Slow moving

Tiny
HOMER POWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 TOYOTA AVALON
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
Car will crank, car will run, will not go very fast (10-20 mph).
Saturday, September 22nd, 2018 AT 12:08 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

Many things can cause low power. If the check engine light is on, I would first scan the computer to see what trouble codes are stored. That could point us in the right direction.

Here is a quick video of how to use a scanner:
https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

Next, take a look through this link. It discusses reasons why there is a loss of power.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-has-low-power-output

Next, there are two other things one would suspect when there is a major loss of power. Lack of fuel or a plugged catalytic converter. Here are two links which show how to check both. The last link (#3) discusses symptoms of a plugged converter.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-has-low-power-output

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

Here are the directions for checking fuel pressure specific to your vehicle. All attached pictures correlate with these directions.

_________________________________

IN-VEHICLE INSPECTION

1. CHECK FUEL PUMP OPERATION

a. Connect a TOYOTA hand-held tester to the DLC3.
b. Turn the ignition switch ON and TOYOTA hand-held tester main switch ON.

NOTE: Do not start the engine.

c. Select the active test mode on the TOYOTA hand-held tester.
d. Please refer to the TOYOTA hand-held tester operator's manual for further details.
e. If you have no TOYOTA hand-held tester, connect the positive (+) and negative (-) leads from the battery to the fuel pump connector (See step 7).

f. Check that there is pressure in the fuel inlet hose from the fuel filter.

HINT: If there is fuel pressure, you will hear the sound of fuel flowing.
If there is no pressure, check these parts:
- Fusible link
- Fuses
- EFI main relay
- Fuel pump
- ECM
- Wiring connections

g. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK.
h. Disconnect the TOYOTA hand-held tester from the DLC3.

2. CHECK FUEL PRESSURE
a. Check the battery positive voltage is above 12 V.
b. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal cable from the battery.
c. Purchase the new No.1 fuel pipe and take out the fuel tube connector from its pipe.
Part No. 23801-20070

d. Remove the fuel hose clamp.

e. Disconnect the No.1 fuel pipe (fuel tube connector) from the fuel filter outlet.

CAUTION:
- Perform disconnecting operations of the fuel tube connector (quick type) after observing the precautions.
- As there is retained pressure in the fuel pipe line, prevent It from splashing Inside the engine compartment.
f. Install SST (pressure gauge) as shown in the illustration by using SST and fuel tube connector.
SST 09268-41047, 09268-45014
g. Wipe off any splattered gasoline.
h. Reconnect the TOYOTA hand-held tester to the DLC3 (See step 1).
i. Reconnect the negative (-) terminal cable to the battery.
1. Measure the fuel pressure.
Fuel pressure:
301 - 347 kPa (3.1-3.5 kgf/sq.cm, 44 - 50 psi)
If pressure is high, replace the fuel pressure regulator. If pressure is low, check these parts:
- Fuel hoses and connections
- Fuel pump
- Fuel filter
- Fuel pressure regulator

k. Disconnect the TOYOTA hand-held tester from the DLC3.
l. Start the engine.
m. Measure the fuel pressure at idle.
Fuel pressure:
301 - 347 kPa (3.1 - 3.5 kgf/sq.cm, 44 - 50 psi)
n. Stop the engine.
o. Check that the fuel pressure remains as specified for 5 minutes after the engine has stopped.
Fuel pressure:
147 kPa (1.5 kgf/sq.cm, 21 psi) or more
If pressure is not as specified, check the fuel pump, pressure regulator and/or injectors.

p. After checking fuel pressure, disconnect the negative (-) terminal cable from the battery and carefully remove the SST and fuel tube connector to prevent gasoline from splashing.
SST 09268-41047, 09268-45014
q. Reconnect the No.1 fuel pipe (fuel tube connector).

CAUTION: Perform connecting operations of the tube connector (quick type) after observing the precautions.
r. Surely install the hose clamp to the fuel filter with "click" sound.
s. After installing the clamp, check that the clamp is fixed by pulling up to the clamp.
t. Reconnect the negative (-) terminal cable to the battery.
u. Check for fuel leaks.

3. REMOVE REAR SEAT CUSHION
4. REMOVE FLOOR SERVICE HOLE COVER
5. DISCONNECT FUEL PUMP & SENDER GAUGE CONNECTOR
6. INSPECT FUEL PUMP RESISTANCE
Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between terminals 4 and 5.
Resistance: 0.2 - 3.0 ohm at 20 °C (68 °F)
If the resistance is not as specified, replace the fuel pump.
7. INSPECT FUEL PUMP OPERATION
Connect the positive (+) lead from the battery to terminal 4 of the connector, and the negative (-) lead to terminal 5. Check that the fuel pump operates.

NOTE:
- These tests must be done quickly (within 10 seconds) to prevent the coil burning out.
- Keep the fuel pump as far away from the battery as possible.
- Always do the switching at the battery side.

If operation is not as specified, replace the fuel pump or lead wire.

8. RECONNECT FUEL PUMP & SENDER GAUGE CONNECTOR
9. REINSTALL FLOOR SERVICE HOLE COVER
10. REINSTALL REAR SEAT CUSHION

______________________________________

I hope this helps. Honestly, the first thing I would check is for trouble codes. That can save you a lot of time.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, September 22nd, 2018 AT 6:55 PM

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