Car has starting issues after warmup
Asked by Oop Jan 25, 2022 at 06:11 PM about the 1991 Toyota Celica GT Hatchback FWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Hi! I have a 1991 Toyota Celica with 237k miles. I have an issue where once
my car is warmed up from driving, upon next startup, the engine tries to peter
out unless I give it gas for a few seconds. Never has the issue on a cold
start, or when I'm starting my car for the first time of the day. I replaced the
starter just to be sure (because it did have an electrical noise, but regardless
the thing had been ready to go.) Any input helps!
7 Answers
When an engine runs fine for a long time, then fails to restart after having been off for a little while, like after gassing up, there's a mechanical/electrical problem that needs to be fixed. it's likely that this is leaking injectors that flood the engine when it's off, and excess fuel doesn't dissipate until the engine has cooled. Try starting with the accelerator floored; this Wide Open Throttle (WOT) action clears excess fuel. If this isn't the cause, it could be a defective engine coolant temperature sensor, faulty coils or plug wires, faulty crank or cam position sensors, or faulty EGR valve..... we still have a "91 Previa that we bought new in 1990. Looks & runs great.
I just thought to add a pic of the "91 Previa.
Recently went through issues like that with my 85 GT hatchback. (298K miles) I ended up having a fuel tank flush, fuel pump replaced, all the fuel lines replaced, fuel injectors cleaned, and gas cap replaced. Getting my car running was cleaning the tank and replacing the fuel pump and relay. The other issues showed when the fuel started to flow. I followed that up with major seals and brake work and differential seals….about $9k in work to get it drivable again.
Nine grand to fix an "85 Celica with three thousand miles on it? Not sure that's a wise investment, but the car does look good.