Strange Idle problem with '96 5FSE

[run53]

My '96 4 cylinder camry (automatic) idles normally until warmed up fully. Then once fully warmed (15 minutes or so) it will idle extremely high after I accelerate. Basically it will stay at the RPM's that the accelerator last took it to, almost as if it is on cruise control. I have asked a couple of people about these and they suggested a vaccum leak. Others said it is a sticking dashpot (but I don't know where that is on the '96 camry). Is there anything else that may be the problem? Also, if i quickly accelerate the pedal and let off, the idle will return to normal again.

Any help would be great! Thanks!

[hill8570]

I think I'd be looking for more of a mechanical issue. Binding cables, duff return spring, etc. Can you reproduce the problem sitting still (i.e., rev the engine in neutral for a bit, then let off)?

I'd check the throttle control (on the throttle body, where the cables from the cruise control and accelerator attach), and move it manually to check for binding and such. Also I'd get down by the accelerator pedal and check for free movement of the pedal, accelerator rod, etc. Make sure the two return springs down there (one for the pedal, one for the accelerator rod) are working OK.

[4Cyl'erThriller]

^That would be my best guess aswell. Prolly the throttle body all mucked up. Do a quick search on here. I know there is a write up on cleaning the throttle body. It worked on my 92 le 6cyl Camry

[run53]

Originally Posted by hill8570

Can you reproduce the problem sitting still (i.e., rev the engine in neutral for a bit, then let off)?
.

First, thanks for the response and I will take a look at all those cables/springs for binding.

And YES...very easy to reproduce this in neutral. For example, I can step on the pedal and bring it up to 2500RPM then release my foot. The idle stays at 2500 for ever (or until I floor it and release). But only when the engine has been running for 15 minutes or more.

I was thinking mechanical as well. But what troubles me is the fact that the problem never happens when the engine is cold. I would think that if something was bound up, temperature wouldn't matter.

[run53]

OK, I took the plastic cover off of where the cruise control assembly and the throttle cable come together. Looked like it was pretty gunked up in there. I exercised the assembly by hand several times, then started the car, warmed it up and I couldn't get the problem to happen again. My guess is that something in that assembly was sticking (but why only when the engine heated up?).

Oh well....I think it makes sense to use cleaner in there to free everything up inside that cruise/throttle assembly. Do you think it's ok for me to use the throttle cleaner spray?

[Mike Gerber]

"Oh well....I think it makes sense to use cleaner in there to free everything up inside that cruise/throttle assembly. Do you think it's ok for me to use the throttle cleaner spray?"

That would be fine or use spray brake cleaner there. Then use some fresh lube there.

Mike

[run53]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

That would be fine or use spray brake cleaner there. Then use some fresh lube there.

Mike

Thanks, I'll give that a try tonight