Engine occasional stalls

What's the best way to check those items?

Jim,

Thanks much for your reply. Here's an update: After scanning many of these message boards (it's amazing how many people are having the same problem) I decided to replace the coolant temperature sensor, which tells the computer whether the engine is cool or hot and, thereby, can flood the doggone thing with gas if it's misread. Well, I didn't have any problems for a month (mostly short trips) but it happened again tonight. So, my next step is to try the IAC sensor (picked up a part in a junkyard since its so expensive.) Will put that on tomorrow. If not that, then perhaps the EGR valve should be next. BTW, is there a simple way to check this stuff diagnostically?

Thanks,

Jim

No check engine light comes on, which is why I hesitate to take it to a mechanic. I'm not sure if codes come up when the light doesn't come on.

Car stalls and shuts down at intersections every now and then and wont start up again (98 Camry). After 5-10 minutes it starts up fine and runs like normal for another few days. I put in a new fuel filter and thought the prob. Was dealt with until today when it tried to stall at a red light. I put it in park reved the engine up until light turned green and avoided stopping until my house. It conked out just before my driveway and I had enough momentum to get it in w/out the power steering/brakes. It wouldn't start back up. 10 mins later started perfect and seemed fine. My mechanic is a rookie and he says w/out witnessing the problem, he has no idea. Im worried to let my wife drive it anywhere in case it happens to her. Any Idea?

Ya, as the engine began to sputter they were off and as it shut off they all went on. When trying to start immediately after the engine wouldn't turn over after several attempts. Not even close. The starter works fine thought. As I said its strange because I went inside and came back out and the thing starts like a champ. I drove it all day today with no issues. This has happened now 7 or 8 times in the last 2 months. Ive taken it in 3 times to the mechanic. He starts it and of course it works great in his presence. I dont know about testing it when the problem occurs because it just happens spontaneously. Usually in a bad situation in rush hour or at a major intersection. What test can I do at the point when it happens? My buddies shop is only 20 minutes away, but by the time I get the car started and get it over there the damn thing starts fine consistently. If I can do the test myself then at least I can get a better idea of what the specific problem is. Its driving me crazy. Thanks again

I have a 1998 Toyota Camry. It is stalling and then not starting again. The tachometer sometimes revs at 3000rpms and then jumps down to 200rpms and then struggles to get back up, then it stalls. Occasionally when driving the car will feel like it's losing power and***** back and forth. When it does stall, I have to pump the gas while trying to start it. Eventually it starts with a lot of exhaust and a strong smell. Not a burning oil smell but more like a chemical smell. The engine light comes on and then goes off. I have had it coded but for some reason it is not registering.

I was driving and my car shut off. I started it again and began driving. A few moments later it shut off once again. I pulled over and the car was smoking and the temp gauge red hot
The car would not start again. I popped the hood to see if their was a hose biated or something visibly wrong. I then checked the oil. The oil was so low it barely registered on the dipschtick.I checked the oil about two weeks ago and it was clean but a quart low so I added a quart. A friend told me it probably needed water so it ate up the oil and my motor became too hot and locked up. Is my motor fried? Is their anyway to unlock the motor?

No it wouldnt crank. It just clicked. Also when I looked under the hood the engine was so hot it was glowing red. Is my motor toast?

Try to asking your tech yesterday but no answer I was a mechanic try to verify the 98 Camry 4cylinder cranking had good spark, has good gas pressure, but not running, but press gas panel couple time hold to floor car start, take off the foot from gas panel engine cut off thought it could be TB replaced another good used one still
does the same can not find the problem, any info

Yes, did replaced another good TP body still do the same

At low rev, start up and stop start, the car rattles loudly, vibrates and gives that hollow deep sound as if its going to die out. At high Revs, it runs smooth. What could be the problem there?