Car starts and idles low or stalls immediately - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

97&02camryleI4 · 03-09-2005, 06:06 PM

Yes I did search and I couldn't find the answer to my question.

I have a 97 camry LE with 53k miles. The car has had trouble starting since a month ago and now it's consistent and happens everyday, although not everytime I start the car. The problem is that the car starts but stalls out immediately or struggles to not stall out. I'd have to give it some gas for 10-15 seconds at a time until the car decides it doesn't feel like stalling. This does not happen every single time, but consistent enough that it happens 3/5 times. Car runs fine otherwise and has no problems idling at stop signs or traffic lights. Only have problems with STARTING the car. Also, I have yet to see a CEL come on because usually it'll be the EGR port that's clogged if the CEL does come on, but I'm not eliminating that possibility. I replaced the battery a couple of months ago with an Autozone Duralast if that helps. Also, spark plugs were replaced at the 30k mile service but I have new plugs in hand if they need to be changed.

Other reasons that I found on this forum associated with stalling/idle problems were:
1.) The ECT (engine coolant temperature) sensor is bad and needs to be replaced. Where is this located and how would I know if it's bad? Why would this cause starting problems?

2.) Intake manifold and/or EGR port is clogged with carbon and needs to be cleaned out. I plan to do this even if it's not causing the starting problems because I've seen how dirty they get. Does anyone know where I can find a diy for this?

3.) IAC valve either needs to be cleaned or replaced. Where can I find this and how can I tell if it's faulty?

This is the only car I have for transportation and I'm a college student so it would be in my best interest to not bring it to a dealer or repair shop. If this can be fixed using an ordinary mechanic's tool set, I'm up for it but I need to know what I should look for first. I've attached a couple of pictures of the engine bay so please pinpoint where the ECT, IACV and the throttle body/intake manifold/egr port is. Sorry for such a long post because I want to be as detailed as possible. Thanks for any help you can offer.

ralfp · 03-09-2005, 07:33 PM

My guess is #3, the IAC valve (a $200 part, but it can be cleaned). It's under the throttle body.

Does this happen when the engine is cold, hot, or both? If it's just when it's hot, I would guess ECT.

Dunno about #2.

Get a Haynes manual. Best $15 you'll ever spend.

BTW: I'm a novice, so don't trust me.

burchard · 03-10-2005, 10:26 AM

Spary a bit ( 2-4 secs) of throttlr body cleaner into the p port (third port from front to back on top of throttle body) turn on the car. It will tend to choke a bit but will start. Repeat this 4-5 tmes. The TB cleaner will get into the AICV inlet and will lubricate-clean the valve. If this improves the start it means that you have a dirty AICV. You may choose to clean it better disasambling the AICV. I have never cleaned completely my AICV (too laz)..

A faulty ECT sensor normaly gives you warm stalls..

whocares04 · 03-10-2005, 10:53 AM

get some seafoam and fuel system cleaner (the one that says use every 4000miles not every tank b/c it's more potent and will clean better) and put the fuel system cleaner in next time u get a full tank of gas...and search for "seafoam" to see the many ways seafoam can be used...

i would try that first (b/c it'll cost u like $10 @ AutoZone)

97&02camryleI4 · 03-10-2005, 11:16 AM

I have heard many people talk about seafoam and also some horror stories like how the car couldn't start after using it. I know seafoam is supposed to be applied slowly and will cause the car to choke and also a lot of black smoke will come out of exhaust pipe so I'm a bit worried about doing that. Most of all, I don't know which inlet hose I'm supposed to feed the seafoam through. I know some people just pour it into their fuel tank but most feed it through some hoses into the throttle body/intake manifold. I'll look more into it and do a search on seafoam. Thanks.

p.s. It would be great if someone can point out in the pictures which hose I need to take off to feed the seafoam through.

TypeRex187 · 03-10-2005, 11:21 AM

I have the same problem with my gen4...at a cold start the car just dies right when it starts up. I have to push on the gas and get the engine to like 1 to 1.5grand and keep it there for 30seconds in some cases even more to keep the motor running. Some people told me its my valve seals?

ralfp · 03-10-2005, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TypeRex187

I have the same problem with my gen4...at a cold start the car just dies right when it starts up. I have to push on the gas and get the engine to like 1 to 1.5grand and keep it there for 30seconds in some cases even more to keep the motor running. Some people told me its my valve seals?

BS.

Sounds like the IAC.

See this thread: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t48408.html

ralfp · 03-10-2005, 01:14 PM

Also this (current) thread: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t69337.html

TypeRex187 · 03-11-2005, 01:49 PM

Kooo thanks

Porkch0p220 · 03-11-2005, 02:04 PM

same problem, took me forever to find out. its actually the idler motor. alittle black box on the manifold. it was sticking. when i start it would die right away or i had to hold the throttle open to keep it running. the motor isent cheap but if fixed the problem

TypeRex187 · 03-13-2005, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porkch0p220

same problem, took me forever to find out. its actually the idler motor. alittle black box on the manifold. it was sticking. when i start it would die right away or i had to hold the throttle open to keep it running. the motor isent cheap but if fixed the problem

How much did the idler motor cost?

badazzlegnd · 03-13-2005, 11:26 PM

Try Cleaning out the throttle body and iac valve there is an updated iac valve for those cars i sell them everyday but you can clean em out and they will work.

Porkch0p220 · 03-14-2005, 10:00 AM

dont remeber, i did it a few years ago, it cost me a good 200-300 dollars for it

97&02camryleI4 · 03-14-2005, 12:19 PM

I better try cleaning out the throttle body and IACV before shelling out $200-$300 for a new idler motor or IACV. Until this stalling problem happens EVERYTIME I start the car and gives me grief, then I will think about replacing it.

ralfp · 04-24-2005, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porkch0p220

same problem, took me forever to find out. its actually the idler motor. alittle black box on the manifold. it was sticking. when i start it would die right away or i had to hold the throttle open to keep it running. the motor isent cheap but if fixed the problem

Does idler motor = IAC valve? It sounds like the same thing.