ECU damaged? (possibly) - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

denizen · 01-13-2005, 04:31 PM

A few months ago on 2 occations my 1998 camry le (4 cyl.) stalled while turning. We turned and the car just stopped running. The brakes didn't work or anything. It would turn over but not very well. After a few minutes it would start up again. Does anyone know what the problem might be? There hasn't been any more problems with it since but its good to know if it happens again.

500KCamry · 01-13-2005, 05:01 PM

The ECU is not damaged if its running. More likely is a ECU sensor, or something random, like a short term moisture problem with the ignition. Also, if it was weak cranking and isn't now, maybe your battery posts need to be cleaned.

Toysrme · 01-13-2005, 05:04 PM

What 500KCamry said.
You need a/f mixture, spark at the right time, and compression to run.
Also the ECU will refuse to send ignition signals is XXX rpm isn't achive during cranking.

Battery terminals would be a great palce to start. Check the battery itself also. Make sure it has the correct amount of fluid if it's serviceable.

denizen · 01-13-2005, 07:17 PM

I dont think the battery was the problem because on our 1998 caravan we had a lot of battery acid on the posts/clamps that there was no contact between the battery and the clamps. But it wasn't anything like that, the battery was clean and everything. If it is something to do with electronics... thats way too far out of my league and all i can do is hope that we dont have to take her into a dealer or other shop.

fredk · 01-13-2005, 08:09 PM

sounds like you have a loose-missing-dirty ground strap somewhere

denizen · 02-14-2005, 03:44 PM

alright well my sister went down to princeton this weekend and she said it stalled at a stop sign again. she got real scared but it started up after about 1 min or less. ive noticed that this is when it stalls, at stop signs, turns stuff like that. i will check for any loose crap and battery. Bill Cooke (dealer we took it to) cant find shit and its not like its in his interest for us to have a broken car because we didnt pay him anything. i guess maybe we will need to replace the battery or something ....

Pineapple · 02-14-2005, 03:51 PM

Battery won't cause it to stall. You can run the car without battery after its started.
Check idle, timing, ignition.

denizen · 02-14-2005, 04:13 PM

yeah i cleaned the posts just now. jsut in case. but i wasnt concerned about it either. Thanks for the help but i cant just take the car apart im just learning to do anything im 16 and ive never done anything with an engine. Please elaborate on: "check timing, ignition idling. etc..."

Toysrme · 02-14-2005, 05:30 PM

You check the ignition timing...
Get a timing light and check the timing. Buy a repair manual.