95 Camry 4 cyl engine dies when hot Help!

[Dohc98vteC]

When it's cold, runs fine, but when idling at a light in the heat, the idle is rough and engine stalls. Took it to a mechanic, who hasn't fixed the problem. He did however replace the water pump and timing belt, which hadn't been changed (the car has 91k). At first, I did a tune-up, changed plugs, cap, rotor, and wires. Most recently, thermostat, and radiator fan temp switch, but this has still not solved the problem, no check engine lights or anything, so not sure if it is a sensor, need help!

 

[Market525]

Has the throttle body been cleaned? At 91K, if not cleaned since original, it will be a black-gunk mess. This causes idling issues in many cases. Should you decide to read up & clean it yourself, resist the urge to just douse the thing w/ throttle body cleaner -- there are several sensors in that TB that do not take heavy doses of chemicals well, and you will not like the replacement cost! And please don't ask me how I know this.

Good luck, Steve

 

[Quest]

some questions for you:

(1) does this problem happens when the engine is cold? how about when the engine reaches normal operating temperature?

(2) what is your maintenance/service history looks like? In other words: when was the last time you have a tuneup performed on this vehicle?

(3) when did this first happened?

 

[Dohc98vteC]

We sprayed the throttle body with tb cleaner.

1. It only happens when the engine reaches its normal operating temp, drive around say 5-10 minutes, then at idle, it gradually gets rough and engine dies, esp. with the A/C on.

2. As far as maintenance, beyond oil changes every 3k and spark plugs every 30k, its all current with the timing belt being just replaced.

3. It just started a few weeks ago.

 

[Quest]

IMHO check for vacuum leaks of all sort, and stuck EGR valves.


We'll then go from there...

 

[Chris Meutsch]

I agree with the EGR and perhaps the IAC valve?

 

[JohnBrowning]

Check the coil and igniter when it fails and be quick as they often will start working again once they cool off.

 

[TurboJim]

Has the fuel filter been replaced?

 

[Donald]

If its a problem at idle then not likely the fuel filter. I would test the EGR where you pull the vacuum hose and apply a vacuum and see if engine runs worse. Its in the manual.

 

[Dohc98vteC]

Ok guys, the original mechanic did not solve the problem, so I had no choice but to take it to Toyota where it will be looked at tomorrow, but will cost like $100 for the diagnostic. How should I approach the original mechanic since he obviously did not solve the problem. I am thinking have him reimburse me for the diagnostic and if he says no call the BBB..

 

[Donald]

Your car needed a timing belt and water pump, and unclear if your mechanic did the tuneup and other things you mention or did you. You are in a sticky situation. Did your mechanic charge you for diag. work, or just do a lot of maint. things that needed to be done anyway and have not yet fixed the problem.

 

[pajim17057]

The IAC valve is either clogged with carbon or bad.

 

[Dohc98vteC]

Donald: Charged $30 for diag instead of the usual $60 because I have used his shop before. But basically either he was assuming what was wrong and was not sure, and or nickel and diming me.

Also, Toyota called and said the distributor is not getting enough spark, so is the problem.

 

[steve20]

get reaDY for a new ignition coil- about 250 bucks with labor

 

[Matt_S]

If you think the original mechanic made a good-faith effort to fix the problem, don't ask him to reimburse you. This can be a tricky problem to solve.

 

[brianl703]

Quote:

---

Ok guys, the original mechanic did not solve the problem, so I had no choice but to take it to Toyota where it will be looked at tomorrow, but will cost like $100 for the diagnostic. How should I approach the original mechanic since he obviously did not solve the problem. I am thinking have him reimburse me for the diagnostic and if he says no call the BBB..

---

Why are you not giving the original mechanic a chance to fix the problem?

 

[Dohc98vteC]

I gave him 2 chances, took it back after each "fix". But anyway, it's my moms car so had to get it fixed, so I took it to the stealer. Thanks for the replies.

Quote:

---

Quote:

---

Ok guys, the original mechanic did not solve the problem, so I had no choice but to take it to Toyota where it will be looked at tomorrow, but will cost like $100 for the diagnostic. How should I approach the original mechanic since he obviously did not solve the problem. I am thinking have him reimburse me for the diagnostic and if he says no call the BBB..

---

Why are you not giving the original mechanic a chance to fix the problem?

---