Random stall?

[K O]

Less than a mile from my house on the way to work this morning, my engine stalled, seemingly at random, about 80% of the way through a U-turn. The check engine light, A/T temp, and a couple other lights were on. The engine started back up with no hesitation when I pushed the start button again, and no lights remained on the dash. The 4Runner drove fine the rest of the way to the office, as per usual - what would cause it to randomly stall? It was about 70 degrees outside, and the engine temp was right where it normally is.

I called a stealership service department to find out if it's even worth bringing in to try and diagnose. I was told that unless the check engine light is still on, and they can't repeat the issue, they're unlikely to be able to determine the cause. Does that seem reasonable, or are they just lazy? I don't want to waste my time if they're not going to figure it out, but I also would like to know why the engine of a still pretty new $40k vehicle stalled.

My 4-year-old was in the back seat on her way to school and she asked me, "daddy, did you run out of gas?" No, that's never happened before, but at least she had a solution!

I have 17k miles and the only issues I've had with the 4Runner is a lack of lubrication on the steering column at the firewall and improper fitting of aftermarket accessories.

I searched the forum for similar issues, and came across a thread regarding throttle body issues and a related Toyota TSB. My vehicle does fall in the VIN range for it, however, I assume neither I nor the dealer will be able to prove that's the issue unless it's repeatable.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/110178-truck-died-side-road-6.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/115835-5th-gen-12-stalling-out.html

 

[Jtraskell]

If something that has a sensor or controlled by the on board computer failed, there will be a record of it and it is stored in your vehicles computer. I would go to the dealer, tell them what happened and request/demand they plug it in and search for codes. A stall like that, in traffic is a big time safety concern IMHO and I wold not risk my family because some "tech" say's a light still has to be on, BS. Also, bring that TSB with you . .....be safe.

 

[K O]

I think I figured it out. I had the hood open today and noticed my AFE cold air intake had ripped wide open. The coupler on the outside of the box was ripped in half. I'm surprised I didn't suck any dirt into the engine.

I would have assumed if the air intake was not properly installed that the vacuum hose would trigger the CEL.

That leads me to another question - did it stall because of the sudden pressure change (that assumes it ripped at the moment it stalled) or did I suck something into the air intake on the engine?

 

[adam2562]

i'd say that's when it happened... it had a big change in air pressure and amount of air and it's probably meant to cut off in case something did go wrong. after you started it again it had reprogrammed for the air and flow.

 

[GrantK]

I'd like to know what ripped up the coupler!!! I also have an aFe intake so this a concern to me as well.

 

[oriojasjr]

Yes, I am reviving a very aged thread, however, I purchased a used 2011 4Runner back in 2013 (now at 69k miles), and had an AFE intake installed. I just had to make a u-turn home as the vehicle stalled out on me TWICE in route to work. It started right back up on both times, but both stalls occurred at stop signs, so I was fortunate that I'd not already gotten on the highway- Houston traffic is infamous and horrendous! So of course, I have to logon to T4R.org to see who else has had this issue, and was thankful to come across this thread.

Anyhow, I am waiting for the stealership to open, but I haven't gone out there to check under the hood. I will do so now and report back on my findings, but I DID want to ask @KO if the coupler resolved the issue (if, of course, KO is still around).

Thanks, all!

 

[oriojasjr]

Have been running it for last hour- turning on and off, driving around the block---- no issues. WTH?!?!? Well it looks like this happens with these with no conclusions, not a great sign. I've owned THREE 4Runners prior and never had this happen.

I guess we just wait until something totally dies out???

 

[ic0517]

Probably doesn't apply to the recent poster, but one day I hooked up a OBDII reader to my 4Runner, it had a code, then later on the CEL came on.

 

[K O]

The coupler ripped because the AFE box is poorly designed. I replaced the coupler twice before throwing in the towel. I also had numerous problems with the seams opening up and letting air in around the intake. There's too much tension on the connections and the box isn't a perfect match for the vehicle. I went round and round with AFE about how to fix their intake over the phone, but honestly I don't think they care. I gave up on even trying to get a refund, but I think I'm still a little bit bitter about it. I ultimately threw mine away after buying the Toyota TRD intake box. Installation of the TRD intake box was a breeze. It's a significantly better design, much sturdier, and actually fits properly. I went from having problems every 2 months to never having a problem again. Even more importantly, it mates well with my snorkel.

 

[rnb754]

I would say it could be the camshaft and/or crankshaft sensor. It is a magnetized sensor so when the sensors get week, it will cause the car to shut off because those sensors control the fuel and the spark of the engine. The camshaft and crankshaft sensor will not grow an engine code if it is faulty.