I crank up the engine initially to start, the idle doesn't steady itself

1998 TOYOTA CAMRY

WHO1TAMAD

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I have a 98 Toyota Camry LE, V6 engine. I just made it over 140K miles. recently this has been happening, when i crank up the engine initially to start, the idle doesnt steady itself (when it is supposed to, like to heat it up) instead it just dies down. So what i've been doing is if its a 1st start, i press on the gas pedal and hold on down for 5 mins or so, until i feel the engine like rev up (thats how i know it has idle already). But why is this? whats wrong with the engine, is it a TUNE-UP that i need?

Oct 18, 2007 at 1:45 AM

SQM

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

This could be an issue with the throttle actuator. A faulty actuator can struggle keep the engine running when cold but as the components warms up it will perform the function properly.
This can also be due to having dirt and debris build up in the actuator. Which will make it difficult to send correct information to the ECM and have starting issues.

Cleaning out the throttle actuator can improve this issue.
Here is a helpful guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Oct 28, 2021 at 8:49 AM

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