having some problems (sluggish-loud)

[kavu]

Hi,
Just bought a 97 sr5 this past dec. Recently took it to my local mechanic and had a flange, muffler, and rear shocks replaced (to the tune of 650 dollars).

My wife and I did a road trip this past weekend and the car was awful. It sounds like a lawn mower (when we bought it, it purred, now it is really loud). On uphills we were being passed by 18-wheelers....the top gear made a lot of noise, but not a lot of action.

Worst part is that my wife took it back to the shop after we had the flange/muffler deal done and he said it was just "knocking" and no big deal....I think that is a load of crap....this shop has a good reputation, but I'm beginning to question it.

Any suggestions?
thanks,
dan

 

[kavu]

bump...

anyone???

 

[hendy]

Howdy Kavu,

Don't despair yet. May take the forum some time to gin up an answer to your question. My '97 sr5 just turned over 175k. It's a good rig and I think you'll have many fine years with yours, once the sluggish/ noise problem gets fixed!

 

[mikes4runner]

If it ran fine before the new muffler and then runs like crap after the muffler....my guess the muffler if it is faulty it would cause the bad performance and knocking is not normal.


Mike

 

[kavu]

may have run ragged before the muffler

I think it was getting worse progressively and I expected the flange and muffler to improve the situation...but it seems to have gotten worse...

I'm guessing it isn't the muffler, though that is worth investigating...

dan

If it ran fine before the new muffler and then runs like crap after the muffler....my guess the muffler if it is faulty it would cause the bad performance and knocking is not normal.


Mike

 

[kavu]

more info

So, I took it back to the same garage and they held my car for four days, then punted. Actually no one even called me back. Then I spoke to a mechanic who suggested he thought it was a "timing issue" and they don't deal with timing issues.

Any suggestions? I guess I'll try a dealer next...I'm completely regretting buying a 4runner.

 

[Xandarin]

Ok, a few things. The electronics systems in these trucks are very sensitive. Do you have a check engine light? Did they somehow forget to replace an oxygen sensor? You have one in front of your cat and one behind it. Check the wiring running to your ECU, ensure they're installed. He most likely put a more free flowing muffler on the truck which will reduce back pressure and screw with the ECU. Check those two sensors and make sure you dont have a Check engine light. If you do, Take it to autozone and have the CEL read for free. I don't know what everyone else is thinking but it sure sounds electrical to me.

 

[kavu]

thanks for the feedback

Thanks for the input.

It may be electrical, but I should add the following:
The check engine light is not on...and the problems did, in fact, start before the muffler was replaced. Not sure if that changes your thinking...

Ok, a few things. The electronics systems in these trucks are very sensitive. Do you have a check engine light? Did they somehow forget to replace an oxygen sensor? You have one in front of your cat and one behind it. Check the wiring running to your ECU, ensure they're installed. He most likely put a more free flowing muffler on the truck which will reduce back pressure and screw with the ECU. Check those two sensors and make sure you dont have a Check engine light. If you do, Take it to autozone and have the CEL read for free. I don't know what everyone else is thinking but it sure sounds electrical to me.

 

[ebelen1]

Could it be a tranny issue? You say that you step on it and it doesn't move.

You say it sounds loud. Have you done a tune-up? Maybe you just need plugs, wires, maf cleaning, etc. Preventative maintenance can sometimes do wonders.