97 4Runner jerking between 50-55 MPH

[jfoster51]

I am trying to get ideas of what I can fix myself prior to taking my 4Runner to the shop. On the way home from work my truck started to jerk around 50 MPH when accelerating. I can consistently recreate it every time. I am able to accelerate through the jerking and it does not show symptoms unless the speed is reduced to the 50-55 MPH zone.

I will try to describe the feeling the best I can. It feels like a forward and back jerking motion more than a vibration of any kind. There is also no noise that I can hear. No check engine lights.

I am thinking transmission first, and fear the worst. I checked the tranny fluid and it is fine.

97 Limited 206k Miles.

I am sure that I am missing critical details and appreciate any help or suggestions.

 

[Skrimz]

I am guessing an automatic?

what is your RPM's doing? and where are they when it happens?

 

[jfoster51]

Thank you for the reply.

You are correct it is an automatic. As for the RPMs. They stay constant, and I do not notice and spiking or drop off during the vibration. They are typically between 1500-2000.

 

[Skrimz]

i had a similar issue not to long ago it sounds like. mine ended up being a few things. I had this weird issue where mine would feel like it was hesitating or slipping when i was accelerating. it seemed to get worse and worse as time went on.


When was the last time you changed your spark plugs and have you checked to make sure your wires are still good?

those are the first things I was told to check and that helped a lot, took a little more searching to finally run it all down. but i would start there.

 

[IanB]

From the description it sounds to me like a misfire, I'd start with plugs & wires, make sure you get the right plugs!

 

[jfoster51]

I have not changed the plugs and wires in about 100k. I was not thinking of a misfire because I can not get it to vibrate or jerk unless I am going 50ish MPH at which point it vibrates every single time unless you speed up beyond 60 mph or coast. I am also being told to look at the drive shaft.

 

[papapoopski]

I recently had the exact symptoms that you describe and at the same speed. I did my research on this site and ended up changing the plugs and wires and the problem is gone.

It sounds like you're due for it anyway. And as someone mentioned, get the right plugs and wires...OEM.

YMMV

 

[jspagna1]

I recently had the exact symptoms that you describe and at the same speed. I did my research on this site and ended up changing the plugs and wires and the problem is gone.

It sounds like you're due for it anyway. And as someone mentioned, get the right plugs and wires...OEM.

YMMV

Agree with the above. While your at it have them check the injectors.

 

[jfoster51]

Wires and plugs confirmed. I just got done changing them and did a 10 mile test drive on both back roads and the interstate and so far could not re-create the problem.

Thank you all for the help, I wouldn't have gotten to this solution anywhere near this quick on my own.

 

[gwlgis]

reviving older post, same issue, but replaced plugs and wires 2 years ago

I have the same slipping, same approximate RPM's on my 97 4Runner.
Currently have 275K on it.

However, I had Plugs and Wires replaced about 2 years and 75K miles ago (can't find my folder full of receipts, so not sure exactly).

Could my plugs and wires go bad after 75K miles over 2 years?

I'll likely try new plugs if you folks suggest it (despite the newness of the current ones).

Aside from 'OEM' (Original Equipment Manufacturer), what kind of details can you give me on what plugs to purchase, or should I just go to the Toyota dealer and ask for plugs for my 97 Toyota 4Runner?

Or, is there a suggested aftermarket that would do the trick better.
Not worried about cost, want the best thing I can get to prolong the inevitable.

Thanks
Greg

 

[JamesDean91]

I have the same slipping, same approximate RPM's on my 97 4Runner.
Currently have 275K on it.

However, I had Plugs and Wires replaced about 2 years and 75K miles ago (can't find my folder full of receipts, so not sure exactly).

Could my plugs and wires go bad after 75K miles over 2 years?

I'll likely try new plugs if you folks suggest it (despite the newness of the current ones).

Aside from 'OEM' (Original Equipment Manufacturer), what kind of details can you give me on what plugs to purchase, or should I just go to the Toyota dealer and ask for plugs for my 97 Toyota 4Runner?

Or, is there a suggested aftermarket that would do the trick better.
Not worried about cost, want the best thing I can get to prolong the inevitable.

Thanks
Greg

It is very possible your plugs are bad. Pull them and look. I run NGK BCPR7ET and love them there a 3 prong plug.

 

[gwlgis]

It is very possible your plugs are bad. Pull them and look. I run NGK BCPR7ET and love them there a 3 prong plug.

Thanks, will do.
being a 'newb' jumping into this, suggestions on anti-seize? when working on Mountain Bikes we used good old fashioned 'phil wood' grease.
Suggestions for an alternative?

thanks again.
greg

 

[JamesDean91]

Thanks, will do.
being a 'newb' jumping into this, suggestions on anti-seize? when working on Mountain Bikes we used good old fashioned 'phil wood' grease.
Suggestions for an alternative?

thanks again.
greg

I used regular old anti seize and dielectric grease.

 

[Jason B]

I don't know if this is the same issue, but a few weeks ago I accidentally hit the ECT button by the ebrake. I then turned it back off, and ever since, around highway speeds the engine seems to forget what gear it's in and rpms kind go back and forth, no jerking, just like it can't think to stay in high or low gearm like it's confused, and if I hit the ETC button it goes away. Any idea what this is? I'm thinking of pulling the EFI fuse to reset.

 

[dano50]

2000 4runner hesitation at 50-55 mph 1500-2000 rpms NO codes

Read most of the posts concerning the "common" problem of 4runners developing a hesitation (misfire) at 50-55 mph at approximately 1500-2000 rpms.

The most common remedy seems to be replacing the spark plugs and spark plug wires. Some have had success with cleaning the MAF sensor or replacing injectors, replaced fuel filters, etc.

I have installed new NGK split fire (similar to DENSO), cleaned the MAF sensor,, replaced the PCV valve, new air filter, replaced the fuel filter, ran quality fuel injection cleaner twice.

I have not tested coils or injectors or replaced the spark plug wires.

What I don't understand is WHY the issue only occurs at 50-55 mph while going up a slight incline at 1500-2000 rpms. If it is a misfire, why is it not
occurring at other speeds?

 

[kolelt]

I had this similar issue. Although my plugs and wires were all new oem. I have plenty of cool packs to eliminate that. Endyup being fuel injector. And you check it by checking the resistance on it.