If your Land Cruiser Prado 120 stalls right after a cold start, especially in winter, it’s often a sensor or air-fuel issue. Here’s what to check and whether it’s safe to drive.
Common Causes of Cold Start Stall
When the engine is cold, the ECU enriches the fuel mixture using signals from the coolant temperature sensor and the intake air temperature sensor. If these sensors read incorrectly, the engine may get too little fuel and stall. Another frequent culprit is the idle air control (IAC) valve, which can stick or become gummed up with carbon, preventing the engine from maintaining a stable idle. In freezing weather, a weak battery or thick engine oil can also contribute by slowing the starter and reducing cranking speed — making the ECU think the engine is already warm.
Read the full breakdown in the Knowledge Base
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