Idle speed control valve?

[harryhoudini]

My 98 has idle issues... if I remember correctly it just wouldn't idle properly, kept dying. So I believe I tightened the throttle cable to just give it a BIT of throttle when at idle. This probably masked the problem but it solved it for a bit.

Now the car just randomly dies at slow speeds. No rhyme or reason, no specific time or method to make it happen. The shop I took it to has tried to replicate it but I don't know everything they did as I don't think they want to give me all the details. I asked if they put the slack back in the throttle cable, not sure if they did. But the thing they did say is that they think it is the "idle speed control value" that is probably going out but it's a spendy part and they didn't want to just replace it without being sure.

Any thoughts on this diagnosis? I don't mind trying to replace it myself.. just did an alternator in my F150 so I'm somewhat handy.

Thanks!

[1loudLX]

clean the throttle body lately? It amazes me how many people have this problem yet dont do something as basic as cleaning the TB.

[harryhoudini]

Yeah, I read that in the archives and that will be my first attempt. Think I can use brake cleaner instead of carb cleaner? The mechanic said he was going to look at the TB but not sure if he did or not. I'll check it myself.

[ToyotaDon]

Originally Posted by harryhoudini

Think I can use brake cleaner instead of carb cleaner?

Brake cleaner will remove the buildup that is on the throttle body and plate, any residual will also burn, so it's fine to use. You can use an old toothbrush and rags or paper towels. Latex/nitrile gloves are also nice.

There is no Idle Control Valve on that vehicle. The idle is controlled by the Electronic Throttle Control System.

[harryhoudini]

Thank you! Much apprciated.. I will explore this weekend and report back. I think I'm going to try and put the throttle cable back where it should be so if there is any idle issue it will show before I clean and I'll have a good comparison.

Sad that the mechanic would tell me those specific words "idle speed control valve" then. Is there part of the ETC system that would cause a problem with the idle? What about engine speed sensors, fuel/air sensors? I guess a MAF cleaning couldn't hurt. 90k mile service was supposedly done by this same mechanic (plugs, fluids, timing belt, tensioners, water pump) but now maybe I question that. I'll have a good look around.

Thanks again, much appreciate the help!!

[NMuzj100]

Toyota uses "non-standard" terms for parts common to all makes of cars so I wouldn't let the fact that he said "Idle control valve" bother you too much.

The throttle position sensor (TPS) and accelerator pedal position sensor (APPS) are known to go bad. But, usually the failure is accompanied by "limp mode" and a check engine light (CEL). Read the FAQ on these problems and see if it seems like the same thing.

Have you gotten a CEL ? If not does it light up when you first put the keys in? (Checking for blown bulb)

[harryhoudini]

YOU GUYS ROCK!

First of all, I put the throttle cable back to normal slack... started the car, it died right off. So I knew the problem still existed and that the shop hadn't done CRAP!

So I pull off the air intake and check out the TB. OF COURSE it was full of deposits. Some brake cleaner on a rag and sure enough, put it all back together and it started and ran like nothing was wrong!

So you all helped me diagnose a car problem and a mechanic problem!

Thanks!

[ToyotaDon]

Originally Posted by NMuzj100

Toyota uses "non-standard" terms for parts common to all makes of cars so I wouldn't let the fact that he said "Idle control valve" bother you too much.

Toyota uses "Idle Speed/Air Control Valves" on other applications. This would be a good guess in those cases, but it shows the guy doesn't know this specific product.

Originally Posted by harryhoudini

YOU GUYS ROCK!

So I pull off the air intake and check out the TB. OF COURSE it was full of deposits. Some brake cleaner on a rag and sure enough, put it all back together and it started and ran like nothing was wrong!

Thanks!

Glad it's all good now!

[nilopol]

I recently just had this phenomenon occur during a hard rain storm, i just started my car and then drove thru intersection with slow speed the cruiser (2000 with 95k) suddenly stalled for less than 3 seconds than kicked back on. Also recently been having some slow turn over, but after giving time, starts up as usual. Does this sound like the throttle body/ISCV? If so, does anyone know any independent virginia beach/ norfolk virginia mechanics that could be suggested, otherwise i usually get work done at a dealership. There are three here and I use the least expensive one (that i have experienced). Thanks for any help.

[NMuzj100]

Originally Posted by nilopol

I recently just had this phenomenon occur during a hard rain storm, i just started my car and then drove thru intersection with slow speed the cruiser (2000 with 95k) suddenly stalled for less than 3 seconds than kicked back on. Also recently been having some slow turn over, but after giving time, starts up as usual. Does this sound like the throttle body/ISCV? If so, does anyone know any independent virginia beach/ norfolk virginia mechanics that could be suggested, otherwise i usually get work done at a dealership. There are three here and I use the least expensive one (that i have experienced). Thanks for any help.

Has the windshield ever been replaced? Somewhat common to have a replaced windshield leak into a junction box.

Slow turn over sounds like time for a battery check. Starting with the cables and grounds. Then charging and load tests. (Free at a store where they have batteries)

[nilopol]

Thanks NMuzj100, I do have a new windshield. The problem has occurred only once and I will keep all that in mind, thanks a bunch, nilopol.