Hi!
My daughter has a '94 camry 4 cylinder. It has started idling slow when put in drive and makes a rattle/thump type sound during acceleration. Smoths out once speed is achieved. It also tries to die when you slow down/stop to turn.
Any ideas what to check?

 

Usually idle problems like you describe are dirty Idle Air Control (IAC) valve or leaking EGR valve, at least that's the cheap first try. You can clean both, just do a search as it's been discussed many times. The "rattle/thump" is not so clear. The rattle may be engine strain when put under load from very low idle, can't say for the thump. Both of the above can be DIY.

 

Thanks! We will check those two things.

The rattle/thump I was trying to describe is not as light-sounding as you might hear on a snare but not as deep as, say, a rapid beat on a deep drum.

After we get the IAC and EGR cleaned out, I will listen for the noise again and record it if I can and post.

Thanks!

 

still need help