I own a 1990 Toyota Pick-Up 2WD 22R-E engine. The truck accelerates very weak after the first minute of running, and struggles to get over 60 miles per hour once on the highway. The check engine light came on for the first time ever, so I took it in for a pricy diagnosis. The mechanic informed me that the anti knock sensor and the auxiliary air valve needed to be replaced.

I went out on my own to seek the parts, and later realized their outrages prices, and the diffuculty I went through finding the parts for my truck, not to mention what the mechanic wanted to charge for the labor. The mechanic works for a corporate chain auto shop, too. And on top of all that I can't pass the smog test in CA becasue my idle is too high. So I can't registor my vehicle until I find the parts, replace them and adjust the idle on my engine.

My questions are: What exactly is an Anti Knock Sensor and Auxiliary Air Valve? Can both the AKS and AAV be replaced by anyone auto/tech savy? and Will the replacement of these parts fix my truck; normal acceleration, and pass the smog test?