Engine Stall and Misfire power cut off on acceleration?

2001 TOYOTA RAV4

300,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

RON LORENZO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Car idles smoothly then suddenly shuts off occasionally after about 1 minute. Car cuts out for a split second on acceleration when about 1,500-2,200 rpm. At the same time dash lights flash for a split second when the car cuts out. It consistently does this only in this acceleration load period under this RPM figure. Rides smoothly at 60-70 miles/hour. No codes. I tried swapping out ign coils, mass air sensor, throttle pos sensor, crank sensor, cam pos sensor. Checked all wires under hood and ECU connections and cleaned. Swapped out ignition solenoids in engine bay

Mar 9, 2026 at 12:14 AM

What to check next

Diagnostic guidance. Suggested checks and possible repairs are separate from the owner's reported results.

Have the fault captured while monitoring the relevant electrical supplies and engine data. Document the previous tests and whether they were recorded during an actual cutout before deciding on ECU replacement.

Guidance references and applicability

2CarPros: Original discussion 1712302 https://2carpros.com/questions/engine-stall-and-misfire-power-cut-off-on-acceleration Source for reported history and outcome. Contributor suggestions are not independently confirmed diagnoses. Attachments were not verified. Fluke: Diagnosing voltage drops https://www.fluke.com/en/learn/blog/automotive/electrical-automotive-troubleshooting General support for checking supplies and grounds under load. Follow the matching wiring diagram and test limits; this does not identify a failed component.

Read the replies · Discussion summary and reported outcome

STRAILER

✓Experienced Mechanic
55,562 POSTS

This sounds fuel or ignition system related. Also, when you say I "swapped the ignition coils" did you replace them or just change cylinders, also I would change out the spark plugs as well. I have seen the ignition switch cause this issue after it warms up due to a bad connection internally. This switch is a normal maintenance item after this many years/miles. Remove the steering column cover to replace the switch and the problem should go away. Let me know what happens please, Ken

Mar 10, 2026 at 1:33 AM

RON LORENZO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi. I swapped out coils with new ones. I installed new plugs. I checked voltages to ECU from ignition switch and ignition relays but found no drop out in voltage. I opened the ECU and touched up the solder joints on the power resistors (known for lifting up). I think my only other option is changing out the ECU. I also tested the mass air flow sensor and cleaned, and tested the throttle position sensor.

Mar 10, 2026 at 9:42 AM

STRAILER

✓Experienced Mechanic
55,562 POSTS

Yep, the ECU can cause this issue, I would try calling these guys.

https://www.flashmastersecm.com/

We have had good luck with them. Let me know if that fixes it please, Ken

Mar 11, 2026 at 1:21 AM

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Discussion summary

Engine Stall and Misfire power cut off on acceleration?

The owner reported intermittent stalling and brief acceleration cutouts accompanied by flashing dashboard lights. New coils and plugs, several sensor substitutions and connection checks did not resolve it. The owner reported no observed supply-voltage dropout and later touched up ECU solder joints.

Reported outcome: No successful repair was reported.

The scope and timing of the voltage tests were unclear. The ignition switch and ECU were suggestions, not confirmed failures; the switch was not established to be a scheduled maintenance item.

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Engine Stall and Misfire power cut off on acceleration?

What to check next

Discussion summary

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