Weird Fault Random Cutting Out? 1.8se 1999

[mcc100743]

Hello all

I have just bought an Avensis 1.8 Estate 1999, very nice car, very nice price, the previous owner told of an intermittent fault where the engine simply dies, I have just experienced it for the first time, checked all the connections sensors etc, pushed it to a safe place waited a few minutes as the previous owner had told me and it started right away...has anyone experienced this before and what could it be, it feels like fuel starvation but could easily be an ignition fault as well, any ideas?

Many thanks in advance....

[gazza1286]

That model was reported to have a problem with the ignition switch. There are a number of posts about this and a how-to for replacing the module. They can be sourced cheaply on-line.

[mcc100743]

thanks for the reply.. but its def not that, its running and turns over fine after coasting gently to the side of the road.....

[TomdeGuerre]

Did the previous owner tell you about any trouble shooting he had done? Did he change the fuel filter?

When the car stops completely have you tried slackening off the fuel filler cap see if air rushes in?

Car I had once did something like this after it came out of the coachworks, somebody had slipped a piece of wet and dry paper into the fuel tank, it would float across the fuel inlet pipe and block it, staying there until the suction died away then fall clear and it woud start up again and run until the next time. Is it worse with a nearly empty tank than with a full tank?

[Konrad C]

Hi Mick,

I am with Tom on this. Look at the fuel pump and tank. Access is easy by lifting the rear seat.

The only other thing could be the fuel filter located in the engine bay. Normally they last a long time, but if the fuel has run low, muck may be the cause.

I remember the old Ford Sierra having a safety cutout switch in the spare wheel well. If the spare wheel is thrown in and knocks the switch the engine would stop or not start at all, until a reset. I don't think the Avensis has this.

I saw this post, and your car has an unusual fault for this model.

When the engine cuts out, is it all of a sudden, like switching of the engine, or it starts missing like running out of fuel? What revs was the engine doing, and what type of road when the engine cut out?

If it is very sudden then it could be the ignition switch as mentioned by Gary. Also check cam and crank sensors and connections.

Some fault finding and elimination will be needed.

Konrad

[mcc100743]

Many thanks for the input chaps, I was holding one piece of info back as I wasn't 100% sure it might be the issue and I was hoping someone might confirm my suspicions.

So apologies for the subterfuge but here goes.

There is a strange vacuum device fitted inside the engine bay very much like the old Vacuum unit that used to be clamped to the side of the distributor in your old fashioned car, this device seems to drive a piston in and out for some reason which butts up to an end stop, I noticed this was unclipped but not totally disconnected, but this affected it's ability to move in and out, also I noticed after pushing it in the car ran much better smoother with a lower tick over.

I find replicating the fault tricky as the unit is drawn in when the engine is running, trouble is I have no idea what this device does but it seems connected with fuel. I am wondering now if it being in the wrong position sends too much fuel into the system with a resultant shut down by the ECU, maybe tellingly they had to change the lambda sensor for the MOT this time.

Again apologies for not being 100% but any comments etc greatly appreciated

[Konrad C]

Mick,

This is the inlet valve vacuum switch. This shuts off airflow to one of the valves of each cylinder, during low speed running. This helps give a stronger swirl and better mix when in lean mode. As the engine speed rises the valves begin to open the remaining valves. So when at high engine speeds and a lot of throttle, the engine is running in power mode with all sixteen valves.

I have had my vacuum switch detach from the inlet lever and did a repair myself.

I have found a couple including my old post on the subject:

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/138015-1998-avensis-7afe-sputteringhickups-at-highway-speeds/

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/148954-old-mk1-avensis-16-lean-burn-engine/

There are info more but I time.

Konrad

[mcc100743]

Many thanks to all those who replied, I really appreciate the time taken and helpful comments. Many thanks....