high idle - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

freshwun · 07-17-2006, 01:33 PM

I have a 01 Camry that seems to idle high at startup. This is even true when it is warm outside. It returns to normal idle after 10 minutes. Also when I start up the car and put it in drive right away, it would feel like its in neutral for about 5-10 seconds then it would move. Any ideas? Replace thermostat? Clean IAC valve? Thanks.

Doug

Hajoca · 07-17-2006, 01:41 PM

Water temp not yet at optimum temperature (around 85 to 90 deg C) and O2 sensors have not begun to operate in closed Loop

Check trans fluid level.

Mike Gerber · 07-17-2006, 02:20 PM

"I have a 01 Camry that seems to idle high at startup."

How high is it actually idling and for how long?

Mike

freshwun · 07-18-2006, 09:10 AM

Its at about 1600-1800 rpm. It stays there for about 5-10 minutes when in park. This is in 90degree weather too. Thanks.

Mike Gerber · 07-18-2006, 06:29 PM

That doesn't seem too high on initial startup, but it does seem to remain there for too long a period of time. My 98 4 cylinder starts about that high on initial startup, but then immediately drops down to 1100-1500 RPM. Then I drive off and it quickly drops down to normal idle; I would say 2 or 3 minutes in this type of Summer weather.

I have a few thoughts that could cause this lengthy high idle. Are you getting a check engine light? If so, take it to Autozone and they will read the codes for free. Then, report back here with the codes and someone will be able to offer some advice. Are there any vacuum leaks? Did you check the large tube leading to the throttle body for cracks? The throttle valve inside the throttle body could be sticking and not allowing the car to return to normal idle. Clean the throttle body paying particular attention to the throttle valve (both sides) and where it seats inside the throttle body. If you don't know how to do this, do a search for "throttle body cleaning". It has been covered many times on this site. Also, check the coolant temperature sensor for being in spec. It could be telling the computer that the engine is cold when it is really warm. You will need a DVM (digital volt/ohmeter) for this, along with the specs form any manual. You could also have a thermostat stuck in the open position, thereby taking a longer than usual time for the engine to reach operating temperature. I would look at the thermostat last, since there is no practical test for it until you remove it from the car. At that point you can put it in a pan of boiling water along with a thermometer to test it; but most people just replace it at that point, since it is already removed from the car.

Good luck.

Mike

v-cam · 07-18-2006, 07:25 PM

^do what he said.

V6 or i4? my V6 will rev at 1900 rpm and slowly come down to idle (about 10mins) once its warm.

It doesnt matter if its 90degrees outside, the car still has to more than double that to get to normal operating temperature. The process you are explaining sounds like the cars normal warm up procedure.

Your delayed moving in drive is a concern though, get that sorted asap.

Hajoca · 07-18-2006, 08:51 PM

For reference, any vacuum leak will prolong the high idle condition experienced. and after the 15 min or so, wiggling the vacuum hoses will get you the same results in terms of idle speed fluctuation which is a good indication of vacuum leak.

Check thermostat operation by tougchiung top rad hose and feeling for heat.