Rmmac10

Sorry, I posted before, but can't seem to locate the post. So I try again.
I own a 2002 Tacoma D-cab prerunner, i am located in a part of Mexico that does not have access to a toyota dealership or diagnostic computer, my truck engine is running very rough, especially at 50mph, it begins to cough and shake violently, i suspect fuel pump, but not sure. Check engine light is on. If anyone has either experienced this type of problem, or has any ideas for me to relay to a mechanic, I'd greatly appreciate it. Just to let you know, I have the only vehicle of this type here, so it concerns me that mechanics may not have any idea what to do with it.
Thanks

Localmotion

this will get you started

https://www.yotatech.com/~corey/tech/techpage3.htm

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...&highlight=MAF

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...&highlight=MAF

Rmmac10

Do you think it may just be the fuel filter? The truck does have 69950 miles on it and I seem to remember that they start to wear out around that point. Would that cause rough running, and now rough idling with a drop to about 500rpm sitting at a red light?

miket223

You need to find out what the trouble code is first before you waste any time poking around looking for what it could be.

Rmmac10

But the proplem is that I dont have access to that here and I'm afraid to drive the 300 miles to the nearest Toyota place. I am definetly removed from modern society here, and basically scared, (language barrier, afraid to be taken advantage of, afraid of them killing my truck for good). But I have to find a way to get it fixed and if the symptoms sound familiar to someone, then maybe I can have a starting point.

Localmotion

im not sure if its a fuel pump

FWIW- i have 204k on my 96 4runner and never changed the fuel pump.

try the easy things first...hopefully more people who have more knowledge will chim in. DId you try cleaning the MAF?

Rmmac10

Thanks Matt for the page of info, I think it may be a great starting point!

Localmotion

No problem. GOOD LUCK!

Rmmac10

Well, I cleaned the MAF, was pretty dirty, but no difference in the original problem. Man, I wish I could just get it to a computer!

rimpainter.com

Have you ever knowingly filled up with leaded fuel? If yes, are you running with a catalytic convertor?

tc

Can you do the "count the blinks" code-reading on an '02, or do you have to plug in a code reader?

marko3xl3

You have to have a plug in reader

Rmmac10

Well, I cleaned the MAf and the Throttle Body. But it still is doing the shimmy and sputter, mainly around 50mph. Unfortunatly, I need the computer. But since Fuel was mentioned, I have to say for the past 6 months I've been running on Mexico's unleaded, which is about equal to U.S. lowest grade unleaded, I've heard rumor that it's not very good fuel! I dont hear any type of valve knock, but I know that if I floor the gas to get past the 50mph mark, I hear what sounds like muffled backfire, or like a spitting sound. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Tacoma Dude

I've read a few articles where people are driving internationally and at many points are filling up on gas with some sort of fabric as a 1st step fuel filter when filling up.

Why don't you just order a diagnostic code reader online and have it shipped out to you? You can get a cheap one for roughly $50.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46030

rimpainter.com

Crappy fuel can clog a fuel filter. Leaded fuel can destroy an 02 sensor and/or a cat. I agree with Peter, have a code reader shipped to you, pull the code, post it here, and we'll try to help you from there. No sense throwing parts at it and wasting money.

If I were a betting man, I would place bets on the following items:
Fuel filter ($30, easy to do)
Cat (might want to consider getting it hacked off if you are going to be in Mexico for a while; normally I am not an advocate of running without a cat, but this is unique case)
02 sensor around $100 shipped from URD

Again, these are just assumptions. Get that code pulled and get back to us.

Localmotion

i agree with neil.

just a shot out in left field, but have u pulled the plugs and checked those?

Rmmac10

update: Well, I finally found a computer code p0301/0302 misfire cylinder 1/2. had it worked on, cant say what they actually did, but says I need new wiring. I do know he changed the double headed plugs with singles, anyhow, it runs better, but idles worse. no more shaking at 50mph, BUT, 10 miles down the road, Check Engine came back on. Of course I want to take it back, but I'm wondering, the plugs say they are correct, but the manual says Only use the 2 pronged plugs, is that just Toyota propaganda?? Or is that most likely the new cause? Also, idle is around 500rpm, could they have screwed up the timing?

MTL_4runner

Depends on what type of plug he used.
NGK irridiums are a single electrode plug and will work great in your vehicle but they are very expensive (like $20+ a plug). If they put in regular champion plugs then that would not be a good thing. I would search for a place that can get you the double electrode NGKs or Densos (make sure they are the proper part numbers). Also the others are right, you may still be getting leaded gas down there so be careful.