1985 Van. Hard to start, rough idle when cold.

[RustyDuHusky]

I have a 1985 VanWagon LE with EFI, for the past 3 years it’s been running like junk when it’s cold, it doesn’t cold start and stutters when idling, the only way i can fix it is if i turn it off and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, then it runs perfect, does anybody at least have a clue on what’s going on???? This is pretty much my grocery getter and i finally wanna point this issue out and get it resolved.

i may not be the best at explaining it so if anyone needs, i have a video of the issue.


and please keep in mind this is my first time posting, i don’t know much about this website and I’m open to learn more about it.

edit: may as well leave a link to the video.
https://youtube.com/shorts/LJjZfFGlkLA?si=CBlVhaZaYzeSyhiu

[Ian R.]

Does it run fine once it is warm? Maybe try to rule out a leaky cold start injector. Can you disconnect the cold start injection harness plug for the cold start injector easily? Mine van has a aftermarket push button for the cold start injector. If I press the button when it is running it will kill the motor. A shot in the dark, but a place to start.

[RustyDuHusky]

For it to go away, you have to shut it off after warming it up, let it sit for a few, and it’ll start and run like nothings wrong, my speculation is that there’s some sensor in the engine bay that’s having some sort of issue, rather than an injector or whatever else could be.

[Ian R.]

Have you tried pulling the the diagnostic codes? Here is a helpful link to doing it if it is new to you. https://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/content.php?195-Diagnostic-Codes-for-Toyota-Vanwagons-all-years

Also helpful is the trouble shooting sections of the service manual. Here is a link to an 87 manual you can download. There are going to be differences between yours and the 87, but it would be helpful. There could be a number of different things causing your issue so the TS sections (EFI chapter) can help narrow down the issue. Especially if you suspect a sensor, vsv etc. also check other sections TS sections of the different related chapters. https://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/showthread.php?4091-Van-Repair-Manual.

If you can come back with codes, others on the site might be more informed/inclined to help.

ian