Irratic Idle - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Tex97 · 11-17-2002, 08:28 PM

Well, I just went out to Barnes and Noble for a magazine and when I started the car to leave it began to struggle at idle. After a few seconds and a little gas, it was fine. The last month or so when i started the car it seems like it didn't want to start sometimes, othertimes it started fine.
So i'm lost, I'm thinking fuel filter or O2 sensor. Car has 54,000 miles, I got it at 42,000 and I have not replaced either of the above items and I doubt the previous owner did either.

Sorry for the long post, any help is great
Thanks

Zeek321 · 11-17-2002, 09:21 PM

Hey, my car was doing something like that, first i thought it was fuel related, then i thought it was the clutch. It turned out all i needed was new spark plugs and spark wires... so i would check the spark plugs.

Stremf1 · 11-17-2002, 09:24 PM

Mine was doing that too, turned out to be the alternator.

Wraith · 11-17-2002, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stremf1

Mine was doing that too, turned out to be the alternator.

most of the time is something electrical ... usual suspects are spark plugs, plug wires, ignition coil, and distributor cap...

Tex97 · 11-17-2002, 10:21 PM

Thanks guys.
I will change the fuel filter anyway cause they are supposed to be changed every 15K anyway. I hope it is not the alternator, they cost much moolah

:

Anyone else with some suggestions?

smokey8890 · 11-18-2002, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tex97

Thanks guys.
I will change the fuel filter anyway cause they are supposed to be changed every 15K anyway. I hope it is not the alternator, they cost much moolah

:

Anyone else with some suggestions?

if you have to get a new alternator get one from mralternatr.com. you can get a HO alternator for just lil more thant what you will pay for the stok ones.

allmine97 · 01-02-2003, 07:37 AM

My 97 camry 2.2L is doing the same thing...kinda. When driving it feels like the engine in missing a beat, I'll pull over and it'll idle rough 'til it dies. It's been idlin low too, about 600rpm. I've also noticed that the tack needle jumps a bit. I changed the plugs and checked the wires, but that didn't seem to help. Could it be the vaccuum hoses? What's going on?? :evil: