engine stops while driving

[Michael1971 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Michael1971]

Hi all, hoping for some expert advice as both me and my general mechanic cannot figure out the problem. We have a well maintained 2006 Diesel Prado. Occasionally the engine just stops while driving. So far I have managed to roll the vehicle to the shoulder and stop safely. Back to park and restart with no issues. So far it only happened in the first 10 min after a cold start. After it stopped, it would not happen again on that trip. The mechanic has replaced the fuel filter already but the problem persists. He suggests a new fuel pump, subsequently maybe sensors and injector replacements. Sounds a bit like trial and error to me so to avoid unnecessary cost; would anyone know the probable cause? Thanks for your help!

[Stuart Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Stuart]

Is it like this Michael? https://www.pradopoint.com.au/forum/...-occassionally

[Michael1971 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Michael1971]

Hi Stuart, thanks for sharing the link to your Prado challenges. Our issues definitely have similarities so i will keep an eye out for any suggestion you will get. I think the main differences are that you go into limping/spluttering mode first. My engine just stops instantly as if all fuel is immediately cut off. It happens only in the first few minutes. But like you; no error codes and after putting in back in park, it starts immediately as if nothing happened. Also trying to avoid trial & error replacing a whole range of parts without resolve...

[Stuart Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Stuart]

Do you have an ODBII dongle? If not, I would recommend it. I have this one and it's amazing the info it can give you: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/174806434819

I use an app called Torque on my phone to connect to the dongle and display realtime info as I'm driving. It's fantastic. The free version is good, but the paid version (which is less than $10) offers way more info. It might just help diagnose the problem without spending heaps of money (no guarantee obviously).

Good luck! I hope you can get a good outcome. We're taking our Prado back to Toyota in March for them to do more checks. I'll let you know if anything happens.

[Michael1971 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Michael1971]

Thanks Stuart! Dont have one yet but will definitely have a look. Would be good to have some fault code with direction to what it could be. Good luck! I will also keep you posted.

[ptommo59 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ptommo59]

Hi Michael,

Posted some ideas on Stewarts post and will see if something shows up in the manuals for your issue.

When the engine cuts out do you lose DC power to the.dash or other electrical systems as well, or is it only the engine?

Check next time it occurs what approx time/engine temp it is occurring at and if you hear any sort of clicking at or around that time as that could be a clue.

[Michael1971 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Michael1971]

Thanks Tom! great help reading your directions on Stewarts post. In my case only the engine stops; DC power is uninterrupted. Also no clicks or anything else out of the ordinary (not even a fault code). If it happens, its always in the first few minutes after a cold start (in a warm climate).

[ptommo59 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ptommo59]

Hi Michael,

Definitely not having a code makes it a lot harder to know where to start but does at least indicate that the Engine ECU is not deliberately shutting off the engine due to a fail-safe condition as all these throw codes and from what I could see in the list is only about three items and most other serious issues only trigger limp mode.

What you are describing sounds like:

• An electrical gremlin (e.g dry solder joint or similar) or under voltage condition that occurs as the Engine or EDU ECU warms up and goes away , or
• Fuel issue such as a small air pocket in the fuel line due to slow leak back from the fuel filter primer non-return valve (but I would think this should occur quicker than minutes and the engine would hiccup before stopping plus potentially make initial restarting harder so??)

If its the first case it may be worth at least checking for any corrosion, burnt or dirty connections on all the relays, fuses and connectors that go to and from the engine and EDU ECUs and Fuel Pump..(Most should be in the engine bay fuse box)

Phil

[Michael1971 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Michael1971]

Thanks Phil! I will do as you suggested. Cheers, Michael

[Stuart Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Stuart]

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Michael1971 - I've updated my post. Might be worth having this looked at if you're still having issues. It's apparently easy for them to see if it's the problem. Just hurts a bit if that's what it is.

Good luck!