4runner revving and lurching.

jonnychestnuts

jonnychestnuts

New member
So I have a 2002 SR5, 3.4 v6. I currently need to do a valve cover replacement along with new spark plugs as well. The middle of last week my check engine light came on and it was a P0171 system too lean bank 1 message. I know that can be an air flow sensor or some sort of hose issue. Today while running some errands, I notice my runner start to lurch as I was accelerating towards 40mph. The RPM's were jumping between 1 1/2 and 2. It went on for a a little while, my truck jumping ahead with higher revs then coming right back down. Eventually It seemed to stop and wasn't a problem at 30 mph. I've searched for this issue but haven't been able to find the answer that explains it. Anyone have any suggestions. Could it be one of the problems I already have right now. I was pretty broke the last 6 months and not able to replace the valve cover or spark plugs (its been about 3 months since that became a problem). I can now pay for repairs if it is too big a job for me.


So I switched out the fuel filter and cleaned the MAF and used seafoam in my tank, but Im still having the problem. Now I here a flapping noise under the hood when it starts to rev and lurch. It feels like it is getting choaked with either not enough air or fuel,any suggestions? I'm thinking I have a hoes that is loose or punctured but I honestly don't know what I'm looking for.

Thanks Everyone!
 
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So I was driving up a hill just recently and it started to do it again. It seems like it is losing power and then revving up to compensate but only does it for a second and this goes on repeatedly while its straining.
 
It sounds like the fuel system, I would replace fuel filter, run sea-foam, then if still happening after full tank treatment, I would get the injectors rebuilt.

I would start with these basics, I'm sure there are others that can chime in.
 
Try with the MAF. then I'd probably replace your A/F Sensor as mine was doing the exact same. It wasn't until I replaced it that it fixed the issue.
 
Thanks Guys! I am gonna try all of those things. The guy on the phone at the stealership, was like it sounds like the transmission. I don't think so at all. I am not having issues with changing gears, it just seems like it struggles to accelerate and keep a certain speed and starts revving to compensate.
 
When the truck is in P, if you give gas, would the RPM goes up immediately or takes little extra time?

Have you checked your spark plugs? Oil in the spark plug tubes?
My cousin has a 99 pathfinder and he told me after giving gas to pass a car the truck don't go as usual and after few seconds it starts going faster. He has some check engine lights. Later found out the valve covers are leaking oil into the spark plugs and flooded the area leading the spark to jump into the cylinder head.... What's funny is the mechanic's statement "bad transmission" Now his truck runs great and trans is good.
 
Don't rule out stopped up catalytic converters. My '02 with 137K miles did the same thing. Converters were nearly completely clogged.
 
My '99 3.4L does the same thing. I replaced EVERYTHING.
-Plugs, wires, coil packs
-Fuel pressure regulator
-Cleaned fuel injectors
-Replaced timing belt
-Checked for exhaust leaks
-Cleaned throttle body and intake
and unrelated, but did just because it was taken apart so might as well
-Intake manifold gasket
-Water pump, thermostat and gaskets

STILL has the SAME. EXACT. ISSUE.

Now my baby is at the dealership and no stranger has EVER touched my car.

Did you ever get an answer? Please tell me it'll all be okay haha
 
kwinbot said:
My '99 3.4L does the same thing. I replaced EVERYTHING.
-Plugs, wires, coil packs
-Fuel pressure regulator
-Cleaned fuel injectors
-Replaced timing belt
-Checked for exhaust leaks
-Cleaned throttle body and intake
and unrelated, but did just because it was taken apart so might as well
-Intake manifold gasket
-Water pump, thermostat and gaskets

STILL has the SAME. EXACT. ISSUE.

Now my baby is at the dealership and no stranger has EVER touched my car.

Did you ever get an answer? Please tell me it'll all be okay haha
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Are you getting the same code as above? A new up stream o2 sensor corrected the code for me. I believe you can get one for 46 bucks on Amazon, the denso one.
 
Always fix the known issue first. Since you have a code, you need to fix whatever is causing that code to pop up. If you fix the code problem and you are still having issues, then start checking the other stuff (clogged cat, fuel pressure, weak fuel pump ect).

Since that code often pops up for a MAF, I would start there.
 
