Engine stall while driving

Tiny
JRWERNER70
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY
The car starts easily but will not stay running. When the gas pedal is released the engine dies. I opened the hood and checked for hoses that may have been vibrated loose or disconnected wiring but did not find anything. The entire time I was doing this I was keeping the engine running using the throttle cable in engine compartment. After a while (maybe allowing it to warm up or I luckily reconnected something), it stayed started, but the idle was very low (approx 600-800 rpm).

any ideas why all of a sudden it would not stay running?
Friday, October 24th, 2008 AT 11:56 AM

22 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
The idle speed motor in those is very sensitive to coking. You need to remove it and give it a real good cleaning with carb cleaner. It is on the bottom of thethrottle bore. Also clean out the throttle bore around the butterfly with carb cleaner and a rag, this will also help

This guide will help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

Please run down this guide and report back.

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Friday, October 24th, 2008 AT 5:17 PM
Tiny
AMSMOMRULZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY
Engine Performance problem
1997 Toyota Camry 4 cyl Automatic 219000 miles

My car stalls after I stop at a red light, and/or hesitates when I step on the gas to go. What causes this problem. In the morning I can drive 30 miles before the engine starts to hesitate. I have put Lucas fuel injector cleaner and had no problems until gas tank hit !/2 full mark. I don't know what the problem is.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
Hi there,

Thank you for the donation,

If this problem is only happening with 1/2 a tank of fuel or less, there may be a problem with the pick up, it may be starving for fuel, I would be getting a fuel flow & pressure test done with a full tank and 1/3 tank and see if there is a difference, there should not be any chance from a full tank, start here.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MIGUEL010103
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 196,456 MILES
My 1997 Toyota Camry is experiencing intermittent stalling. It doesn't die, but I can't get above 1500 rpm or above 30 mph. My gas pedal and steering wheel also stick when this happens. I can't turn the wheel, or press the gas pedal all the way down. My engine shakes after a few seconds of being started, which is when I experience the most trouble. I can change gears, and start the car without problems.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent it. Clean throttle plate on both sides with choke cleaner.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MIGUEL010103
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I got a code scan at my local auto zone. It reads, "code p0135 indicates a fault in bank 1, sensor 1 O2 Heater electrical circuit for a predetermined period of time."
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
That is the O2 sensor prior to the converter. It may be low fuel pressure as well.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MIGUEL010103
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
My car shakes when I put my foot on the brake, but when I put my foot on the gas it makes a small squeak then a rattling noise until I let off the gas pedal. Even with my foot on the gas I can't get any throttle.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KMBIESE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY
My 97 Camry has almost 200,000 miles on it. My dad and brother are both mechanics and completely overhauled the engine on it last year (all new seals, head gasket, spark plugs, etc.) Recently it started stalling or nearly stalling every time I come to a stop. It runs perfectly fine when I'm maintaining a steady speed, but as soon as I start to brake it starts to chug and, most often will completely die. Usually it starts right back up, but sometimes I have to let it sit for a while before it will start again. Sometimes when I put it in park it will start to "race", going over 2000 rpm, and when I try to put it in gear it automatically dies.
One garage told me I needed new spark plugs, pcv valve, and fuel system cleaning, all of which were done within the last year. The Toyota dealer told me the timing belt needs to be re-set (which was also replaced within the last year). Another mechanic cleaned off the throttle plates. Nothing has helped, and I am at a loss and tired of garages charging me hundreds of dollars to tell me what is not wrong with it. Any suggestions you can give me would be greatly appreciated!
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Check for vacuum leaks, especially in the boot between the MAF and the engine
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Have a local pro look at it then he can get a better idea than over the computer
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ROCK2001WWF
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
My corolla 1993 has almost the same problem as yours, my friend check the car, but nothing was found to be wrong.
I did my timing belt change in Toyota shop last year (2005, August) and my car has problem beginning january.
The engine shake and stall when I stop the car.
I think maybe the fuel filter is dirty(it only cost 22 dollars), but I don't know.
I want to ask you a couple question,
did you let toyota mechanic reset the timing belt?
If you did, is that help?

Is your car OK now? How you fix it?
Thank you.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MIGUEL010103
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Sounds good. Any recommended ways of finding one? Or should I just take it to a shop?
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DAYTON99
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have been having this same problem in my wifes 98 Camry. I put in a new fuel filter last month and it seemed fine after. Today it did it again in the middle of an intersection and wouldn't start back up. I pushed it to the side of road and got it started after 10 minutes. It isn't the fuel filter unfortunately and I am now in the same situation again. Did you end up figuring out what the issue was? Friends have recommended changing Fuel pressure regulator or the Camshaft and Crankshaft sensors but neither are a guarantee.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If you know of someone who has had decent dealing with a shop go there.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JOE V
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 186,000 MILES
I have a 1997 camry LE with 185000 MI. It recently began stalling and I dont know why. I cleaned the IAC, Throttle body, changed the fuel filter, checked for vacuum leaks and still stalls when it runs for a while. Every so often it boggs down when accelerating PLZ HELP. It is my 17 yr old son and I dont want him driving an unreliable car. I spent a $100 at Toyota and all they said it had nocodes and they didnt know what the prblem is.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Wow! That sounds like a great place to have a car fixed. First, make sure the IAC is working. I realize you cleaned it, but it may still be bad. Next, check fuel pump pressure. Based on the fact that you sometimes get a bog at take off leads me to question if it is producing enough pressure. One last thought, have you checked for vacuum leaks using carb cleaner and around the intake? Have you checked the timing belt?
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JOE V
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have sprayed startin fluidaround the whole engine and nothing happens. I have not done anything with the timing belt since I wouldnt think that would cause the car to stall(but what do I know) I will have someone look at that and also check fuel pressure. I am on my way to a mechanic and I will tell him to check what you suggested Thanks and I will let you know what if anything he found.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PROBLEMASCOMCARRO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,579 MILES
I have a 97 toyota camry that stalls when driving slow or at lights and stops. It usually starts well but sometimes I have to give it gas to keep it alive. Took it to 4 mechanics and they can't figure out what's wrong. Do you have any idea what could be the problem. Please help. Got the car a year ago for my daughter to drive to college and I think we going to lose it. Thanks.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Have the fuel pressure checked if okay-start checking the followiing items-inspect/test the PCV and EGR valves, idle air control valve, throttle position sensor, MAF-
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 10:27 AM (Merged)

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