2002 T4R - Engine Cuts Out While Driving

[Saeborne]

Hi all,

I have a 2002 Toyota 4 runner. 130K miles. Original owner. It has been a very reliable car.

This happened twice on Friday. While driving, the engine stops running. I shifted into neutral, turn the key, and the engine starts right up again.

• There is no Check Engine Light Illuminated.
• Gas tank was nearly full.
• Occured while driving slowly in city traffic.
• The second time, it occurred at the bottom of a hill, while I was NOT pressing the accelerator pedal.
• Has not occurred since Friday.

I took the car to a mechanic whom I trust. He plugged in his computer and could not find any error codes. He said this was a "mystery problem." Could be the fuel pump. Could be the computer. Could be four or five other things that he listed. Instead of randomly replacing parts, he recommended I keep driving until I see a check engine light, so we can accurately diagnose the problem. Like I said, he's a good guy.

He suggested I use a fuel injector cleaner, which I plan to use on the next gas refill.

Would appreciate a point in the right direction from those who know this car so well.

Thanks in advance!

 

[gamefreakgc]

1-2 fuel injector cleaners certainly cannot hurt.

Is it mostly dying when the truck is idling, or the RPM's are very low? If yes, it could be either a dirty MAF that needs to be cleaned (search for photos on how to) or a dirty IAC - Idle Air Control valve that is blocking airflow to the engine at idle and needs to be cleaned. Both of these can be done without replacing any parts.

 

[marthe4runnerguy]

I recently had a similar problem, no idle issues just a sudden engine cut off while not pressing on the gas going down a hill on the highway.. Didn't do it for about 1 month and then i finally got a code for a bad tps sensor they're about $50 OEM on ebay or amazon.. not sure if that's the case with you though


99 4runner sr5 251k miles

 

[Saeborne]

1-2 fuel injector cleaners certainly cannot hurt.

Is it mostly dying when the truck is idling, or the RPM's are very low? If yes, it could be either a dirty MAF that needs to be cleaned (search for photos on how to) or a dirty IAC - Idle Air Control valve that is blocking airflow to the engine at idle and needs to be cleaned. Both of these can be done without replacing any parts.

Yes, when it dies, the engine is idling and RPMs are low. At the risk of showing my ignorance, what does MAF stand for?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Saeborne]

I recently had a similar problem, no idle issues just a sudden engine cut off while not pressing on the gas going down a hill on the highway.. Didn't do it for about 1 month and then i finally got a code for a bad tps sensor they're about $50 OEM on ebay or amazon.. not sure if that's the case with you though


99 4runner sr5 251k miles

Thanks for your input. What is does TPS stand for?

We're supposed to use the new coversheets on the TPS reports, right?

 

[yella]

Thanks for your input. What is does TPS stand for?



We're supposed to use the new coversheets on the TPS reports, right?

Mmmmmmmm k


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[curryT4R]

Thanks for your input. What is does TPS stand for?

We're supposed to use the new coversheets on the TPS reports, right?

nice quote haha.

MAF is Mass Air Flow sensor.
TPS is Throttle Position Sensor.

Like stated before, check for dirty MAF, IAC (idle air control valve), and throttle body.

Also check something simple like the alternator, make sure it is charging the battery while the engine is running.