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2003 Toyota Highlander

Question: Sudden acceleration- engine revs up and down and won't idle

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KellyandBobby, 2.4L 4 Cylinder, Pikeville, NC, October 16, 2010, 16:25
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 Rookie

Please help:
My 2003 Highlander will be fine one day and bad another. I warm it up in the morning and it doesn't idle down...matter of fact it races higher and higher. Sometimes I tap the gas and it is ok. Sometimes I cut it off and try starting it again. The engine sometimes will rev up and down quickly until I cut it off, then when I go to turn it back on it will turn on but cut off immediately unless you give it gas. Help please. This problem has stranded me before. Also, when I am driving, it feels like it wants to accelerate when I am pressing the break to slow down...it is fighting me!

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  • Answer #1

    ZeeTech October 16, 2010, 16:47
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     Master

    Is the check engine light on?
    I'd check the throttle plate, it might needs to be cleaned. Make sure there are no disconnected or broken vacuum hoses.
    A good mechanic should be able to tell you more after he/she checks the live data.

    Zee

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    KellyandBobby, October 16, 2010, 17:06
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    The check engine light is not on. I think we are going to try and clean the idle control valve tomorrow. The problem is intermittent. Do you have any other ideas?

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    ZeeTech, October 16, 2010, 17:15
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     Master

    If you have a sticky throttle plate and it stays open a little, the idle control valve try to adjust - but it's going nuts to do so. I'd clean the throttle plate first, make sure it's not restricted, than go from there. Idle control valve could be the next step.
    Did you check all the vacuum hoses?

    Zee

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