MIsfire in Cylinder #1

[xskydivingdudex]

Hey everyone so its been a while since I've posted in here. Well I need your help to help figure out what the problem with my truck is and if its worth fixing or not. I have an 02 4runner lifted 2wd with 191k miles on it.

Well it all started one day when I was driving down the road and heard a loud sound coming from the engine like a jackhammer in the distance and then it went away after a few minutes and following that was a shake when accelerating and a sluggish acceleration. It started to idle really rough ahd shake as well at stops and parked. At the time of the sound I got a flashing CEL that immediately turned off and finally reappeared with code P0301. So it shows that its a misfire in cylinder 1 and so I began by replacing the spark plugs and wires to see if that would solve my problem. Without any luck I moved on to switching the coil packs on cylinder 1 to 3 to see if that was the culprit. Not successful, I was told by TRD4Life (Zhann) that I should try to see if it was the fuel injector. So I finally tore apart the engine and replaced the fuel injector; it helped a bit but didn't solve my problem. this past weekend I took it to a family mechanic that my parents trust with his diagnostics and I just got a call today to tell me that it had only about 5psi of compression so that was the problem.

He mentioned that it could need a valve job or could be the O-rings requiring replacement. IM trying to figure out what all is entailed in replacing the valve and if its worth it to fix or not. Anyone who has had one done please let me know how much you paid. I was quoted $1200 but told that it would most likely go up once they tore apart the engine to see what the problem was and all it has affected. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[xskydivingdudex]

I had an exhaust installed last year and was wondering if that could also possibly be a problem? I read on Yotatech some guy had a problem with his exhaust and it lead to a low compression in a cylinder. Not sure if its related but thought id ask you guy, the experts.

 

[kball]

At only 5 psi I don't think they meant O ring I think they were saying piston ring. Either way, ring or valve the head has to come off. It will be expensive. My opinion is your new exhaust had nothing to do with it.

 

[eplanajr]

5psi in a cylinder?

Congratulations on the purchase of:
1) A new engine
2) A new-to-you engine
3) An engine rebuild (bottom end most likely, hone and a re-ring)

 

[quickstart]

I feel you pain skydriverdude - what's the verdict?

Hey everyone so its been a while since I've posted in here. Well I need your help to help figure out what the problem with my truck is and if its worth fixing or not. I have an 02 4runner lifted 2wd with 191k miles on it.

Well it all started one day when I was driving down the road and heard a loud sound coming from the engine like a jackhammer in the distance and then it went away after a few minutes and following that was a shake when accelerating and a sluggish acceleration. It started to idle really rough ahd shake as well at stops and parked. At the time of the sound I got a flashing CEL that immediately turned off and finally reappeared with code P0301. So it shows that its a misfire in cylinder 1 and so I began by replacing the spark plugs and wires to see if that would solve my problem. Without any luck I moved on to switching the coil packs on cylinder 1 to 3 to see if that was the culprit. Not successful, I was told by TRD4Life (Zhann) that I should try to see if it was the fuel injector. So I finally tore apart the engine and replaced the fuel injector; it helped a bit but didn't solve my problem. this past weekend I took it to a family mechanic that my parents trust with his diagnostics and I just got a call today to tell me that it had only about 5psi of compression so that was the problem.

He mentioned that it could need a valve job or could be the O-rings requiring replacement. IM trying to figure out what all is entailed in replacing the valve and if its worth it to fix or not. Anyone who has had one done please let me know how much you paid. I was quoted $1200 but told that it would most likely go up once they tore apart the engine to see what the problem was and all it has affected. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

===================================================

Hello Skydiverdude

What's the verdict? I am debating if it's time to let it go. Love my 4 runner and lots of fond memories. Original owner since 1999 and only 126K. Original paint and garage parked always and looks like brand new. First time posting to a forum. Took 15 years to do so.

I have a 99 4-runner 3.4L V6 2x4 misfiring po300, po301, po304.
Started last year with a p0171 MAF. Replaced the air flow sensor, bought a cheap aftermarket MAF sensor from Amazon. All is well for 6 months. Now I am getting a intermittent P0301 and P0304 misfiring. Bought a new coil since cyl #1 and #4 ties to each other hence coil #1 replacement. Random misfiring still occurring. Did I mention it's intermittent. I also noticeed if I park level, misfire does seems to occur. If I part at an angle ie.. drive way, misfiring seem to occur. I think I am done troubleshooting and on the verge of trading it in. Just hate the cost of a new ride and losing all those wonderful memories.

