Hard start + engine shut off in traffic

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

update: new battery helped a lot. all it takes to start below 34deg is a little carb cleaner. still have p1300.

 

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.