Ok, I'm new here, and I hope someone can help, because the mechanic isn't sure. I bought a 97 4Runner Ltd/auto/V6 with supercharger in April. Last week when I was on the freeway, when I went to change lanes, I accelerated and my truck started sputtering. As soon as I let off the gas, it stops, and it doesn't do it when I give slow, steady gas, just when I step on it. The mechanic I went to thinks there is a problem with the transfer case, but the guy at the transmission shop thinks if it were that, it would be slipping, slow shifting, etc. It has about 125,000 miles now, and right when I bought it I had everything flushed, including the transmission, but apparently they didn't service the transfer case. The mechanic said the fluid level is fine in it, but it "smells". Whatever that means. He's been looking at it for two days and swears he is hearing something in the transfer case. Anyway, everything else is perfect, no problems in town. It only happens at high speeds (over 50mph), and only if I punch the gas. My boyfriend drove it home from the shop and he says it's still sputtering at slow speeds too, which I have only noticed when it's not warmed up yet, which I would expect. Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated.
sputtering at high speeds
- Thread starter Jen
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00328
Senior Member
Always check the cheapest fix first. FUEL FILTER.
Sounds like the engine is starved for fuel, when you punch it, a clogged fuel filter can not keep up with the demand for fuel and the engine will sputter. At a normal paced speed even a clogged filter (depending of course on how clogged) can usually supply enough fuel so that the engine will run fine.
I'm no expert, but that's what it sounds like to me based on your description.
Find another mechanic! That's the first thing he/she should have checked.
Oh, and BTW.....welcome aboard
Let us know what you find out.
Also, as Hank stated above, with 125,000 mi, I would go ahead and change the cap, rotor and wires for good measure.
Sounds like the engine is starved for fuel, when you punch it, a clogged fuel filter can not keep up with the demand for fuel and the engine will sputter. At a normal paced speed even a clogged filter (depending of course on how clogged) can usually supply enough fuel so that the engine will run fine.
I'm no expert, but that's what it sounds like to me based on your description.
Find another mechanic! That's the first thing he/she should have checked.
Oh, and BTW.....welcome aboard
Let us know what you find out.
Also, as Hank stated above, with 125,000 mi, I would go ahead and change the cap, rotor and wires for good measure.
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Hey guys,
First, no I haven't had the cap/rotor or wires and plugs done yet. When I bought it, I was unsure of where the maintenance left off, so I had everything flushed and oil changed right away. But since it has run so beautifully otherwise, I have not had the tune-up done. So I think what I'll do is take it for a tune-up and have them check the fuel filter while they are there, and maybe replace it. I don't think I'll take it back to the same mechanic though, because he doesn't seem to be very knowledgable about what's going on and that scares me. I did pick it up last night from him, and unbelievably, he didn't even charge me since he couldn't find the problem. So I will probably take it tomorrow to the transmission shop, so they can tell me for sure that's not it and go get the tune-up etc. from there. Thanks so much for the suggestions, and for the warm welcome. I actually spent alot of time researching what kind of truck I wanted, and then alot of time looking for just the right one. I have to say, it's the best car I have owned so far. I love it through and through and hope to keep it for many years. It's a 97, but it's in exceptional condition so it looks like it's brand new still. By the way, does anyone know the name of the color? It's that dark grey-brown that looks like root beer brown in the sun, and charcoal grey in the shade or at night. I never know what color to call it!!! Thanks again for the help! Jen
First, no I haven't had the cap/rotor or wires and plugs done yet. When I bought it, I was unsure of where the maintenance left off, so I had everything flushed and oil changed right away. But since it has run so beautifully otherwise, I have not had the tune-up done. So I think what I'll do is take it for a tune-up and have them check the fuel filter while they are there, and maybe replace it. I don't think I'll take it back to the same mechanic though, because he doesn't seem to be very knowledgable about what's going on and that scares me. I did pick it up last night from him, and unbelievably, he didn't even charge me since he couldn't find the problem. So I will probably take it tomorrow to the transmission shop, so they can tell me for sure that's not it and go get the tune-up etc. from there. Thanks so much for the suggestions, and for the warm welcome. I actually spent alot of time researching what kind of truck I wanted, and then alot of time looking for just the right one. I have to say, it's the best car I have owned so far. I love it through and through and hope to keep it for many years. It's a 97, but it's in exceptional condition so it looks like it's brand new still. By the way, does anyone know the name of the color? It's that dark grey-brown that looks like root beer brown in the sun, and charcoal grey in the shade or at night. I never know what color to call it!!! Thanks again for the help! Jen
BlackWorksInc
New member
You do realize the thread is over 11yrs old?
Edit- I don't mean to sound mean or anything, just asking because some people don't notice the time stamps.
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