Odd issue with 06 LC sputtering out after 40+ mile drives

[Techsan]

I've searched around and don't see anything quite like what is happening with my 2006 LC.

For some odd reason, after driving 50+ highway miles driving ~70-80 mph then briefly stopping in city traffic (e.g., at a stoplight), he engine sputters out and shuts off. This has happened twice. The first time I had the car towed to the dealer and after the engine cooled down, we drove it off the tow truck w no issue and couldn't replicate the problem. The dealer couldn’t find an issue but clearly something is wrong. The car ran fine for several weeks but did it again Saturday. This time I pulled off into a neighborhood and left the car there for ~2 hours. When I came back it started up and has been running just fine since then.

When it happens, it sounds like it's not getting fuel or something. It's odd and difficult to troubleshoot because it's hard to replicate.

Also, my seat felt very hot as it sputtered out. Has anyone seen a similar issue? Any idea what this could be? Thanks for your help!!

 

[MUDZLLA]

Need a few more clues. Did the engine overheat? Are any vac hoses off or split? Has the MAF sensor been cleaned? Any recent work done? Is vac canister plugged? Is the gas tank sucking air? etc.

 

[Techsan]

Need a few more clues. Did the engine overheat? Are any vac hoses off or split? Has the MAF sensor been cleaned? Any recent work done? Is vac canister plugged? Is the gas tank sucking air? etc.

The only work I've had done is on the suspension. I had an OME lift installed. The engine didn't overheat per the guages on the dash but i suppose it's possible. Why would that happen in traffic or stopped over on the freeway? Is it because it's getting more air at the higher speed?

I'm not sure if the MAF sensor is dirty or what the status is for the other items you mentioned. Unfortunately I'm a novice when it comes to cars and hardly know what to check other than the oil! Might just take it to another mechanic tomorrow.

 

[MUDZLLA]

Check coolant level and whether there's any visible obstruction to air flow through the rad. Also check condition of the fan shroud. After running 30 mins, leave engine running, pop the hood and check that the fan is pulling in a good airflow through the rad. The fan works on a thermostat/oil flow system inside the spinning gizmo holding the fan to the motor and that sometimes fails.

It sounds like either a fuel obstruction, or heat issue. If its not popping any engine codes it's unlikely to be an ECU or PAIR issue. If all the above seems OK and it doesn't get batter take it to a Toyota shop.

Something just occurred to me - The heat under the seat could be an overheating fuel pump. If this is getting vapour locked - due to a vacuum in the tank possibly or an obstruction in the intake screen it may be overheating or cavitating. Take it to a shop right away.

 

[trdcorolla]

Is your 06 high mileage? If so maybe you just need a new fuel pump. The 06-07 are known to have weak fuel pumps compared to the 98-05.

 

[Techsan]

Is your 06 high mileage? If so maybe you just need a new fuel pump. The 06-07 are known to have weak fuel pumps compared to the 98-05.

It has 94K miles

 

[shevy77]

It has 94K miles

I would consider the fuel pump. See post below for details of a Denso pump for the Sequoia that may be sourced cheaper than the LC part. It does require re-use of the strainer, but mine wasn't too dirty.

Sudden Loss of Power AGAIN - On road with family [St. Louis,MO]

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