idle control valve - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

babylon123 · 11-25-2009, 08:10 PM

94 camry le, 170k miles. Recently has been having starting problems from time to time. after i took it for an oil change the mechanic said if the engine dies on startin, to gas for a while then it should be fine. they said it was the idle control valve sticking.

So I wanted to get it replaced, I was going to call for a quote tomorrow, but don't know what price to expect for the repair?

abew330 · 11-25-2009, 09:00 PM

starting problems?

any noises? starts then dies? have to press gas to start?

can start without pressing gas?

starter contacts ok? battery ok?

try to clean the TB

check out the FAQ/DIY section at the top of the forum tons of info

heres a link to TB cleaning:

How to: Cleaning Throttle Body -4 Cylinder Engines- With Pictures

babylon123 · 11-25-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abew330

starting problems?

any noises? starts then dies? have to press gas to start?

can start without pressing gas?

starter contacts ok? battery ok?

try to clean the TB

check out the FAQ/DIY section at the top of the forum tons of info

heres a link to TB cleaning:

How to: Cleaning Throttle Body -4 Cylinder Engines- With Pictures

i don't want to work on it, i want to have it repaired by a professional, but I don't know the ball park price of the repair.

Kenny_McCormic · 11-25-2009, 10:12 PM

It takes about 5 minutes and some carb cleaner to clean the IAC. If you can use a screwdriver you are overqualified.

abew330 · 11-25-2009, 11:29 PM

i agree with kenny^^^

it is very inexpensive to clean a TB would take a few minutes to complete.

not sure how much for the job but would think an arm and leg for a very simple job

i would guess a shop would try to get you to maintenance/repair other parts besides IAC to get more $$$ out of you as well

IMO you'll be wasting time/money taking it to a shop

babylon123 · 11-27-2009, 03:38 PM

i tried to clean it myself, but i couldn't get the hose off, even with the clamp completely loose the screw driver couldn't wedge inside. then i accidentally dropped the screw driver into the engine bay. the i spent 20 mins trying to get it, but it's too far down in to be retrieved. i think i will just take it to the mechanic now.

abew330 · 11-27-2009, 04:08 PM

much easier to remove intake hose if you remove top half of air box

***JohnGD*** · 11-27-2009, 07:12 PM

Just clean it will do. 1/2 to 1 hour of labor whatever your shop charges. If you insist on a new valve, then it's about $150 + $50 labor. Dealer extra.

Quote:

Originally Posted by babylon123

i don't want to work on it, i want to have it repaired by a professional, but I don't know the ball park price of the repair.

abew330 · 11-27-2009, 10:07 PM

dude are you serious? 150 + 50 labor for maybe a 10-20 minute job?
whats the going rate for a brake job front disc drums rear
i wonder how much money i saved working on/ fixing my car?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnGD

Just clean it will do. 1/2 to 1 hour of labor whatever your shop charges. If you insist on a new valve, then it's about $150 + $50 labor. Dealer extra.

***JohnGD*** · 11-27-2009, 10:15 PM

$150 is for a new IAC as Babylon123 asked. I do believe cleaning the old valve is the way to go, because new ones gum up too in no time. But Babylon123 wanted a "professional job". Even a professional cleaning with a $5 can of throttle body cleaner will cost $50.

I guess people's mileages vary.

Quote:

Originally Posted by abew330

dude are you serious? 150 + 50 labor for maybe a 10-20 minute job?
whats the going rate for a brake job front disc drums rear
i wonder how much money i saved working on/ fixing my car?

Albetime · 12-14-2009, 10:32 AM

Well I am having idling issues on my 97 camry 4cyl so I was pricing a new IACV. Autozone was in the $220 range and online at The autopartsshop was $176 so I will try to clean my own. Besides I know I will do a better job than if I take to a mechanic in my area.

***JohnGD*** · 12-14-2009, 08:48 PM

Definitely!!

Also the engine coolant temperature sensor can cause similar problems.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albetime

Well I am having idling issues on my 97 camry 4cyl so I was pricing a new IACV. Autozone was in the $220 range and online at The autopartsshop was $176 so I will try to clean my own. Besides I know I will do a better job than if I take to a mechanic in my area.

babylon123 · 12-15-2009, 11:17 AM

Well, i cleaned it myself, the throttle & IAC. problem went away for about 2 weeks then yesterday it seemed to come back. In fact after driving it 10 minutes locally i went to start it again and the ignition wouldn't even engage, just the acc. came on wtf? i had to try 4-5 times before it would engage and start, I had the car in P w/ hand brake engaged any ideas?

***fenixus*** · 12-15-2009, 11:28 AM

Was the starter working and engine was not igniting ? sounds like no spark.

I would also check spark plugs and wires plus maybe fuel filter. regular tune up can't hurt, just stick to Denso or NGK parts and you should be fine if there is no major part breaking down. I had to clean TB & IAC two times with a toothbrush and using like half a can of carb cleaner each time to get it done right.

is your air filter clean ?

babylon123 · 12-15-2009, 12:05 PM

air filter should be clean, had an oil change recently and they replaced it.

i turned the key all the way and it didn't do anything to the engine. turned the car back off and took the key out, then waited and did it again. how do i check the spark plugs or replace them?