Car Cuts Out When Towing A Caravan

[BB 46]

Hi guys

Have an intermittent problem when towing the caravan.

No warning loss of power, management light comes on the car goes into safe mode and we cruise to a halt. Turn the engine off wait a minute, turn it back on light goes out full power away we go. Usually happens once per journey with the van on but has never happened with the car on its own.

Had it checked at the dealers say’s it’s the turbo (2 grand plus) but since the first time it stopped have driven 6000 miles not towing without a problem.

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers Baz

[Joylove]

Possibly an electrical fault? Is it all fused with correct sized fuses? What fault codes are being stored?

[anchorman]

Welcome to the club.

As Joylove says, the codes would be useful. Unfortunately, a cheap bought one won't read them so just try phoning the dealer and asking. It sounds like he has quoted you for a turbo but often the suction control valves can cause the symptoms described. You will have change out of £300 for the parts delivered to your door. See if any of this rings a bell;

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=87986

[Bodgit-fixit-run]

It will almost definately be a turbo overboost problem. it happens often on mine when towing usually in 5th gear and forgetting then hitting a slight incline. Not a lot you can do about it. I've cleaned the EGR valve and rebuilt the turbo but it still happens. Next step is to try new SCV valves. I would just be aware that it can happen when towing. I carry an RAC code reader the fault code will be P1512 it think. I'll check and post again.

I met up with a guy at a service station last time out who is having the same problem.

Ignore it for now it won't do any harm it's just irritating. Change down when towing uphill. I only ever get it in 5th gear.

[BB 46]

It will almost definately be a turbo overboost problem. it happens often on mine when towing usually in 5th gear and forgetting then hitting a slight incline. Not a lot you can do about it. I've cleaned the EGR valve and rebuilt the turbo but it still happens. Next step is to try new SCV valves. I would just be aware that it can happen when towing. I carry an RAC code reader the fault code will be P1512 it think. I'll check and post again.

I met up with a guy at a service station last time out who is having the same problem.

Ignore it for now it won't do any harm it's just irritating. Change down when towing uphill. I only ever get it in 5th gear.

Same with me usally in 5th gear.

Difficult to ignore had it go once when overtaking on the motorway, makes you nervous when towing.

Cheers

[Bodgit-fixit-run]

It will almost definately be a turbo overboost problem. it happens often on mine when towing usually in 5th gear and forgetting then hitting a slight incline. Not a lot you can do about it. I've cleaned the EGR valve and rebuilt the turbo but it still happens. Next step is to try new SCV valves. I would just be aware that it can happen when towing. I carry an RAC code reader the fault code will be P1512 it think. I'll check and post again.

I met up with a guy at a service station last time out who is having the same problem.

Ignore it for now it won't do any harm it's just irritating. Change down when towing uphill. I only ever get it in 5th gear.

Same with me usally in 5th gear.

Difficult to ignore had it go once when overtaking on the motorway, makes you nervous when towing.

Cheers

try slightly more gentle acceleration and change down. That generally works for me.

[OldRaver]

Just picked this thread up. For what it's worth this happened to me last (2010) summer. Just cruised to a stop and after a while everything was fine and we went on our way. . Can't say as I was straining the engine as we were on the level at the time. Have to say my suspicions lay with the particular brand of supermarket diesel we used whilst on holiday. Only ever used the stuff while we were in the area 2 tankfuls in total - yes we did a lot of sight seeing in two weeks! Our caravan is really small and well within the towing capabilities of the Rav. Got home albeit with some apprehension on the way - put some Diesel Magic in and reverted to my usual diesel supply. No problem since and we have towed this year with no problem. So my view is is must have been the fuel. Maybe? There has been a lot of discussion about this in the past.