Engine shuts off

Tiny
LIZ ROBLES DE RUIZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 TOYOTA RAV4
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 238,000 MILES
The car was idling for a while and it just turned off. Waited a while and it turned back on, made it home. The following day driving back from work it just turned off while driving. Please help, thank you for taking the time to read this.
Tuesday, April 6th, 2021 AT 5:12 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like it could be related to a faulty crankshaft position sensor. When they start to go bad, oftentimes they will be affected by heat. The engine will stall and then restart after it cools enough.

Now, a crankshaft position sensor doesn't always set a diagnostic trouble code. So, if your check engine light is staying on when the engine is running, it would be a good idea to have the computer scanned. If it isn't staying on, we have two things we can check. First, if the sensor fails, you lose ignition spark to the plugs. Here is a link that shows how to check for spark. Note: This needs to be done when the engine fails to start.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Or, if you or someone has a live data scanner, you check for an RPM signal. No signal, chances are it is the sensor.

Take a look through this link. It describes common symptoms for a failing sensor.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

If you feel that mirrors what you experience, try checking for the things I mentioned. If you find it is bad, here is a link that shows in general how one is replaced. You can use this as a guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

If you look at the attachments below, they provide directions and pics specific to your vehicle for replacement. The one on this vehicle is a bit more involved simply because it sits behind the timing belt cover.

I hope this helps you. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Tuesday, April 6th, 2021 AT 7:16 PM

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