94 Camry idle problem

[tdm1971]

I have a 1994 Toyota Camry that may have an idle problem. If the engine is cold when I start the car, there is no problem. When I start the car and the engine is warm, the idle will start at around 800 then drop to around 500 for a few seconds (5-10 seconds) and return to around 800. There never appears to be any hesitation and the car has never stalled. The idle is fine (around 750-800) when I'm stopped and the engine is warm. Is this normal, or the sign of other problems to come and if so, what I can do to fix it? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

[Mike Gerber]

Assuming that all your ignition system components (spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, distributor rotor and internal coil) are in good condition, I would start by cleaning out the throttle body, especially spraying into the square hole at the bottom front of the throttle body. That is your idle air control valve. These can get a bit dirty and cause irratic idle problems like what you are describing.

If that doesn't solve the problem I would next check out the ECT (engine coolant temperature) sensor. You will need a DVM and the specs from any manual to do this. You can use the skinny for the generation 3 Camry posted at the top of this forum.

Mike