Hard To Start

[bigdumper3]

iv just bought a 1998 avensis gs 1.8, it will turn over and start in morning but refuses to idle. is there a cold idle or automatic choke on this model, and how do i fix it.

[Konrad C]

This may be very late as I read that you may have left the forum.

If you have done the basics - plenty of fuel, check for leaking inlet pipes, then you need to do a diagnostics check.

Your car is the same as mine so you can try the self diagnostics, which means you can get code by using a paper clip to jump to terminals on your OBD socket. This socket is located in the fuse box by the drivers knee.

Pull the storage box down and remove you should see the fuses, and the white OBD socket (16 pins). Get an piece of wire or paperclip, and counting from the left, bridge pin 4 on the upper row and pin 5(13) on the lower row.

Turn the ignition key on but do not start the car. 3 dash board indicators will flash. They are the EML, ABS and the SRS.

The EML is the one you should look at, the one with the orange picture of the engine.

If this flashes a short sequence of flashes the pauses then repeats the sequence, you have a fault number!

If the sequence is 1 flash followed by 2 flashes then a long pause, you have crankshaft position censor or ECU fault.

code 12 & 13 are RPM signal - crankshaft position circuits, ECU & wiring and connectors.

code 21 - O2 sensor - make sure connection are good.

code 22 - coolant temperature signal

code 24 - air intake temperature signal

code 25 - lean error

code 31 - vacuum signal sensor

code 33 - Idle Speed Control Valve

These are the relevant ones to look for.

Make sure the fuel filter is not blocked or dirty.

Do you hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key? Could be fuel pump failure.

Sorry for the lateness of the reply - better late than never.

Bigdumper3, if you do read this, remember to search the forum, be patient as not everybody reads the forums all the time (holidays etc), and if anybody is being negative towards you, ignore them. The forum is about caring and sharing.

I hope this helps others too.

[igormus]

iv just bought a 1998 avensis gs 1.8, it will turn over and start in morning but refuses to idle. is there a cold idle or automatic choke on this model, and how do i fix it.

HI MATE

check with MAF; clan throttle and sparks.

the issue must be there

cheers/Igor