This is confusing. My 87 4runner (manual 4x4) is acting perfect. After 5 to 10 minutes of driving down the highway, the check engine light comes on. I only have to put it into neutral for a split second, slip it back into 5th, and the light goes off 4-10 seconds later...only to come on a couple minutes later. I already changed the fluids on everything (front and rear differentials, transfer case, and transmission). Any ideas?

 

I can't remember from my old 87 4runner, but how is your break fluid level?

Erich

 

Just because the light goes out does not mean the problem is gone. Sometimes the light goes out, but an error code is still stored. Autozone will pull the codes for free, or you can use a manual to do it yourself. What kind of a truck do you have? Maybe I could help. You should put your info in your signature.

Welcome to YT! You came to the right place.

 

Get the codes pulled. You can actually do that yourself with a paperclip. You just need to jump two terminals (E1 & T1) I think.....check www.4crawler.com under cheap tricks, as he shows you how to do it.

I would say check autozone, but last time I had my CEL come on, they couldn't pull OBD I codes, only OBD II. Paper clip works just fine.

 

Had to catch myself on that one. If the brake fluid is low, his emergency brake light would be stuck on or turn off and on.

 

betcha its an o2 sensor code

 

Yup, use the paperclip deal in the diagnostic port on the passenger inner fender. Use E1 and T1 and then count the codes thrown. My guess is that its throwing a 25 and 26. Usually for a rich/lean condition normally from a bad O2 sensor.

 

I really appreciate the advice; unfortunately i can't look at it until after next weekend. However, i had a quick question of why slipping in and out of 5th effects the CEL?

 

Do you let off the gas in Neutral? Could be not the slipping out of 5th but the decrease in RPM

Just a thought

 

Thanks for all the help everybody....so helpful