Hello, I have a 2000 Toyota echo that works all handy dan...


Hello, I have a 2000 Toyota echo that works all handy dandy. However I have an issue with the car. Every time I get gas, the car has a really hard timing turning on. It takes about 3-4 cranks to get the car started. Once the car g...

Hello, I have a 2000 Toyota echo that works all handy dandy. However I have an issue with the car. Every time I get gas, the car has a really hard timing turning on. It takes about 3-4 cranks to get the car started. Once the car gets started, it doesn’t have an issue turning on. I do have a check [engine](/topics-engine-toyota/) light on and the codes are p0440, p0441, and p0446. I know these are common codes with the car and I did my research. So far I have replaced the purge solenoid under the hood, I replaced the charcoal canister underneath the car, and I just got the lines flushed for carbon build up. I did take it to a mechanic but he said he couldn’t find anything else wrong with it. I find that hard to believe and ima get my money’s worth from this guy later. My only and last thought on the issue could be the pressure in the engine or the flow of air. I know the pressure is too lean in the car and that could be the main reason why it’s having a hard time turning on. They mechanic did mention something about the PSI being at 45 which is too low. How can I fix all of this? Mechanic's Assistant: Does the light stay on, or does it blink? Stay on Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your Echo yourself? What have you tried so far? I explained above that I replaced the purge solenoid, the charcoal canister, and I had a mechanic flush the car for carbon build up. Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? Not really. I explained everything above as much as I can. Thank you!!

Automotive Expert
Hello, my name is \*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\* to just answer! I will be assisting you with all of your vehicle questions today. I’m really sorry that you’re having this issue and I’m going to help you through it, but please understand that I (respectfully) don't know your skill level or tools you have to assist us to diagnose/repair your vehicle. Also, understand that I can't see, smell, hear or touch the vehicle either, so your patience/understanding is appreciated. Please allow me up to 10 minutes to gather schematics and other pertinent information for this issue. I do not know anything about the fees or charge so please if you have any concerns, direct them to customer service. My aim is to give you the best service possible and to help you. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I appreciate your patience and will provide responses as soon as possible. Thank you.
Automotive Expert
the reason for the problem starting after filling up is due to P0440,0441 and 0446. These need to be repaired or it will never stop doing this. I have attached all of the tests that need to be done, but I beleive this is going to be a vent valve issue

These diagrams are so confusing to read lolWhat are test exactly?Sorry, I'm terrible with diagrams
Automotive Expert
you will need a multimeter, a test light, a vacuum gun or a source of vacuum and a scan tool that reads live engine data. do you have these things?

Also I'm curious with this because I did replace the charcoal canister just a couple of weeks agoI do have a scan toolI don't have the source of vacuum though
Automotive Expert
here are 3 tests to do. (attached) you are going to need a vacuum gauge also.

Can I get a vacuum gauge like at auto zone?Do I need to get a volt tester thing as well?
Automotive Expert
yes and yes if you do not have any experience in electrical testing, then you need to let a shop do these tests

I had a mechanic look at my car and he said he couldn't find anything however they did some work and they have a two year type of warrant on the work they did including the inspection.Do u think it'll be a good idea to go back and ask them to perform these test since they didn't fix the original issue?
Automotive Expert
absolutely. and I can guarantee you that they did not do the testing that I sent you or they would have found the problem

Awesome David. So just ask them to perform the 4 test u sent me? I'm pretty irritated that they didn't do these test
Automotive Expert
yes. tell them to do the test. do not ask them. you are the customer. the work for you.

David u gonna be my new best friend if I can get this fixed hahaBesides those test, is there anything else I can tell them to do
Automotive Expert
yes, did they actually said 1 of the cylinders is reading 45 psi when they did a compression test?

I don't know if it was a cylinder but they said something in the engine area was at 45psi
Automotive Expert
ok, well you need to find out because if one of the cylinders compression was 45 psi then you have big problems

Customer attachment 1/28/2021 9:17:41 PM

This is the report they gave me
Automotive Expert
ok, 45 psi fuel pressure is ok, so then they only need to do the tests that I sent to you.

The 45psi fuel pressure is normal?
Automotive Expert
yes. engine idling psi should be 44-50

I went back to the shop and I was telling them about the tests and the guy was "stating" that he did all of thoseI got suspicious because he said there was nothing wrong with itHowever, when I was getting gas today, the pump kept stopping and I had to force the car to take the gashe stated that it could be a faulty charcoal canister even though I put a new one on
Automotive Expert
ok, and as a mechanic for 35 years, I can tell you he did not do all of those tests or he would have /found the problem. did he smoke test the evap system?

Tbh I don't think so. He said he pressurized the system whatever that meansOh for sure, I think he's kinda bullshitting me for not finding the issue
Automotive Expert
he pressurized the evap system? was he looking for leaks in the evap sytem?

I'm assuming he was since that is where the issue isHe's suppose to call me on Monday or tomorrow to see what he finds but I'll ask him if he smoke tested it
Automotive Expert
ok. please keep me posted. Ill leave this open

Thank u David for everything. You've been super helpful and I'll definitely keep u posted. Thank u again
Automotive Expert
you are very welcome

Hey David, just to keep u updated. I havnt heard from the mechanic yet
Automotive Expert
thank you for letting me know.

Hey David, just checking up and I still haven't heard back from them
Automotive Expert
wow they are either incompetent or really slow

I think both tbhIt's been a whole week already
Automotive Expert
ok, well I'll still be here for ya

Thx David. I think ima call them on Monday and pull a Karen or something
Automotive Expert
lol... go Karen!!!

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