Random engine cutting out after a highway drive, 5 minutes later is normal, solved- fuel pump

Having a strange random issue with my truck.

Once a month or so 4 times to be exact in the last 4 months after coming off the highway in the 2krpm and lower the engine just die’s completely and I’ve had to pull off to the shoulder.
All the gauges are working still all power is there.
The engine will not start back up.
Turning the key off and back on still nothing, engine cranks but nothing
BUT if it sits for 5 minutes then it starts back up and everything is normal again.

I replaced the fuel pump 3 years ago still as possibly item to replace.
I replaced the ignitor 2 years ago,
I replaced the fuel filter 2 years ago,
I replaced 2 year ago coils,camshaft and crankshaft sensors and plug cables.
New plugs last month

I’m thinking the fuel pump or a sensor



Anyone ever have this type of issue

 

Had this problem in a Dodge with the fraction of miles you got. They couldn’t figure it out and traded it for my Taco 10 years ago. Sorry, hope you find the problem.

 

I’m thinking maybe the fuel pump but was hoping for something easier like crank sensor, I might replace it again with a desno instead of the OEM

 

At this point in the diagnosis I would have a spray can of starting fluid with me… when she cuts out and cranks with a no start, squirt a bit of starting fluid into the intake via a vacuum hose, the brake booster vacuum line works good, and see if she starts, if she does, it is not getting fuel. Then it gets fun, is it the pump itself or the electrical control portion of the pump.

If she is a Haltech management, Supercharged etc. truck, you are going to need specialized help.

 

If I got your ticket I'd be looking at wire connector strength. The pins shake and loosen the pins over time and can cause issues like this.

An absolute bitch to diagnose. Ideally you'd have a fuel pressure gauge hooked up and a spark plug tester ready to go when it stalls.

Have you ever replaced the ignitor? Does the 5vz have an ignitor? I forget.

 

Yes, it was replaced a few years ago.
I will start with keeping a can of starter fluid in the truck and see it that works next time to see if it’s pump issues and probably replace the crankshaft sensor with a desno

 

Good idea, will keep a can of starter fluid in the truck for next time

 

Can you track AFR when it happens to see if the fuel pump is cutting out?

 

I’ve only used oem as well. Think I’m going not worry anymore. I think the crank sensor is worth it. Hate to be an elimination mechanic though but that’s where my skills are.

 

Yes, but when it cuts out the engine is dead and no warning.

but maybe with data logging, mmmm.

I was an hour away from home this time.
Maybe next time I will be closer to look through the data logger.

good idea

I just ordered a new desno crankshaft sensor now

 

Doing some reading about overheating fuel pumps caused by fuel filter possibly, and it tripping a circuit protector? Open circuit relay of sorts?

 

Thanks,
Yup could be a number of thing that others are posting and some good ideas.

I didn’t think about looking at the haltech data logger either.
So will start with the new crankshaft sensor and have a can of starter fluid ready to know what direction to go next and download the log file when it happens again.
Unfortunately it only happens once a month or so and only when coming off the highway all 4 times under 2krpms then dies

 

Just very weird

 

First, I know really nothing about mechanical stuff, but I bought my 1st. Gen to try and learn more, as needed. However, this sounds similar to an issue the guy I bought my truck from had. He said he had the fuel pump replaced and soon after that, only after driving it for several hours, it would start to lose power. Not stall, just kind of chug along erratically, I guess. After sitting, it was fine he said.

On one of his long drives, it happened when he was near the Toyota dealership that replaced the fuel pump. I think there was some PSI issues when they tested it, and it was replaced under warranty. He did't have the issue again. He also had the fuel tank replaced at that time as they said it had some rust on the inside? I have no idea if this helps, but good luck and I'm interested in knowing if you find the cause.

 

It cut out again today, pulled off the highway and turned everything off, waiting a minute and turned the ignition on.

No fuel pump noise that i usually hear for 5 seconds as it primes the system and no start.

waiting 5 minutes and turned ignition key on and this time I heard the pump priming and started right up.
Also I noticed my AFR at idle bouncing around from 14-17
So yeah probably the fuel pump going south.
Guess I have a Saturday project now

 

Do you know how many miles are on it?

 

Not 100 percent but 60k or so, but should have gone loner.
It’s not that bad of a job,
3 hours with an engine hoist.

 

Was it an Intrepid? My mom had one when I was a kid and it used to do this.

 

FWIW… Tacomas do not use a fuel pump prime type system so there will not be a pump sound when you turn the key on. They use a signal from the starter to start the pump and then use a signal from the crankshaft position sensor to keep it going. Unless your truck has been modified I do not know what it is you are hearing when you turn the key to the ON position.

 

Yes it’s modified,
I have a AEM 350 high flow pump aftermarket,
Yes you can hear it turn on for 5 seconds or so maybe less sound comes from the gas tank,
It’s controlled by the haltech stand-alone ECU so it’s different than stock ECU