Tundra X-TREME low idle on startup...

Avionix · #1 (**permalink**) 09-27-2003, 06:19 PM

I have a failry stock Tundra, and recently the engine seems to have trouble idling on startup. It usually idles at about 750rpm's but on an intermittant occasion, the thing will idle below 500 and almost cut out. I've noticed this w/ and w/o the AC on, so I don't know. My guess is it would be the AC Idle Up relay, but...any help would be great. Thanks.

-=A=-

Alan · #2 (**permalink**) 09-28-2003, 01:13 AM

There’s actually a diagnostic code for this, so if it’s a real issue, I think you’d get the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp [i.e., check engine]) warning. Mine has been idling low, but I never thought much about it. A thousand miles ago, the MIL came on and I scanned it - P0505 Idle Control System Malfunction. I reset the light and all was well until last week, whereupon my MIL turned on again. Curiously, it’s been cycling on and off all week. I never knew the MIL could turn itself off. I’ll probably scan it tomorrow (since it’s currently in the ON state), but I think it’s still the idle thing…I need to eventually dig into it.

Anyway, the short answer is…I think your MIL would illuminate if a real idle system problem occurred.

Stay shiny,

Alan · #3 (**permalink**) 09-28-2003, 10:23 PM

My problem turned out to be nothing more than a dirty throttle body. An hour of q-tip cleaning today and the idle is back within spec. I’ll post some photos in the throttle body cleaning thread.

So I’d suggest this as a possible cause for your low idle too.

Stay shiny,

Avionix · #4 (**permalink**) 09-28-2003, 10:43 PM

I spent an hour or so with the intake system in pieces yesterday. No dice, didn't do a thing. Well, it improved accel and performance, but other than that...even pulled the ECU fuses. I think it might be some type of idle valve or relay, but not sure what to do about it yet.

-=A=

Stooge · #5 (**permalink**) 09-29-2003, 08:10 AM

Usually cleaning the throttle body (briskly with a tooth brush and TB cleaner), along with a good fuel injector cleaner cures this for me. If, after that, idle is still low, I'd clean and regap the plugs. After this, I would have to assume something is wrong.

Tundradad · #6 (**permalink**) 09-29-2003, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avionix

I spent an hour or so with the intake system in pieces yesterday. No dice, didn't do a thing. Well, it improved accel and performance, but other than that...even pulled the ECU fuses. I think it might be some type of idle valve or relay, but not sure what to do about it yet.

-=A=

I adjusted my throttle cable... (2000) 03's do not have one. I needed to get my idle up a bit, it was just below the bottom mark, I raised it to just above the bottom mark with A/C off and all is fine (probably 50 to 100rpm's). cable is not too tight at full throttle, you just have to adjust it a little to get the right spot. Dealers could not do it & could not find anyone who could give me info.. After I did all the cleaning & adjusting that may have been the reason for low idle I adjusted the cable & it is now as smooth as can be and where it should be. pedal is right where I like it & I think where it was when I bought it.. Cables do stretch & I did slam it occasionally!!!! Hope this is a help

Johnny Law · #7 (**permalink**) 10-01-2003, 05:09 PM

I didn't see this posted, so I will throw it out there. Did you check your PCV valve and air filter lately? My '94 Dodge had this same problem, it had low miles, but the PCV was plugged up with oil and the air filter was dirty. My idle was so low at times, it would actually stall out. Might be worth checking into to at least rule it out.

Avionix · #8 (**permalink**) 10-01-2003, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Law

I didn't see this posted, so I will throw it out there. Did you check your PCV valve and air filter lately? My '94 Dodge had this same problem, it had low miles, but the PCV was plugged up with oil and the air filter was dirty. My idle was so low at times, it would actually stall out. Might be worth checking into to at least rule it out.

Hadn't thought of that...for the reason that I'm not familiar with it. I do a lot of stuff to this truck, but I'm not ASE or anything so I'm still new to somethings. If you could, tell me, what and where that is, I'd check it out. It's not cables, or plugs, those are all new almost. Something's up with the way it sucks down air so...a PCV Valve sounds like it could be in the mix...if I know where that was.

Thanks for the help!

-=A=-

Johnny Law · #9 (**permalink**) 10-01-2003, 05:51 PM

The PCV should be wrapped in a foamy type tape on the driver's side of the engine block. Its kinda black/gray stuff and you have to unwrap it carefully, but its there. Its on top of the valve cover and it goes into the throttle body right behind the butterfly. Once you expose it and pull it out of the valve cover, clean with some chem tool to get all the gunk out, or just buy a new one. Make sure you also check the air filter, and also the air filter intake to make sure there are no blockages. Hope that helps!

Avionix · #10 (**permalink**) 10-01-2003, 07:53 PM

Cool, thank you. Gonna go look into that right now.

-=A=-