Recently purchased my first 3rd gen, maintenance woes..

[BoomerBob]

If you suspect the cats; this might be a plan B to the Cataclean product.

YouTube

 

[jross20]

If your scanner shows live data, post your STFT, LTFT, or ALPHA readings here when the engine is warm. Don’t sit here and throw parts at it if your corrections are perfect you need to look elsewhere.


DO NOT put WS in your transmission. The Toyota fluid you need is: 00279-000T4 it’s backward compatible to DEX II and III. You will also notice MOST Toyota specialty online shops recommend it as wellZ

Let me know if you can do that.

No worries I was leaning towards MaxLife...but I am weary about using a non-OEM ATF. Thank's for the part number, I'll look it up.

STFT, LTFT, or ALPHA. Okay will I need to load a custom PID into Torque for these?

Wait... Short and long Term Fuel Trim right? I just figured that out AS I was typing..haha! :wacko:
I'll make a note to check after driving to the office tomorrow.
What is Alpha? I do not recall seeing that one.

You could just be feeling the effects of the gas gauge being wildly inaccurate which is common on 3rd gens. Do you have a live data/bluetooth OBD readout? To get the true fuel level

I do have a Bluetooth adapter and torque pro. I've actually always wanted to try to pull a live read of the fuel tank but it only shows "estimated" which is always WILDLY inaccurate.

If you suspect the cats; this might be a plan B to the Cataclean product.

YouTube

I guess I will go that route if we figure out that I need to.



Also, general update. I reached half a tank at 100 miles, no idea if that is good or not. Going to fill her up tomorrow and see if she really is slurping gas-o-hal or if the gauge is just bonkers.

 

[NissanTechJake]

No worries I was leaning towards MaxLife...but I am weary about using a non-OEM ATF. Thank's for the part number, I'll look it up.

STFT, LTFT, or ALPHA. Okay will I need to load a custom PID into Torque for these?

Wait... Short and long Term Fuel Trim right? I just figured that out AS I was typing..haha! :wacko:
I'll make a note to check after driving to the office tomorrow.
What is Alpha? I do not recall seeing that one.

ALPHA is just another version of fuel trims read out in 100% being perfect. A lot of higher end scanners and dealer level scanners use ALPHA.

If you got them let me know.

 

[jross20]

ALPHA is just another version of fuel trims read out in 100% being perfect. A lot of higher end scanners and dealer level scanners use ALPHA.

If you got them let me know.

Ah I gotcha! Okay I'll check during the drive tomorrow.

 

[jross20]

Okay here are some screenshots showing the fuel trim. I know this probably isn't what you were looking for, but for some reason I cannot get it to let me log or export data.

in the meantime I will say that in my second gen Tacoma I've never seen the fuel trim on either gauge move that much.

 

[jross20]

Alright so I filled her up tonight at a half tank and she is getting 17.5 mpg. PHEW. So I guess the gauge just isn't all that accurate?

And I have confirmed the rear brakes are grabbing and holding from time to time.

 

[Bad Luck]

Okay, so Dexron IV it is then.
Thanks all

Dexron VI not Dexron IV

 

[rightyouareken]

By the way, I notice your engine temps are a bit high. Mine also used to be 200-205F pretty consistently. I'd bet $5 your thermostat is in upside down, with the "jiggle valve" at 12 oclock instead of 6 oclock. After replacing mine and installing at 6 oclock, my temps are now rock steady at 186F.

 

[jross20]

Dexron VI not Dexron IV

Whoops, VI it is!

By the way, I notice your engine temps are a bit high. Mine also used to be 200-205F pretty consistently. I'd bet $5 your thermostat is in upside down, with the "jiggle valve" at 12 oclock instead of 6 oclock. After replacing mine and installing at 6 oclock, my temps are now rock steady at 186F.

I though they seemed high, is this an easy fix? I've only ever swapped a thermo on a 93 Honda Accord. Is 200 dangerous or just non favorable?

 

[Bad Luck]

Whoops, VI it is!



I though they seemed high, is this an easy fix? I've only ever swapped a thermo on a 93 Honda Accord. Is 200 dangerous or just non favorable?

Toyota T-IV is another option like others have said, but I work at a GM dealership so Dexron VI was cheaper for me (read free). As far as I know T-IV is synthetic as well and backwards compatible, but don't quote me on that.

I did the timing belt/water pump/thermostat shortly after buying my runner. The first thermostat I used was some aftermarket cheapie that even though it was clocked at 6 o'clock per fsm ran over 200 degrees with 50 degree ambient temps. I swapped that out with a new toyota thermostat when I replaced the lower radiator hose and temps have gone down to 190 degrees even now that it's in the 90's. Just some food for thought there for you.

 

[jross20]

Toyota T-IV is another option like others have said, but I work at a GM dealership so Dexron VI was cheaper for me (read free). As far as I know T-IV is synthetic as well and backwards compatible, but don't quote me on that.

I did the timing belt/water pump/thermostat shortly after buying my runner. The first thermostat I used was some aftermarket cheapie that even though it was clocked at 6 o'clock per fsm ran over 200 degrees with 50 degree ambient temps. I swapped that out with a new toyota thermostat when I replaced the lower radiator hose and temps have gone down to 190 degrees even now that it's in the 90's. Just some food for thought there for you.

I've been reading that some folks have shifting issues with T-IV and that Valvoline maxlife is too thin... Now I'm backing to being nervous what about to get.

When I flush the coolant I could change it then. I had ordered a kit with all OEM parts so I have the thermo.