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Engine shut off while driving, cranks will not start

Tiny
RICKT58
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 4.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 239,000 MILES
Engine was running fine. Accelerated from 45 mph to 55 mph and started stalling and then shut down. Off on the shoulder turned the key to start position. Engine started turning over and when I released the key the starter kept turning the engine but no start. The starter will stop when I turn the key to the off position. After it cooled down I tried it and it started fine but started to stumble and shut off within probably 30 seconds max. Tested starter and ignition relays and checked out good. After a couple of more tries the starter again kept turning with the key in the relaxed position. I have no clue where to go from here other than a mechanic shop. Thanks in advance for any info on where to start.
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Sunday, September 6th, 2020 AT 8:21 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
4DRTOM
  • MECHANIC
  • 467 POSTS
Hello,

I have seen a low voltage situation make a stalling and starter not releasing event. Check your alternator output and the battery either one could create a problem like this. When you verify the alternator is at 13.5 volts and the battery isn't taking that voltage and denying the engine from getting full power then you will need to check the starter relay and solenoid for sticking, I have attached a couple of diagram for you to use to test the starting and charging system. You can use a test light and volt meter to check the system. I would also get a scan on the system to see if a code was set when this problem had occurred.
This should help out to get to the bottom of this issue.
If you have any question on doing this let me know.

Tom
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Sunday, September 6th, 2020 AT 9:19 AM
Tiny
RICKT58
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks, that makes sense. I checked the battery voltage but I can't keep the engine running long enough to check the output voltage of the alternator. I also have found no damages wiring at least visually.
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Monday, September 7th, 2020 AT 12:31 PM
Tiny
4DRTOM
  • MECHANIC
  • 467 POSTS
Hello,

Bringing the alternator to an parts store like AutoZone they can bench test it for you. So currently it will start but only for a few seconds ten shuts down? I have read that others have had this same issue and it turn out to be the MAF sensor. This is the sensor right outside the air filter. See the image I uploaded to find it I marked it in red. With others having this issue and going bananas to find out that's was it I figured it something you should look at. For others it didn't send a code but was in fact bad.
Let me know how you do.
Tom
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Monday, September 7th, 2020 AT 9:36 PM
Tiny
RICKT58
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hey Tom, went out on a limb yesterday and decided to check the ignition switch under the dash. When I pulled the second screw the switch fell into 3 parts in the palm of my hand. Happy day I found the problem! Installed the new one and it is still doing the same thing. I checked the key switch to make sure it was relaxing after I let pressure off and it seems good also. The starter continues to turn. Again the engine will start but is really rough and won't idle and won't take gas. I'm wondering if maybe the starter or starter solenoid has shorted. But then why is it at rough idle? Grounding out somewhere? This one has got me stumped. What ever happened to the days when you had battery, starter, generator and a horn? I'm getting old! Lol
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 4:13 AM
Tiny
4DRTOM
  • MECHANIC
  • 467 POSTS
Hello,

So you have it getting idle currently and it stalls out only when you hit the gas. Still not long enough to check the alternators output? I guess I'm not getting the whole situation. You have two things?
The starter wont disengage and/or it will it will start and stay started but shuts off when you give it gas, with a rough idle? If you have it to a rough idle does the starter eventually disengage. On the starter not disengaging yes it very well can be its solenoid or its relay, it probably is, but low voltage from bad output from the alternator will do that. This other running problem is totally different thing my bet at the moment is the MAF sensor. We have to get to the bottom of the starter issue first. Verify you have full power in the system if so, your looking at a bad starter or relay. Once that is taken care of we can then look at the bad running. Can you upload a video of what's happening upon starting it so I can hear this?
I want to hear both things the starter not disengaging then the rough idle an or stalling.
Tom
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 10:12 PM
Tiny
RICKT58
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Morning Tom, I had taken it to the mechanic and got it back within a day. I feel like a dummy. As it turned out he did clean the throttle body and MAF. That was causing the rough idle. Here's the kicker. It was out of gas! What an idiot I am! It seems the the gas needle had gotten hung on a quarter of a tank (caught the mechanic by surprise also ). But anyway the starter never acted up with him so he didn't bother to troubleshoot it. So far my wife has been driving it for a week and have had no problems so far. Thanks for sticking with me on this issue and if it starts acting up again I'll let you know.
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Friday, September 18th, 2020 AT 4:25 AM
Tiny
4DRTOM
  • MECHANIC
  • 467 POSTS
Hey Rick,

Lol, sure no problem, pretty classic. So if your needle is sticking that means that the lens has been pushed forward at some point and will continue to occasionally. I would see if you can get a small hook behind the lens or a suction cup onto the lens and get it pulled out slightly. I've seen this situation happen before and continually tapping it may make it worse.
Thanks for using 2CarPros.
Tom
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Friday, September 18th, 2020 AT 8:11 PM

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