3S-FE Starting problems - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

CMD88 · 12-03-2003, 12:05 PM

Hey guys I've got another problem with my 88 3S-FE camry wagon. Since its gotten cold here, every once in a while when I start the car it turns over just fine, its when it fires it starts to idle very low and at the same time there is a wierd "whirrling" sound coming from what I think is the engine. After it does that for a few seconds it comes up to idle and the sound stops. This seems to only happen after its been sitting for 6 hours or more. Other than that it runs great.

I can only come up with that its the starter, cold start valve, or fuel pump. I doubt that its the fuel pump, it seems that its getting plenty of gas and its seems that the sound is coming from the engine. Maybe the starter is dying? Its the original one, with 182K on it. Any ideas guys? Any help or ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

5Sfte · 12-03-2003, 12:51 PM

It's not the starter or the fuel pump. I don't know if your gen has an Idle Air Control Valve, but maybe that is worth looking into. Have you cleaned your fuel system lately. How about changed your fuel filter? Just some suggestions.

88 LE · 12-03-2003, 04:54 PM

I 2nd the IAC valve.

CMD88 · 12-03-2003, 08:17 PM

5Sfte
-Thanks for the quick responce. Yea I've done a recent tune up with NGK plugs, plug wires, air filter, cap, rotor, and fuel filter; all OEM not too long ago, as well as cleaning the throttle body. I get ~ 40 MPG on the interstate, and 36-38 in town if I'm easy on her, so I guess that its running well. Thanks for the IAC valve idea, I'll look into that.

88LE
-Thanks for adding a second response with the same advice. I also appreciate the picture. It saves me from pulling out the old Chilton's manual.

Just a few more questions:
1. Is there any way to test the IAC valve?
2. Is is an easy replacement?
3. Do you have to do any adj. of the idle when finished?
4. I don't really understand how the IAC valve works and how ya'll knew that this could be my problem.

Thanks for help,
Chris

88 LE · 12-03-2003, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CMD88
Just a few more questions:
1. Is there any way to test the IAC valve?
2. Is is an easy replacement?
3. Do you have to do any adj. of the idle when finished?
4. I don't really understand how the IAC valve works and how ya'll knew that this could be my problem.

1. You can check the valve for resistance. Section 4-8 of the Chilton's manual has the instructions.

2. Yes. Unbolt throttle body, unscrew valve, and replace gasket + valve.

Try cleaning it with carb / throttle body cleaner first before you replace the valve.

3. No.

4. The valve controls throttle body bypass airflow.

The valve gets clogged with oil thus not allowing the engine to idle up on cold starts. Its a common problem on Camry's.

CMD88 · 12-04-2003, 07:30 AM

Thanks 88LE, your help has been much appreciated. I will look into it ASAP, or when the weather warms up.
I know that you recommend that someone turn over the engine as you make and break the contact on the IAC valve as you spray carb cleaner into the hole in the throttle body. Is this absolutely necessary, or can I just spray into the hole and crank the engine a few times and repeat and accomplish the same thing as the procedure you recommend?
Again thanks for your help.
Chris

88 LE · 12-05-2003, 12:54 AM

The procedure you described above is something I found on yotarepair.com.

I unbolt the throttle body, this way I can clean the whole thing.

CMD88 · 12-07-2003, 05:15 PM

Damn guys, you were on the money about this one. I owe ya'll big time. 88LE I followed what you said to do and it seems to have worked. After it sat overnight I started it this morning and it idled up just like its supposed to. It seems to have worked wonders. Thanks for the help.
While I was in there, you all have mentioned just unbolting the throttle body so that you can clean it really well. What is excatly is involved in that. Is there a procedure somewhere on how to do that? Do you have to disconnect the idle and reconnect it? What about all the other connections? I'd be a little hesitant to tackle this job without a procedure.
Thanks for the help with the IAC valve, you all save me a lot of money and time.
Chris

CMD88 · 12-08-2003, 03:23 PM

Hey guys,
The problem is back. After it sat overnight I started it this morning and it idled really low again, ran really rough, and made that strange "whirling" sound. It does that for about 5 seconds and then idles ok. It still doesn't seem to be as high as it should be, though.
I cleaned the IAC valve like the procedure described. I knew that it was clean b/c I hearded the loud whooshing sound. Could it have gotten clogged up again that fast?
I performed the procedure on Sat. and Sunday morning it started like normal, but this morning it acted up again.
Anyone have any more ideas on what the problem could be?
Do I need a whole new vavle altogther?

Chris