Engine shuts off after a few minutes

BLPRINCE

MEMBER
2000 TOYOTA SIENNA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
92,000 MILES

I was gifted this van. It sat in my friend's garage for 6 years after her mother passed away. She said it was in pretty good shape but needed a new fuel pump. We replaced the fuel pump and had no problems starting the vehicle. It ran okay for a short period of time except for a weird grinding sound. However, the van's engine shut off every time the A/C was turned on. After a bit of research we replaced the mass air flow sensor. Now the van will start okay, but the engine shuts off after a few minutes, and it makes that odd grinding sound, sorta like a fan dragging, upon start up. I can't afford to take it to a garage, and we are stumped. I would really appreciate an opinion from someone experienced in Toyota repair. Thanks!

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
12,998 POSTS

Your description sounds like the AC compressor has either a failed bearing in the clutch or the compressor itself has failed. That would give a grinding noise as well as cause the engine to shut down when it was turned on. Not unusual for that to happen with the van setting that long. To check if that is the issue you can remove the drive belt for the alternator and AC and start the engine. You will set a code as well as see the light come on for the loss of the generator but it won't hurt the engine to run it that way for a bit, If the noise is gone it is likely a bad compressor. I would also check the alternator as setting that long it's bearings may have rusted some as well. For that you just spin it with the belt off, if it spins nice and free and quiet it may be fine. Do the same with the AC clutch.
As for a repair, the AC clutch bearing can be replaced without recovering the system but finding the correct bearing may take a bit. However if the compressor itself is bad you may want to disconnect the clutch wiring until you have the time and money to replace it. They used the compressor as the belt tensioner on those so you cannot just remove it and use a shorter belt but disconnecting the wiring so it doesn't turn on and using it just as an idler pulley would work.
A kit with the compressor and other pieces required to replace it runs about $300.00 plus recovering the charge, flushing the system, replacing the pieces and recharging the system would likely total about $500.00 all in.

With the belt off you can also see if it runs longer and doesn't shut off. I would also expect to replace the battery if it sat that long without being driven.

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