My engine is stalling why?

Tiny
JERRYAM
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 10,000 MILES
I used a Toyota corolla car, 1999 model automatic transmission, the engine worked fine but of recent has started developing an unusual problem, if I start the engine the engine picks up once I put the gear on drive "D" the engine begins to stall and goes off, or if I am in traffic jam, it stalls and it goes off, when I put on my A.C it engine stalls and goes off, I also noticed that this has enhanced high fuel consumption by the engine, I have taken it to several mechanics but the cause is still there, please I need help on this, what can be the reason for this?
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Friday, August 16th, 2013 AT 10:56 PM

32 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
This sounds like a fuel pump or the crankshaft angle sensor has gone out. When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Friday, August 16th, 2013 AT 11:10 PM
Tiny
JERRYAM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The guides really help me, I found out the fuel pump was failing so I got new one the car has done great since then
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Friday, August 16th, 2013 AT 11:32 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Friday, August 16th, 2013 AT 11:48 PM
Tiny
LOUISOW
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 3.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • MANUAL
  • 384,050 MILES
When I am driving my car suddenly shuts down and when I start it, it starts back immediately. Sometimes it take like fifteen seconds to start back up and this always happens when I am driving the car around like for five hours. The shutting down randomly will then start and when I keep it to cold down for like thirty minutes it can take a while or a day before it randomly shut down again. Please I really need help on this.
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,554 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like the crankshaft angle sensor is going out or the PGM FI - Engine relay is overheated and shutting down. Let's start by running the codes to see what comes up.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Here is the location of the sensor and the relay below. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LOUISOW
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Sorry for the late reply KEN and thanks on your speedy reply, I just got your text today so I will be meeting the Mechanic tomorrow to check on the PGM FI-Engine relay sensor as soon as that is done I will post you up for update I was able to have it fixed thanks a lot Ken.
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,554 POSTS
Please do, we are interested to see what it is.
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LOUISOW
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Okay.
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LOUISOW
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hello Ken. I finally met with the technician but did not still have a positive respond. I guess the mistake was coming from me because I did not give you the exact specification of my car like the model. I was saying it was Toyota Corolla 1998 which is not correct. The model of my car is Toyota Corolla Compact VII (E100). Please check on this and let my know which part I could lay my hands on for the Tec to check it up ASAP waiting on your speedy reply thanks.
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,554 POSTS
Is the relay not in the place the diagram states or? What is the problem with the information.? Looks the same on my end :)
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ANGELIENID N PHILLIPE FIGUEROA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 142,000 MILES
I am not sure if I am using the right coolant. I currently have Dexcool in my radiator my uncle said it is good coolant. Also, my heater cuts off due to radiator. I am not sure but as soon as I turn on my heater the car turns off. Also, my radiator rattles a lot making a really loud noise when the fans are working and it also get very hot the radiator. Need answers to these problems I do not know what is going on.
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If your heat gauge is at normal do not worry about the heat on/in radiator if it overheats that is another thing. But you may be complaint about overheat so have your coolant system pressure checked for an internal leak like a head gasket. When the fans kick on the fans may have broken the bracket where they are mounted so have that checked. Ethylene Glycol is what is supposed to go in radiator not Dexcool, Dexcool is orange Glycol is green if you can find it. One other thing as you say your car stalls when heater is turned on check battery terminal ends for cleanliness and have battery checked for condition including load test.
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FLOREZ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA
Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Toyota Corolla 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

My car shuts off when gas is put in. The Batteryl light turns on and the car shuts off. This starting happening after I changed the transmission. The fuel filter has been changed and the fuel tank has been cleaned. Do you have any idea what is wrong? Can be called at 3406436937 if any more questions
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
First never put gas in when engine is running ( if that is what you mean).

Otherwise it sounds like an EVAP malfunction, gas is getting into EVAP lines and flooding engine.
A scanner can test EVAP system.

Also have charging system tested at most autoparts stores for free.

This is most likely due to trans change, something was not connected or connected incorrectly.
I would take it back to them.
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ANGELIENID N PHILLIPE FIGUEROA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 1.3L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
Can anyone tell me why my car stalls when I turn on my heater?
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:36 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,883 POSTS
This is a locked up AC compressor here is a guide to help fix the problem

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:36 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRIAN FELTON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 158,000 MILES
It may run/idle for thirty minutes maybe longer maybe less then stalls, no noise just stalls. Try to start will not start first time but usually the second time and the process starts all over. I changed fuel pump. Before I changed pump it would run the same but new fuel pump it runs longer.
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:36 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,293 POSTS
I would check the fuel pressure when it stalls. You can borrow a fuel pressure gauge AutoZone with a refundable deposit. Simply hook the gauge up to the valve on the fuel rail, turn the key on, and see what it reads. Then start the car and record that reading too. Let the car idle until it shuts off, and check it again. Here is a more specific guide on that: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Your readings should be: With the key on, engine off - 38-44psi, with the engine idling - 31-37psi. When the engine turns off, the car should hold at least 21psi for five minutes. Any less than these numbers tells us that you got a dud of a fuel pump (rare, but it happens. I got one recently myself).

If it is not fuel related, then it is time to check sparks. You can buy a spark tester for about $15.00 at AutoZone. Hook it up to any cylinder, start the car and let it idle until it shuts off. Then have a helper turn the key and observe.

Here is the tester that I use: https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-20610-Inline-Spark-Tester/dp/B0002STSC6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1501325755&sr=8-3&keywords=spark+tester

Finally, some specifics would be helpful here. Which engine do you have? And is your car an automatic transmission or manual?

Let us know what you find and we will go from there.
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:36 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRIAN FELTON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It is a 1.8 liter automatic. Thanks
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:36 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,293 POSTS
Okay. I would still go with the tests mentioned above. Let us know what you find and we will go from there.
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Thursday, January 21st, 2021 AT 2:36 PM (Merged)

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