Engine & fuel system
6 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Poor idling
Symptoms
Failure to start.
Cause
Engine control module (ECM) software fault.
Repair
- Install upgraded engine control module (ECM) software.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.
Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated
Symptoms
Engine control module (ECM) in limp home mode. Trouble code stored: P0400.
Cause
Engine control module (ECM) software fault.
Repair
- Install upgraded engine control module (ECM) software.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.
Poor cold starting
Overview
- Affects
- All models with 1CD-FTV engine code.
- Fault codes
P0380- Remedy
- Software update
Symptoms
Trouble code stored: P0380.
Cause
Defective glow plugs.
Repair
- Check glow plugs, replace as necessary.
- Re-program ECM with modified software.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.
Intermittent power loss on acceleration
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve not operating properly. Fix: re-program with updated software.
Overview
- Affects
- All models.
- Remedy
- Software update
Symptoms
Engine jerking.
Repair steps
- Check air filter, replace if required.
- Check mass air flow (MAF) sensor, replace if required.
- Clean exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and associated parts.
- Re-program ECM with modified software.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.
Intermittent non start when ignition switched from off position to start position too quickly
Overview
- Affects
- All models.
- Remedy
- Fit modified part
Symptoms
Poor starting when engine is hot.
Cause
Engine control module (ECM) software fault.
Repair
- Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
- If no fault(s) found: Fit modified engine control module (ECM).
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 6.
Sudden power loss on acceleration
Symptoms
Trouble code stored in engine control module (ECM) fault memory: 78 (2), 78 (8), P0627.
Cause
Fuel flow control valve faulty.
Repair
- Fit modified fuel flow control valve.
Parts1 part
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel flow control valve | 04221-27011 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 8.
Brakes
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Brakes squeal
Overview
- Affects
- All models.
Cause
Replacement brake pads fitted without anti-squeal shims.
Repair
- Ensure brake pad anti-squeal shims are fitted.
- Replacement shims available separately.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.
Steering
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Squeaking noise from engine area
Cause
Auxiliary drive belt(s) worn.
Auxiliary drive belt tensioner faulty.
Power steering pump faulty.
PAS pump pulley faulty.
AC compressor faulty.
Repair
- Check components and replace as necessary.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 7.
Glossary
Technical terms used in this guide.
- ECM
- Engine control module — the electronic unit that manages the engine
- EGR
- Exhaust gas recirculation — feeds some exhaust gas back into the intake to cut emissions
- AC
- Air conditioning — the system that cools the cabin
- MAF
- Mass air flow — a sensor that measures how much air the engine is breathing
- PAS
- Power assisted steering — hydraulic or electric help when you turn the wheel
- Control Module
- A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
- Fault Memory
- The list of stored trouble codes in a control module
- Glow Plugs
- Heaters that help a diesel engine start from cold
- Limp Home
- A protective mode that limits power so the vehicle can be driven to a workshop
- Re-Program
- Update the software on a control module using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool
- Trouble Code
- A standardised fault code stored by a control module, read with a diagnostic tool
- Auxiliary Drive Belt
- The belt that drives the alternator, water pump, steering pump or air-conditioning compressor
- Recirculation
- Air-conditioning mode that recirculates cabin air instead of drawing in outside air
Frequently asked questions
What are the common faults with the Toyota Previa 2.0 D-4D?
This guide contains eight workshop bulletins for the Toyota Previa 2.0 D-4D. Of these, six concern the engine and fuel system and one the brakes. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.
Does every Toyota Previa 2.0 D-4D have these faults?
No. These are patterns documented across the model by workshops, not predictions for an individual vehicle. Where a fault applies only to certain vehicles or VIN ranges, that is listed with the fault.
Can I check for Toyota Previa 2.0 D-4D faults myself?
Many of them. The documented symptoms can be seen, heard or felt during a test drive.