Slow acceleration

M

MPott227

New member
I searched this topic but the threads I’m finding have a CEL or something to point them
In the right direction, or are different generations...

I have a 2002 limited all stock. I know these aren’t race cars but it seems to accelerate very slow to me. 0-60 is approximately 12.2 seconds (internet states it should be 8.58)
If it’s to the floor it shifts at or at least close to red line, no CEL
Any suggestions of what I should take a look at, or are they just THAT slow?

Also not sure if this could be related but if I’m at a stop and let off the brake it doesn’t move under it’s own power as strong as I’m used to a vehicle moving, even rolls backwards if I’m on a slight incline. Trans was rebuilt about 2k miles ago and it runs and shifts just fine
 
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the vehicle not moving under any power would be a torque converter issue. how many miles are on the truck? this type os stuff is purely not something we can figure out but give you pointers to look at; we are not genies in a bottle and personally looking at the car.

that being said, theres a recent thread floating around about the throttle cable being stretched and mis adjusted over time. you tighten the cable to get 100% throttle if applies. another thing to conisder is either/or fuel pump and injectors, timing,and TPS. easier actions youre able to check and perform are cleaning out air filter or just getting a new one, resetting your map (theres threads on this. look at buying a 3rd gen 4runner by ripcord) and cleaning out your MAF. hopefully atleast something helped.
 
182k miles timing belt hasn’t been done since 96k miles (at least that’s what a piece of paper said in the glove box)
The history of my trans is pink milkshake around 178k, put a junkyard trans in which didn’t last long, and then the owner of the junk yard paid to rebuild that one at a reputable trans shop because he owed my uncle a favor. So I would hope it has a new torque converter but I guess you never know
Anyway, I didn’t expect a genie or for someone to fix my issue through the forum that’s why I asked for suggestions on where to look. Not trying to be rude I just don’t see why that comment was necessary. I maintain and do most repairs on my own vehicles. I’ve just never owned a 4runner before this one so I’m not as familiar as some of you guys so I figured it’s worth posting to see if it’s a common problem or if it’s just the way these things are before I start trying to diagnose
I appreciate the suggestions and will get started on those things today
 
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MPott227 said:
182k miles timing belt hasn’t been done since 96k miles (at least that’s what a piece of paper said in the glove box)
The history of my trans is pink milkshake around 178k, put a junkyard trans in which didn’t last long, and then the owner of the junk yard paid to rebuild that one at a reputable trans shop because he owed my uncle a favor. So I would hope it has a new torque converter but I guess you never know
Anyway, I didn’t expect a genie or for someone to fix my issue through the forum that’s why I asked for suggestions on where to look. Not trying to be rude I just don’t see why that comment was necessary. I maintain and do most repairs on my own vehicles. I’ve just never owned a 4runner before this one so I’m not as familiar as some of you guys so I figured it’s worth posting to see if it’s a common problem or if it’s just the way these things are before I start trying to diagnose
I appreciate the suggestions and will get started on those things today
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i was just stating that we personally would not know whats wrong with your car or why your car is "acting slow". fortunately these have more power than 3V/22RE's but unfortunately not a crazy amount of power; they're still sluggish.
 
2002...isn't that with the newer electric "gas pedal" so would be no cable to adjust
sluggish...hey its a 4runner
change the fuel and air filter and plugs
what tires ? lift?
I had a friend who put on 35's and a lift and mpg and power took a big hit

put on a TRD decal, that always makes them faster :)
 
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3bears said:
2002...isn't that with the newer electric "gas pedal" so would be no cable to adjust
sluggish...hey its a 4runner
change the fuel and air filter and plugs
what tires ? lift?
I had a friend who put on 35's and a lift and mpg and power took a big hit

put on a TRD decal, that always makes them faster :)
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youre correct. i did not think about the drive by wire TB.
 
I didnt think they were slow at all. Infact when my brakes are not dragging the initial acceleration is amazing. Much faster than my heavier 2nd gen taco unless I floor.
 
I know you said no CEL but, have you scanned it for codes or made sure the light works when you first turn on the ignition? I ask because I've seen it on other forums where the light doesnt work because of a burnt out or missing bulb and the owner didnt know they had multiple codes until they scanned it.
 
Sounds like you need some place to start. I wondering if your services are up to date. I know this sounds a bit silly but how does the air cleaner look, spark plugs ect. If those things need to be done just do them that way you can check those off the the list. If you pull spark plugs look at each one better yet do a compression test if you can. If you think you have a Transmission problem Take a look at the fluid condition if it was just rebuilt a couple years ago the fluid should be nice looking red not black. If it's black there's a problem. Another thought while rare a clogged exhaust like a crushed pipe or bad muffler:art:
 
Twisted Sid said:
I know you said no CEL but, have you scanned it for codes or made sure the light works when you first turn on the ignition? I ask because I've seen it on other forums where the light doesnt work because of a burnt out or missing bulb and the owner didnt know they had multiple codes until they scanned it.
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Engine light works and no codes stored. Good advice though. I work at a used car dealership and have seen that many times
 
plcfcng said:
Sounds like you need some place to start. I wondering if your services are up to date. I know this sounds a bit silly but how does the air cleaner look, spark plugs ect. If those things need to be done just do them that way you can check those off the the list. If you pull spark plugs look at each one better yet do a compression test if you can. If you think you have a Transmission problem Take a look at the fluid condition if it was just rebuilt a couple years ago the fluid should be nice looking red not black. If it's black there's a problem. Another thought while rare a clogged exhaust like a crushed pipe or bad muffler:art:
Click to expand...

No clue when any maintenance other than oil change and tire rotation were last done. I’m gonna replace air filter and clean MAF and TB after work today and see where that gets me. Next will Be plugs
Trans fluid looks beautiful
 
if it has a clogged exhaust a vacuum gauge will show you that. I don't have any numbers but im sure there is a Utube video some where to give u a idea how to do it. You maybe able to rent the Vac gauge at Orelley or AZ
 
Today I reset map, changed air filter, treated fuel with sea foam injector cleaner, removed and cleaned MAF and throttle body. Throttle body was pretty dirty, so was air filter. Unfortunately I’m not noticing a change in acceleration. Hopefully I’ll at least see some improved MPG



plcfcng said:
if it has a clogged exhaust a vacuum gauge will show you that. I don't have any numbers but im sure there is a Utube video some where to give u a idea how to do it. You maybe able to rent the Vac gauge at Orelley or AZ
Click to expand...

I have access to vac, I’ll probably check exhaust sometime next week
 
Your muffler might be on its way out restricting the exhaust as someone else mentioned. Recently snagged a wholesale Runner with a magnaflow muff and after spark plugs, oil changes, throttle cable adjustments, it still lacked the [amazing] 183HP V6 umph. Replaced with a new 'quiet-type' muff and the engine breathed new life off the line and especially kicking into 4th gear. Not a tough pull to diagnose if the vehicle is rust-free. Who knows tho. My 3rd Gen Camry was sluggish off the line until I replaced motor mounts after 225k. Felt like I was faster than a Cobra until a 1st gen Prius smoked my butt back in the day. Good luck!
 
Livin said:
if the vehicle is rust-free. Who knows tho.
Click to expand...

Boy I wish! It’s lived it’s life in PA, MD, and DE. She’s pretty scaly underneath with some frame rot near the rear tire. I almost bought a 95 with 153k on it at a dealer auction this week that was pretty clean underneath with a very very clean body at a dealer auction but I got outbid

Anywho, I’m going to look into exhaust this week
 
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