sixmonkeysuncle

I have a 1997 4Runner Limited that runs fine except it begins to "clunk" while driving at a steady 50-55 mph. The check engine light is on and may blink (3-4 times) around the same time the truck begins to ride rough. No problems if I speed up or slow down.... Any thoughts?

User 051420

A blinking Check Engine Light means it's misfiring. It's best that you get the code pulled, so we can help. Many local Autozone's will do it for free.

sixmonkeysuncle

Thanks

Elton

get the code pulled and come back and tell us

sixmonkeysuncle

Well, I went to AutoZone and pulled the codes off of my 1997 4Runner. Had it been a slot machine bells, whistles and lights would have been flashing and ringing. I was given four codes (one repeat). They were in this order:

•P0300-Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
•P0304-Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected
•P0446-Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Malfunction
•P0304- Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected

Any idea of where to start when looking at the combination of codes and symptoms? After reading about the P300x codes I am hopeful that I can start simple and work my way up to the more major problems, but I don’t have an idea bout the P0446.

Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

sixmonkeysuncle

I have been reading some previous P0446 thread discussions and it looks like it could be a multitude of things as well. I guess I will address the P0300x codes first and then reset the light. From their I intend on starting with the gas cap and going from their....

Mickdady

Start with the plugs and wires. 50mph is probably a high load portion of the RPM range. Load based misses are often times a sign of ignition issues.

It may simply be time for a tune up!

User 051420

That's exactly where I'd start. How old are the wires? If they're OEM, they'll be printed with a year. If they aren't OEM...get some!

Elton

lol i had 130k on my factory wires and i think about 60k on the plugs it ran great but i said umm its time so i got a set of ngks wires for 36 bucks and plugs at the dealer cuz they where cheaper

sixmonkeysuncle

Thanks, I am looking at a 3-wire set of NGKs and 6 new plugs. I am planning on waiting to see how that goes b/4 spending the money on an additional 3 new coils. Besides the P0304 code leads me to believe it isn't the coils. I pulled the wire on one plug (4) this evening and it looks like it is going to be some work getting in there. I guess I will have to pull the air intake plenum and also need an pretty long extension to get down to the plug. Any ideas or tricks to help get the plugs and to pull the intake w/o breaking anything?

Bob_98SR5

sixmonkey,

glad to see you made it here

you just need the sparkplug wires and of course, the spark plugs. 3rd 4runners have coil packs. while you are at it, you might as well clean your MAF wire w/ electrical parts cleaner and clean out your throttle body. search waskillywabbit's website for the sparkplug wire writeup and the look in the tech section for the MAF wire cleaning and throttle body cleaning writeups.

bob

Elton

i changed mine took me about a hour theres no why around the intake it has to come off heres a good tip use a sparkplug socket to get them started then then use a regular socket to snug them down and dont frogot to use anti-seize

sixmonkeysuncle

Thank you all for your help. I am planning on buying via the web since I can not find any NGKs around Camp Pendleton, Ca. I am looking at Auto Parts Warehouse for the parts and this is what I have come up with:
• Ignition Wire Set TE66 NGK
NGK (OEM) $36.34
Vehicle: 1997 Toyota 4Runner V6 2WD
Fits Engine - Chassis: 5VZFE — VZN180
Description: This is a 3 wire set - 3 wires is correct for this application (one side is direct coil connection)
Year: 11/1995-7/2002
• Spark Plug BKR5EKB-11
NGK (OEM) $6.56
Vehicle: 1997 Toyota 4Tunner V6 2WD
Fits Engine – Chassis: 5VZFE – VZN180
Description: OE, K16TR-11
Year: 11/1995-7/2002
I have read a lot about everyone thoughts and I am a newbie with newbie concerns….So, if anyone thinks this is or isn’t the way to go please let me know because I plan or ordering them asap. Thanks, Mike

Elton

thats all good stuff i got ngk wires and they fit great just be sure not to break the clips on the coil

sixmonkeysuncle

Thanks for everything guys. My wires come in in the morning and I am going to go do my seafoam right now. Wish me luck

sixmonkeysuncle

Well, I did it and I enjoyed it so much I did it again. Truth be told I am thinking of doing it one more time. Just to make sure. Man it's fun to watch that smoke!


Well, I finished every thing! The plugs, the wires, the MAF, the air filter, the PCV valve and the SeaFoam. Well, I am still going to do the gas w/ the SeaFoam and anything else you all think I may have missed. Thanks for all the help! -Mike