Starts then shuts off

Tiny
CARPFISHER
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 138,000 MILES
Will start and run while foot is on gas pedal. Shuts off soon as you let off the gas. Had battery checked and it was bad so I replaced it. Had alternator checked as well, told me it is failing. Did not replace it at this time. All fuses look good. Did not check relays yet. Another thing is I had the interior carpet cleaned the day before all this happened. Is there any electrical under the carpet? I thought the ECM got wet, but it is under the dash. Any ideas what it may be? Thank you in advance.
Wednesday, March 1st, 2017 AT 6:45 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
That sounds like a failed or plugged idle air control valve. It is not letting in air so the engine can idle.
I would start by cleaning and testing the IAC and the throttle body. If you have a scan tool that can control it you can test it that way or the manual version below. Replace the alternator.

Idle air control inspection:
Remove IAC valve. (Clamp water lines before removal).
Clean deposits and dirt using throttle body cleaner.

Check that the IAC valve is half open.
Connect the IAC valve wiring connector to the valve.
Turn the ignition switch ON.
Verify that the IAC valve moves within.5 seconds, stepping in order of fully closed, fully open and returning to half open.

If operation is not as specified, replace the IAC valve.
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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
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  • 7 POSTS
Ok I removed iacv and tried the manual test. It didnt move. Before I go spend 200 plus is there any other test? Like I said I did shampoo the floors is there something I may have got wet? Or should I put it all back together and tow to a shop?
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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
Start engine and warm engine to normal operating temperature. Ensure idle speed is within specification.

Turn ignition off. Apply parking brake and place transaxle in Neutral.
Install Jumper Wire (SST 09843-18020) between terminals TE1 and E1 on data link connector No. 1. See Fig 1.
Data link connector is located at passenger's side of engine compartment, near strut tower.

Start engine and note engine speed. Engine speed should increase to 900-1300 RPM for 5 seconds and then return to idle speed. If engine speed is as specified, turn ignition off and remove jumper wire. If engine speed is not as specified, turn ignition off and remove jumper wire. Go to next step.

Problem is yours doesn't Idle so it would be hard to do that test.

If you have a scan tool that can control the idle speed you could connect it and see if you can control the IACV. A cheaper way might be a salvage yard they used that same valve on multiple vehicles and years.
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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
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Can I use a volt meter to check continuity between terminals on the valve? I have 12.42v coming from harness plug center termminal.
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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
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  • 7 POSTS
Ths IACV is on bottom of throttle body with two water lines connetted to it?
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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
Yes on the location. The valve is basically operated like a solenoid, the PCM uses a pulsed ground to open/close the valve. The longer it is open the higher the idle. There are no specs listed, just the tests.
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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 1:47 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Ok removed iacv from throttle body retried manul test. The valve close and opens like a eye blinking and jusas fast. So I assume iis working properly?
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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 1:47 PM
Tiny
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Up and running. Thank you for the help.
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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 1:47 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
Stuck valve or loose connection? Those valves can be temperamental like that.

Thank you for using 2CarPros. Com. Tell your friends, family and anyone you like about us and please return with any auto related questions, we're here to help.
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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 1:47 PM

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