mechanix

Hey, I've seen posts regarding hesitation from 2-3k RPM, but none where the issue goes away when the ECT PWR switch is enabled. It's a 95 4Runner with a 91 3VZE motor. Starts and idles fine. But in park/neutral/gear as soon as it hits 1500 RPM it sputters up to 2000 RPM then drops back to 1500. I can hold it to the floor and it just sputters at those RPMs. If I basically idle along at 15KM/h it's fine, but if it hits 1500 RPM... I engaged the ECT PWR button (was trying everything to get it home) and magically the issue goes away. Does this make sense to anyone?

The issue started about a month ago after a fill up - I thought it may have been water in the gas, and added gas line antifreeze. Seemed to clear up the issue until yesterday. I used more gas line antifreeze and a fill up but this time it didn't help. Again, without ECT enabled (parked/neutral/driving) it won't get above 1500, but with it enabled it's fine.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Colombo

bump... anyone?

mechanix

UPDATE: Recently I've noticed that the issue will occur when I shift into 4WD. More recently, it is occurring with ECT enabled as well, although if I switch ECT off, then on, I'll get a solid 10 seconds of normal revving before the sputtering occurs. I managed to get home from about 20KM away switching off/on every 10 seconds or so. Not fun. :/

Does anyone have any ideas where I should look? I'm thinking maybe electrical, but not sure how ECT vs. non-ECT and 4WD are all connected...

--Dave

Gamefreakgc

I think that perhaps there is a wiring or sensor issue between 95 and 91. The 95's (especially Autos) have more coolant sensors on the water bypass than a 91. Why do I know? I have a 91 Manual, and my brother has a 95 Auto and I've worked on both.

Not a definitive answer by any means, but a good starting point.

mechanix

In case anyone is interested, I finally have my runner working properly. After having a few different techs try and figure out the issue, I ended up with one who used to have an '88 4Runner (which he built for bush runs). His opinion was that the engine wasn't firing properly, and a tune up, intake clean, etc. would do the trick. And thankfully it did.

Gevo

nice..

mechanix

Well, that didn't last long. About 200Kms of city driving and the problem is back. I was pulling out of the driveway last night in the snow - I put in 4x4 and stepped on it... noticed low power right off, then about 50ft later it started bouncing from 1900 down to 1500RPMs again. ECT mode got me going, but I can only assume that eventually stop 'working' as well.

I'm wondering if during the tune up something was jiggled or moved such that things were working ok. Note that gas mileage is brutal - I was on track for about 250KMs total on an $80 fill up. Here's where I'm at:

- tune up seemed to solve the issue, but it's back
- ECT mode resolves it (for now)
- terrible fuel mileage
- down on power
- check engine light came on shortly after the tune up (need to check codes this weekend)
- the issue happens in park as well; if I keep the revs below about 1900RPMs all seems a-ok. As soon as it hits 1900 it starts bouncing down to about 1500RPM and so on.
- idle is dropping when I stop at a light, etc.; drops down below 500RPMs at times

I'm wondering if the TPS may be bad, or perhaps it needs a throttle body and/or MAF cleaning.

If anyone has any ideas please fire em my way!

Cheers,
Dave

BMcEL

First step would be to check for codes if you haven't already.

blynch

My 4-runner is doing the samething,I was wondering If you ever got it fixed,˟if so what did you have to do?