2005 4Runner Lunging/Jerking at low speed

[Baja Runner]

Hi All,

For about 6 months I've been having an issue with my 2wd 2UZ-FE 4runner lunging/jerking at low speeds. Engine has 150k.

Scenario: Stuck in traffic, when letting off the brakes a tad to slowly move forward, there is a very noticeable lunging feeling which seems to be originating from the transmission. The idle does not fluctuate, and I'm fairly certain it is not due to warped rotors and/or pads.

The best way I can describe it is how an engine would feel with a minor vacuum leak.

A few possibilities:
1) Flex plate or torque converter warped/out of balance? Is this a common issue?
2) Brake booster vacuum leak?

Otherwise, the truck runs great, idles good, and is generally fine. I've checked for codes, and none present.

Any ideas, or known issues like this?

Thanks

 

[jfry008]

Hi All,

For about 6 months I've been having an issue with my 2wd 2UZ-FE 4runner lunging/jerking at low speeds. Engine has 150k.

Scenario: Stuck in traffic, when letting off the brakes a tad to slowly move forward, there is a very noticeable lunging feeling which seems to be originating from the transmission. The idle does not fluctuate, and I'm fairly certain it is not due to warped rotors and/or pads.

The best way I can describe it is how an engine would feel with a minor vacuum leak.

A few possibilities:
1) Flex plate or torque converter warped/out of balance? Is this a common issue?
2) Brake booster vacuum leak?

Otherwise, the truck runs great, idles good, and is generally fine. I've checked for codes, and none present.

Any ideas, or known issues like this?

Thanks

The 'driveshaft clunk' happens when letting on the brake from stop and giving it gas. That could be what you're experiencing.

 

[Baja Runner]

Definitely familiar with the driveshaft clunk, this is not that.

This is a cyclic low frequency "vibration". Its a lunging of the truck which will last indefinitely if I lightly touch the brake and move between 1-5 mph.

 

[AuSeeker]

Could be your torque converter, have you changed the transmission fluid?

If so you may want to try and add some Shudder Fixx and see if that helps, if not, do so and also add the Shudder Fixx, and it could solved the issue.

I know that Shudder Fixx is for eliminating shudder at lockup, but it can't hurt to try it to see if it helps with your issue.

You can find the Shudder Fixx at most auto part stores.

Instant Shudder Fixx

https://www.amazon.com/Lubegard-19610-Tranny-Instant-Shudder/dp/B0002JMLQU

 

[Baja Runner]

Interesting. Looking through the FSM I didn't realize it requires Toyota WS fluid. I haven't ever changed it, but the PO might have used standard Dex/Merc...

 

[AuSeeker]

Interesting. Looking through the FSM I didn't realize it requires Toyota WS fluid. I haven't ever changed it, but the PO might have used standard Dex/Merc...

I'm assuming that since you have access to the FSM that you're aware of how to check the proper fluid level.

Some only do a drain and fill, but if I were you I would do a complete flush and fill, there is a topic on the best way to do so without having a shop flush machine, via the transmission cooling lines at the radiator or trans cooler if you have a cooler.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/195074-atf-exchange-using-cooling-line.html

 

[Baja Runner]

Thanks for that link. Come to think of it, I never have even checked the fluid level. Woops. I will check that first. Thank you.

 

[thecole1098]

Did you ever find the solution to this problem? I know its for a 4th gen 4runner, but my 96 is experiencing this exact same thing and it's really messing with my OCD since I've done everything else to my rig.

 

[SeanWN86]

Did you ever find the solution to this problem? I know its for a 4th gen 4runner, but my 96 is experiencing this exact same thing and it's really messing with my OCD since I've done everything else to my rig.

+1, ever find solution?

 

[Raid_Runner]

Probably a stuck caliper. Had those exact symptoms with mine when my calipers seized.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Baja Runner]

+1, ever find solution?

Sorry I didn't update this thread.

I checked the fluid level via the FSM method of jumping terminals on the OBD2 connector to bring fluid temp to operating temp. The Fluid that came out of the overfill hole was brown and clear. I am just assuming it needs a transmission flush.

I'm 100% sure it is not brake related.

 

[Rishi3]

Hahahahaha clunk, not nearly as bad an issue as you thought. Grease the driveshaft and you should be good

Sent from my ZTE B2017G using Tapatalk

 

[WOLVERINE]

Sorry I didn't update this thread.

I checked the fluid level via the FSM method of jumping terminals on the OBD2 connector to bring fluid temp to operating temp. The Fluid that came out of the overfill hole was brown and clear. I am just assuming it needs a transmission flush.

I'm 100% sure it is not brake related.

Brown & clear - :doh:

Swap that out for OEM fluid ASAP.

 

[SeanWN86]

Do your fluid change?

Sorry I didn't update this thread.

I checked the fluid level via the FSM method of jumping terminals on the OBD2 connector to bring fluid temp to operating temp. The Fluid that came out of the overfill hole was brown and clear. I am just assuming it needs a transmission flush.

I'm 100% sure it is not brake related.

 

[Baja Runner]

Thought I'd update this thread. Turned out to have a blown head gasket! Breach between 3 & 5. Started off small with this lunging/jerking due to slight misfire. Slowly got worse to throw codes. Ran compression test and low compression on 3 & 5 (90 psi).

First time I decided to take truck to mechanic for a HG replacement. The truck now runs great...

 

[AuSeeker]

Thought I'd update this thread. Turned out to have a blown head gasket! Breach between 3 & 5. Started off small with this lunging/jerking due to slight misfire. Slowly got worse to throw codes. Ran compression test and low compression on 3 & 5 (90 psi).

First time I decided to take truck to mechanic for a HG replacement. The truck now runs great...

We all know of the early V6s having head gasket issues but this is the first time I've read of the a head gasket blowing out on the V8s, did you ever have it overheat before this happened?