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Hard start + engine shut off in traffic

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by >implying, Jan 3, 2025.

  1. Jan 3, 2025 at 3:08 PM
    #1
    >implying

    >implying [OP] New Member

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    Male
    Vehicle:
    1996 Black/Green Tacoma with the rad 90's stickers
    none, outside of repairs to: Lover Ball Joints Harmonic balancer all 3 belts new tires with plans for a new condenser as soon as it gets here (philly gets hot)
    Hello.
    I have a 1996 Tacoma with a 2rzfe. Recently it has become very difficult to start when the outside temperature is near or at freezing. Alongside this, it also dies in traffic when it is anything below op-temp. I pulled codes, and found a p0401, so I replaced the vacuum variator and that fixed it for a while. Then it started happening again, same symptoms. This time I pulled a p0401 and a p1300. I'm completely lost and would appreciate any advice. Please and thank you.
     
  2. Jan 3, 2025 at 3:49 PM
    #2
    Andy01DblCabTacoma

    Andy01DblCabTacoma Well-Known Member

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    Andy
    San Diego, CA
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    01 Double Cab v6 4x4 TRD
    F: Kings SPC, R: 5100s+J59s. Custom armor.
    How old is the battery? I'd get that checked first to make sure it's healthy. Check the battery terminals and cables for corrosion and ensure good clean mating surfaces.

    I bet you're looking at a few different underlaying problems rather than one single issue. Depending on the brand of the part that you replaced for the EGR code, it might not be good anymore, so you can't really cross that off the list of potential issues for that 401. If it wasn't OEM, then that's certainly a possibility that it's already bad, or was never fully in spec to begin with. The 1300 led me to my first part of this reply- Check the battery, and then it's probably time for new coils, wires, and plugs.
     
    Moonrman likes this.
  3. Jan 4, 2025 at 3:42 AM
    #3
    >implying

    >implying [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2024
    Member:
    #451509
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1996 Black/Green Tacoma with the rad 90's stickers
    none, outside of repairs to: Lover Ball Joints Harmonic balancer all 3 belts new tires with plans for a new condenser as soon as it gets here (philly gets hot)
    The part isn't the problem, I tested it, it's fine. I wonder if it's the EGR valve needs cleaning. Batt could also be an issue, it was the cheapest one I could get at the auto zone lol
     
  4. Jan 4, 2025 at 9:38 AM
    #4
    Andy01DblCabTacoma

    Andy01DblCabTacoma Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Male
    First Name:
    Andy
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    01 Double Cab v6 4x4 TRD
    F: Kings SPC, R: 5100s+J59s. Custom armor.
    I was struggling to make ends meet between careers, around the same time my original Red Top Optima died, and couldn't afford the new price tag for another one, so I just dropped in whatever was cheapest from the parts store... They don't last long, a year ish, before needing to be replaced again. After a few of those batteries, the better quality red top price tag was worth it.
     
    Bahamayellow likes this.
  5. Jan 11, 2025 at 7:36 PM
    #5
    >implying

    >implying [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2024
    Member:
    #451509
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1996 Black/Green Tacoma with the rad 90's stickers
    none, outside of repairs to: Lover Ball Joints Harmonic balancer all 3 belts new tires with plans for a new condenser as soon as it gets here (philly gets hot)
    update: new battery helped a lot. all it takes to start below 34deg is a little carb cleaner. still have p1300.
     
    Andy01DblCabTacoma likes this.
  6. Jan 17, 2025 at 9:11 PM
    #6
    Bahamayellow

    Bahamayellow Well-Known Member

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    2002 tacoma sr5
    I just put in a oddessy battery in last year. Of course it is new so it cranks really good. Its going to be 6 degrees when i go to work so i want to see how it does. Because the better quality lead plates it weighs a ton. Was more expensive than a regular 2 year battery has a 3 year warranty.
     

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