2001 Toyota Avalon motor unintentional acceleration at stop sign?

Strange the dealer didn't find anything wrong, but it could be a few different items. Idler switch? Bad accelerator cable, or maybe your floor mat, shifting causing your pedal to engage? (I've seen this very rare)

If your cable, you may not see it due to it being housed, but it does connect to your throttle body and this you can visually see. Open the hood and follow it to your throttle housing, make sure nothing is blocking or interfering with the cable to the housing. One time this guy came in and I found a dead bird that was causing this under his hood.

I have an 03 Toyota Takoma that had a recall on it, for an acceleration issue. Not sure if your vehicle was in that recall, but you may want to check on it.

I can't think of any other issues at this time, but if I do I'll update.

--------------------------------------

Just a quick thought, I have seen mud wasp build nest on the throttle cable which could cause an issue. Look for these also.

-------------------------------------

I don't see a recall on your toyota. Contacted a friend of mine at a dealership here in town, and the only recalls known is for steering and frame structure.

Steering:

Avalon

STEERING

Recall number: 10V345000

Recall date: 07/29/2010

Frame structure:

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Recall number: 01V072000

Recall date: 03/05/2001

As for your issue, there are many complaints for the same thing happening to others, but there has not been a recall as of yet. There has been a recall on some newer models only. Why? I have no clue on why they would correct newer vehicles and not older one's. You would think with Toyota's safety standards they would recall any vehicle with their name on it. You can go to the Toyota site and put in your VIN to varify just in case something was missed. None of the complaints I saw showed a fix, but best guess is the speed sensor controller. It will be located on your transmission housing below the battery tray on top of the transmission.

If you decide to replace it you will need a socket set, and long extention. Disconnect the battery. Unplug the 3 wire connector at the sensor by lifting the locking tab and while pulling it up pull the connector out. Remove the 10mm bolt that retains the sensor. Twist the sensor while pulling it up and it will remove. To add the new sensor you will need to lubricate the O-ring on the sensor. Silicone grease is best to use. While pushing the sensor in twist it and it should fall into place. Line up the bolt hole and re-install the 10 mm bolt. The sensor should be flushly mounted to the transmission, not sticking up. Then re-connect the wire harness, you should hear it snap into place. Re-connect your battery, positive cable first, then negative. Then test drive the car to make sure the speedometer is working.

Now you do have speed sensors on the wheels of the car also. I would check these first. They will be near your brake rotors. If they are caked up with dust, dirt, and metal from your brakes, your main speed sensor on your transmission is getting false signals from them, which could be causing your issue. You will need to clean them off, and drive the vehicle to see if it still happens.

The only reason I can only think of it being a sensor, is your speed sensors are all connected to your computer. When you stop, the speed sensors on the wheels with the anti lock braking system tells the sensor on your transmission and your computer you are not moving and puts the engine at idle. When you step on the gas, the sensors will see the rotors moving and send a signal to the main sensor in the transmission to tell the computer to increase fuel and power to move the car. If they are faulty or dirty, they are not receiving a proper signal, which could be why your engine is rev'ing while at a stop.