New plugs, new (2 of 3) coils replacement. For this issue, most suggesting is replacing the injector on #1 or #4. Worst case scenario is the valve or valve lift similar to your situation. This is an expensive fix.

The real question is.... is this worth hanging on to? I like to say I am pretty handy but injectors and valves issue is outside my comfort zone.
If it's just one injector #1, that I can handle but what's to say the next 5 injector to go bad. I dump about ~ $1500 last year to replace both rear axis gaskets seals, 4 new shocks/struts, 1 new coil, plugs, MAF sensor, OEM shoe and pad, OEM air filter and gas filter.

My ride is currently in the shop for diagnostic.
Don't know the result.

Is it still worth saving?

 

[Kenworth]

With 126 k I think I would fix this trk,that's low mileage

 

[BrianSD_42]

[MENTION=113525]quickstart[/MENTION]

What is intermittent? (Once minute, 10 minutes, once a day, once a week?)

Is the CEL flashing?

Loss of power?

Low CYL PSI?

I have a once a week CEL misfire with no other symptoms. Currently thinking it may be computer. What can I do? Just waiting for it to get worse. Mechanic can't find cause either.

 

[poleclimber63]

===================================================

Hello Skydiverdude

What's the verdict? I am debating if it's time to let it go. Love my 4 runner and lots of fond memories. Original owner since 1999 and only 126K. Original paint and garage parked always and looks like brand new. First time posting to a forum. Took 15 years to do so.

I have a 99 4-runner 3.4L V6 2x4 misfiring po300, po301, po304.
Started last year with a p0171 MAF. Replaced the air flow sensor, bought a cheap aftermarket MAF sensor from Amazon. All is well for 6 months. Now I am getting a intermittent P0301 and P0304 misfiring. Bought a new coil since cyl #1 and #4 ties to each other hence coil #1 replacement. Random misfiring still occurring. Did I mention it's intermittent. I also noticeed if I park level, misfire does seems to occur. If I part at an angle ie.. drive way, misfiring seem to occur. I think I am done troubleshooting and on the verge of trading it in. Just hate the cost of a new ride and losing all those wonderful memories.

New plugs, new (2 of 3) coils replacement. For this issue, most suggesting is replacing the injector on #1 or #4. Worst case scenario is the valve or valve lift similar to your situation. This is an expensive fix.

The real question is.... is this worth hanging on to? I like to say I am pretty handy but injectors and valves issue is outside my comfort zone.
If it's just one injector #1, that I can handle but what's to say the next 5 injector to go bad. I dump about ~ $1500 last year to replace both rear axis gaskets seals, 4 new shocks/struts, 1 new coil, plugs, MAF sensor, OEM shoe and pad, OEM air filter and gas filter.

My ride is currently in the shop for diagnostic.
Don't know the result.

Is it still worth saving?

Well, I ended up with a con rod failure. Its definitely worth saving. I did a JDM replacement engine. its a bit of work, but it doesnt take a ton of skill--- I did it! It cost me approx. $2500--- I replaced almost everything.

 

[quickstart]

Misfire #1 and #4

@ BrianSD_42

Intermittent misfire on cyl #1 and 4. That's what my ODBII is reporting.
Engine light flashes and stay solid. Comes and goes. One day it's good and the next the misfiring occur. Hesitation in acceleration. Feel like I am on a boat. I heard if too much fuels goes to the catalytic converter, you'll have more problem.
I thought my issue was with the ECU computer at first. If it's on cyl #1,#3, #5 you can try troubleshooting on your own, plugs, switch the coil, pull the plug and look. On the driver side it's harder. Your mechanic should be able to test compression and test with ohm meter for injector. Your worst fear is valve or valve lift, crack cylinder etc.

