My truck has the "jitters"...

[Cincy4Runna]

First off I'm new to this site, hello all. Now for my issue. I bought a 94 3.0 V6 SR5 automatic in May of this year. When i bought it everything seemed fine. But then as i drove it more i noticed at red lights i could feel the whole truck "twitch". It is the engine acting like it is missing. This problem is very intermittent but predictable. I can get in the car first thing in the morning, drive for 10 minutes and it will not do this at all. But then once it warms up the problem begins. It also "misses" while driving it will feel like i hit a small pothole and the car loses momentum for a split second but then returns to normal functionality. The absolute worst is when i'm on an incline and apply enough gas to move forward like when in a line at a stop sign. I can hear the exhaust sputtering. I've read quite a bit about these trucks and the 3.0 has a reputation for being a turd. I attempted a tune up (new plugs, wires, cap, and button) but when i finished the truck ran worse, to the point at which i couldn't keep it running unless i applied some gas. My buddy adjusted the timing by ear just to get it to idle but i didn't move anything when i changed the cap/button. I have a few possible ideas of what it could be.

Vaccum Leak
Bad injectors (i used injector cleaner but did not help at all)
Improper plug gap (the problem existed before new plugs so maybe the previous guy did not gap them either?)
Fuel filter (i have one to replace it with but could not get the old one off, the bolt was stripped)
PCV valve? i have a replacement as well but haven't gotten around to replacing

I'm just curious if anyone else has had this problem and what you did to fix it. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

-Kyle

 

[mikes4runner]

I wouuld try the fuel filter first. check the plug gap.

How many miles on it?

 

[Cincy4Runna]

140k

 

[mikes4runner]

Also maybe dirty MAF or throttle body.

 

[Cincy4Runna]

Oh dear God, the throttle body has some issues. I am pretty sure it is gunked beyond recognition. The accelerator pedal is so stiff, nobody under 150lbs could operate the truck.... Also it's a biotch to get to shift into 3rd gear (it's an auto) going up hills. Slight gradient hills suck because it's either in 4th or 2nd. Sometimes i can get it to shift to 2nd then let off and it'll fall into 3rd for a minute but it's an exact sience.

 

[Cincy4Runna]

Called the dealer today. They want $49 in labor to replace the fuel filter and $21 in labor to replace the PCV valve. The fuel filter i can do my self (i think) but the PCV valve looks like an utter PITA. Think i might pay my buddy to do it. Or maybe he'll settle for a case of beer

 

[mikes4runner]

Do it together and then split the case of beer

 

[Cincy4Runna]

beer....mmmmmmmmmmm..

 

[97runnerBC]

hey I think I may have the same problem in my '97.....when I started my truck in the morning the check engine light came on & it wouldn't stop jittering/vibrating/rumbling; the 4x4 shifter was shaking like crazy. Since then, I reset my battery and the check engine light turned off. For the past few days my ride's been back to normal, except for this morning. It seemed as if the problem was back, but once the engine was warmed up it went away. Another thing people were suggesting was that I change my timing belt, since I haven't replaced it EVER. Anyways any input would be great......you think I should replace my fuel filter & PCV valve aswell??? I'm clueless.

 

[Cincy4Runna]

i'm sure it wouldn't hurt. Though by your description that's not how mine is acting. My engine just bucks one time intermittently. Only when it's warm tho. It doesn't rumble consistantly though.