4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: 2000 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5, toyota 4runner, toyota runner

Question
HELLO CARL,
I HAVE A 2000 TOYOTA RUNNER SR5. WE HAD PROBLEM WITH STARTING THE CAR. AFTER A COUPLE TIME STARTING IT WOULD TURN ON THEN SUDDENLY DIES. SO I HAD TO PUSH THE GAS WHILE TURN IT ON. THE MECHANIC SAID HE CHANGED A VALVE TO FIX IT. BUT A COUPLE HOUR AFTER WE TOOK THE CAR HOME FROM THE SHOP AND MAYBE DROVE IT FOR 10 MILES, SUDDENLY STEAM CAME OUT OF THE ENGINE AND I BELIEVE THE RADIATOR OR THE HOSE CONNECTING IT HAVE PROBLEM. DO YOU THINK MAYBE THE MECHANIC CAUSED IT? ( TODAY HIS SON WHO IS 24 WAS THERE AND IS TRYING TO GET TO DAD'S BUSINESS AFTER FINISHING BA IN HISTORY FROM A VERY PRESTIGE SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!)

Answer
Fara,

You need to get the mechanic that worked on it to look at it again.  I really don't have much faith in the mechanic you used, but he has the responsibility to fix whatever he did wrong.  As far as the leaking hose goes, this shouldn't have been caused by the mechanic.  There is always the chance that the mechanic is not reputable, or doesn't do quality work and relies on recalls for additional work/money.

If the mechanic doesn't want to try to rectify this problem, I would look into getting another mechanic.  Try to find a shop that is reputable and specializes in Toyotas, 4x4s.

The problem should have been found by running a scan on the vehicle.  There are numerous sensors that can cause the engine problem and a good scan should find the faulty component.

Carl