@ Kenworth

Thanks. Yes at 126K it is low. Trying to save it.
Mechanic came back today stating bad injectors on cyl #1,3, & #4. Why #3, I don't know. Think their a way to test with a ohm meters.
Needed 3 new injectors. Debated on recondition injectors @ $45 each. Dealers wanted $435 for the 3 new injectors. I was able to wheel and deal with the dealer down to $400 including tax. My mechanic wanted $650 including the 3 OEM new injectors. Talked my mechanic down to $600 since he was going to charge $200 on labor only and I can get the part for $400.
Ended up letting my mechanic do the entire job for $600. Hopefully, its new OEM injectors I like said I trust him. http://im.toyota-4runner.org/images/smilies/der.gif Should be done by end of day tomorrow. Will keep everyone posted.

[MENTION=81614]poleclimber63[/MENTION]

2.5K is heavy when the car is only worth ~5k to 7k ( I am being generous) on the estimation. That was my debate. How much per year should $$ be pour into for repair excluding normal maintenance wear and tear

 

[KidVermicious]

How much per year should $$ be pour into for repair excluding normal maintenance wear and tear

How many years did you go with only regular oil changes and such? Take your repair bill and divide it by that many years, that's your cost of ownership - not one year, all the years. Now compare that to the monthly loan payment on a newer car.

Fixing the junk you've got is really a no-brainer, dude, even factoring in the mechanics costs. If you want to save even more money, do it yourself.

 

[Kenworth]

To bad you don't live in 717 (pa) injector replacement is easy job would of been glad
To walk u thru it at are shop, you would provide adult beverage? Lol
good luck with repair 600.00 is not bad investment in such a low mileage car,
Hell that like 11/2 months payment for a new car for most folks

 

[quickstart]

Hooray! Got my truck back. They ended up replacing injectors 1,3,5. All injectors on the passenger side. Go figure - that the easy side to get to. Only drove it for a mile or two. Too early to tell if the misfire issue is completely gone.

Would love to buy everyone a round of drink for your support!!!

@ Kenworth
If I knew it's on the passenger side, I would probably research it, youtube it, and ask you how to replace the injectors and saving $200 on labor.

@ KidVermicious
You're right. Honestly last year and this year was the only time I have put $$ to repair outside of normal wear and tear maintenance. Oh - beside the 60K timing belt and water pump replacement back in ~06 ish. My 99 4 runner has been very good to me. Most driver slow down on ditches or dip. We go thru it without a care.

Note: My check engine light started acting up when I plug-in the AAA insurance on-board device to the odb connector. My advice. Don't use it. I am not sure but I think it interfere with the computer. I did it because it act like a lo jack device. I have lojack installed when I bought the car in 99. Just that it has not been serviced and the battery is probably dead. Only the folks from Lojack know where that device is hidden.
Curious where that sucker is normally installed in or what it looks like.

Once again - thank you for all your support!! I think you guy just saved me $40K on a new 2015 4 runner. I bid everyone a wonder day.

 

[xskydivingdudex]

Sorry for not getting back to you earlier... I dontr get on very often. Well I ended up getting it checked and all and it was low pressure in cylinder 1 for sure and the valve job needed to be done on cyl 1. it was going to cost about $1200+ and though I love this truck it was time for a new one so I purchased a new truck about two weeks ago and this one is now listed for sale.

Im glad you got your fixed and it was a relatively simple fix and wasn't going to break the wallet.

 

[amalik]

Sorry for not getting back to you earlier... I dontr get on very often. Well I ended up getting it checked and all and it was low pressure in cylinder 1 for sure and the valve job needed to be done on cyl 1. it was going to cost about $1200+ and though I love this truck it was time for a new one so I purchased a new truck about two weeks ago and this one is now listed for sale.

Im glad you got your fixed and it was a relatively simple fix and wasn't going to break the wallet.

Damn, so you bought a new truck just to avoid a valve job? ^_^ -- You could have replaced the entire engine, had it rebuilt, or done just the valve job (All 3 not DIY, with a qualified Toyota mechanic especially being in Texas) -- for a fraction of the cost of a new truck.

Did you get like a *NEW* truck or a new-to-you 3rd gen? Just curious.