O2 sensors wont cause the issue stated. It will put the car in open loop so it runs rich but you would only notice bad gas mileage.

This sounds just like a failing fuel pump. Its lurching due to loss of fuel and code due to running lean. Hit the tank when its running bad. This will usually get the pump to kick in a bit better and you know its the pump or connections in the sending unit.
 
The MAF can cause some funny issues if it's going out as well, but JayRolla just had his pump fail so he probably knows a thing or two about them now lol. Hate to say it but you probably wasted a bit of money buying things like the FPR, cleaning the injectors, etc unless you were going to do it anyway.
 
JayRolla said:
O2 sensors wont cause the issue stated. It will put the car in open loop so it runs rich but you would only notice bad gas mileage.

This sounds just like a failing fuel pump. Its lurching due to loss of fuel and code due to running lean. Hit the tank when its running bad. This will usually get the pump to kick in a bit better and you know its the pump or connections in the sending unit.
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I was implying the P0171 code and in my case it did fix it and gas milage wasn't noticeable different for me. In the process I changed the maf, check all vacuum lines, which did not fix it. Changed the sensor, and never came back on. This is why I was asking if he was referring to the code. He could have 2 unrelated issues and he wasn't clear which part of the OP he was experiencing. If o2 sensors haven't been changed, I consider it a maintenance part and should be replaced every 100k miles, but that's just me.
 
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Toy2play said:
I was implying the P0171 code and in my case it did fix it and gas milage wasn't noticeable different for me. In the process I changed the maf, check all vacuum lines, which did not fix it. Changed the sensor, and never came back on. This is why I was asking if he was referring to the code. He could have 2 unrelated issues and he wasn't clear which part of the OP he was experiencing. If o2 sensors haven't been changed, I consider it a maintenance part and should be replaced every 100k miles, but that's just me.
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Yeah I understood that. That is very true it could have been two issues at the same time. I just wanted people to know if your car lurches from fuel pump failing that code pops up everytime.

I have experience of fuel pump failing in three different vehicles. LOL, never fun. Worst was my manual pump on my bronco. Was on highway and noticed fuel smell and I had lost almost entire tank to find it pooring gas out all over exhaust!!!!
 
JayRolla said:
Worst was my manual pump on my bronco. Was on highway and noticed fuel smell and I had lost almost entire tank to find it pooring gas out all over exhaust!!!!
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Well that's just dangerous! Fire much?


To the OP: Based on what you've posted, it looks like you haven't touched the MAF yet. Try cleaning it, then replacing.
If you decide to replace the MAF, consider this replacement to not waste money during diagnostics:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006WHKKGY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Not OEM, but a perfect fit. I bought one when diagnosing a fuel issue (found out it was the FPR). Only $13. My truck drives great with this one in, but I put the stock one back in for now. I have this as a backup just in case.
Reviews say it lasts only around 2 years, but it works great and costs less than 1/5th the price of OEM, so for diagnosing, it's perfect.

Also, look into the TPS. Surge symptoms point to that as well.
 
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JayRolla said:
Yeah I understood that. That is very true it could have been two issues at the same time. I just wanted people to know if your car lurches from fuel pump failing that code pops up everytime.

I have experience of fuel pump failing in three different vehicles. LOL, never fun. Worst was my manual pump on my bronco. Was on highway and noticed fuel smell and I had lost almost entire tank to find it pooring gas out all over exhaust!!!!
Click to expand...

This is correct. Anytime the engine gets fuel starved, even if it just runs out of gas, it will pop that code. So it may well just be a symptom, rather than a direct indication of cause. Sure, clean the MAF, but move on from there.

BUT, what's a manual fuel pump? Do you mean mechanical? A manual fuel pump means you use your hands. I've seen them on boats and generators, but they are only used for start-up where the tank is below the engine.
 
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TheDurk said:
This is correct. Anytime the engine gets fuel starved, even if it just runs out of gas, it will pop that code. So it may well just be a symptom, rather than a direct indication of cause. Sure, clean the MAF, but move on from there.

BUT, what's a manual fuel pump? Do you mean mechanical? A manual fuel pump means you use your hands. I've seen them on boats and generators, but they are only used for start-up where the tank is below the engine.
Click to expand...

I hate you, correcting me. Yes a mechanical fuel pump. LOL
 
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