2000 4Runner idle hop

[mkipper]

I have a 2000 4Runner Limited 4x4 with 143,000 miles.

Last week the check engine light came on and would flash when accelerating hard. When in idle in drive the vehicle would hop around and make a putter noise. The car would also bounce around when braking to a stop under 5 mph.

Pepboys told me it was a engine miss fire and needs new spark plugs and wires.

This solved the problem for a couple days but 200 miles later the same putter and hop is back. The check engine did not come on though.

When in park I noticed the exhaust pipe shaking around and the putter noise coming from the pipe.

Any help diagnosing this problem?

Thank you!

Any help diagnosing the problem?

 

[kball]

Any idea what kind of spark plugs Pep Boys put in there?

 

[brian2sun]

It's almost dfinitely a miss. If the spark plugs and wires are the correct ones, I would move on to testing the coil packs, then replacing the coil boots (because they're cheap and easy),and if that doesn't take care of it then test and/or clean the injectors. Post the results and we'll tell you where to go if that doesn't fix it. We also need to know what the codes are to help determine your problem. For instance if it's missing on 2 cylinders, it's probably a coil pack. But, if it's missing on just one, it's probably a coil boot or an injector. This is why I don't take my junk to Pep Boys, they usually just like to throw parts at it instead of using elimination and diagnostic techniques.

 

[mkipper]

Update::

BTW, this is my first time taking my car to Pepboys and not a Toyota Dealer.

The first time the Check Engine light came on, spark plug #3 was out. They replaced all the spark plugs and wiring.

This time Spark Plug #2 went out with only 200 miles on it. Pepboys said they noticed coolant on the plug. They said the engine head gasket has gone bad.

Basically they told me drive your 4Runner now but another plug may go out and then you just need a new engine at this point. Its not worth repairing an engine with 145,000 miles on it.

Any thoughts??

 

[notrayray]

Any thoughts??

It's time for a second opinion, if you can't verify yourself.....just to be sure.

 

[brian2sun]

A HG failure just means you need a new HG, not a new engine - especially if it never overheated which it sounds like yours didn't. Now, if you follow Pep Boys' advice and keep driving it around with a blown HG, then you may need a new engine, especially if the HG leak is between the oil and coolant passages and allowing the fluids to mix. Check your engine oil to make sure it's not milkshake. If so, stop driving it now. If not, you can drive it sparingly, but still get it fixed ASAP.

145K isn't too much to repair by any stretch of the imagination. In fact that's the mileage that most people rebuild Chevys and Fords at, but this is a Toyota man! I am planning on rebuilding my engine at some point between probably 225 and 300K. Bring it to a good shop and get a 2nd opinion/diagnosis like notrayray said. If you follow Pep Boys' advice, you will probably do irreparable damage and need a new engine.

 

[mkipper]

Thanks Brian for the post, that gave me some confidence in my 4Runner.


I drove the 4Runner home from Pepboys with no problem, now what type of shop should I get a second opinion from? Toyota dealer?

The engine has not overheated. I am trying not to drive until I know what I am doing next.

How does a head gasket replacement work? Price range??

Thanks!!

 

[brian2sun]

I would take it to a dealer if you don't know a trusted mechanic. They can at least tell you if it needs a HG and if the plug that keeps blowing out is something that can be fixed or if it needs a new head. Don't get frightened by the price the dealer gives you, just take their diagnosis and go to a cheaper shop. Even if you need a new head (which I doubt you do), you could easily find one at a junkyard or on the net.

Post your location and people can give you even better advice. Like I know of a place in Pomona with an "A" BB rating that will rebuild your engine and warranty it for 3 yrs/36K for $1395 + tax. That includes removal, rebuild, and install.