ZzBloopzZ

Hello,

I have a poor friend that is in need of DESPERATE help with a 2006 Scion XA (102k miles). For past few months, the car would randomly have hesitation issues and make a strange "ticking" sound at traffic lights. She has had CEL light on for the longest time for the Charcoal canister (she had it replaced once back when car was under warranty). It started getting worse 2 weeks ago. 1.5 weeks ago I had her put in Chevron Fuel Cleaner (she accidentally put entire 20 oz of it, when I told her to put just 60% of it to match the 12 oz for 12 gal fuel tank it has). Then 2 days later she said car started getting even worse. She then had spark plugs replaced by her mechanic co-worker with Denso Iradium. She noticed car started driving much better but started hesitating again when parking at home.

Then on the way driving to a real mechanic the car totally stalled on the highway. Car would not start, and this time the CEL started flashing. She was with her BF at the time so he kept trying to start the car to the point that it killed the battery. The tow truck driver charged up the battery and towed to the mechanic... her battery is only 1-2 years old by the way.

Mechanic had lots of troubles trying to figure out the issue. Mechanic seems like a good/trustworthy person as he is family friend of hers. Anyways, he replaced the fuel pump and fuel injectors. He also double checked the spark plugs. He also drained out the old gas from the gas tank. He did say the old gas was very "muddy" when he took it out. Not sure if he meant it is thick like mud or was just dirty like mud.

Friend took car back and it drove perfectly for 30 miles. Car started hesitating again the very next day, but not as bad. The mechanic came to her house to look at car, as he was driving it for a test drive it stalled again and had to get it towed to the mechanic shop... also she does oil change on the regular intervals.

Any suggestions on what the issue could be? I am just trying to help out a friend as she has already missed school/work due to car troubles. She only makes 35k salary so I don't want her to waste any more money.

Sorry this is the most detailed information I could get from my friend.

Thanks for any feedback!

jct

what are the cel codes?

ZzBloopzZ

P2419
P2402
P043F
P2401
P043E

All related to Evaporative Emissions

jct

have you put a multi meter on it yet?

the one under the rear on the canister should be 25 to 30Ω

and the one under the hood should be at 30 to 34Ω

and with the key on check the voltage on the plug when i checked mine it's a lil over 10 volts

to test to see if the valve solenoids still work just use a 9volt battery on them they should be making a clicking sound.

ZzBloopzZ

Will pass that information on to friends mechanic.

Thanks!!

jct

have you replaced the gap cap too? from what i've seen have to go with OEM which is only like 20 dollars

Lidia@Scion

Hey ZzBloopzZ, thank you for your post. We recommend taking the Scion xA to a local dealer for an inspection and diagnosis. She can also give us a call at 866-707-2466 (Monday - Friday 5 AM - 6 PM PST, Saturday 7 AM - 4 PM) if she would like to further discuss and formally document her concern. Thank you.

jct

any updates?