I need some under the hood help

[laureena23]

Its been raining quite a bit out here in Ohio and I've noticed everytime there is a heavy rain, my Runner kind of stalls when I drive it.

One time it has stopped running and I had to call AAA. Everytime after that the check engine light has come on and it just kind of jolts going down the road. It almost feels like its not getting enough juice to run on.

Last night my BF and I plugged in one of those machines that helps you figure out whats wrong. It said "Cylinder misfiring".

Anyone else had this problem or know what it could be just from that description? I probably need a whole tune up anyway...

 

[suprdtydvr]

Sounds like you need plugs and may be a set of wires. It may also be a bad coil pack. Do you know when the plugs were changed last?

 

[laureena23]

I did a tune up last year with new injectors, new battery, etc but I don't think anything else got changed. I can't remember.

I've only had it 2 years so I'm not sure what it had done before.

 

[p nut]

If you did a tune up, then prob. only the spark plugs were replaced (and hopefully, you didn't go to Jiffy Lube or something. Always get plugs from the dealership and have them put it in or a trusted mechanic. OEM plugs are 2 prong, whereas other shops will put in whatever). If the plugs look good, it could be your coil. Make sure the rubber boots on the wires are seated correctly and making good contact with the plug.

Here is the write-up for replacing the plugs. Very simple to do.

EDIT: Here is the link:

http://www.4runners.org/writeups/sparkplugs/

 

[burton6509]

wheres the write up?

 

[techno]

My 4Runner dropped a cylinder on the weekend (misfiring). It didn't stall but was close and the engine vibrated like a bumble-bee on meth all the time. The error code was P0300 and P0302 (which just told me what I already knew). New spark plugs fixed the problem in under an hour. My number 2 plug was toast, and the rest had considerable wear but good color. I think they were the orginal plugs too (truck has 99950 miles) since the p/s bank were NGK and the d/s bank were Denso.
This spark plug changing write up courtesy of UY is pretty helpful
http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=340.0

 

[The Dude]

I had the same problem 2 months ago... Check engine light, loss of power, and the "cylinder misfire" code. I changed the plugs and coil pack, and the problem was gone. My coil pack needed to be replaced, but yours may not. might just be the plugs

 

[toytech76]

If you cant remember what work you have had done and am not sure how to diagnose whats causing the misfire, its best if you take it somewhere to someone who can do it right. Dont just start thowing parts at it and hope something works. Thats the most expensive way to get nowhere fast

 

[fishingt4r]

Great advice toytech76.

This is my approach; first thing I buy when I get a car is a factory service manual, I mean FACTORY not the aftermarket stuff. When problem arise, I investigate to determine if it's something I am comfortable fixing or I should take it to a mechanic. If one is do-it yourselfer, invest money in basic tools, ie Craftsman 200+ set or whatever and spend some time looking at the manual to educate oneself.

In your case, I would get the diagnostic codes in order to narrow down the possibilities; post the code #. Also, have your bf check the plugs by taking them out, isolate which cyclinder is miss firing, check the spark plug wires etc.. If these steps are overwhelming to both of you, your best bet is to take it to a mechanic.