Misfiring? Timing off?

[02runner4]

02 3.4L v6
about 169,000 miles

I'm not sure what's wrong but it seems to be off timing and it seems to misfire as I cruise.

There is no check engine light. What could be wrong?

 

[mikebontoft]

when was the last time it had a tune up?

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Go hook it up to a code reader anyway. If it's got a mis, it SHOULD trip a check engine light. Did this just start randomly or did you just do/have any work done to it?

 

[mikebontoft]

a miss often does not trip the actual light, but if you can get a scanner hooked up you may find pending codes.

 

[02runner4]

I think I had the spark plugs replaced at 100,000 miles, and that's about it.

I just had it emissions passed and I assumed no codes. I can have it code pulled at Advance Auto.

 

[LittleCaesar]

When is the last time you filled up with gas? Was it misfiring before then?

 

[DeTwizzle]

I had a spark plug arching off my block for a while and was getting misfire 3, then I took it into the Toyota dealship and it was a rotted spark plug insulator. It is pretty easy to hear for it make kinda a knocking sound.... best of luck!

 

[mikebontoft]

I think I had the spark plugs replaced at 100,000 miles, and that's about it.

I just had it emissions passed and I assumed no codes. I can have it code pulled at Advance Auto.

It's time.

 

[jsukey]

Could be plugs...I just had a similar experience last year. When you replaced the plugs, did you use the double ground strap plugs?

 

[02runner4]

When is the last time you filled up with gas? Was it misfiring before then?

I'm not sure. My sister drives this car and she said it happened also last year when the weather was really cold.

 

[02runner4]

Could be plugs...I just had a similar experience last year. When you replaced the plugs, did you use the double ground strap plugs?

You mean dual ground elctrode?
Yes. I know it's OEM and it was replaced about 60,000 miles ago or so.

 

[mikebontoft]

as I said, its probably tune for a tune up.

 

[jsukey]

You mean dual ground elctrode?
Yes. I know it's OEM and it was replaced about 60,000 miles ago or so.

Yeah, my brain isn't functioning too well right now. I'd say tune up...if that isn't the problem, you at least got new plugs in...never a bad thing.

 

[JohnsD90]

Plugs and wires, should be like $50 or $60 for parts, should solve the problem.

 

[mikebontoft]

check rock auto for your tune up stuff too. I managed to get my ngk wires for probably about $10 and the cost of plugs is so insignificant that I just bought them at a local store. ngk wires are like $60!

 

[LittleCaesar]

Here are some NGK wires:
Amazon.com: NGK (4412) TE66 Wire Set: Automotive

The plugs, the NGK 3967(BKR5EKB-11), should be purchased at a big box auto store for around $3 and change each.