Toyota auto stalling

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Fri 2 Apr 2004 13:08
Toyota auto stalling - martinh
Can any of you expert help me with this?

My Toyota Camry V6 auto (1992 model) sometimes stalls. It's always when the car has been running for a good while and is thoroughly warmed through. The revs drop away from a steady 800rpm to 300-400rpm and quite often the engine simply stalls. It's worse when the air-con is running, and when reverse is selected. If the engine doesn't stall, the revs gradually pick up again to 800rpm. After a while the whole process starts again.

In all other respects the engine and transmission perform perfectly.

My service agent (no longer the Toyota agent) has had a specialist run a computer check but that revealed no specific problems. Obviously the finger points at the engine management unit. I fear that the Toyota agent's diagnosis would be, without hesitation, 'Replace the EMU' but this is a very old car for such an expensive remedy that is irritating rather than terminal.

Any ideas out there?

MWH
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Fri 2 Apr 2004 14:06
Toyota auto stalling - Aprilia
I would start by thoroughly cleaning the idle air mechanism - there is usually a stepper-motor or duty-cycle controlled rotary solenoid.
Clean it all out with carb cleaner until everything is shiny and free from gunge. Also make sure that the throttle body and throttle flap are themselves spotlessly clean.
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Fri 2 Apr 2004 15:59
Toyota auto stalling - martinh
Yes, thanks Aprilia -- the guy who did the computer diagnostics also did this, the garage told me. Though I have to say I have not looked to verify he did! When I got the Toyota, I decided it bore so little resemblance to the Morris Minor on which I learned my limited mechanic's skills that I would forgo opening the bonnet. Anyway, I'll give it a go.

MWH
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Fri 2 Apr 2004 19:09
Toyota auto stalling - Aprilia
Well, given your fault description I would still go with some kind of idle air control valve problem. Maybe take the valve itself off (I'm not familiar with Toyota V6 engines) and give it a really good flush out - make sure it moves easily.
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