Hello,A friend of mine has a 1996 Tacoma 4 cyl. that will die when it is cold if anything electrical is engaged. For example, if he starts it, and within fifteen minutes he puts it in reverse, hits the brakes, turns on the lights or blinkers, it will die. He had the head gasket replaced and that it when it started doing it. The shop pretty much told him it was a coincidence and not their problem or fault. Any suggestions or ideas on where to start?

 

Maybe check the alternator to see if it charging the battery. The battery might have just enough juice to crank the engine and keep it running until there is additional draw from using the lights, blinkers, etc. Having NAPA check your alternator is a pretty easy place to start troubleshooting.

 

TeamGforce has the right approach. However, the timing of the HG work also leads one to think: "LOOSE GROUND!" I have a 6 Cyl so I can't tell you where to look, but a hot motor might expand enough that a loose ground becomes tight when motor heats up. Double check positive battery cables, too. They probably pulled that, too.