causing them to overheat and burn out.
Toyota Camry Clicking Noise, But Won’t Start
Some Toyota Camry owners experienced their vehicle making a clicking noise but not starting. This problem is largely caused by a weak battery. Alternatively, a malfunctioning starter motor could be to blame. The starter solenoid is not the issue though, as it is the source of the clicking noise.
A vehicle clicking and failing to start is a common problem that is by no means exclusive to the Camry.
The majority of issues stem from a weak or defective battery.
A battery without enough power to start the vehicle will cause a no-start, yet solenoids or relays may still make a clicking noise.
Always have the battery tested first, and confirm connections are clean and tight. Corrosion or poor connections can cause the battery to behave as if it is weak.
Damaged battery cables could also be the root-cause, and almost always exhibit the same symptoms as a failing battery.
If the vehicle’s 12V battery passes a test, then the next likely cause is the starter motor.
The starter motor is an electric motor that functions by electrical current from the 12V battery. The motor spins a gear to turn the engine over. It is engaged by a solenoid.
When the motor wears out, it fails to turn the engine and get it started. However, the solenoid still functions, which is the cause of the clicking noise.
For the Toyota Camry starter replacement, RepairPal estimates labor costs are between $103 and $130, while parts are priced between $349 and $447 on average.
Toyota Camry Won’t Lock
Usually when the Camry won’t lock, the cause of concern lies in a fob being left in the vehicle, or the doors not being closed all the way. However, if this is not the case, it may be caused by a dead key fob battery, worn-out door lock actuator, or blown fuse.
Toyota implements Power Lock and Smart Entry systems in their new vehicles however they are not without their share of problems.
Here’s a list of what to look out for when researching why your Camry won’t lock:
Fob In the Vehicle / Doors Not Closed
If your Camry has a push-button start, it uses proximity sensors to determine how close the fob is to the vehicle, and whether or not it is in the cabin.
The Camry comes off the lot with two key fobs – meaning one could be left inside the vehicle as you try to lock it with another.
If a key fob is inside the vehicle, it simply will not lock, especially a smart key.
If you cannot find the key fob anywhere but suspect there still might be one in the cabin of your Camry, simply try to start it with no known keys inside the vehicle.
If it starts, there must be a key fob inside.
Also ensure all doors (including rear hatch) are closed. If not, the door lock system will refuse to operate.
Key Fob Battery Dead
Like many electronic gadgets, the key fob has a battery.
This battery is known as a CR2032 battery, it is widely available and only costs around $5.
If the battery in the fob goes dead, it needs to be replaced.
A relatively easy task with minimal tools required, and some dealerships may even replace it for you, free of labor charges.
Blown Door Lock Fuse
Even though blown door lock fuses are uncommon, they are not unheard of.
If the door lock fuse blows, it will prevent the entire door lock system from functioning.
Fuses can be easily accessed and inspected by pulling them out of the fuse box.
A blown fuse is usually caused by an electrical short though – this occurs due to exposed or damaged wires or connections.
So if you find a blown door lock fuse and replace it, it may continually blow until the wiring fault is rectified.
You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Toyota Camry Hybrids Last?
Defective Door Lock Actuator
The door lock actuator is an electrical device responsible for moving the lock mechanism, when a lock signal from the key fob is detected.
A defective door lock actuator typically only causes one door lock to fail, rather than all doors.
This component requires testing, and checking for supply voltage and ground presence in the harness connected to the actuator.
We recommend leaving a door lock actuator diagnosis and repair to a professional automotive technician due to the technical nature of the problem.
Toyota Camry Won’t Start When Hot
If you find your Camry won’t start when hot, more often than not it is caused by a bad starter. This is because as heat increases, the starter motor windings resistance increase. Some Camry owners with this issue fit a 2.2KW starter instead of the 1.6KW starter.
Assuming your vehicle’s battery has been tested and is fully charged (if it isn’t, start there) the problem lies in a weak starter motor.
When starter motors get too hot, they tend to act up. This is because the copper windings inside the motor increase in resistance, making it harder to spin the engine.
If you lack knowledge with car repair, always consult a professional.
Toyota Camry Won’t Start When Cold
If you find your Camry won’t start when cold, this is often caused by a defective battery.
A battery has two different ratings, cranking amps and cold cranking amps.
Cold-cranking amps are the battery’s ability to start and turn the engine over when it is cold.
It is easier to start an engine in a warm environment than in a cold one
So it may have enough cranking capacity to start the vehicle when it is warm, but when it’s cold, it just isn’t enough to turn the engine over anymore.
Battery cells degrade over time and most 12V car batteries will last around 3-4 years.
Camry Won’t Connect To iPhone
When your Camry won’t connect to your iPhone, you need to confirm the Bluetooth setting are enabled first, both on the vehicle and on the phone. Also, the system can only hold a max of 5 phones. Delete a device if you have too many. Lastly, check for updates, and check your phone’s compatibility.
Phone connectivity is a common issue for Camry owners, and iPhone users are no exception.
However, there are a number of quick checks you should perform before you rush it into the service department.
In the Camry’s settings, be sure that your Bluetooth settings are enabled.
The same goes for your phone’s Bluetooth settings.
It may seem obvious, but it is often overlooked.
Understand that most Toyotas (including the Camry) only allow a max of 5 phones registered.
If you already have 5, you’ll have to delete one if you want to pair a new one.
It never hurts to reboot the system, and/or clear the cache.
Just be sure you don’t completely reset or reformat either your phone or the Camry – you may lose all of your data in the process.
Some devices simply are not compatible with Entune.
There’s a list of compatible devices on Toyota’s website.
Always make sure your iPhone is running the latest iOS software, this can often be the root cause of a number of iPhone related issues.
If all else fails, you may want to contact your local dealer and check for any software updates.
There may be one available for your vehicle, or they may be able to pinpoint why your phone is not connecting.
Toyota Camry Bluetooth Keeps Disconnecting
When Bluetooth keeps disconnecting from the Camry, owners found the easiest fix was to delete their phone from the Camry’s Bluetooth device list, and pair the device again. If this does not work, confirm your phone is compatible with your vehicle, and confirm your Camry has the latest software update.
If your phone continually disconnects from your Camry, it’s always best to try a few simple things first before you hand over any money to a technician.
Firstly, delete the device from your Camry’s Bluetooth device list.
Delete the Camry from your device’s Bluetooth list as well if needed.
If possible, clear the cache or perform a soft reset as well.
Key the vehicle off and back on again, and perform the pairing process. This method fixed the majority of owner’s problems with Bluetooth disconnecting.
Always check your phone for the latest software updates.
Additionally, check with your dealership to confirm your Camry has the latest update.
Toyota is always updating the software on their vehicles to fix glitches and bugs.
If this does not help, check to ensure your device is compatible. A list of compatible devices can be found on the Toyota website.
Related: 21 Best & Worst Toyota Camry Years (With Facts & Stats)
Resources
https://www.toyota.com/owners/resources/warranty-owners-manuals.camry.2020
https://www.toyota.com/owners/resources/warranty-owners–manuals.camry.2010
https://repairpal.com/estimator/toyota/camry/starter-replacement-cost
