Look out for that big rock!

[AZCamry]

Greetings,

I'm new to the site, and an unfortunate event has led me here. I have a '00 LE V6 that is the best vehicle I have ever owned. 110k with nothing more than scheduled maintenance. I drive 160 miles per day round trip, 75mph & 28mpg consistently.

Tonight, after a large storm, I hit a basketball sized boulder on the way home (to dark to see in time). Hit head on, boulder went underneath. Unfortunately - major damage. The engine started to miss, I pulled over and it died. A quick look underneath while up the flatbed wrecker revealed a shredded tranny pan, and more (I'm sure) that I couldn't see.

Questions - why would the engine die? Does it shut off automatically when it senses a problem, like no ATF? Or, is there a breaker that cuts off the fuel pump after a collision? Or. I suppose it's possible the fuel line tore off....I should know more after I crawl underneath during the day.

Is there a good online source for parts, like a new pan?

Yes...I am going to attempt to fix it myself since my deductible is $1000, unless I have a cracked trans case or a bent frame.

thanks for your time!

[Your Uncle Moe]

My engine cut off when I ran over a cement block in a parking lot. I think it does that when it senses trauma to itself. Same thing also happened to another guy who ran over some rocks. I think its normal.

[Zrain]

theres a Cut off that detects Rapid change's in speed.. IE Hiting somthing.. these acseloromiters are sensitive to things like runing over a rock. they cut fuel and spark. that way you dont burn alive (clever). the ECU just needs to get rest.

[amphipri0n]

A good place to look for used parts is www.car-parts.com. Good luck with the repairs, and hopefully your Cam will be up and running once again.

[KamryStylez]

I ran over a curb going 30 mph and my car is lowered and it didnt cut out the engine, then again its a 95 camry.

[AZCamry]

Well.....here's the damage, from front to rear:

Air dam

The front cross-member is bent up and back, pushed the motor up about 3"

Trans pan majorly crushed, probably internal damage as well.

Exhaust smashed about 50% capacity.

Floor pan bent upward, driver's side.

Gas tank bent upward.

The motor starts and runs fine, so I imagine the ECU cut it off at the time of impact, pretty smart IMHO. We'll see what the insurance co says.....

later

[Your Uncle Moe]

DAMN. I had a dent in my floor and I found it pretty easy to fix. I removed my carpets and too a hammer and a piece of wood and hammered it down. Then I took cilicon and filled in any cracks. Then over that I put duct tape. Then I put the carpet back on. Looks good as new.

[Tercel GTS]

^boro.... lol, I thought rednecks were bad...

[amphipri0n]

heh, that's one step closer to the floor pass-through of the Flintstone mobiles.