Engine issue.

AZBub

AZBub

New member
So I have been reading threads related to my issue just want to see what you guys think.

When I try to pass on the freeway I get surging which almost feels like misfire and lose engine power. The CEL starts blinking till I let off the gas pedal. I get no codes otherwise. Also sometimes I get a high idle and what seems like a misfire every so often at start up. Under normal driving I have no issues.

My research says TPS failing but not totally sure. It's the original one so I presume it wouldn't hurt to replace anyways.
 
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Have you pulled the codes yet? What is getting logged when the CEL flashes?

How old are the plugs?

I had a very similar issue where I got hesitation and the CEL flashing under load (although it stayed on). It threw a mis-fire code. I changed the plugs (which was past due anyway) and have had no issues since.
 
Do you have a scan gauge where you can monitor your TPS? Checked all vacuum lines? Filled up with good gas?
 
AZBub said:
... CEL starts blinking till I let off the gas pedal....
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Like the old Dr. joke goes if it hurts don't do it. When the CEL blinks like that it is trying to tell you something is SERIOUSLY wrong and it wants you to let off the throttle, keep it up and more damage will occur - ask me how i know. Find out what the stored codes show and go from there, probably 1 or more cylinders missing badly. Luck! :cowboy:
 
Rock_Rat said:
Do you have a scan gauge where you can monitor your TPS? Checked all vacuum lines? Filled up with good gas?
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all new vacuum lines, I only use top tier gas. I would like to monitor real time, I was thinking of getting a phone compatible OBDII reader.
 
jgue467 said:
Like the old Dr. joke goes if it hurts don't do it. When the CEL blinks like that it is trying to tell you something is SERIOUSLY wrong and it wants you to let off the throttle, keep it up and more damage will occur - ask me how i know. Find out what the stored codes show and go from there, probably 1 or more cylinders missing badly. Luck! :cowboy:
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What's weird is there is no code for misfire. no codes at all. The last code I had was for O2 sensor. Both were replaced on a new CAT.

maybe a combo of old plugs. I'll admit I haven't changed them. no one thinks TPS?
 
I've had a similar surging before, along with the CEL. I had cleaned the engine bay, and it turns out one of the coil packs had taken on some water. Once I drove it for awhile, the pack dried out, and everything was fine. Start with the plugs and wires first though, that is more than likely your problem. Unless you have sprayed your engine bay recently?! Doesn't take too long to do.
 
You can borrow my obd reader if you want, did this start happening after you adjusted the throttle cables? I'd do the plugs and wires if you can, I remember when I did mine 40k ago the throttle response increased. It's just about time for me to do then again. When did you clean your engine.
 
D Farms said:
You can borrow my obd reader if you want, did this start happening after you adjusted the throttle cables? I'd do the plugs and wires if you can, I remember when I did mine 40k ago the throttle response increased. It's just about time for me to do then again. When did you clean your engine.
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I wouldn't mind borrowing the OBD reader. Oreilleys hates me.

also, it has never really had good throttle response and never really liked hard acceleration. I guess new plugs this weekend...
 
So I pulled out the old spark plugs, cause I did not know how old they were. I installed NGK 7090's as the dual electrodes are outdated even by Toyota standards. I wanted the iridium ones but I'll get those next time. The original ones were the basic copper single electrode NGK's. Didn't look too bad really, but just by looking at them I could tell the gap was not spec. Noticed a little better throttle response, lower RPM idle, and when I hammered the throttle so far no hesitation or flashing CEL. I'm still not satisfied with the overall performance and my intake elbow is held together with electrical tape so a trip to Camelback Toyota tomorrow to replace that. I am noticing a gas smell at the back of the runner while at idle. From what I've read it could be a roll over sensor on the fuel tank....but I'm not going to throw darts so my mechanic can fiddle with that.
 
if you order a new timing belt cover from Toyota it comes with an updated sticker that says to use single electrode iridium plugs. Tech changed in 15 + years and I really don't care to have to change plugs every 30k. The 7090 is Platinum for ground AND the electrode.
 
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I stand corrected. I see that on NGK's own web site, five different plugs - only two of which are dual electrode - are recommended.
 
Regardless of the plugs installed, I hope you're not hoping the 4Runner was a performer on the road! The normally aspirated 3.4 in our 4Runners is waay under powered. Even with new plugs, wires, or CAI..you're still going to be disappointed. The 4Runner is simply to heavy. If you want to change that, you should look into the TRD supercharger. I put 180k on my normally aspirated '02 4Runner. I found a supercharged '00 4Runner online, and bought it sight unseen. It is a night and day difference. Even more so when you add a smaller pulley and the 7th injector onto it! IMHO...it's the absolute best thing done in my 9 years of having owned a 4Runner.
 
I was thinking of retrofitting a harrier jet engine into my 4runner but decided that would be silly Then I realized That putting Bugatti Veyron W16 under the hood was more realistic.:crazy:

In all honesty I know they aren't street rockets, I have just noticed a dip in performance and gas mileage in the last several weeks so I am going through the steps to address possible causes.
 
Lol, all good! Too bad you're not closer...would love to let you take mine for a spin. I don't think your wallet would be too happy about it though! Glad you got the miss fixed. Did you change plug wires while you were in there? Cleaning the throttle body is also something you can do.
 
jsukey said:
Lol, all good! Too bad you're not closer...would love to let you take mine for a spin. I don't think your wallet would be too happy about it though! Glad you got the miss fixed. Did you change plug wires while you were in there? Cleaning the throttle body is also something you can do.
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I have the NGK wires on order from Amazon but found the plugs cheaper at Oreilley's Auto Parts by about ten cents.
 
So I replaced my spark plugs and got smooth idle at 700 rpm. Added a new OEM intake elbow and now I'm idling at 1500 rpm. Checked to make sure no vacuum lines were disconnected and that all the clamps on intake were tight. Unplugged battery overnight. started this morning and idling at 1500 still. Any Ideas?
 
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