Avensis Gs Vvt-I 2002: 'starts And Cuts Out'

[Mephos]

I've recently been given this 1.8 petrol engined GS VVT-I.

It's been running fine apart from the odd quirk. Most notably the engine warning light is constantly on (according to previous owner this has been the case for several years without mishap).

Yesterday whilst driving along at 40mph it started cutting out, then recovering in rotation for about 5 mins then stopped altogether.

Now it cranks, catches and starts but cuts out within a second.

I was recovered by the RAC who checked oil, fuel etc with no problems found, came up with an error code on the laptop, which he had to phone up to find because there was no text. They said it was number 1 coil error or possibly something to do with the immobiliser.

So tried my spare key with no result.

I've read bits and pieces on the forums but would like any help specific to my model of car.

I am currently assuming it's something to do with the immobiliser but am open to any suggestions.

Never had this problem with my Triumph GT6!

[carcare]

Do you know the fault code?

[scott1212]

Hi Mephos i am currentlt having the exact same problem with my 2001 avensis GS VVTI. I have changed the fuel and oil filters replaced spark plugs and checked for bad earths all with no luck. I even disconected the Battery until all settings were lost which allowed it to run for 15 minutes perfectly with no warning lights and then it packed in again. Hope you have better luck than me, but if i find any answers i,ll pass them on to you. All the best. Scott.

[Mephos]

Do you know the fault code?

Sorry I don't. He was guarding his laptop like it was the holy grail. All I know is that whichever code came up didn't have any 'text' so he had to phone up to find out what it meant.

[Druid Boy]

Without a fault code we are rather groping around in the dark and may start you off fixing the wrong fault. It is probably worth getting an trustworthy diagnosis before attempting to fix it. My last recovery bloke told me I needed a new starter motor. Toyota replaced the Battery and hey presto, problem solved.