Scotty,
I have a 2003 RAV4, 121K miles, 4wd, 2.0L, Automatic Transmission. Whenever the car is on idle the rpms inconsistently start dropping down to about 200 rpms, then jump back up to about 700rpms. This issue is present when in reverse, park, or 1st gear and it seems like a loss in power. Once I give the car some gas, I don't see an issue. Cruising down the road does not seem like an issue. It can either do this action many times a minute, or just a few. I have replaced my sparkplugs, intake air filter, and battery. I also cleaned up the throttle body as well. I did get the car to give me a code once for a misfire on cylinder 3 while in park after I gave it a little gas. Folks are saying that I should replace or clean the idle air control valve. I have a friend with a 2003 RAV4 and is having the same issue that has not been able to find the problem. Can you help me diagnosis the issue? Thanks!
A dirty or malfunctioning idle air control valve would give exactly these symptoms because it's function is to provide a steady flow of air at idle. That would be the logical next step.
Stop double posting please.
Check for a vacuum leak. If not that, look at live data from a scan tool and see if that helps pinpoint the problem.
So for an update. I replaced my idle control valve. It was indeed dirty on the outfeed, and I did see a difference in how severe the issue is. The problem is still present. 1 thing that I do see that helps is some complete fuel treatment. It usually does well for a few tanks of fuel before being noticeable once again. I used to get a misfire code in different cylinders prior to changing out the idle control valve. I don't see that now.
What do y'all think should be my next step?
Change your fuel filter.
Even though this happens only at lower rpms?
Ok, so I changed my fuel filter and I did not see a change in the problem.
If you give it some gas and it works fine, then either you might have vaccum leak or you might check the throttle body again. It might need to be cleaned/replaced.
