98 ES300 starts but can't keep idle and dies

[ftmail]

Ocassionally, my car would not start up. The engine starts up but it does not hold the idle and and it dies immediattly. This happens 5 to 6 times a year, but when it happens it would not work even if I try 20 times. The car has about 90K miles and the check engine light is not on.

The only way to start it, is to press the left foot on break and in the same time lightly push the gas with the right foot... it is crazy, but this is the only way to keep the engine at about 800-1000 RPM. Then, I can put the car in gear, release the break, and the the car starts moving. After the car reaches about 20-30 mi/h, I don't have to keep the idle (with the right foot) and I can drive normally. If I stop the car within 1-2 minutes, the car has the same problem. However, if I run the car over 30-40 mi/h and it gets to shift to higher gears, the car works normal and even if I start it, it will re-start normally.

[jeremey3270]

I have the same problem whats the fix?

[toyomoho]

If the car starts but dies it might be the air control valve, this valve controls low idle speed. Do a TN history search as issues with the valve and cleaning methods to solve them have been covered before. Might also be the throttle position sensor.

[ftmail]

If you do a search for one of my thread ( 98 V6 starts but can't keep idle and dies ) you will find the details explanation of what I did.

98 V6 starts but can't keep idle and dies

The iac and TB needed to be cleaned and my car is running properly ever since I cleaned it

[wed3k]

nice, my dad's es300 is having this problem too. thanks

[NeatSC]

Check your air flow meter too, it may be dirty or the connector could be damaged.