The FIRST time this happened (it happens frequently) I was driving my daughter to day care. As I pulled in to the driveway it puttered then died. I wasn't able to restart my car so I left it there and hitched a ride to work. When I got off work, I called a tow truck to pick up my car. When he got there, he tried to start it and it started right up! I was relieved, but after this happened multiple times it became very frustrating (especially when you're stopped at an intersection). I figured out that if you put the car in neutral, put your left foot on the brake, and pump the gas as you're turning the key, the car will restart. The only problem is that it will continue to do that until you turn the car off and let it sit for at least a half hour. It also runs horribly, puttering every time you stop and idles roughly. I took the car to the dealership a total of 4 times, in which they never figured out the problem. Apparently, this is common with Toyotas and it is usually the Idle Air Control Valve. Unfortunately, this car does NOT have one! After speaking to several other mechanics, one had suggested the EGR valve. It has a diaphragm in it which can stick, thus making the car die. If it doesn't have time to cool down, it will stay stuck and the problem continues. I have been testing it to see if the car will die if it's unplugged, and so far, the only thing that has happened is that my engine light comes on. The cheapest I have found the part for is $155 at Auto Zone.
The FIRST time this happened (it happens frequently) I was driving my daughter to day care. As I pulled in to the driveway it puttered then died. I wasn't able to restart my car so I left it there and hitched a ride to work. When I got off work, I called a tow truck to pick up my car. When he got there, he tried to start it and it started right up! I was relieved, but after this happened multiple times it became very frustrating (especially when you're stopped at an intersection). I figured out that if you put the car in neutral, put your left foot on the brake, and pump the gas as you're turning the key, the car will restart. The only problem is that it will continue to do that until you turn the car off and let it sit for at least a half hour. It also runs horribly, puttering every time you stop and idles roughly. I took the car to the dealership a total of 4 times, in which they never figured out the problem. Apparently, this is common with Toyotas and it is usually the Idle Air Control Valve. Unfortunately, this car does NOT have one! After speaking to several other mechanics, one had suggested the EGR valve. It has a diaphragm in it which can stick, thus making the car die. If it doesn't have time to cool down, it will stay stuck and the problem continues. I have been testing it to see if the car will die if it's unplugged, and so far, the only thing that has happened is that my engine light comes on. The cheapest I have found the part for is $155 at Auto Zone.
- crazystarchild23, Anaheim, CA, US