Challenging Question for You Techies

[superpilun]

Ok, this has been troubling me for quite some time, and it's happened twice already.

I go to my car in the morning and I start it. The engine sounds like it's misfiring badly, choking erratically, and the rpms jump down, and then it just stalls. I start it again, seems like it's having a hard time turning over, and then I try to open the throttle a little to keep the revs up. Then after a few seconds, it idles normally. What the heck is wrong with the engine?????

[wunderboy]

you may have better luck getting your questions answered, if you added what type car and/or motor you have.

[toysolara2001]

I had a similar problem in my solara, when I took it to the dealership, they said that my computer had gone bad and needed to be replaced. They also told me that it will not harm the engine to drive around while the computer was ordered. (don't know if I believe them, I think they just didn't want to pay for a rental car.)

[cdnsupra]

That sounds very similiar to what happens in my and other supras when it is hot outside, and we shut off for 5-10 minutes, then re-start. the heat in the engine has boiled the gas in the lines in the engine,and they then do not burn very well in the combustion chamber. considering you said this is in the morning or the first time you start up, it is likely something else.

if the engine has a harder time turning the motor over on subsequent tries, maybe the battery is nearing its end of usefull existance. winter is when most batteries show their first signs of weakness.

You may have one or more plugs fouled or worn out to the point where the gap is too big, causing initial misfires.

can you check the codes in the ecu yourself?
do you have any engine lights on your dash?
it could actually be a hundred things causing your problem.

[wunderboy]

Looks like I was wrong eh?

[Migsman]

Originally Posted by toysolara2001

(don't know if I believe them, I think they just didn't want to pay for a rental car.)

Toyota Canada would pick up the bill of a rental car, not the dealership you went to which acts as a completely seperate entity. Trust the techs, they know their shat

Migs
(ex-Toyota Warranty Clerk)

[toysolara2001]

Originally Posted by Migsman

Toyota Canada would pick up the bill of a rental car, not the dealership you went to which acts as a completely seperate entity. Trust the techs, they know their shat

Migs
(ex-Toyota Warranty Clerk)

Toyota Canada might, but I live in milwaukee wisconsin. If you can tell me that the division in the US will pick up the bill, I will believe their techs.

[superpilun]

This is a '99 Corolla, 1zz-fe. It has only happened twice, starting it in the morning. The funny thing is, when I start it again, it runs normally. How can I read ECU codes? No lights on my dash.

[toysolara2001]

with the new description, it sounds exactly like my problem. After it happened about four times to me, the check engine light came on.

[FargoToyota]

US or Canada, Toyota picks up the bill for your rental if:

1) your Toyota is undriveable; meaning you cannot drive it without causing further damage or it will not run, period.

2) it takes longer than 24 hours to complete repairs on your undriveable Toyota. This time includes ordering parts, labor, etc.

Both circumstances must be fulfilled before Toyota will pay for a rental vehicle. However, if you are at the dealership that you purchased your Toyota from I'd ask them for a loaner. Hint: say "loaner", not "rental". My dealership (Fargo, North Dakota) will give a customer something comparable off our used car lot to avoid rental fees...depending on the circumstances.

J

[REN69]

Originally Posted by FargoToyota

US or Canada, Toyota picks up the bill for your rental if:

1) your Toyota is undriveable; meaning you cannot drive it without causing further damage or it will not run, period.

2) it takes longer than 24 hours to complete repairs on your undriveable Toyota. This time includes ordering parts, labor, etc.

Both circumstances must be fulfilled before Toyota will pay for a rental vehicle. However, if you are at the dealership that you purchased your Toyota from I'd ask them for a loaner. Hint: say "loaner", not "rental". My dealership (Fargo, North Dakota) will give a customer something comparable off our used car lot to avoid rental fees...depending on the circumstances.

J

hehehe.. that's nice to know.. as long as you don't end up with a Plymouth Reliant or a K-car like my buddy did when his Talon's turbo was dead.

[toysolara2001]

Thanks for the info Fargo. You have successfully restored my faith of the dealership. And from now on I will ask for a "loaner".