02 Highlander dies (idles really low) on cold starts... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

llkojakll · 08-29-2005, 01:05 PM

My wife's 02 Higlander (v6) has been giving her problems this week. When it is cold (in the morning) it will start and turn off...it appears that it does not keep idle. Sometimes it will stay on but idle is very low...250-300RPM. If I keeps the revs up and drive for a few minutes it drives just fine. However, when it gets cold again it displays the same symptoms/issues. There is no 'check engine' light on and have never seen it before.

It's got 70K miles on it and still has original spark plugs...could this be the issue?

If not, what other possible causes can cause it to idle low when cold or on cold starts?

I'm not very experienced with toyotas and would appreciate any feedback.

llkojakll · 08-31-2005, 04:54 PM

Anyone got any ideas?

***Bakemono*** · 08-31-2005, 04:58 PM

For cold idle thats waaaay too low, it should be more like 1,500 rpm. Try disconnecting the battery, reconnecting it and then starting the engine. That will force the engine to re-learn it's idle rpm and might fix the problem.
At 70,000 miles you MIGHT be getting due for new spark plugs, but I dont think they would be worn enough to cause running problems.
Cap'n

RAV4Don · 09-01-2005, 06:49 AM

I just fixed wifey's RX300 3.0L that had a similar problem at 114k miles. I used some FI TB cleaner to remove coking in the TB and the IAC valve. After a good cleaning, I took the opportunity to then gently clean the MAF sensor with a cotton swab and alcohol since the intake assembly was apart.

It has run like a top since.

70k is high miles for a plat plug, but not an Iridium tipped plug. So I would only change those if nothing else works. Replace the air filter if it looks dirty.

If cleaning the TB doesn't do it. Then check the IAC valve and maybe the TPS for proper functioning. You need a Scan tool or Volt/Ohm meter for this. Also your CTS may be bad.