Yesterday our 2000 ES300 suddenly started stalling after startup and would not idle. I could keep it running with my foot on the accelerator though. I started my Internet research and came to the conclusion it was the IACV. I usually try to do my own maintenance to save money and frankly most times I think I do a better job. But I didn't really have time to dive into this project and tried a quick fix I saw on a YouTube where you just remove the air inlet hose from the throttle body to expose the small opening in the bottom of the inlet that leads to the IACV. You spray some carb cleaner down this opening and on the video, it fixed the problem right away. As much as I didn't want to try this quick and dirty approach, I did and it did not work.
I am normally reluctant to try removing assemblies with many screws, nuts and connectors in hard to reach places because I know at some point I'll reach one that is impossible to disconnect. Based on GSSilverSport's post, I decided to give it a try. Even while using well fitting Phillips heads and exerting a huge amount of downward force on the screw head and also using penetrating oil, I still managed to strip 2 screw heads. I ended up having to cut a large horizontal slot across the top of the screw head with my Dremel tool, then use a large standard screwdriver to break it loose.
Anyway, I found the valve to be dirty and difficult to turn. After cleaning with carb cleaner it turned very easily. Reassembly was very easy and upon startup, the problem was gone. Excellent post! Much thanks to GSSS. My only advice is to have a backup plan if you strip some screw heads.
