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Low idle and lack of power, possible faulty purge valve?

Tiny
JONNYHILL
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
My vehicle has been slightly underpowered lately. I noticed the air filter was nasty so I replaced it, and I also cleaned the MAF sensor and cleaned the throttle body. It seemed okay for a day but then the low idle and lack of power returned. I can hear what sounds like a vacuum leak now. I checked as many lines as I could find and all seem fine. But the two lines that connect to the purge valve are vibrating pretty roughly and none of the other lines are. Even as you trace the hoses from the vent to where they connect, the further from the vent you go, the less you feel the vibration. Is this normal or is the valve faulty? I don't have any meters or anything like that to test the valve so I was wondering if the excessive vibration was a sign it was no good. Thanks!
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Monday, March 1st, 2021 AT 11:32 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
JONNYHILL
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
This is a picture of the valve. I read that I can disconnect the power to it, and take one of the hoses off and check for vacuum. If I feel any then it's supposedly no good but I'm not sure if that's an accurate test or which line to disconnect and check. Thanks.
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Monday, March 1st, 2021 AT 11:54 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

If you remove one hose, the other shouldn't allow a vacuum to be drawn into it with the electrical connection disconnected. If you run battery voltage through the valve, then you should have vacuum through the opposite port. I'm not to sure if what you read is accurate.

Do me a favor. Here are directions from the manual for testing it. Take a look through them and let me know if it is something you are comfortable doing. The pics below correlate with the directions.

________________________________

2012 Toyota Truck Highlander 4WD V6-3.5L (2GR-FE)
Purge Valve - Inspection [08/2011 - ]
Vehicle Powertrain Management Emission Control Systems Evaporative Emissions System Canister Purge Solenoid Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics Purge Valve - Inspection [08/2011 - ]
PURGE VALVE - INSPECTION [08/2011 - ]
2GR-FE EMISSION CONTROL: PURGE VALVE: INSPECTION; 2012 MY Highlander [08/2011 - ]
INSPECT PURGE VSV
Check the VSV for an open circuit.
Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between the terminals.

Pic 1
Standard resistance:

pic 2

If the result is not as specified, replace the VSV.
Check operation of the VSV.
Check that air does not flow from the F port as shown in the illustration.

Pic 3

If the result is not as specified, replace the VSV.
Apply battery positive voltage across the terminals.

Pic 4

Check that air flows from the F port as shown in the illustration.

If the result is not as specified, replace the VSV.

_______________________

Let me know what you find. Also, VSV stands for vacuum switching valve. It's the purge valve.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 3:43 PM
Tiny
JONNYHILL
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I don't have an ohm meter or anything of the sort. I've been chatting with a mechanic who suggested that I remove the vacuum line from the purge valve to the manifold and then block off the line. He said if my RPM improved, then the purge valve was faulty. I tried this and the RPM did improve. I should be getting a new purge valve tomorrow via FedEx and I'm just going to swap them out. The vacuum leak definitely seems to be coming from the purge valve. The pulsating occurs at the valve, but the pulsating is less noticeable as you trace the hoses away from the valve. The valve itself isn't vibrating or shaking but you can feel the hoses pulse pretty noticeably. And also when I disconnect the purge valve vacuum line to the manifold, the vacuum leak sound goes away. The vacuum leak sounded like a "puff puff puff" sound. As soon as I took the purge valve line off the intake manifold, the noise went away. This is pretty much the only testing and observations I have. That and my MPGs went from 18.6 to 17.3. Thanks!
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 3:56 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

I understand. It does sound bad. I don't know if you want them, but here are the directions for removal and replacement. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

_________________________

2012 Toyota Truck Highlander 2WD V6-3.5L (2GR-FE)
Purge Valve - Removal [08/2011 - ]
Vehicle Powertrain Management Emission Control Systems Evaporative Emissions System Canister Purge Solenoid Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Purge Valve - Removal [08/2011 - ]
PURGE VALVE - REMOVAL [08/2011 - ]
2GR-FE EMISSION CONTROL: PURGE VALVE: REMOVAL; 2012 MY Highlander [08/2011 - ]
REMOVE V-BANK COVER SUB-ASSEMBLY [ 2GR-FE ENGINE MECHANICAL: ENGINE ASSEMBLY: REMOVAL+ ]
REMOVE PURGE VSV
Disconnect the 2 vacuum hoses and purge VSV connector.

Pic 1

Disconnect the wire harness clamp.
Remove the bolt and purge VSV.

Pic 2

______________________

Install

Purge Valve - Installation [08/2011 - ]
Vehicle Powertrain Management Emission Control Systems Evaporative Emissions System Canister Purge Solenoid Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Purge Valve - Installation [08/2011 - ]
PURGE VALVE - INSTALLATION [08/2011 - ]
2GR-FE EMISSION CONTROL: PURGE VALVE: INSTALLATION; 2012 MY Highlander [08/2011 - ]
INSTALL PURGE VSV
Install the purge VSV with the bolt.

Pic 3

Torque : 10 Nm (102 kgf-cm, 7 ft-lbf)

Connect the wire harness clamp.

Pic 4

Connect the 2 vacuum hoses and purge VSV connector.
INSTALL V-BANK COVER SUB-ASSEMBLY [ 2GR-FE ENGINE MECHANICAL: ENGINE ASSEMBLY: INSTALLATION+ ]

_______________________________

I hope this helps. Let me know if it takes care of the problem.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 AT 3:47 PM
Tiny
JONNYHILL
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Hi there! I did end up changing the purge valve. It was very easy and the vacuum leak sound I was hearing has gone away and the pulsating vibration from the hoses at the valve has gone away. So I think the vacuum leak issue is resolved. It still seems slightly underpowered though, but I have new spark plugs on the way, so at 140,000 miles, I'm sure it won't hurt to replace them. I'll keep you posted if anything changes or I have any other questions!
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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for letting me know. I'm glad that it fixed for you. If the spark plugs in the vehicle are original, they are certainly due for replacement. LOL

I look forward to hearing if that helps.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 AT 5:17 PM
Tiny
JONNYHILL
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I do believe the plugs are original. I ordered a new set of Denso Iridium plugs. So hopefully I'll be able to have them swapped out soon. Thanks again and I'll keep you posted!
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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
JONNYHILL
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Good afternoon! I have a new set of plugs going in on Wednesday as well as intake manifold gaskets. I replaced the purge valve with a new one and it solved my vacuum leak. In the process I noticed that the housing for the air control valve was broken and as a result, it sits very loosely in the air intake. I've ordered a new one and look to replace it soon. I was hoping you could send me directions on how to change it. Most of it is straightforward but I want to make sure I undo the clip inside properly. I'll send a picture of the part I'm replacing and show you the clip I'm talking about. Thanks!
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Sunday, March 7th, 2021 AT 12:17 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

I have to ask you to repost this new question. I will be happy to help. Please understand, we try to keep the threads specific to one topic. That is why I am asking.

Simply copy and paste your questions.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

I hope you understand. Also, is the pic part of the air intake tube between the air filter and throttle body? Let us know if that is the mass air flow sensor.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, March 7th, 2021 AT 6:15 PM

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