Engine dies at 5 miles

[vacamryman]

The description is little long, please be patient. I am thankful and very much appreciate anyone's to this query.

The problem is with my 1999 Toyota Camry (Classic, 4 cylinders, automatic;92,000 miles). About 10 months ago, I noticed that the engine shakes mildly and then dies. Approximately 75% of the times this happens when the engine is cold (with in 5 min of starting, in the morning or afternoon after about 8 hour rest). The engine dies only when stopped or at less than 5 mile speed; never at high or cruising speeds. It re-starts, most of the times on first try. It may happen again one more time before 5 min, and then everything is fine.

Also, everything is fine, if there are no stops or low speeds in the first 5 min of starting the vehicle.

I made three separate service trips to the dealership. They could not diagnose anything! One time they cleaned the “intake valve”. I forget what I have paid. Two months ago, when the check engine sign was on, the service cost me $800 (oxygen sensor replacement).

At another garage, I had the following done/replaced. Spark plugs and cables, air filter, fuel filter as well as EGR valve. I added Techroline (or products like that) three times, used several tanks of Super Unleaded gasoline etc. The problem persists.

As an added ‘attraction’, in the last 3-4 weeks, the check engine sign comes on, stays for about a day or two and then goes off by itself!

While the car was in warranty (at about 20,000 miles), the timing belt failed and was replaced free. Could this be due to slack in the timing belt? Or aged belt?

Could it be a sludge problem?

The car may be worth about $4,000. I would like to keep it for about two years, if possible.

vacamryman

[Brian R.]

Welcome to the AF!

One thing you can do is live with this problem until it gets worse. Then you can effectively troubleshoot it and hopefully determine what part is out of specs.

Since you probably don't want to wait to troubleshoot this intermittent problem, about all you can do is replace parts (cheapest or most likely first) and see if it solves the problem.

First check and clean the all connections (both ends) between the ECM and the ignitor, and sensors (particularly, the crankshaft position sensor).

Check and clean all the connections on the distributor (if you have one).

Check and clean all the connections on the ignitor.

To clean, use a residue-free high-quality electronic connection cleaner.

You can try using the procedure outlined in:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=217128

for testing components, but your problem sounds like it is non-existant until it kills your car.

In replacing parts, the order I'd replace them is:

1. Crankshaft position sensor

2. ignitor

3. distributor housing assembly

4. ECM

I'm probably missing something, but that's all I can think of.

[Toysrme]

Since it ony happens idling, start with the IAC/ISC.
Next time you see the CEL, get the code read at an auto parts store, or find pins TE1 & E1 in the DLC1 connector.
(Ya, I never new OBD-II Toyota had TE1 & E1, but they do, I saw it on the schematic LoL! Just don't ask where that are hahahahaha)

[Daniel M. Dreifus]

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul....php?p=3383807

[Brian R.]

vacamryman said that the dealership already tried cleaning the "intake valve".

vacamryman: Get the codes from the ECM. They are still in there.