97 LE has a hard time starting sometimes, plz help

[CodyjCA]

I just bought this used camry, automatic transimission, 68k miles, looked like it was in great shape

BUT

most of the time i start the car and it boot up right away and revs around 1.5 - 2k rpm

but sometimes when i try to start the car it struggles and starts... but stays around 200 RPM or just stalls on me.

The other day i was trying to start about 8 times and it kept stalling on me then it finally started and stayed around 200 RPM and it was like that for maybe 20 seconds and almost as if a sensor kicked in or something but it went straight to 1.5 - 2 K rpm


Does anyone know what could be the problem?

This happens once every 5 times i start the car.

[oscaryu1]

Clogged air filter? Clogged cat? Exhaust restriction?

[CodyjCA]

I checked the air filter, that looks fine, any other opinions out there?
thanks

[Mike Gerber]

Try cleaning the throttle body and especially the idle air control valve. Do a search on this forum for instructions. It's been covered many times.

Mike

[Kep]

Are there any flashing lights on the dashboard?

Kep

[CodyjCA]

no flashing lights in dash

I looked up some forums online on how to clean the TB and IAC so then i went to a local car parts store, picked up TB and IAC cleaner for $3, used about half a can and scrubbed it up good with a toothbrush and the 30 min later i started the car and i could already tell that it is an improvement.

I tested it about 10 or so times and it idles at about 800 rpm (which is good since its NOT 200 and 2,000 anymore)

Right now it looks like that did the trick but i will have to run the car for a couple more weeks to see if the problem really did go away. I'll post my results.

[richardscamry]

I have a similar problem with my '97 camry.. I was fortunate enought that I got a CEL.. code (P0125).

Basically on a cold start I have to press gas pedal until closed loop kicks in (around 2 minutes or so).

I checked the resistance on the heating element of O2 sensor and it was open (resistance should be small, below 20 Ohms or something like that). I am going to replace it this week... I'll keep you posted.

Hopefully someone else can weigh in before then.

[95CamryV6GTA]

Hi.

I had similar problems.

I did the cleaning of the throttle body & Iac.

Also switched up to 91 octane fuel, thinking that it might clean the system over time.

Seems to be helping. Have not had it happen since... about 1 month now.

cheers

[Hajoca]

Higher octane fuel will not help, nor will injection cleaner if the dirty IAC is the culprit.

The air intake hose for PCV system is a source of oil vapour from crank case. Check and clean PCV valve. Clean throttle body and IAC about once a year and you should be fine.

[Mike Gerber]

^ +1. You are just wasting your money with higher octane fuel.

Mike

[richardscamry]

Originally Posted by richardscamry

I have a similar problem with my '97 camry.. I was fortunate enought that I got a CEL.. code (P0125).

Basically on a cold start I have to press gas pedal until closed loop kicks in (around 2 minutes or so).

I checked the resistance on the heating element of O2 sensor and it was open (resistance should be small, below 20 Ohms or something like that). I am going to replace it this week... I'll keep you posted.

Hopefully someone else can weigh in before then.

Word.
I changed the sensor. Car starts nicely during cold starts. I live in CA so my O2 sensor on the exhaust manifold (called Air to Fuel sensor -- A/F sensor) was hella expensive. Quoted $240 @ toyota ... i paid like $140 online.

Don't know if this can fix your problem, but at minimum, check the sensor.

I'm at 110K miles.

[CodyjCA]

My car hasn't had the problem anymore

what is the best way to check the o2 sensor?

I got 22 mpg last tank and i think i could have done better, especially a quarter was highway