Cold idle problems - 1998 Camry 4cyl

[Neu5p3ed]

Hi, everyone

I'm new to this forum, and purchased a secondary car (1 week ago) since my prior one was totaled a few months ago. I'm glad I purchased the Camry as it is a great car so far, but have a few quirks to work out.

Car: 1998 Camry LE 4cyl
Mileage: 138,000

Problem existed before all the below was performed.

I have done quite a few maintenance items thanks to some threads on this board such as:

1. Timing Belt,
2. Water Pump
3. Idler Bearing
4. A/C Belt
5. PS Belt
6. Valve Cover Gasket
7. Spark Plug Tube Seals
8. Crankshaft Seal
9. Oil Pump Seal + O-ring
10. Thermostat + Gaskets
11. PCV Valve
12. Spark Plugs
13. Transmission + Diff Fluid
14. Chevron Techron Fuel Cleaner
15. Radiator Fluid

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Problem:

During cold starts in the mornings, the car starts fires up, but stumbles very hard until it is warmed up (car feels like its going to die). The RPM drops to around 300-400 rpm, until it is warmed up (after a few minutes it is fine, goes back to normal idle around 750rpm). The rest of the day the car starts up fine, just when the car sits overnight and started the next morning I experience this.

Attempted Solution:

I have cleaned the throttle body with throttle body/intake cleaner, and also sprayed some down the IAC hole before the plate (did this quite a few times, also disconnecting and connecting the connector to allow the valve to open and close).


Anyone know what might be the underlying cause of this problem? I'm lost on what else to check.

[1996camry]

get a cooling temperature sensor from NAPA, replace it... the cooling temp. sensor goes bad, you have hard to crank when cold and hot.

[Mike Gerber]

^ I have to agree with 1996camry on the engine coolant temperature sensor as a possible problem. I would recommend getting a digital volt/ohmeter and the specs from any manual and checking it before replacing it. It could be out of range when cold and not telling the ECU the engine is actually cold, when a richer than normal mixture is required for smooth cold running. Check it's resistance against the spec both cold and warm.

Also, you never mentioned if the check engine light is on and if so if you had the codes read.

Mike

[Neu5p3ed]

Thanks for the responses.

Oh, no check engine light.

I will see if I can scoop up a new "coolant temperature sensor", from my local auto parts store tomorrow and see how it goes. I'm going to hopefully get the new sensor, replace it and start up the car tomorrow while the engine is cold, and see if the problem is fixed. Doing this so I don't have to wait till the next day to see if the problem is solved.

I will post back if the problem still occurs.

[tammap]

New IAC valve will solve your problem.

[Neu5p3ed]

Well, I went out and bought a new temperature coolant sensor. Replaced it this morning while the engine was cold not even started, and went to test it out and same result.

I then thought what the heck, I will try to take off the throttle body and clean the IAC from the bottom hole this time since I tried the spray from the top and back of the throttle plate. Guess what it worked!!!! fired her up and all is well, hopefully it will remain the same tomorrow

The only thing I noticed that really had me kind of upset is whoever/mechanic that worked on the this car previously did remove the IAC or replaced it and stripped the 4 screws holding it to the throttle body. Hopefully I won't have to replace it soon.

[tigerlee7139]

Originally Posted by Neu5p3ed

Hi, everyone

I'm new to this forum, and purchased a secondary car (1 week ago) since my prior one was totaled a few months ago. I'm glad I purchased the Camry as it is a great car so far, but have a few quirks to work out.

Car: 1998 Camry LE 4cyl
Mileage: 138,000

Problem existed before all the below was performed.

I have done quite a few maintenance items thanks to some threads on this board such as:

1. Timing Belt,
2. Water Pump
3. Idler Bearing
4. A/C Belt
5. PS Belt
6. Valve Cover Gasket
7. Spark Plug Tube Seals
8. Crankshaft Seal
9. Oil Pump Seal + O-ring
10. Thermostat + Gaskets
11. PCV Valve
12. Spark Plugs
13. Transmission + Diff Fluid
14. Chevron Techron Fuel Cleaner
15. Radiator Fluid

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Problem:

During cold starts in the mornings, the car starts fires up, but stumbles very hard until it is warmed up (car feels like its going to die). The RPM drops to around 300-400 rpm, until it is warmed up (after a few minutes it is fine, goes back to normal idle around 750rpm). The rest of the day the car starts up fine, just when the car sits overnight and started the next morning I experience this.

Attempted Solution:

I have cleaned the throttle body with throttle body/intake cleaner, and also sprayed some down the IAC hole before the plate (did this quite a few times, also disconnecting and connecting the connector to allow the valve to open and close).


Anyone know what might be the underlying cause of this problem? I'm lost on what else to check.

[tigerlee7139]

i have the same problem. especially when you start in the morning or when the car has been sitting for 4 hours and the idle seems very low. every 2 to 2 1/2 years i have the toyota replace the idle control valve consistenly. hmmm....seems there is several issue on the car regarding the idle control valve. my question is..is does this need to be recalled. i question that when i first bought the car and was doing it every 2 to 3 weeks and progress in time until it happens every day. when car was still in warranty all they say is they cant duplicate the problem. now seems likes its coming back every 2 to 2 1/2 years.