2005 Corolla Check Engine Light Low Idle

[frit0150]

I have a 2005 Toyota Corolla CE with about 132,000 miles on it. I haven't had any issues with this car yet and maintain it well (oil changes, filters, etc.). The car gets anywhere from 32 to 40 MPG, depending on where/how it is driven. The last tank, got normal MPG. Today, my wife was driving down the road and the check engine light came on. When I got home, I took the car for a test drive and everything seemed fine. The check engine light remained on the entire time. I disconnected the negative battery terminal for about 5 minutes to reset the check engine light and started the car. The light doesn't come on, but the car idles at a much lower RPM than before, even when putting it into gear and driving down the road to a stop sign. It seems as if its about to stall/die but never does - just keeps idling at a low RPM. My wife said it was doing this before the check engine light came on. None of the local shops have a code scanner that I can use. I'm trying to get a good idea of what I've dealing with before I take the car in to a dealer for a diagnostic scan, hoping to save some money. Any ideas?

-Thanks!

[Huney1]

Advance Auto and other parts stores have readers to pull codes so go to one of them. Not only does it pinpoint the problem but will tell them what you need to fix or replace to cure the problem. Have you ever cleaned the Mass Air Flow Sensor? Thats the thing a ma bob that senses air flow volume and tells the computer how much gas to mix with the air. Simple, basic explaination but das what it is. Have yu changed the plugs?

I would try running a can of Sea Foam in the gas tank and some through the booster line. Or hose the PCV valve attaches to. Watch some of the videos at youtube and see for yourself. It smokes big time !!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4XUS-F578Q
And don't forget to clean the MAFS to. Not saying this is a cure all but it will sure clean out any carbon and goo that has built up over the years.