car has hard time starting

[singleMomNeedsHelp]

Hi,
My car sometimes has a hard time starting so I replaced the battery but still cannot keep it running. It starts but soon as I put it in gear it dies. Toyota sienna 2001. any ideas? I want to have a clue about what needs to be fixed so I can decide where to take it - toyota for warranty or independent.

Thanks much.

[Doug Tatham]

Check postings concerning the idle stabilizer. It sounds like it's starting fine, but the idle is too low so it stalls. If it's the stabilizer valve, any mechanic can clean it. The dealer will want to replace it at a significant cost ($600) because it's quicker, a more certain fix, and he won't want a unhappy customer if the valve fails again after a short period. If it's cleaned properly, it shouldn't be a problem.

[jhdtoyota01]

Originally Posted by singleMomNeedsHelp

Hi,
My car sometimes has a hard time starting so I replaced the battery but still cannot keep it running. It starts but soon as I put it in gear it dies. Toyota sienna 2001. any ideas? I want to have a clue about what needs to be fixed so I can decide where to take it - toyota for warranty or independent.

Thanks much.

Hi,
This is exactly my problem with my Sienna and I was told by the delaership that I need to replace the idle stabilizer. Did you have your stabilizer cleaned up and did it work?

Thanks a lot!