Toyota Repair: Toyota Camry 1998 stall/race on COLD start, toyota camry 1998, toyota camry

Question
Our 1998 Camry 6 cylinder SLE runs fine when warm BUT when cold starting (over night at 65 degrees) it either sputters and conks out unless applying pressure on the gas pedal OR races at about 1200-1400 rpm without any gas pedal pressure. Vehicle has 220K miles and has received the corresponding services with the exception of a new idle control valve which was recommended by the technician. Is there an alternative to the $460 tag to replace this valve?

Thank you for your help.

-Paul

Answer
Yes there is an alternative to replacement, it can be removed and cleaned by using some air intake spray cleaner and a brush, it's the black carbon deposits that cause the valve to stick, at the same time the throttle body and the therottle plate should also be cleaned, in almost all cases this fixes the problem for at least a couple of years and then it may have to be done again.