My car turns off by itself!

[krzyray]

This problem just started happening couple days ago

I have a 2002 i4 Auto with a little over 32k miles on it. I change synthetic oil every 3-4k, changed spark plugs, coolant flush, transmission flush, and fuel filter change at 30k.

For some reason when I start the car in the morning (after it has not been driven for 10 hours), the whole engine bay starts vibrating violently, and then the car shuts off and the engine light goes on. To get the car running, I have to gas it a lot and start driving it, otherwise it will turn off (like when I come to a stoplight to stop, my car turns off).

This same thing happened right after I changed the fuel filter, but it was ok after driving it around a little bit.

The weird thing is after driving on the freeway for 30 minutes, and I come to a complete stop, my car is fine. But then the whole problem starts again the next day and again etc.

I drive my car pretty hard, and drive in the dirt for fun sometimes - not sure if these have anything to do with it.

Anybody have any idea what is going on? Is the engine not getting enough fuel?

thanx

[Jaimster]

Why are you changing your spark plugs at 32k?

[onefiend]

Are you suppose to change your fuel filter at 30k miles? I remember someone saying it was every 100k miles?

Did you use the same oem filter that came with your Solara or is it an aftermarket brand?

[Mole]

what about your air filter? if you say you go into dirt sometimes it may be clogging your air supply to the car.

[Yanks0114]

Yeah, something doesn't add up.

Fuel filter doesn't need to be done until ATLEAST 60-75k miles.

Plugs are good for atleast 60K miles.

Take it to toyota, its still under warranty

[krzyray]

In the Haynes Repair Manual, it says to change fuel filter and spark plugs at 30k so that's why I did it. Better safe than sorry I guess.

I used Purolator brand fuel filter.

I started my car the other day and it was fine. The only thing that is different is the time of day I started it up (in the afternoon). And this problem was happening in the cold mornings. I'll try it early Monday morning and see if it occurs again.

If it does, I'll try cleaning the air filter, and if that doesn't work, I guess I'll have to take it to Toyota.

[krzyray]

Ok I tried to start my car up later today, and still having the same problem.

I have posted a couple videos on the engine dying and the weird idling.

http://www.csupomona.edu/~rjkrzystofia/ ... ne_die.avi

http://www.csupomona.edu/~rjkrzystofia/ ... _weird.avi

I also found my air box to be semi-cracked, not sure if that has anything to do with it. I also think that in cold weather, the car is more prone to not starting up correctly.

I will be taking it to dealer later this week, I hope they don't deny my warranty because I had an accident in this car before.

Let me know what you guys think of the videos. thanx

[Jackass-Jeff]

THe air box may have something to do w/ it!!

In my old car, there was a VERY SMALL hole in the intake manifold "hose" (just after the airbox) and my car would idle weird and die randomly. As soon as I replaced the intake hose, everything returned to normal.

Another possibility is retarded timing. IazuncupidI had that problem on his 02 i-4 also. The dealer corrected the timing and sent him on his way.

[indiglosolara]

I would try to replace the fuel filter you just put in. From what i have heard the brand of filter your using is not so good. Its one of those cheap filters made in korea/china. Then bring it to the dealer to check the filter box and have them check your timing. I had this problem at about 16K or so but it didn't die randomly more like when i would start and stop the car a couple of times. The dealer should take care of it since your under the 36K warranty. I have 32 K miles now on mine and i have some minor problems im bring to the dealer to take care of..

I would make sure that your transmission fuild is on top noch also. I have had some problems with Tran fuild. And tranny not shifting correctly at times.

Kenny

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

Not sure....but it could be carbon buildup in the head???

[EricSol]

Its probably a intake leak, when the car heats up it expandes and closes the leak.

[SKYravefever]

What's the username and password to access the clips?

[krzyray]

What's the username and password to access the clips?

I no longer have access to my account there. But, basically all I had to do was clean the throtte body with some carb cleaner. After I did this, I got no more weird idling. Check this link on how to clean your throttle body: http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenan ... ttle_body/

[DDH1313]

I agree with EricSol in that it could be an intake leak. Also, it is my understanding that the engine should have some sort of cold start mechanism to hold up the RPM during cold starts to prevent it from stalling. To the same end, I have also heard that this is designed for catalytic converter "light-off", which would have nothing to do with stalling. You could try to cover over the crack in the airbox with duct tape and see if it makes a difference to test the first theory.

[krzyray]

I agree with EricSol in that it could be an intake leak. Also, it is my understanding that the engine should have some sort of cold start mechanism to hold up the RPM during cold starts to prevent it from stalling. To the same end, I have also heard that this is designed for catalytic converter "light-off", which would have nothing to do with stalling. You could try to cover over the crack in the airbox with duct tape and see if it makes a difference to test the first theory.

My post above explains that all I had to do was clean my throttle body and that solved the problem! http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenan ... ttle_body/