[dartist]

I have a 98 toyota camry that cut off while driving twice in three months. I let the car sit overnight came back and it cranked right up. Well it happened a third time about two weeks ago. It wouldn't start the next day or the day after. I changed the fuel filter, pump was tested and is good. I also changed the plugs, wires, and timing belt. I am running out of money for repairs because of the money needed to close on my house. Please someone help

[TxGreaseMonkey]

. Check for spark--if none, or marginal, replace the ignition coil:

While we find your parts, please enter your ZIP Code at PartsAmerica.com

. Check for codes.

kitch428 is our Toyota expert. Hopefully, he will see your posting and pass judgment.

[dartist]

Thanks partner. I'll check that out. I'v read quite a bit of your posts your opinion is trusted.
kitch428 are you around too?

[kitch428]

Yes, I'm here but it's a tough one to diagnose from here without actually seeing it happen.
You hardly ever hear of these cars just stalling out on their own, but the most probable cause is the idle air control motor. (IAC) as we call it.
This will regulate the amount of air entering the throttle body. If it sticks closed, then you get all fuel, and no air at start up. That's a definite no start.
The coolant temp sensor tells the ecm how much to open and close the IAC, so there is another possibility of the sensor going bad.
Try to have the throttle body completely cleaned out. And that hole at the bottom is the main air source that passes through the IAC so it must be thoughohly cleaned and blasted with compressed air. (try this first and let me know results)
Perfectly working, at initial start up, the rpm's should come up and come down. When warm, the rpm's should raise when a/c is switched on or the steering wheel is moved side to side.
Anything to put a load onto the engine, the IAC should react to. That's my best guess from here.

[this8384]

Is your check engine light on? I would have a diagnostic test done to see if there are any stored codes which could point you in the right direction.

[CaptainRich]

You didn't say if you checked for spark...
Check this at the plug end of the spark plug wire to eliminate any open in the secondary ignition.

[kitch428]

I have some news on this issue: Yesterday I had someone come in with a 2001 Camry. Same concern. Stalls very random at stop lights. This car is same 5sfe engine.
I performed the above items I mentioned to this car. Test drove fine, sent it on their marry way.
Today it comes back. They say it drove home like a dream, but later that day stalled 3 times. %^$#@! NO codes!
I started looking into mechanical parts. I pulled the EGR valve off it and WA-LA! A completely clogged port to the plenum, and once removed on the work bench, I applied vacuum to the egr diaphragm and sure enough, it stuck open and wouldn't come down until I tapped on it.
This is a wide open vacuum leak and would make any engine stall at random.
So... to change my tune a bit, check this area first.

[dartist]

I have gotten fatigued. Thank you for all the answers before I got a chance to check the last three above solutions I had a mechanic look at it. He changed the fuel filter, timing and belt. I then had it towed to a shop where it has been since Thursday. It still won't start. GOD HELP.

[kitch428]

If it won't start at all now, then have the mechanic look into the crank sensor. If it's bad, you will get spark, but no injector pulse.
Let us know if codes are coming up. This will help us (LOTS) to help you!