Matrix Problem...please Help Urgently

[profiler]

Hi guys, I just recently joined this forum. I posted this same topic on Matrixowners and got a few response; I however read on this forum that MO was going down (or something like that)...so decided to post here. The more responses, the better. Thanks in advance.

I bought an '07 Matrix and shipped it to my mum who resides outside N.America....there's hardly any toyota dealerships around and one has to be content with some of the mechanics, largely guessing to fix a problem.

The other day, she went to pay a visit to a friend. On her way back, her steering wheel locked cos the engine turned off while she was driving. Finally got the car home, got a mechanic to check it out and he sad it was the fuel pump. The vehicle has less than 20k on it. I was doubtful so I asked him to check the fuel filter and it looked fine. So he changed the fuel pump yesterday and same problem...Basically, the car does not start. It rolls and rolls but nada. Any help?

BTW, how does the immobilizer work?

[fishexpo101]

MO will still be around - that was a goof post on MO, so no worries there.

As for the issue - how exactly did the steering whee "lock", the wheel will be much harder to turn, when the engine is not running (power steering pump not running) - but will not "lock" unless the ignition is turned all the way back.

Car could turn off for a number of reasons - fuel pump is one, but not a known issue on the Matrix. Here is where we know if the guy is bring straight with you and BSing you - when you asked him to check the fuel filter - did he verify it on the spot, or did he mention that it would be a lot of work to check out the fuel filter. Reason I'm asking, many cars (Matrix included) use a returnless fuel system - the pump, fuel pressure regulator, and fuel filter are generally all in one assembly that is located inside the gas tank and much be disassembled to get at the filter. Only wanted to point this out - as there are a few out there that can take advantage of this situation. I've been to a few shops where they opened up the hood and said, "Yup, your fuel filter is clogged - cost you $$$". Just walk away from those places.

Engine immobilizer - was available for this model, but not as standard equipment, at least in the US options list. Basically the key has a RFID transponder that "talks" to the ECM - without the transponder, the car will not start. If you have a set of keys that were duplicates but did not program the transponder - the car will not run at all (assuming you got the correct blanks and the cars has the immobilizer system).

Another possibility - some 2005+ Corolla/Matrix have exhibited a sudden no start condition. Most of the time, it was related to a faulty ECM. For your model year and mileage - that would be replaced under warranty.