2002 Echo Starts, runs for 3 secs, stalls

[Charger]

My 2002 echo just hit 410 000 Km and has never let me down until last night. I was driving home from work and the engine stalled as if it has run out of gas. I coasted to a stop on the side of the road and then turned the key and started it up again. It ran for about 3 seconds and then stalled again. I repeated this several times with the same results. Engine starts, runs for three seconds, then dies.

Has anyone had a similar experience or have any idea what could be causing this?

Thanks for your help.

[vic benson]

Could be the fuel pump??

[RningOnFumes]

Most recent history of things you've done to the car? Last maintenance? Engine codes?

[Charger]

Thanks for the replies,

Recent maintenance included replacing the plugs and all 4 ignition coils. Because it ran great for 3 days after that (about 500 kms) I did not suspect this to be the problem. I will reinstall the old coils when I get home tonight to be sure.

I measured the fuel pressure at 60 psi going into the fuel rail while running (for the 3 seconds that it does run) so from what I can tell the fuel pump does appear to be functioning.

I have also disassembled and inspected the air box and vacuum lines and have not found any signs of cracks or leaks. These components appear to be in good shape.

A note is that when the car stalls after the 3 seconds, it shuts itself off instantly as if it has been turned off by the key. It does not chug to a slow death like I expect it would if it was running out of fuel.

Also, I do have to wait for a few seconds before being able to start it again. If I attempt to start it right away after it stalls it just turns over but does not fire.

I currently do not have access to a code reader but I am working on getting one. In the meantime if any one can provide any other ideas on what I could check or any stories of a similar experience and possible solutions it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[RningOnFumes]

That's interesting. Waiting for your update, a suggestion, try checking all grounds and cables to the battery. Also if you want, maybe try resetting the computer by unplugging the battery for an hour. Note that resetting the computer will reset any codes you might have.

[funkyphil]

you should check the cat and make sure it isn't clogged. one fast way of doing this is take a digital temp meter and aim it at the pipe going into the cat write down the temp, then take the reading from after the cat write that down. example if the temp going into the cat is lets say 500F and the temp coming out is 300F this means the Cat is clogged and not allowing the exhaust to run smooth, plus you'll hear a wine line nose out the tailpipe.

Thanks

[John_Whine]

Originally Posted by Charger

My 2002 echo just hit 410 000 Km and has never let me down until last night. I was driving home from work and the engine stalled as if it has run out of gas. I coasted to a stop on the side of the road and then turned the key and started it up again. It ran for about 3 seconds and then stalled again. I repeated this several times with the same results. Engine starts, runs for three seconds, then dies.

Has anyone had a similar experience or have any idea what could be causing this?

Thanks for your help.

It could be a number of things, at random, may be fuel filter / if your gas tank was not full or 1/2, it may have sucked up some sludge from the bottom of the tank, certainly appears to be fuel related.
Was it raining? the dampness may be steeling current from the plug wires and coil. ignition spray would eliminate that as a cause.
I hope you solve it.
Best of Luck
John.

[John_Whine]

Originally Posted by Charger

Thanks for the replies,

Recent maintenance included replacing the plugs and all 4 ignition coils. Because it ran great for 3 days after that (about 500 kms) I did not suspect this to be the problem. I will reinstall the old coils when I get home tonight to be sure.

I measured the fuel pressure at 60 psi going into the fuel rail while running (for the 3 seconds that it does run) so from what I can tell the fuel pump does appear to be functioning.

I have also disassembled and inspected the air box and vacuum lines and have not found any signs of cracks or leaks. These components appear to be in good shape.

A note is that when the car stalls after the 3 seconds, it shuts itself off instantly as if it has been turned off by the key. It does not chug to a slow death like I expect it would if it was running out of fuel.

Also, I do have to wait for a few seconds before being able to start it again. If I attempt to start it right away after it stalls it just turns over but does not fire.

I currently do not have access to a code reader but I am working on getting one. In the meantime if any one can provide any other ideas on what I could check or any stories of a similar experience and possible solutions it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

I had a similar occurrence years ago, I was driving along a highway, and a transport went by creating a giant spray of water, my car died as yours did, I discovered it was a weak coil, and old wires that allowed power loss.
I just had a thought, (I don't get many) that you might check out your alternator, it may be breaking down, and nearing the end of its useful life.
Kind Regards,
John.

[John_Whine]

Originally Posted by John_Whine

I had a similar occurrence years ago, I was driving along a highway, and a transport went by creating a giant spray of water, my car died as yours did, I discovered it was a weak coil, and old wires that allowed power loss.
I just had a thought, (I don't get many) that you might check out your alternator, it may be breaking down, and nearing the end of its useful life.
Kind Regards,
John.

We may be all chasing ghosts / Check your coolant level and have the thermal Fan switch tested, if the fan does not switch on at the proper temperature, a heat sensor switch may shut down the engine to protect it.
You may have to get a Professional Diagnosis!which I would recommend.
Kind Regards,
John.

[CBR_15]

Originally Posted by funkyphil

you should check the cat and make sure it isn't clogged. one fast way of doing this is take a digital temp meter and aim it at the pipe going into the cat write down the temp, then take the reading from after the cat write that down. example if the temp going into the cat is lets say 500F and the temp coming out is 300F this means the Cat is clogged and not allowing the exhaust to run smooth, plus you'll hear a wine line nose out the tailpipe.

Thanks

Would a clog cat not make the car fire? My '03 echo is doing the same as the OP described. I've changed the fuelpump and strainer, no luck. Plugs and coils look fine. I do know that the exhaust pipe right before the cat was leaking a little. Is that the case? No check engine light on either...

[Pookie]

Originally Posted by CBR_15

Would a clog cat not make the car fire? My '03 echo is doing the same as the OP described. I've changed the fuelpump and strainer, no luck. Plugs and coils look fine. I do know that the exhaust pipe right before the cat was leaking a little. Is that the case? No check engine light on either...

Have you checked the alternator? Mine would do this a few months ago and it was because my alternator was out.

[n00b]

try running the car with a loosened gas cap?

[KellyBachand]

Your Toyota Echo has two ignition 1 wires. The ignition 1 circuit is active (+12V) while the key is turned to start, or run. Otherwise it rests at ground. If either of these wires loses power (+12V) your engine will die just like you're describing.

This should be pretty easy to test. The ignition wires are black/yellow and black/red in the steering column. You can access them from underneath the steering column by your pedals, but they are tightly bundled and it's a pain. It's only 3 screws to remove your steering column cover, so I'd pull that off and access the wires there. There is a connector with larger gauge wires that plugs into the ignition switch and that's the guy you're looking for. If either of the ignition 1 wires is losing +12V your engine will die.

This could happen because of a failing ignition switch (most likely) or any number of other electrical issues (much less likely).

[JCofA]

If you clog or block the exhaust on any car it may crank up but will die fast. Exhaust has to do just that,get out of the way for the next firing of the spark plugs. This is why oxygen sensors are there. Fresh in old out. Ever heard of the old banana in the tail pipe prank? It will bring a car to a stop real quick. If it cant breath it won't run!