G's 84 Runner

My son is driving an 01 Taco with 135k miles with the v6 in it. He has been complaining of no power from the engine, like only being able to do 40 uphill with the gas pedal floored. He says sometimes when he floors it, it will rev high, and sometimes catch and pick up speed, but not all the time. We have done some tune up maintenance, spark plugs, fuel filter, and air filter. He says he uses the cheap gas if that matters, but any suggestions what to try next would be a huge help. We've looked at the tranny fluid, and it still has proper color, maybe a little dark.

4Runner202020

its probably the clutch... mine went out with about that many miles. and it gives out at high RPMs then picks back up. get it fixed before it goes all the way out and it cant run...

G's 84 Runner

sorry, should have mention automatic tranny.

DeathCougar

iTrader: (23)

Still sounds like tranny. Clutch packs are worn out sounds like.

Beartracker

There are to many things it could be but I would do or check the following:
Get it tested, just because the lights not on doesn't mean the problem won't show on the diagnostic test. Then check the tranny as mentioned above. It sounds like it could be the A/F sensor, Mine went out recently in my 01 and it cost about $120.00 but my truck runs like new. Most people don't know that you are supposed to replace them every 75,000 miles. Clean your M/F sensor and replace your PCV valve. Run Sea Foam through the engine and the gas tank. These are just a few things to check or replace . Mike

SEAIRESCUE

Go immediately to a transmission shop and have the fluid changed and filter replaced. Those transmissions are very sensitive to low fluid levels. It must be checked hot, level ground, and engine at idle. You are fixing to endure some very costly repair if you don't get it to a shop NOW. Yes, you can do this yourself. I also use Trans-X conditioner in my automatics with great results. Takes about 25-100 miles to do its job.

My $0.02

fondigley

I think you are spot on. It sounds just like what happened to my truck last year. I got an 01 Taco with the auto tranny. I was on a trip and couldn't get the thing going over like 40 as well with the Overdrive on. I tried the Overdrive off and was able get my mph's up, but couldn't get the truck to do the speed limit, cause no 4th gear. Might want to try the diagnostic test, that is what I did. Got the code and figured out the problem. Any auto parts store will let you use there tester.