I just added a second transmission cooler this morning. Took it for a test drive immediately after and it drove perfect. After its been sitting for a couple hours I start the engine and it dies in 1-2 seconds. I try giving it gas to try to keep it alive, but that makes no difference. It was just running fine before. Not sure what could have changed here.

I added two qts of tranny fluid, thinking there'd need to be more with the added line and cooler. That didn't seem to make a difference. Any help would be appreciated.

Anybody have an idea of whats going on here??

First, were your transmission temps getting hot enough to warrant the second cooler?
Second, I feel that the addition of the second cooler is unrelated to the issue. Are there any codes? When last were ignition parts, air and fuel sensors replaced, if at all?
Try using starting fluid to keep the engine running. If it stays running you have a fuel issue. Which could be anything from the MAF not opening the fuel circuit for fuel delivery, to fuel pressure itself. Also, check for any wires that are potentially shorting out anywhere near where you were just working when adding the cooler.

Yes, tranny temps with normal driving were getting higher than I'd like (~200). And 250 on hills.

I would think the install of the second cooler to be unrelated as well, but it was running perfect before the installation. Even immediately after, when I test drove it, it ran perfect. Now, a couple hours later, its acting up. I would think something changed and not for it to be complwtely coincidental. I just uninstalled the 2nd cooler and put everything back to how it was. Still same issue though...dies in seconds.

id say fuel pump or fuel related.

Do you have a way to pull the codes? Like with a scan gauge or Bluetooth adapter? I bet you have some pending error codes stored that will give you more specifics on what is wrong.

Sensors that I know that will cut out fuel are: Mass Air Flow, crankshaft sensor. But it's really just a guess unless you can check those codes.

P.S. check your dipstick, 2 quarts seems excessive for just a small cooler. Make sure you have not overfilled your transmission.

Check your fuses. Id say fuel issue aswell so check those fuses you could have popped something. Also check your maf plug to make sure its plugged in good. But you did say you drove it around also after the mod. Im sure its something stupid simple.

Yea, I have a scanguage and no code shows up. So strange...No pending error codes either. I drained out 2 quarts of the tranny fluid, and removed the 2nd external cooler, and put everything back as I had it before...Still the engine dies in 1-2 seconds. At this point, I just put the 2nd cooler back on again, and only added 1 quart back. My dipstick is extremely inaccurate, both hot and cold. The tranny fluid should be at normal levels now.

Yea, checked the maf and its fine. No codes being thrown. The fuses in the engine bay seem fine as well. It is so strange. I drove it for a good 10 minutes to get the fluid moving. Ran perfect. Hmm......

That is very odd... I'm at a loss here. Something must have just gave out right at the same time, there's no way adding a cooler would make the engine quit.

Battery terminals are on tight right? No loose grounds or anything like that?

Perhaps the IAC needs cleaning? Propper Throttle body adjustment (INCLUDING IAC) WITH PICS!

Yea, I gave the wirings a quick shake test and everything seems nice and tight. Thank you though, appreciate the help. Hmmm....I think I'm just about at plan Z here now and getting it towed to a nearby shop. I think I've exhausted every factor to my knowledge lol. Damn!

I will take a look. Hopefully thats the case. Thanks!

It could be, but doubt it would just all of a sudden quit entirely on him. Normally it's a slow process as contaminants build up over time, not an instant no-start. I suppose if he's got the time to check then why not.

Looks like a fuel issue. I think it's unrelated to your cooler install.


Pull a spark plug boot off, throw in a random spark plug and check for spark to confirm.

Idiot of the year award goes to......................Zachpins34
Turns out we need to put gas in our 4Runners to run.....Where's my trophy?
I even paid $70 for the tow truck, $99 for diagnosis, and $20 for gas. The shop only charged me half labor though instead of full...so -$50......Total dummy fee is $140 and a headache. LOL
Thanks for those that gave advice. @Konkordmusk , @jgue467 , @gamefreakgc , @shootmymime , @Brveagle @symlink

To give myself a little credit, the fuel gauges in our 4Runners are horribly inaccurate. I've always known they were notorious for being off, but the fuel light was on a couple days ago for like 5 min, then shut off.

Sorry I'm stupid. I feel sort of bad because it has been a long time since I've been on here, and I haven't really contributed much or gave advice. But I do appreciate everyone chiming in.

Haha. I did the same thing when I just bough a 79 Toyota pick up last winter. Was playing with it and couldn't get it to start after it died. No more fuel lol!!!! Cool dude!

Lol it happens! Glad you got it fixed and are back up in running. It probably wouldnt hurt to go ahead and run a fuel treatment through it now since it was run out of gas. I like to run the techron stuff ive heard good things about it. I hate when you just get done with a mod and it seems to mess more stuff up. Best of luck!