Low Idle on 96 Camry - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

#2! · 03-11-2009, 09:52 AM

My grandma gave me her 96 Camry after having it just sit in the driveway for 7 months. It only had 115,000 miles and probably has never gone above 60 MPH so I figured it would be worth the trouble. A complete tune up and new timing belt seemed to fix everything for a couple days. Now its a bit cooler 10-20 degrees outside it tries to idle around 300 RPM and dies when I first start it in the morning.

***toyomoho*** · 03-11-2009, 01:13 PM

V6 or 4 cylinder?

#2! · 03-11-2009, 02:09 PM

4

***toyomoho*** · 03-11-2009, 05:51 PM

Could be the Idle Air Control valve (IAC) needs cleaning, the valve controls idle speed.

Suggest a TN search on cleaning IAC valve or Google for the 5S-FE engine. There have been many posts on how to do this including some with photos.

May also be the Engine Coolant Temp (ECT) sensor that goes to the computer.

The AutoZone website link below has info on these items.

http://www.autozone.com/addVehicleId...00c152801ccc3d

frenum49 · 03-11-2009, 06:01 PM

I bet the EGR system is clogged with carbon due to the fact that your grandma never had the car above 2500 RPM.

SexieWASD · 03-11-2009, 06:05 PM

When I first got mine it would idle crazy low, run it hard for a few days and it should get better, the slushbox might call uncle, but it will idle higher. That or give it a good cleaning.

Manny1337 · 03-11-2009, 06:50 PM

try seafoaming it. it will clean out the carbon buildup

#2! · 03-11-2009, 08:33 PM

The cool weather isnt affecting it like I first thought. I went to start it to come home from work and it kept stalling out at the stop signs. I was about 55 degrees then. It took about 5 minutes of running before it could idle at 300 without stalling. I got home after a 45 minute drive and pulled in the drive way and it was idleing normal at 700 and 900 in park. I shut off the car and started it and again its went back to 300 rpm both park and drive.
I tried cleaning the IAC by spraying carb cleaner in the opening by the throttle valve while reving up the engine. Then I went for a test drive and shut the engine off and restarted it and seemed to idle normally. Probably cant tell for sure if it worked til tomorrow morning.
Ill have to get my hands on some Seafoam. That stuff looks cool. At least it will be entertaining if it dosn't help.

#2! · 03-12-2009, 09:26 AM

No go. I will probably have to take the IAC valve apart and clean it the right way. Unless anyone knows something else that is more likely the problem.

#2! · 03-16-2009, 09:18 AM

Flex pipe was blown out. Replaced that and now its running like new.

Aloha · 03-16-2009, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyomoho

Could be the Idle Air Control valve (IAC) needs cleaning, the valve controls idle speed.

Suggest a TN search on cleaning IAC valve or Google for the 5S-FE engine. There have been many posts on how to do this including some with photos.

May also be the Engine Coolant Temp (ECT) sensor that goes to the computer.

The AutoZone website link below has info on these items.

http://www.autozone.com/addVehicleId...00c152801ccc3d

Do you need to replace the gasket when you do this cleaning job??

abew330 · 03-16-2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #2!

Flex pipe was blown out. Replaced that and now its running like new.

how you find out it was the flex pipe?
thanks for the update!

#2! · 03-16-2009, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abew330

how you find out it was the flex pipe?
thanks for the update!

Tried to get emissions done and couldn't get a reading out the tail pipe. Almost no resistance when you covered the pipe with your hands so they said it was most likely the manifold gasket so I dropped it off at the shop. They took a quick look and found it leaking out the flex pipe. I dont know if they could see or feel it or how they found it. Now that I think about it I could slightly smell exhaust inside the car before.

KevinH · 04-04-2009, 11:00 PM

How does a little exhaust leak affect the idle?

#2! · 04-04-2009, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinH

How does a little exhaust leak affect the idle?

Good question. I would like to know too.
All I know is a complete tune up and then a new timing belt and then cleaning out the IAC valve did nothing. Now that the leak is fixed it idles smooth and quiet every time. Iv been getting 31-32 MPG.