3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I have a 92 camry with 2.2L. Whenever it is cold out, under 30 degrees, the car starts but runs at about 600 rpms. the car shakes because of low rpms. After a few seconds, the rpms kick up to normal and it runs great. no issues when driving or anything. Only issue is starting very rough when cold. Any ideas on what it could be? Thanks
Usually when people talk about problems with idling at cold temperatures, the first thing I suspect is a coolant temperature sensor. The coolant temperature sensor does more than just alert your gauges of the temperature, it also tells the ECU the optimum fuel/air mixture to run when the engine is cold. If your sensor is telling your ECU that your engine is warm, it may not put in enough fuel (as combustion occurs more spontaneously at higher temperatures).
This may also happen even if your gauge appears fine. On some cars, the gauge is fed from a different sensor... and on my camry, the radiator has a sensor, which might control it. (not sure on that), but it's a cheap and easy fix to swap out a coolant sensor.
I believe it is on the engine on the driver's side close to 2 other sensors. You just unscrew it (WHILE THE ENGINE IS COLD) and then screw the new one in. These sensors always go bad in 90's camrys at some point.
If that doesn't do it, you might want to check to see if your oxygen sensor is throwing the appropriate signals to the ecu at cold temperatures. Try cleaning your idle air control valve, although that would likely cause issues regardless of temp. you could also try cleaning out your throttle body, as the engine might be starving itself at cold idle for air, whereas warmed up it might not need as much. Clean out any crud restricting airflow.
Main thing is that coolant sensor. 10 bucks says its bad, and even if it's not, you're only out 10 bucks. A faulty one usually does not throw a code.
There can be a number of solutions for a cold running problem. I would recommend first to just clean the throttle body before going in for any other procedures, because a very small particle escaped from the filter can cause the blocking of the throttle valve movement and hence the air-fuel ratio changes. This change in air-fuel ratio can cause problems in idling of your vehicle. So before going in for all the other complex electrical issue, Just spare time and clean your TB.
Because this symptom clears so quickly I doubt engine coolant temp (ECT) sensor. As well the O2 sensor is not even determining A/F ratio inputs yet as engine is still on open loop. I would agree with trying to clean the IAC valve first as dirt may be causing it to stick. Do a search on TN under "cleaning IAC" and you'll probably get a DIY.
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1995 Camry Wagon LE. 2.2 4cyl, 5S-FE, Auto, 187K
I agree with Stillrunning - first step should be to clean the IAC. It's cheap and often the source of problems like this. Here's a couple of DIY threads showing how to do it:
I agree with Stillrunning - first step should be to clean the IAC. It's cheap and often the source of problems like this. Here's a couple of DIY threads showing how to do it:
Great threads! I will try this and see what happens. Thanks again!
Pulled the TB and IAC off. Cleaned the crap out of everything. Was extremely dirty and had a lot of buildup. Also turned the idle up just a small bit. Runs great and havent had any problems since! Thanks for all the posts!
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