If the fuel door release cable on your 1997 Toyota Camry breaks and you're low on fuel, it could be a problem, but don't panic. You can still get fuel in while you're locating a new cable. The trunk release cable is connected to the fuel door cable and will have to be replaced together. Check a local Toyota dealer parts department for price and availability.
Open the trunk. Remove the left side access panel. Find the white plastic connector over the fuel door release cable where it connects to the body behind the fuel door. Twist the connector one quarter-turn counterclockwise. Pull the cable out and the fuel door will open.
Remove the screws from the trunk lid trim panel. Remove the panel. Turn the release lever on the latch assembly and slide the cable end off the lever. Remove the clip holding the cable to the latch assembly. Open the clips holding the cable to the trunk lid.
Remove the bolt holding down the rear seat bottom. Remove the seat bottom. Pull up on the seat back locks. Flip the seat backs to the down position. Remove the retaining bolts Remove the seat backs. If it's a four-door, remove the sill cover from the left rear door sill by prying it up with a large screwdriver or small pry bar, and remove the lower trim panel between the front and back door.
Remove the driver's door sill cover. Roll the carpet back until you have access to the retaining bolts on the release lever assembly and the clips holding the cable to the body. Open the clips holding the cable to the body. Remove the retaining bolts. Remove the clips holding the cables to the lever assembly and remove the cable ends.
Connect the end of a spool of bailing wire to the cable ends. From the trunk, pull the cable through. Remove the bailing wire from the old cables and connect it to the replacement cable ends. Standing at the driver's door, pull the bailing wire through until you have the cables.
Connect the cable ends to the release levers. Secure the cables to the lever assembly with the clips. Bolt the assembly in place. Secure the cable to the body with the clips. Put the carpet back in place. Replace the front -- and rear, if four door -- sill cover or covers. Push down on the sill cover until the grommets pop in place. Replace the rear seat backs and secure with the bolts. Replace the rear seat bottom and secure with the bolt.
Connect the trunk release cable end to the lever on the latch. Secure the cable to the latch assembly with the clip. Secure the cable to the trunk lid with the clips. Set the trunk lid panel in place and secure it with the screws.
Insert the fuel door release cable in the mounting hole in the body behind the fuel door. Twist the connector one quarter-turn clockwise to lock it in place. Replace the left side access panel.
