1996 V6 4runner questions

[Dezerts10]

I just recently picked up a 4runner and have some questions about it.

I have to get it registered in my name so I had to get it smogged in California. It had a P0446 code and the smog shop did a smoke test and said the evap canister was cracked. So we replaced that. Code has not popped back up but using my OBD2 scanner the emission system is still not ready and the C light blinks for what I assume is a catalytic converter monitor issue. No code has come up though.

Smog shop passed the 4runner so I am not worried about getting it registered any longer but it seems to get terrible fuel mileage, So far I got 165 miles on a full tank running with the ect power button on and with it off I am at 80 miles near half a tank. I put 91 octane in it but don't figure that really matters.

I feel Like there is an o2 sensor problem or something causing it to run rich, I can smell it being rich as well.

Any thoughts?

Trying to get this issue fixed before I bombard the forum with more questions haha.

thanks, Gregg

 

[alumarine]

How many gallons did it take to fill it after 165 miles?
City or hwy?

 

[SpidermanGeek]

So far I got 165 miles on a full tank running with the ect power button on and with it off I am at 80 miles near half a tank. I put 91 octane in it but don't figure that really matters.

If it makes you feel any better, that's about the mileage I get in my '97.
I also put 91 Octane in it once and I noticed the MPG was worse.

My best guess is that my rig would greatly benefit from a new fuel filter and O2 Sensors.

I assume yours is Cali Emissions model, so you'd have an A/F sensor and O2 sensor rather than 2x O2 sensors (If I recall what I've read about the 2 different exhaust systems).

 

[Dezerts10]

How many gallons did it take to fill it after 165 miles?
City or hwy?

combined city and highway. It took 12.8 gallons so that's about 12.8 mpg which seems pretty bad compared tot he 15/16 I get with my 2007 5.3L V8silverado

 

[StreetCreeper]

I just recently picked up a 4runner and have some questions about it.

I have to get it registered in my name so I had to get it smogged in California. It had a P0446 code and the smog shop did a smoke test and said the evap canister was cracked. So we replaced that. Code has not popped back up but using my OBD2 scanner the emission system is still not ready and the C light blinks for what I assume is a catalytic converter monitor issue. No code has come up though.

Smog shop passed the 4runner so I am not worried about getting it registered any longer but it seems to get terrible fuel mileage, So far I got 165 miles on a full tank running with the ect power button on and with it off I am at 80 miles near half a tank. I put 91 octane in it but don't figure that really matters.

I feel Like there is an o2 sensor problem or something causing it to run rich, I can smell it being rich as well.

Any thoughts?

Trying to get this issue fixed before I bombard the forum with more questions haha.

thanks, Gregg

What is a "C" light? I don't recall ever seeing one on my truck.

Your truck has to run the smog I/M monitors before it can pass smog. So you if you have recently cleared any codes or pulled the battery cables from the battery, you will need to wait for the monitors to clear on their own. Depending on how often you drive and your driving style, this could take hours or weeks.

You can force the tests to run and pass by following very specific driving instructions and making your truck ready by meeting certain requirements that must be present for the truck to complete the test, e.g., having the fuel level at a certain level, letting the truck cool down overnight so that the coolant temp is with a certain number of degrees as the outside ambient air temp, etc...

You can find the specifics for your truck and whatever monitors you need to pass by searching this forum. I'm out with wife shopping and can't recall the links at the moment.

As for fuel, just use regular 87 octane fuel. Running higher octane fuel will not improve fuel mileage and often times will reduce your mileage.

165 miles per tank is not normal nor is smelling fuel. My 97 3.4l with 415k original miles gets 20 on the freeway and 16.5 mpg average in the city and I have never once smelled fuel if I'm not actually fueling up.

When was the last time a simple tune-up was done? Change your spark plugs, wires, air filter, PCV valve and clean the MAF with MAF cleaner and then recheck your mileage.

 

[Dezerts10]

the C light is on my OBD2 scanner. not something from Toyota. I was told to clean the MAF and will need to do that soon.

The smog person did the cold start blah blah blah stuff to get it to pass smog and the numbers on my smog cert show up really good. I am just baffled by the slight rich smell and terrible gas mileage.

 

[Dezerts10]

This is what my obd2 reader says. The c light in in the top flashes and the emission status yellow light means the system is not ready but it has not thrown a code because then the red light would be on.


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[JayRolla]

If no cel is on than move past anything that throws a CEL. Dont go replacing parts that throw CELs that have not thown one yet. So skip o2 sensors for now.

Fuel mileage is related to few things. I would do plugs, wires, pcv valve, oil change, trans fluid change.

ALso make sure you have good tire pressure, good alignment. All these few things can lower fuel mileage.

