99 Camry Won't Start

[vivaladork]

Hello new guy here. After searching through the forums I couldn't find the answer to my problem. So I'd thought maybe you guys would help me out.

My mothers 1999 Toyota Camry 2.2L today wouldn't start. Before the car would start but it would die right away. So every time you start it, you would have to rev on the gas petal to keep it going until the car warmed up and then it would run but at a very low RPM. It kept getting worse and worse until it would not start no more.

Note: We live in Alaska so it's pretty cold outside.

The car did have CEL on. I got it scanned yesterday and got the code PO172 running rich. I know people have said check the MAF but I don't think the 2.2L V4 has a MAF. Any ideas on why the car is running rich and what I could do to get it running? It's our only vehicle so I need it running ASAP.

Thank you.

[chronoti]

you mean i4

yes maf

look at leaking injectors and a clogged cat

[LynchburgCSI]

Can't a vacuum leak create starting issues like this?

[chronoti]

vacuum leak will give a high idle and lean condition

[vivaladork]

So I should check the injectors you're saying? How would I check if the cat is clogged?

[chronoti]

remove it

well easy way for you is remove the o2 sensor, the ecu doesn't check it till it is warmed up, also try resetting the ecu (remove the fuse)

[Stillrunning]

Do the 99's have an EGR? If so sticking open EGR will cause stall at idle and maybe run rich code trip??? If clogged CAT it would have to be really, really clogged to prevent starting, problem would more than likely occur at speed. If it's that clogged then do a vacuum test on engine and it will show up pretty clearly.

[lemegacool]

Originally Posted by chronoti

you mean i4

yes maf

look at leaking injectors and a clogged cat

i always thought the 5sfe had a MAP sensor


dunno but sounds like a possible clogged iac valve... no?

[chronoti]

i think it also has a map sensor on the firewall? not sure on the 99 but it def has a maf

it does have an egr yes it can cause issues not sure on rich code

iac would cause issues but shouldn't throw a rich code because the engine will be fueling correct to the maf

[csaxon]

No MAF but check the ECT sensor. It will cause the car to run rich.

[vivaladork]

Where exactly would I find the ECT sensor?

[csaxon]

[csaxon]

[csaxon]

Using an ohmmeter, check that there is continuity between the switch terminals when the coolant temperature is above 94°C (201°F). Using an ohmmeter, check that there is no continuity between the switch terminals when the coolant temperature is below 83°C (181°F). If continuity is not as specified, replace the switch

[vivaladork]

Got the injectors cleaned on the car. Car starts but still barley starts and barley idles too.