98 Camry starting problem

[kmg343]

98 Camry, 93K miles on it...for the second time in two weeks, when I start the car, it sputters and then won't turn over. The lights and radio go on, but the engine fails to kick in. I need to give the car some gas in order to get it to kick in like it was a cold day, and then it works fine. Any suggestions?

[ishop4less]

the IAC valve is dirty. You can clean this yourself if you want to try. You will need an old tooth brush, a can of carb cleaner (available at any discount store) and a phillips screwdriver. You need to take the large black tube off the throttle body then while holding the throttle plate open spray some carb cleaner into the chamber. Then use the tooth brush to clean the walls and the throttle plate. It may take a couple of tries to get it clean and varnish free. Then reconnect the large tube and start the engine. It will not start right up, since you added the carb cleaner, but after a little longer cranking it should fire up (and yes smoke for a short time). Once cleaned the idle should return to normal and the gas pedal should stop sticking in the morning. If the check engine light came on after doing the cleaning just remove the EFI fuse from the fuse panel under the hood for about 30 sec. and it should reset

[yotatechie04]

I agree with ishop4less...also, there is a possibility that the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) could be going bad, or need cleaned.

[Brian R.]

I recommend that you use sensor-safe cleaner to clean the throttle body.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/mainte...throttle_body/