My fellow DIY mechanics my 4th Gen needs your help!

[Nmunoz3]

Hello my friends,

I recently picked up a used 04 4runner 4.7 v8 2wd knowing it had some issues and I need some guidance/ help. The CEL codes I am getting are as follows

P0451 - P0453 - P0031 - P0037 - P0051 - P0500

I have no other dash lights except the tire pressure.

First off the speedo and odometer are froze no abs light. Stuck at 0 and miles stuck at 72k.

Secondly there is a small rumble at idle almost feels like a misfire but the computer is not catching it (may not be one) to go along with this the exhaust fumes reek of GAS and are very strong there is also a deep pitched humming nose coming from the exhaust. White smoke coming from exhaust at heavy acceleration very minimal though. Also struggling with RPMS doesn’t seem to get over 3-4K while in drive. Don’t seem to be losing coolant, Temp gauge stays in the middle.

Could the speedo/ ODO issues be a bad stepper motor?

Could the engine/ exhaust issues be a bad charcoal canister or a cracked manifold?

(Tested both sensor 1s and there was no resistance. Both downstream sensors had 14 ohms)

Thank you friends

 

[MikeinNH67]

You don't mention which engine you have.

Seems you have a couple evap codes, hopefully only 1 issue is causing it. Are you sure the fuel smell isn't from a leaking evap system?

You also have a multiple O2 codes that look to point to the same sensor. Check the wiring of course but if the sensor tests bad with an ohm meter at the closest plug then buy a new NTK or Denso sensor.

The last code says Vehicle Speed Sensor which would make sense seeing your speedo isn't working. Probably need to do the same as the O2, check the wiring and test the sensor.

I would look at the O2 and VSS issues before moving on. One step at a time.

 

[Nmunoz3]

Sorry, I’m running a 4.7 v8. I went ahead and purchased two denso upstream sensors. Computer threw code for sensor b1s2 but that one had 14 ohms of resistance so pAssed on that one for now. Going to change the sensors tomorrow and look for a rich/ lean spoil on the zercs. Which may point to a fuel issue? Also I have no idea if the Gassy smell is related to a fuel or evap leak.

Also, To my understanding the v8 doesn’t have a VSS, only a trans input and output sensor. From what I understand it takes input from the wheel sensors> ABS module> speedo. That being said I have no ABS/ WSS codes so possibly a cluster/ stepper motor issue?

Thank you for your help

 

[MikeinNH67]

Interesting on the VSS, I do see the thread below plus others point to the ABS module. Do you have a scantool that allows you to look at the data from the wheel speed sensors? You could try unplugging one of the sensors to see if the module reports a problem. I bought a Foxwell so I could find my ABS issue that was a wheel speed sensor.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/303731-speed-sensor.html?highlight=P0500

 

[Nmunoz3]

Interesting on the VSS, I do see the thread below plus others point to the ABS module. Do you have a scantool that allows you to look at the data from the wheel speed sensors? You could try unplugging one of the sensors to see if the module reports a problem. I bought a Foxwell so I could find my ABS issue that was a wheel speed sensor.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/303731-speed-sensor.html?highlight=P0500

I have probably the cheapest reader possible but it sorta does it’s job Zurich ZR4. I really doubt it reads ABS. Even though that it doesn’t read ABS codes wouldn’t I still have the ABS light on the dash?

Either way I unplugged two of the front wheel sensors yesterday while the car was running and no extra codes were thrown. I tested the front two harnesses and they were good. Had voltage and continuity. However the resistance on FL one was 1.1 - 1 very low and the FR had no resistance what so ever! Gonna head to the junk yard and possibly snag some OEM ones just to see if that makes a difference. Don’t want to spend the dreaded $130 - $200 for just a “possible fix”.

 

[MikeinNH67]

I have probably the cheapest reader possible but it sorta does it’s job Zurich ZR4. I really doubt it reads ABS. Even though that it doesn’t read ABS codes wouldn’t I still have the ABS light on the dash?

I haven't seen a cheap one that reads ABS codes, the cheapest I've seen is around $100. The ABS light will go out on it's own if you fix the problem then drive it a bit. You could call around and see if any local parts stores can read ABS codes. I tried to measure the resistance on my sensors and got no where so bought the Foxwell with the Toyota programming.

 

[Zero0575]

I have this code reader and it reads abs as well as live data and freeze data for stored codes. Works great! Was like $50 on Amazon, but it's out of stock there now. Found it on ebay for 60ish. Otc tools 3208 scanner:

OTC TOOLS OBD II & ABS 3208 NEW OPEN BOX | eBay

 

[Nmunoz3]

Thanks for the help guys! So I went ahead and tested the rear sensors and they were some aftermarket junk with no resistance (the front ones were actually good I was just testing them wrong) so I replaced the rear with OEM I found at junkyard. Then I decided to test harness just to be safe and harness had no voltage. It did have continuity though…. Which is what I feared. So then I decided to test the plug that powers the rear harness and no voltage ….. Now I am stuck, any idea on what to look for now? It was absolutely dead. Bad ground? Short? Chafed wire? The plug looked good, wasn’t corroded, wires were firmly seated. Front harness has 12v. Any suggestions my friends?

 

[earthrealm]

I haven't seen a cheap one that reads ABS codes, the cheapest I've seen is around $100. The ABS light will go out on it's own if you fix the problem then drive it a bit. You could call around and see if any local parts stores can read ABS codes. I tried to measure the resistance on my sensors and got no where so bought the Foxwell with the Toyota programming.

THE bluetooth reader elm 325 if mated to a compatible phone app like motodata obd, can read abs data , and even seatbelt data in compatible vehicles

 

[MikeinNH67]

THE bluetooth reader elm 325 if mated to a compatible phone app like motodata obd, can read abs data , and even seatbelt data in compatible vehicles

Do you have a link to an example?

 

[earthrealm]

Do you have a link to an example?

Amazon.com: for Android Phones ONLY - Wireless Bluetooth Diagnostic OBD2 Scanner Car Code Reader and Scan Tool for All 1996 & Newer Vehicles ELM327 Compatible OBDII : Automotive

 

[MikeinNH67]

Amazon.com: for Android Phones ONLY - Wireless Bluetooth Diagnostic OBD2 Scanner Car Code Reader and Scan Tool for All 1996 & Newer Vehicles ELM327 Compatible OBDII : Automotive

Nope, that's a ELM327 so no ABS. I have one similar that I've had for years.

 

[earthrealm]

Nope, that's a ELM327 so no ABS. I have one similar that I've had for years.

USE it with the app, i posted above, it works.
i can read abs codes with it, see it in action on a highlander

 

[MikeinNH67]

USE it with the app, i posted above, it works.
i can read abs codes with it, see it in action on a highlander

Well you did originally say ELM325. Interesting that you can do it. I wonder if it's a PID in the app and/or that particular code reader that allows it. The Amazon site even specifies "DOES NOT read or reset your SRS, ABS, Oil Change or General Maintenance lights (exceptions may apply with certain apps)".