 

[xskydivingdudex]

Ya I thought about it but with work and such I didn't want to have to worry about it breaking down if another valve went down, figured with a new engine even I would have to worry about the transmission in a year or two. So after debating with the fiancé I figured it wasn't worth it for me to put more money into the 4runner and ive been wanting a new vehicle as well so this was what made the ultimate decision.

I bought a 2013 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab. I loved my 4runner and figured ill be in another Toyota possibly after this truck but just wanted a change of scenery for the time being.

 

[poleclimber63]

Good luck

Ya I thought about it but with work and such I didn't want to have to worry about it breaking down if another valve went down, figured with a new engine even I would have to worry about the transmission in a year or two. So after debating with the fiancé I figured it wasn't worth it for me to put more money into the 4runner and ive been wanting a new vehicle as well so this was what made the ultimate decision.

I bought a 2013 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab. I loved my 4runner and figured ill be in another Toyota possibly after this truck but just wanted a change of scenery for the time being.

Sorry to see you go!
When I did my engine, there was no decision to make. I drove it for 2 yrs before the engine packed it in. So for me, $1300/yr not bad. I've done other work to my truck, not because they had to be done, but because I wanted it up to my standard--- its my baby!! I had a 1999 SHIVY Suburban before the 4Runner and I ended up DUMPING $$ into it! The most expensive failure was a rear end failure on vacation with the trailer $2600!!! God, that was more than my engine replacement!! I had a $hit load of small stuff break on that Suburban --- doorhandlesX3, power windowsX2, AC, fan control etc. I bought it for $11k and dumped it for $3k, as the tranny was going!! 5yrs of ownership cost $8k in depreciation and approx. $4k in required repairs! That's almost 5 5VZFE replacements total!!! I will never buy another "BIG 3" vehicle ever again. I've owned Pontiac, Olds, Chevy, Hyundai, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Ford, Chrysler, Honda and of course Toyota..... and the best by a long shot were Toyota, Mitsubishi and Honda. The worst by far were Chrysler, Ford and Chevy.... however, my 62' Chevy was awesome.... I can only rate these by my experiences, lots of people I know have had good times with vehicles that I didn't....
Hope you got an extended warranty....

Sorry if I rained on your parade:bolt:

 

[quickstart]

I hear you man. Well, I am back again. Got my misfire issue fixed. But today it just threw another set of codes for me. P0125, P1135P, P1130P

Quick search on the code review issue with Oxygen sense on my 1999 4-runner SR5.
Anyone care to comments?

 

[TheDurk]

I hear you man. Well, I am back again. Got my misfire issue fixed. But today it just threw another set of codes for me. P0125, P1135P, P1130P

Quick search on the code review issue with Oxygen sense on my 1999 4-runner SR5.
Anyone care to comments?

Should be front Air/Fuel sensor. The P1135 and P1130 are Cali. only cods so Air/Fuel sensor in front. Since you have both together, it could also be a connection issue so check sensor connector. Seen any mud lately? If the sensor has 75k or more, I'd change it as PM and go from there.

 

[quickstart]

Should be front Air/Fuel sensor. The P1135 and P1130 are Cali. only cods so Air/Fuel sensor in front. Since you have both together, it could also be a connection issue so check sensor connector. Seen any mud lately? If the sensor has 75k or more, I'd change it as PM and go from there.

I just placed in a order thru Amazon for this part. Denso 234-9002 Air Fuel Ratio Sensor. Is this the Air/Fuel sensor you are referring to? I want to make sure it's the right part.
Amazon.com: Denso 234-9002 Air Fuel Ratio Sensor: Automotive

 

[TheDurk]

I just placed in a order thru Amazon for this part. Denso 234-9002 Air Fuel Ratio Sensor. Is this the Air/Fuel sensor you are referring to? I want to make sure it's the right part.
Amazon.com: Denso 234-9002 Air Fuel Ratio Sensor: Automotive

From Oxygen / AFR Sensors - Underdog Racing Development

1999 & 2000 Cali auto, 2WD/4WD V6; Front: 234-9002

5-speed is different.

To confirm beyond doubt it's a Cali., either verify you have 2 cats or look at your emissions sticker under the hood. At the top left corner, it should say A/F S, TWC(2), HO2S. 49-state/Federal will say HO2S(2), TWC or similar.