2001 sr5 no power... help!!!!!

[jasoncorrell14]

i just bought a 2001 4runner sr5 and it has no power, i have driven these before and i know that something must be wrong with the rig. when i give it full throttle it acts the same as if i gave it a quarter throttle. i changed the air filter and it was really dirty, and that seemed to make an improvement, but im stumped.

 

[Redtoy4x4]

Drop it off at the dealer... let them spend the afternoon diagnosing... hopefully then you'll know where to spend the time and money.

 

[Run 4 Fun]

i just bought a 2001 4runner sr5 and it has no power, i have driven these before and i know that something must be wrong with the rig. when i give it full throttle it acts the same as if i gave it a quarter throttle. i changed the air filter and it was really dirty, and that seemed to make an improvement, but im stumped.

Maybe a little more info could help narrow it down. Have you replaced anything other than the air filter? What sort of maintenance have you done on it? When you purchased it, did it have any records? How many miles on it? People hear are very knowledgeable and would certainly help. The more information you can provide, the more people are willing to help. If you haven't changed your spark plugs and wires I would do that since it needs to be done. Any codes or check engine lighting up? I'm sure someone else with more knowledge about your specific symptoms will chime in.

Drop it off at the dealer... let them spend the afternoon diagnosing... hopefully then you'll know where to spend the time and money.

I would only suggest this if its a last ditch effort. They are going to charge you just to look at it. This is why this site is a treasure. You can get some pretty good advice and fix a lot of things yourself and saving yourself some money.

 

[I-4x4]

Clean the MAF sensor. Dirty filter, odds are there is a dirty MAF. Dirty MAF = crappy air / fuel mixture.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maintenance-detailing/65219-maf-sensor-cleaning-easy-video.html

And does the check engine light work? Turn the ignition to on (don't start). If no, go use a scanner for free.

 

[541joseph]

Have someone put their hand at the tail pipe and give it like 3500 rpm and see if there's enough flow. If not replace cat

 

[02SE]

It could be a number of things. But since it's an '01 with Drive-By-Wire, and the symptoms are reminiscent of a DBW failure, (the '01-'02 4Runner's have a limp-home throttle cable which only allows for a small throttle opening) I'd take a look at those components.

 

[poser]

It could be a number of things. But since it's an '01 with Drive-By-Wire, and the symptoms are reminiscent of a DBW failure, (the '01-'02 4Runner's have a limp-home throttle cable which only allows for a small throttle opening) I'd take a look at those components.

Can you describe or explain this in a little more dept? I've got an '01 (bought in July) and I've always felt it was down in power. I just kind of chalked it up to, I had just come out of a 2008 Tundra with the 5.7, and everything feels slow compared to it.
I'm planning on doing basic maintenance stuff next week: plugs, cables, clean the MAF and throttle body. I'd like to check out what you described.
What parts are involved and which cable is most likely the one that needs replacing?

 

[So Many Roads]

1. full tune up: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/121642-good-old-tune-up-thread.html
2. I never had a CEL for the front O2 sensor, but saw a big improvement in power when I replaced it. If there is no evidence it's been replaced, I would go ahead and do it. For my '99 the o2 sensor cost $50 on amazon. Caution - make sure you have the right part number before you order.

 

[MStudt]

Can you describe or explain this in a little more dept? I've got an '01 (bought in July) and I've always felt it was down in power. I just kind of chalked it up to, I had just come out of a 2008 Tundra with the 5.7, and everything feels slow compared to it.
I'm planning on doing basic maintenance stuff next week: plugs, cables, clean the MAF and throttle body. I'd like to check out what you described.
What parts are involved and which cable is most likely the one that needs replacing?

You'll know if you're in limp mode of not. Limp mode is a safety feature that keep you from burning up your transmission in case of a failure. In most situations when limp mode comes on, you won't be able to get out of second gear. This allows you to "limp" home or somewhere off the road.

 

[Brique]

Heh, I was thinking "limp" in another sense of the word.

Do you have a trd deal on the truck? I've heard those add a lot of power.

 

[LittleCaesar]

In that MAF cleaning video, they only clean the air sensor, not the MAF "filaments" themselves.

