99 Corolla starting issue

[atoyotchick]

I just purchased a 1999 Corolla and when I went to start it this morning it stalled several times before it would idle. I actually had to work the gas to get it to idle long enough so that I could put it in drive. Once it got going, it was fine and ran excellent. Apparently the person that sold it to me must have warmed the engine up before I came to test drive it because it didn't happen then. This car only has 50,000 miles on it and looks to be in excellent shape. What are some things to look for that would cause the hard starting. It was about 40degrees out when I started it. And like I said, once it got going it ran and idled fine, although to me it feels like it idles a little high but maybe its because I'm not used to it. Any hints on where to look? Air filter is fine, not sure about anything else but the motor is so clean I could eat off it.

[94_Rolla_Guy]

im assuming theres no check engine light.... if not maybe a tuneup is in order; sparkplugs, throtle body cleaning, fuel filter, air filter. this stuff can't hurt

the problem to me seems like your not getting enough fuel during cold start, one thing worth checking is the coolant temp sensor the computer uses. if it is faulty and thinks the engine is hott when its really cold that will cause this easily. A partially clogged fuel filter could also be to blame. could also be a marginal fuel pump but i doubt it at 50,000 mi

best bet is if your handy, is to grab a chiltons or haynes manual and it will walk you through troubleshooting and testing

good luck

[petec]

One strong possibility is that the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve is clogged or sticking shut when you start the car. In colder weather it will be hard to start the car. Opening or pumping the throttle usually enables the car to start, but it may stall until the engine temperature increases.

I had the same problem on my 98. The IAC valve is on the bottom of the throttle body.
I removed the throttle body and sprayed cleaner through the IAC valve and blew it out with compressed air several times from both side of the valve. This fixed the problem.

The service manual gives the following instructions for checking the IAC valve:
1. Remove throttle body
2. Remove IAC valve (4 screws)
3. Check that IAC valve is halfly opened
4. Connect the IAC valve connector to the IAC valve
5. Disconnect the ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature) Sensor connector from the ECT sensor
6. Turn ignition on
7. Check that the IAC valve moves
8. Repeat connecting/disconnecting IAC several times to verify IAC valve operation.
9. If IAC valve does not move, replace the IAC valve
10. Turn ignition off
11. Reconnect ECT sensor
12. Reinstall IAC valve

[petec]

Here is a more detailed description of how to clean the IAC yourself.

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forum...+control+valve

[atoyotchick]

Thanks for the replies. I will look into those, but I think I may have found what is probably the issue. From the odometer reading on the title, this car has only been driven under a thousand miles since the fall of 02!! I knew that the prior owner was an older lady who quit driving, I didn't know she drove it that few miles. Now I'm worried what else will crop up as this thing has sat around. Should I be worried?

[stubborn1]

I wouldn't be terribly worried, but the low miles over the past few years would make me want to change coolant, oil, tranny fluid, etc right away. Add some techron fuel system cleaner and drive through a few tanks before you start tearing into things. You could have old gas in the car from the lack of use.