Hi Scotty,
I'm a huge fan and want to thank you for sharing your mechanical expertise and knowledge.
I have a 1999 Camry LE 4-cylinder automatic transmission.. the RPM needle had been going up and down... I was planning to spray throttle body cleaner in the throttle body but died when I placed car in reverse in my driveway.
Therefore I decided to spray cleaner in my throttle body but didn't have any throttle body cleaner, only air mass sensor cleaner. I used that but that didn't make any difference.. when I turn the key I could only hear engine crank. I went to the store and bought throttle body cleaner and sprayed into the hole where it drains to the idle air control (IAC) valve but still nothing changed.
Thinking I messed up the throttle body and IAC I decided to replace both (throttle body and IAC) thinking it was the problem (included throttle position sensor, and IAC valve).. I took out the throttle body from my engine bay and was trying to remove the IAC valve but screws were baked in for 21 years so when I tried to use the screwdriver.. the screw head stripped.. therefore was not able to disassemble IAC to clean.. therefore bought whole used set for cheap on ebay.
When I tried to turn on the engine the engine would crank but not turn over.. even if I pushed the accelerator gas pedal it made no difference.. so I replaced spark plugs, engine coolant temperature sensor.. still wouldn't start.. so I sprayed throttle body cleaner by aiming it in the hole where it drains to the IAC. everytime I sprayed, the engine would start while the key is turned but quickly die as soon as I let go of the key but again that's only if I spray throttle body cleaner...... No check engine lights codes.
So I plan to replace EGR valve and see if that fixes it.. if that doesn't fix it I plan to change fuel filter (never replaced it)... Do you have any suggestions of what the problem can be? I changed the fuel pump 6 or 7 years ago... So don't think that's the problem.
It's a 21 year old car but I love it and if possible would love to continue driving it...
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
- Thank you kindly!
Replacing parts without a correct diagnosis is a good way to waste money.
Start by watching Scotty’s video on how to fix a car that cranks but won’t start.
It could be because you’re not getting any fuel, or because you’re not getting any spark. Watch the video, it’ll take you through all the steps needed to fix your problem.