I get about 200 miles in 14 gallons in the city. So if you do these few maintenance things you may get that 1-2 mpg back.

 

[AntleredRuin]

Any other symptoms besides fuel smell and mileage? Hard to start, surging, stalling, etc.

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[StreetCreeper]

This is what my obd2 reader says. The c light in in the top flashes and the emission status yellow light means the system is not ready but it has not thrown a code because then the red light would be on.


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Ah ok I mistakenly thought you failed the smog for the incomplete monitor. If I recall from my own California smog debacle, you can still pass smog with one incomplete monitor (as long as it isn't the EVAP monitor I think — not sure).

So I'm not familiar with your particular OBD2 scanner, but I'll venture a guess that the "C" light is for the catalyst monitor and that flashing yellow means it hasn't finished yet.

Not a mechanic but I'm going to say that with the poor fuel mileage, obvious fuel smell and slow to complete catalyst monitor — a full tune-up and replacement of the front o2 sensor would be the first things I would do. And that's my 100% unprofessional, unqualified and under-the-influence opinion.

 

[TheDurk]

Ah ok I mistakenly thought you failed the smog for the incomplete monitor. If I recall from my own California smog debacle, you can still pass smog with one incomplete monitor (as long as it isn't the EVAP monitor I think — not sure).

So I'm not familiar with your particular OBD2 scanner, but I'll venture a guess that the "C" light is for the catalyst monitor and that flashing yellow means it hasn't finished yet.

Not a mechanic but I'm going to say that with the poor fuel mileage, obvious fuel smell and slow to complete catalyst monitor — a full tune-up and replacement of the front o2 sensor would be the first things I would do. And that's my 100% unprofessional, unqualified and under-the-influence opinion.

If the front O2 has 75k or more, I would agree. They can degrade economy and performance well before they are bad enough to set a DTC and turn on the light.

 

[Dezerts10]

Thanks for the replies guys. I passed smog so you might be correct. I'm going to fill up soon the calculate fuel mileage. What should I expect?

Also the front o2 sensor will
Be something I replace
Eventually I guess. It has 203k miles on it.


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[StreetCreeper]

Thanks for the replies guys. I passed smog so you might be correct. I'm going to fill up soon the calculate fuel mileage. What should I expect?

Also the front o2 sensor will
Be something I replace
Eventually I guess. It has 203k miles on it.


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Skip the premium gas and like I mentioned earlier, my 97 limited with very high miles on original engine & tranny gets about 16.5 mpg in the city and about 20 mpg on the freeway. But I'm a mostly stock 4x4 with a 4.30 rear end.

Mileage will vary with your particular truck and driving style, but you should probably expect something similar.

Be sure to buy an OEM o2 sensor too! Denso if I recall correctly. Stay away from the local parts store brands like Bosch or similar. OEM o2 sensors are what these trucks seem to like.

 

[Dezerts10]

Yeah, I plan to fill up with regular unleaded fuel, not premium this time.

I've got like 205 miles on this tank of fuel
So far and I'm sitting just above the E. The damn fuel gauge moves so much I'm paranoid I'm going to run out of fuel so I have a 2.5 gallon can in the back. Trying to run it till it's dry.

Luckily a friend gets a little discount at the local
Toyota dealership. I'm starting to recognize people keep saying buy genuine toyota a lot.




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[AntleredRuin]

Not sure for all locations, but AutoZone sells Denso 02 sensors. Have not replaced them on my 4Runner yet, but did 2 (out of 4) on my wife's Rav4 last month.
I got the sensor and the proper 02 sensor socket for almost 1/4 the dealer wanted just for the sensor.

 

[JayRolla]

Yeah, I plan to fill up with regular unleaded fuel, not premium this time.

I've got like 205 miles on this tank of fuel
So far and I'm sitting just above the E. The damn fuel gauge moves so much I'm paranoid I'm going to run out of fuel so I have a 2.5 gallon can in the back. Trying to run it till it's dry.

Luckily a friend gets a little discount at the local
Toyota dealership. I'm starting to recognize people keep saying buy genuine toyota a lot.




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I get about 205 miles at E and when filling hit around 14-14.5g. Its an 18.5g tank so you have quite a bit of back up reserve if you 96 acts anything like my 96. Most I have ever stuffed in there is 15.5g. Thats how off our fuel gauge is.

 

[Dezerts10]

Just filled up with regular unleaded. I put 15 gallons I
In the tank and the gas light was on constant for the last 5 miles or so. Went 230 miles. 15.5 mpg isn't to bad I guess. Haven't cleaned maf, or changed anything since the Evap canister.


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[jhfleet]

In 2WD I get around 14-15 around town and 18-20 on the road depending on how fast I drive and how much idling it does (while I'm running the heater or AC waiting on my wife). '96 Limited 4WD 3.4 auto.