Engine dies while driving…

[sundaycruiser]

Greetings fam,

A couple times now Ive been driving along in my ‘97 1FZ and the engine just shuts off. First time, I was going about 60 and i was able to just put in neutral and restart it while still moving.

Today, I was driving about 40-45, and it turned off, but it wouldnt fire right back up. The starter was cranking it over, but no firing up. I looked under the hood for a loose ground and wiggled some of the fusible link and some other battery and alternator wires and then it fired up…

I have a dual battery setup and the voltmeter was reading in the low 12’s and mid 11’s when cranking, but not starting.

I had gone to the battery store the day or two before. They said my alternator wasnt functioning correctly, as the voltage when idling was right around 12. I havent had any flashing lights on the dash to indicate the alternator, though.

Any ideas? I already ordered an alternator.

 

[ppc]

Replace the fusible links, cheapest and most likely cause.

 

[60 toy ota]

did you look for your check engine light before cranking? This would confirm the (high) likelihood of fusible links.

 

[Brindleboxer]

Also does it just shut off or does it stumble (rpm dropping or surging) before dying? I would also pull codes to see what is stored.

 

[sundaycruiser]

did you look for your check engine light before cranking? This would confirm the (high) likelihood of fusible links.

Actually, the CEL was already on. I lazily have ignored it thinking it was probably an O2 sensor…
I’ll scan it. Thank you

 

[sundaycruiser]

Also does it just shut off or does it stumble (rpm dropping or surging) before dying? I would also pull codes to see what is stored.

No stumbling, just a quiet shut off.
Thanks for your suggestion.
Had recently done a lot of modifications to the turbo system and exhaust, so I thought the CEL was probably o2 sensor related.
I have a scan gauge. I’ll put it on there.

 

[Brindleboxer]

Suggest you put your vehicle info in your signature line for reference. Your response lend me to believe you have an imported 80 with a turbo diesel, correct? The common issue many will address here are for the NA petrol 80 (US version). There is also a diesel section that may have more insight into some of the common problems.

 

[60 toy ota]

Actually, the CEL was already on. I lazily have ignored it thinking it was probably an O2 sensor…
I’ll scan it. Thank you

I'm not actually referring to any codes that might be lighting it up. With key on engine off, the engine light is supposed to be on weather you have codes or not. A quick and well known electrical diagnostic for your symptoms is to make sure that light is on when the problem is occurring. If not, your ecu isn't getting power and it's usually the fuse or fusible links responsible for it

 

[sundaycruiser]

Suggest you put your vehicle info in your signature line for reference. Your response lend me to believe you have an imported 80 with a turbo diesel, correct? The common issue many will address here are for the NA petrol 80 (US version). There is also a diesel section that may have more insight into some of the common problems.

Actually, it IS a NA petrol vehicle. With an aftermarket turbo setup.
I will take your advice. Thank you.

 

[LongDuck]

EFI Relay is another that will prevent the CEL from lighting before start. I've had one go bad with no other indicator, which prevented a startup, but usually once they're closed (*circuit), they're good for the drive until you shut it off. Still, worth checking as it's an easy replacement at the engine bay fuse block with a known good, and a spare should be in the glovebox of every 80 owner.

 

[Kernal]

Check the easy things first as already mentioned especially since some major work was just completed. IME low output from a good alternator could be from a loose/bad wire or connector or even loose alternator belts.

FWIW one rare cause of the engine just shutting down then restarting can be due to an ECM with failing capacitors or damaged traces from a leaking capacitor. Hook up a scan tool to see what codes you might have, IIRC if you find any coolant temp sensor codes and the temp sensor is good that might indicate the issue is in the ECM.

 

[alia176]

start here then report back!!

Thread 'Emergency Troubleshooting Procedures - FAQ Item (Recommend Keeping Copy in Truck)'

Oct 18, 2006

For updates or revisions, please PM me, nuclerlemon or semlin

The below is a troubleshooting guide if your in the boonies to help isolate a non starting vehicle problem. This is a compilation from forum members, specifically RavenTai, KliersLC, Landtank and Beaowulf. This will not catch each and every problem, but if your vehicle won’t start here are a few things you can try.

Recommended standard tools:

• Pliers, Spark plug removal tool, screwdrivers and wrenches fund in tool kit with tire tools in back on the left side
• Emery cloth or other to clean battery connections...

• Romer

• 
•