Engine shut off while driving, cranks will not start

RICKT58

MEMBER
2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
4.7L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
239,000 MILES

Engine was running fine. Accelerated from 45 mph to 55 mph and started stalling and then shut down. Off on the shoulder turned the key to start position. Engine started turning over and when I released the key the starter kept turning the engine but no start. The starter will stop when I turn the key to the off position. After it cooled down I tried it and it started fine but started to stumble and shut off within probably 30 seconds max. Tested starter and ignition relays and checked out good. After a couple of more tries the starter again kept turning with the key in the relaxed position. I have no clue where to go from here other than a mechanic shop. Thanks in advance for any info on where to start.

7 Replies

4DRTOM

MECHANIC
467 POSTS

Hello,

I have seen a low voltage situation make a stalling and starter not releasing event. Check your alternator output and the battery either one could create a problem like this. When you verify the alternator is at 13.5 volts and the battery isn't taking that voltage and denying the engine from getting full power then you will need to check the starter relay and solenoid for sticking, I have attached a couple of diagram for you to use to test the starting and charging system. You can use a test light and volt meter to check the system. I would also get a scan on the system to see if a code was set when this problem had occurred.
This should help out to get to the bottom of this issue.
If you have any question on doing this let me know.

Tom

Images (Click to make bigger)

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, September 6th, 2020 AT 9:19 AM

RICKT58

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks, that makes sense. I checked the battery voltage but I can't keep the engine running long enough to check the output voltage of the alternator. I also have found no damages wiring at least visually.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, September 7th, 2020 AT 12:31 PM

4DRTOM

MECHANIC
467 POSTS

Hello,

Bringing the alternator to an parts store like AutoZone they can bench test it for you. So currently it will start but only for a few seconds ten shuts down? I have read that others have had this same issue and it turn out to be the MAF sensor. This is the sensor right outside the air filter. See the image I uploaded to find it I marked it in red. With others having this issue and going bananas to find out that's was it I figured it something you should look at. For others it didn't send a code but was in fact bad.
Let me know how you do.
Tom

Image (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, September 7th, 2020 AT 9:36 PM

RICKT58

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hey Tom, went out on a limb yesterday and decided to check the ignition switch under the dash. When I pulled the second screw the switch fell into 3 parts in the palm of my hand. Happy day I found the problem! Installed the new one and it is still doing the same thing. I checked the key switch to make sure it was relaxing after I let pressure off and it seems good also. The starter continues to turn. Again the engine will start but is really rough and won't idle and won't take gas. I'm wondering if maybe the starter or starter solenoid has shorted. But then why is it at rough idle? Grounding out somewhere? This one has got me stumped. What ever happened to the days when you had battery, starter, generator and a horn? I'm getting old! Lol

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 AT 4:13 AM

4DRTOM

MECHANIC
467 POSTS

Hello,

So you have it getting idle currently and it stalls out only when you hit the gas. Still not long enough to check the alternators output? I guess I'm not getting the whole situation. You have two things?
The starter wont disengage and/or it will it will start and stay started but shuts off when you give it gas, with a rough idle? If you have it to a rough idle does the starter eventually disengage. On the starter not disengaging yes it very well can be its solenoid or its relay, it probably is, but low voltage from bad output from the alternator will do that. This other running problem is totally different thing my bet at the moment is the MAF sensor. We have to get to the bottom of the starter issue first. Verify you have full power in the system if so, your looking at a bad starter or relay. Once that is taken care of we can then look at the bad running. Can you upload a video of what's happening upon starting it so I can hear this?
I want to hear both things the starter not disengaging then the rough idle an or stalling.
Tom