I have a 89 runner 3vze. When I am coming to a stop the idle stays high. If I press and release the throttle quickly it will go down to normal rpm idle. It's happening all the time. It even makes the idle surge sometimes too. Anyone have advice? The rpm usually goes down to 1500 then after a quick push it goes to 800.

 

I'm going to guess something is sticking in all the parts that connect to the throttle plate (throttle cable, TPS, vacuum pull-off, A/T cable, cruise control, idle damper, etc.). So come to a stop in your driveway, open the hood, and "flip" the throttle to see what moves and what doesn't.

 

Dirty throttle body, throttle plate gets stuck due to PCV gunk, or could be a sticky cable. These are easy to check just get in there and look. Cable should have just a touch of slack, throttle plate should close reliably

 

I have been noticing that sometimes when I press the pedal for the first time in the morning it's tough like its stuck. I cleaned inside the intake big time to make sure it wasn't the problem. It still sticks a little somewhere though

 

Is there any kind of lubricant I should try spraying

 

Silicone spray lube is available at the local parts store, big box store, craft and hobby shops ect..

It'll be a bear to lube the cable while it's mounted but you should be able to get it done if you're persistent. Lube will only buy you time if it's damaged, eg not just dirty and dry.

For the throttle body, meh lube of your choice. might as well just use a drop of engine oil since the PCV will get it there eventually. Of course you don't want it dripping wet just a couple drops will do, you just don't want it totally dry.

 

I wouldn't use lube on the throttle body, at least on the outside where your problem is most likely to be found. That's a dusty environment and I would worry that dust+oil=sticky gunk.

If you think the throttle cable is sticking, then it probably is. Put your head under the hood and take a look (you can even disconnect the cable at the throttle body and move it by hand. Then move the throttle plate and stuff with the cable disconnected.)

 

I've used basic, general purpose oil in my throttle body (after a thorough cleaning) and have not had any issues with buildup.

Now with the throttle cable I have had issues. I tried using a liquid based lubricant which quickly turned to mud and made things worse. I sprayed out the cable housing with carb cleaner until it came out the other side clean. I then lubed the cable with white lithium grease (also trimmed any imperfections on the cable to make sure it was smooth) and put extra at the ends to inhibit dust from entering. No issues since then.

 

Same problem on my 1990 and but sticky throtle is not the case. My case is a slight timing issue enwich can be taken care of with a tune up and rotate the distributor the slightest little bit and if the doesnt solve it check the timing and do a timeing adjustment.

 

Really? So when you'd come to a stop it would idle higher, then if you pushed the pedal quickly it would go back to normal idle?

 

Yeah i've talked to a lot of my friends that are mechanic they told me its a timing issue and they told me to alightly turn the distributor and replace a the cap and new spark plug wires. Check the timing your timing. If you are able to do it then take it to the shop they can do it there. I got like 10 people I know that work on cars for a living. I try to call them befor I have to go to the shop.

 

Something like a loose rotor I can see doing funny things when you alter it's enertia, I guess. Should pick that up in a visual inspection, it'll have a sloppy fit and wear marks.

 

I have alil problem with my 90 yota I got done wheelin the other day and I started to drive home. the truck start acting like it was starving for fuel. Then it would get fuel and almost throw me in to the steering wheel. It would sputter almot to staling then fire. Then repeat. Shut truck down start back up and itd be fine for abit. Any ideas?

 

I've replaced the cap and rotor and wires recently. I'm not experienced with changing timing. I'll search and see what I can learn. Is it a matter of just rotating the cap?

 

You need a timing light, a paper clip and a wench. Maybe a rag to wipe off the markings and piece of chalk or paint pen to make the timing mark on the pulley more visible.

Don't forget to check the idle before and after, for that you need a tachometer, and you might have to go back and forth between idle and timing adjustments. Don't get too hung up on the back and forth bit, one or twice is plenty, you could do that all day long damn near.

What you don't like DIY sand paper Most(all?) of that is bronze which is semi self lubing.. Uhmm waterborne graphite(aka key cylinder) lube maybe? for the non TPS side of course

 

I changed the rotor and distributor and wires and my idle issue is gone my rotor was burt up a good bit and making good points of contact

 

Bad points of conbection lack of sleep not a good thing

 

Ah! That's what I've been missing! I've got the timing light and paper clip ....

 

Yeah what I changed the rotor the idel went to normal. I took one look at my noticed it had wear on it replaced it problem solved.

 

I guess I can change the rotor out. If that doesn't work then I can scratch that off the list