Hoping someone can help me on this. I just finished changing the headgaskets on my '91 4Runner (3VZE, A/T) - second time in two years (but this time it was due to a crappy gasket - 'nuther story...). Engine started up fine and idled, but when I put it in reverse to back out of the garage, it simply died. No sputtering or anything, it just went quiet. I tried a number of times after it died to start it back up, but no dice - it simply turns over.

I did some searches on the forum and found a couple similar instances, but no real resolution. Thoughts on where I can check? I'm a bit stumped.

BTW - the transmission was working fine prior to the HG job.

Thanks!

 

Have you tried putting it in a forward gear? I know you're stuck in the garage, but maybe against blocks or something? If it happens in both forward and reverse, it may help you isolate the problem more quickly.

 

Sorry - I should have added a bit more info. Moving forward was no problem - I was able to scoot it a couple inches at least. Putting it into reverse caused the shutdown.

 

It seems odd that a vehicle would only die in reverse. I know it happens....I've run a google search on it. It's like,"Uh-uh, dude! I ain't doin' it. Suck pea gravel, dipstick!"

Did you get all the sensors at the back of manifold hooked up? What about the TPS or airflow meter? I know the TPS can affect auto tranny function.

 

Make sure the air tube is connected and has no cracks between the AFM and the throttle.

It could be that it is opening up an air leak when the engine is torqued one way and not the other.

 

i had this problem a while back and it was due to a disconnected vacuum hose. double check ALL vacuum hoses that run in/out of the throttle body.