My 1989 MR2 is driving me nuts. The engine shuts itself off when it gets hot. Cannot start the engine again until letting it cool down for 30 minutes or more. Finally, got it to start and drove it a for a few blocks, then engine shuts off again. Have to wait for engine to cool down again in order to start the car. Has anyone ran into this issue? Any ideas how to troubleshoot it?
i'd go w/ an ignition problem. does it shuts off if you let it idle for any period of time? you could buy an inline spark plus tester and watch the spark to see if it starts to die out as the engine warms. check to make sure all wires are not directly touching the block in anyway.
if your engine is shutting down after overheating, then I would think you have a cooling system issue. even if it's not leaking it could be many things...Water pump, thermostat, air not evacuated, clogged radiator....
I don't think it is an ignition problem or fuel injector problem because the car runs fine and I have no problem starting the car after letting it cool down or when the engine is cold. It sound more like a overheating problem, but the temperature gauge didn't indicate any overheating. The temperature gauge stays at normal which is halfway between cold and hot. Could it be that the temperature sensor is going bad? Anyone has any idea where the temperature sensor is located on 89 MR2?
The temp sensors are known to fail. The last one I replaced kept telling me the engine was over heating but it wasn't. It's an easy fix. I think I paid $14.00 from O'Reileys...it' on the water inlet on the left side of the engine. Has a red wire running ot it. Screws out...
Finally had some spare time to work this car. Thought I start out by flushing the coolant first, but it didn't help. Just had the coolant flushed yesterday and the car still shuts down while idling for 15-20 minutes. The temperature gauge stays normal which is half way between cold and hot. So, which one should I try next, the Thermostat or the Water Temperature Sensor? Since the Thermostat is cheaper, I was thinking about going for the thermostat first, but would like to get some input. Also, does anyone know where the thermostat is located at on the 89 MR2? Thanks.
Thermostat man, I had this same problem with my 00 Civic VP. There's an easy way to test it to make sure and not waste any money though. Just remove it and drop it into a pot of boiling water. There should be an audible "POP" of the thermostat engaging, If you don't here the pop remove it and let it cool, then repeat to make sure. If you still get nothing then the theremostat is faulty.
As for where the theremostat is located I have no idea, but worst case scenario buy the $15 Haynes Repair Manual from advance auto or napa
Found the thermostat. It was located close to the battery. Had the thermostat taken out from the car and test it with a pot of boiling water. I didn't hear any "pop", but I can see that the spring compressed together when it was inside the boiling water pot. Took it out and let cool then the spring starts to decompress again. What is this mean? Good or bad? Will I need to purchase a new one?
What is this mean? Good or bad? Will I need to purchase a new one?
It means that it is working.
However...
If you have went through all the trouble to remove it, you may consider replacing it anyways, since the cost of a new one is 5.00 - 10.00$ depending on which parts store you use, and most should keep this item in stock.
FYI; Your oem one is 180 degrees, and it is suggested that you stick with that temperature thermostat.
Also pick up a new gasket for the thermostat, unless the new one comes with a gasket.
The gasket is about 2.00$.
__________________
91 MR2 5sfe
03 Grand Am 2.2L Ecotec
I took the advice and put in a new thermostat in place of the old one, however I could not get the water temperature sensor from any of the parts store in town. None of them has the right size for it. The one I got from NAPA was too small. Also tried both CarQuest and Checker but no such luck. Does anyone know where I can find the right one for it? I did a search for it on google but they all show the same one or similar to that I got from NAPA. Please help. Thanks.
Oh, by the way this may be a dump question, but how can one tell if the MR2 has supercharge? My is a 89 MR2 with Automatic Transmission. I have no clue when people ask me if it got supercharge.
Could the overheat related to the fans not working? I just noticed that none of the fans are working when the engine idles and turn on AC or Heater. Doesn't the fan in the engine compartment suppose to turn on and blow away the hot air and the two fans by the radiator suppose to blow and keep the radiator cool? Any suggestions?
I already replaced the thermostat and flush the coolant but engine still shuts down after let it idle for 15-20 minutes. I will replace the coolant temperature sensor next, but what else should I look for besides the temp sensor? And why doesn't any of the fan works? More helps PLEASE. Thankz.
Could the overheat related to the fans not working? I just noticed that none of the fans are working when the engine idles and turn on AC or Heater. Doesn't the fan in the engine compartment suppose to turn on and blow away the hot air and the two fans by the radiator suppose to blow and keep the radiator cool? Any suggestions?
I think you have found your problem.
Focus on the fans, they must come on. Check all your fuses, and keep hunting for that temp. sensor.
__________________
91 MR2 5sfe
03 Grand Am 2.2L Ecotec
Start with the most simple fix, open up the fuse box and a check the fuse for that circuit for any oxidation. Relay's commonly get minor oxidation when they don't sit proporly, thusly opening the circiut. If you don't see any oxidation replace the fuse anyways. Then turn on the car, throw it into neutral, and rev the engine up. ONE fan should immidiatly activate. The other fan is for your AC so don't worry about it. If the fan doesn't turn on try turning it by hand, it should be relativly easy to move. If not then it could be the bearing is locking up.
If neither of those things are the problem then prepare for some REAL annoying shit, your gonna nead a voltage tester and a either a knowledge of where the entire electrical system for the fan is or idealy you'll need the wiring schematic. Go through and test every point in the system for AMPs (should be more than 3 and less than 5, more important is that your getting current though) If you have current then it's the fan itself and you'll have to replace it, it costs ALLOT so exhaust all other options first
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Forum for every generation Toyota MR2. Including the AW11 and SW20.
Help.. engine shuts off when hot
Linear Mode
