2001 Sienna cutting out

foxfire · #1 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 10:15 AM

Hello all, Just joined the group last night. I have a 2001 Sienna LE for three years now and have had no major problems and enjoy the smooth ride. I did develop one problem this past Wednesday morning that maybe someone could advise on: the previous evening, I parked it on a slight slope, facing downward and the next morning apparently the auto choke didn't "catch" or something so it didn't start immediately. I depressed the accelerator pedal and tried again and it started but the auto choke didn't activate so I had to keep the gas pedal depressed when stopping to keep the idle rpm up to not stall. This happened once before but cured itself after driving to work. This time it didn't clear up and I have to keep the gas pedal down slightly when stopping so it won't stall, for three days now. While surfing the net, I found that possibly it might be the "idle air control valve" sticking and can be cleaned, even without removing it? I am no real mechanic but if it were easy clean (if this is the problem) it would "save a trip" to the shop and not lose a day's work. Any suggestions? And it's good to be a part of the discussion group!

bondstreet · #2 (**permalink**) 07-31-2007, 07:36 PM

My 2000 was doing the same thing. I changed the air cleaner and noticed a leaf in the air box. I removed leaf and problem remained. I changed the oil next. Had AMSoil, replaced with same. No change. We took it to the dealer and they couldn't replicate the problem. Out of desperation, I put some Lucas injector cleaner in and the problem went away.

bill_in_sd · #3 (**permalink**) 09-28-2007, 03:27 PM

If your dealer cannot recognize a bad IACV, find a new dealer fast! This has been an issue with the Toyota V6 for a number of years, across a few product lines.

Your symptoms will only get worse, and at times you think it is the choke (which the IACV assists) because you will be able to start it and keep in running if your foot is pressing on the accelerator to keep it up to about 3000 rpms.

I had the same issue on my 2003 at 65k miles - I replaced the IACV, which is located under the throttle body. You *can* clean it, but to do a real good job it needs to be removed. Now I have a spare that is clean and ready to go in when it happens again. I have pics I can hyperlink to if anyone with an 03 and above are interested. (The previous models have a different throttle body, similar, but different)

The longer this goes on, the more risks you take since the small electric motor that drives the valve will burn out trying to open the valve. Clean it before that happens....

Everything else about my car has been great, this will not stop me from buying another Toyota.