1997 4Runner randomly died after flooring it

[MarkBlack]

I have a 1997 4runner Automatic.

I was passing someone who was not going at a green light. I floored it! And when I came up to the turn at the light my car shut off, with no power steering it caught me off guard. Luckily my left hand on the wheel was strong enough to make the left turn. Now ill be driving with both hands on the wheel until I figure this out.

I am really stumped on how this happened. And I would really like to avoid this in the future.

Has this happened to anyone before?

 

[plcfcng]

Has the timing belt been serviced ? The things you need to start with is finding the system that has failed 1. Fuel 2. Timing 3. Compression Once you narrow down which system has failed then you can work on that system.:toilet:

 

[PNW RJ]

I have a 1997 4runner Automatic.

I was passing someone who was not going at a green light. I floored it!

So... the person stopped at the green light wasn't waiting for an emergency vehicle or someone running the red light. Nice!

Had you just restarted the truck after it being off for a short period?

 

[tylerbaird21]

When your car turned off, was there still power (i.e. battery charge)? A prior 4Runner and Jeep I've owned, the battery would slip (no proper mounts) and the car would shut off; fixed that immediately. The Jeep would shut off sometimes and we eventually learned a freeze plug went bad...when it finally went bad/died the car just immediately over heated on the road and shut off (fail safe).

Just a few small things/suggestions to potentially look for. I agree with potential fuel problem as well as compression. Maybe a good time to check you fuel filter, valve covers, etc. Good luck!

 

[MarkBlack]

So... the person stopped at the green light wasn't waiting for an emergency vehicle or someone running the red light. Nice!

Had you just restarted the truck after it being off for a short period?

No, they were on the phone, and even after a honk didn't move. And no I had been driving for about 15 minutes.

 

[MarkBlack]

When your car turned off, was there still power (i.e. battery charge)? A prior 4Runner and Jeep I've owned, the battery would slip (no proper mounts) and the car would shut off; fixed that immediately. The Jeep would shut off sometimes and we eventually learned a freeze plug went bad...when it finally went bad/died the car just immediately over heated on the road and shut off (fail safe).

Just a few small things/suggestions to potentially look for. I agree with potential fuel problem as well as compression. Maybe a good time to check you fuel filter, valve covers, etc. Good luck!

The car seemed to die after I let off the gas to coast into the turn. There was still battery power, the radio was on and working. I just had to throw it in neutral and restart it.

I've replaced the plugs (3 months ago), and fuel filter (3 weeks ago) and when I bought it I had it inspected and they said the value cover gaskets had recently been replaced. The car's temperature has never overheated for as long as I've had it.

 

[MarkBlack]

Has the timing belt been serviced ? The things you need to start with is finding the system that has failed 1. Fuel 2. Timing 3. Compression Once you narrow down which system has failed then you can work on that system.:toilet:

Thanks for the advice! Know I know what to ask for when I take it in. Ill have to take it to a shop to get the compression/timing checked out along with fuel pressure. The timing belt was serviced a while back but still seems good.

 

[Kirk D]

I had a similar experience with mine and ultimately came to the conclusion that it was a dirty MAF. Cleaned up and hasn't had an issue since. Worth trying given its easy and cheap to do.

 

[MarkBlack]

I had a similar experience with mine and ultimately came to the conclusion that it was a dirty MAF. Cleaned up and hasn't had an issue since. Worth trying given its easy and cheap to do.

Oh I didnt think of that. When I installed the K&N intake the MAF looked clean, but I bet its dirty. Looks are deceiving

 

[Kirk D]

Oh I didnt think of that. When I installed the K&N intake the MAF looked clean, but I bet its dirty. Looks are deceiving

Funny you say that, I had a K&N at the time too. Oil from the filter is what I think caused my problem. I’ve since gone back to a paper filter for now but am looking into a dry filter.

 

[spartacus]

Oh I didnt think of that. When I installed the K&N intake the MAF looked clean, but I bet its dirty. Looks are deceiving

Over oiled K&n filter will cause maf issues. Also a dirty IAC could be the cause also.