I’ve got a 2004 RAV4. A few days ago I changed the spark plugs, ignition coils, and oil. Then I washed the car (not the engine bay), and ever since, it hasn’t been staying on. It starts, then dies after a second. Error code is P2238. I’m not great with cars but could this be the O2 sensor?
After looking around online I think it’s the O2 sensor, but I’m not confident about it. Just wanted to double check here before I go replacing anything.
Thorne said:
After looking around online I think it’s the O2 sensor, but I’m not confident about it. Just wanted to double check here before I go replacing anything.
Did the problem start after the spark plugs and coil change? Are the plugs gapped properly?
A bad O2 sensor might make it run rough but not just stall right away.
@GregoryMesh3
The stalling started before the plug and coil swap. Now it makes a kind of air noise when I turn it on. It stays on now but shakes a bit and won’t go past 10 mph.
Thorne said:
@GregoryMesh3
The stalling started before the plug and coil swap. Now it makes a kind of air noise when I turn it on. It stays on now but shakes a bit and won’t go past 10 mph.
That sounds like a vacuum or gasket leak. You can try using a spray bottle with soapy water on the vacuum lines when the engine’s cold — bubbles will show the leak.
Did you end up replacing the O2 sensor yet?
Thorne said:
@GregoryMesh3
The stalling started before the plug and coil swap. Now it makes a kind of air noise when I turn it on. It stays on now but shakes a bit and won’t go past 10 mph.
Yeah that definitely sounds like a vacuum leak. A bad O2 usually just makes it run rich, not stall out completely. Check everything after the MAF sensor and all the little rubber lines near the throttle body — one might be cracked.
Did you spray water into the engine bay?
LisaLovesToyota said:
Did you spray water into the engine bay?
Nope, I just washed the outside with a pressure washer. Maybe some water got into the engine area though.
Same thing happened with my 03 Camry after the battery had been out for a while. It lost the idle settings.
Try this: unplug the battery for 20–30 minutes, reconnect it, and then hold the gas steady at about 700–800 RPM for a few minutes when you start it. Helped mine get back to normal.
Did you disconnect the battery when doing the work or when clearing codes?
Ezra said:
Did you disconnect the battery when doing the work or when clearing codes?
No, I didn’t unplug the battery at any point.
Was the car running okay after the plug and coil change and before the wash? Could be something just got wet. A bad O2 sensor usually won’t shut the whole car down. If it won’t go over 10 mph, it might be a misfire or maybe the catalytic converter is clogged.
P2238 is an O2 sensor voltage issue, so it’s definitely possible that’s your problem. Still, it shouldn’t make the car die like that. Might be more than one thing going on.