Rav-4 2001. 2.0 petrol. Spontaneous power loss.

[52classic]

Our trusty old Rav is getting temperamental! It is Mrs C's car so excuse the slightly wooly description of symptoms.

Speedo reading drops to zero. Management light comes on. Car continues to run but is 'limping' - loss if power but still runs smoothly. Keep it going for a couple of hundred yards and it picks up and runs fine speedo resumes, but light stays on 'til reset. Has happened twice so far in as many weeks. I can't get it to recur although it is a nice enough car to mooch around in trying.

Give me an old engine.... Points, carb, coil and I'm OK but modern stuff? My thought is crank position sensor. Am I on the right lines?

[catman]

It should have registered a fault code, probably simplest to have it read first.

[E-bmw]

As above, you need to get the code, as that may help greatly.

[52classic]

Thanks very much, that's certainly a help.

I don't have an OBD reader but, calling in a favour I established that there is just one recorded fault...
'road speed sensor' Toyota owners' site identifies a common fault with the connector in the driver's side footwell suffering corrosion. It connects the sensor to the dash wiring. Connector duly cleaned and put back. Car runs great. I'll try a bit of a road trip locally for a start, then venture farther afield.

So far so good!

[catman]

Sounds like you found the fault. Let us know!

[52classic]

So far so good.......... But I have checked that recovery cover is still in force!