 

[I-4x4]

In that MAF cleaning video, they only clean the air sensor, not the MAF "filaments" themselves.

YES^^

Clean the filaments -- make sure to use a q-tip! :jk: -- Cleaning the MAF Filaments

 

[JennsToyota22]

2001 4Runner/3.4L/2WD/Limp Mode help requested

Hello

My first time posting. (Truck is a 4Runner Limited) As a female I actually know quite a bit about cars, BUT, cant get anyone to help resolve this mystery;
Have 165K miles on truck, but 3 weeks after I bought it 10ysr ago, the transmission was rebuilt at 85K. Pretty much fine, no issues. Randomly at some point of ownership, truck goes into limp mode. ZERO dash lights, ZERO codes in PCM. I would pull over or be near my house, shut if off, leave it, next day, go do my thing, and it's fine. It is fine for MONTHS or even 18months-2yrs, then RANDOMLY again, the LIMP GHOST pops up again! Still NO dash lights, NO codes. Then turn it off, leave it and drive again the next day. About July of 2019 it happened. Went away until Feb 2020. I found TSB about computer may need to be updated. Nope. Up to date. Could I start changing shift solenoids or speed sensors? Sure. Could I just replace the whole dam thing? Does that mean it will fix it? Not 100% either. Even Toyota won't engage with me without charging an arm and a leg. I thought maybe the harness from the trans to the PCM? I am SO over the drama. I have never joined a forum until now and this is my first post. Hopefully this is being seen out there and someone in their wisdom can help!! IN some aspects I wish I had a dash light+codes because then I would KNOW what the problem is and fix it, but I don't! Thank You.

 

[jross20]

Also check the timing and the crank cog. Sometimes the cog can wobble back n forth and wear against the woodruff key.

I plan on getting mine checked soon.

 

[sleepydad]

Hello

My first time posting. (Truck is a 4Runner Limited) As a female I actually know quite a bit about cars, BUT, cant get anyone to help resolve this mystery;
Have 165K miles on truck, but 3 weeks after I bought it 10ysr ago, the transmission was rebuilt at 85K. Pretty much fine, no issues. Randomly at some point of ownership, truck goes into limp mode. ZERO dash lights, ZERO codes in PCM. I would pull over or be near my house, shut if off, leave it, next day, go do my thing, and it's fine. It is fine for MONTHS or even 18months-2yrs, then RANDOMLY again, the LIMP GHOST pops up again! Still NO dash lights, NO codes. Then turn it off, leave it and drive again the next day. About July of 2019 it happened. Went away until Feb 2020. I found TSB about computer may need to be updated. Nope. Up to date. Could I start changing shift solenoids or speed sensors? Sure. Could I just replace the whole dam thing? Does that mean it will fix it? Not 100% either. Even Toyota won't engage with me without charging an arm and a leg. I thought maybe the harness from the trans to the PCM? I am SO over the drama. I have never joined a forum until now and this is my first post. Hopefully this is being seen out there and someone in their wisdom can help!! IN some aspects I wish I had a dash light+codes because then I would KNOW what the problem is and fix it, but I don't! Thank You.

Ok I'm going to try and boil this down.

you purchased ?xxxx? year limited 10 years ago.

it has 165K miles on it now, got reman trans @ 85K

it has a thing that happens called 'LIMP GHOAST' aka limp mode.

can we get some more detailed info about limp ghoast? what is it exactly, the engine still runs fine without codes but has no power? the trans does not shift? no fluids leaking? you suspect shift solenoids? why?

I suspect the timing is being pulled if your losing power, it should give you a knock sensor for that one.

When was the timing set done?
When was the trans fluid last changed?
how does the trans fluid look? nice red or burnt? is it low?

you have no aftermarket mods on this truck whatsoever? it's stock?

just trying to find out more about the problem and maybe we can help get you into the direction to fix it?

Thanks

 

[gamefreakgc]

I have a feeling it is throwing codes, but at some point someone pulled the bulb or it burn out. Check it with a code scanner and also look for pending codes (some require a two-instance sequence before the code is thrown).

 

[brillo_76]

Checking the dash lights on the console is easy. Turn the ignition on and see if all the lights are on. If the check engine light is burned out it wont light.



Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk

 

[spartacus]

Hello

My first time posting. (Truck is a 4Runner Limited) As a female I actually know quite a bit about cars, BUT, cant get anyone to help resolve this mystery;
Have 165K miles on truck, but 3 weeks after I bought it 10ysr ago, the transmission was rebuilt at 85K. Pretty much fine, no issues. Randomly at some point of ownership, truck goes into limp mode. ZERO dash lights, ZERO codes in PCM. I would pull over or be near my house, shut if off, leave it, next day, go do my thing, and it's fine. It is fine for MONTHS or even 18months-2yrs, then RANDOMLY again, the LIMP GHOST pops up again! Still NO dash lights, NO codes. Then turn it off, leave it and drive again the next day. About July of 2019 it happened. Went away until Feb 2020. I found TSB about computer may need to be updated. Nope. Up to date. Could I start changing shift solenoids or speed sensors? Sure. Could I just replace the whole dam thing? Does that mean it will fix it? Not 100% either. Even Toyota won't engage with me without charging an arm and a leg. I thought maybe the harness from the trans to the PCM? I am SO over the drama. I have never joined a forum until now and this is my first post. Hopefully this is being seen out there and someone in their wisdom can help!! IN some aspects I wish I had a dash light+codes because then I would KNOW what the problem is and fix it, but I don't! Thank You.

When your truck is in limp mode if you turn the ignition key off it erases the limp mode codes. Next time when it goes into limp mode don't turn the ignition key off and check for codes.

 

[plcfcng]

If there are no codes I think check for a plugged CAT is what I would look at. If you buy or rent a Vaccum gauge from a auto parts store just plug it into manifold Vac then start it and let come to idle if VAC is low easy to see on the gauge then you have a restricted exhaust most likely plugged CAT maybe but not likely other parts of the could be a problem.

You can also disconnect the exhaust at different points and drive it a short distance if the power comes back then that tells you where the clog is.:surfer:

 

[VernySanders]

Hello

My first time posting. (Truck is a 4Runner Limited) As a female I actually know quite a bit about cars, BUT, cant get anyone to help resolve this mystery;
Have 165K miles on truck, but 3 weeks after I bought it 10ysr ago, the transmission was rebuilt at 85K. Pretty much fine, no issues. Randomly at some point of ownership, truck goes into limp mode. ZERO dash lights, ZERO codes in PCM. I would pull over or be near my house, shut if off, leave it, next day, go do my thing, and it's fine. It is fine for MONTHS or even 18months-2yrs, then RANDOMLY again, the LIMP GHOST pops up again! Still NO dash lights, NO codes. Then turn it off, leave it and drive again the next day. About July of 2019 it happened. Went away until Feb 2020. I found TSB about computer may need to be updated. Nope. Up to date. Could I start changing shift solenoids or speed sensors? Sure. Could I just replace the whole dam thing? Does that mean it will fix it? Not 100% either. Even Toyota won't engage with me without charging an arm and a leg. I thought maybe the harness from the trans to the PCM? I am SO over the drama. I have never joined a forum until now and this is my first post. Hopefully this is being seen out there and someone in their wisdom can help!! IN some aspects I wish I had a dash light+codes because then I would KNOW what the problem is and fix it, but I don't! Thank You.

you need to go get your injectors cleaned and flow tested. you've got a fuel injection problem. A similar issue happened to me, everytime I would reset my battery, truck would drive fine. However, after the CPU had enough time to calibrate itself, the injector would go crazy causing total power loss, even at full throttle.

EDIT: Buy an injector rebuild kit on ebay for about 15 bucks and bring it into the local shop you have clean and flow test them. they have the proper tools to press in the new prefilter. The rebuild kit should come with pintle caps and orings as well. Sometimes shops will have these, but i dont trust that i just bring my own. I paid $16 per injector and I received a computer printout with graphs and all explaining the prior flow in comparison with the new flow, to see where the performance had increased.

EDIT EDIT: I will also note, I had many people tell me to replace my cat, and I did, and it worked for about a week until the same limp mode issue occurred again, this is when I got my injectors cleaned and flowtested.