My 97 has a 5vz-fe (3.4 L) engine and an auto tranny. The problem is when I start off, it shifts to 2nd gear about the time I reach the other side of the intersection and doesn't seem to have much pickup. At least not what I would expect for a V-6. The tire size is P265-75R16, which is slightly taller than the recommended 70R size in the manual. Also the idle speed is 600 RPM, which I think is a little low for an automatic. Has anybody else had this problem of lack of pickup? Could it be the throttle position sensor or throttle cable out of adjustment? I changed plugs and the wires were within spec for resistance. When I checked the old plugs, the #2 plug looked like it was running rich. All the other plugs looked good. Any suggestions as to what to check would be appreciated.

tommy b

 

o2 sensor
tighten throttle cable
fuel filter
new wires
check timing
check all fluids.. atf and gear oil

 

also check rear brake adjustment

 

Thanks. A few things that I had not thought of but make sense to check.

tommy b

 

i am having a problem now since its cold it seems like it takes 5 miles or so of driving before my car starts to shift ok.. when i start it, it revs close to 3k rpm or more and just stays there and wont shift into second unless i let off the gas and let it try to.. it is a 1997 4runner SR5 V6 Auto with 170k miles on it... i am hoping the transmission is not going bad..

 

The low idle and lack of power sounds like low compression to me; do a compression check.

One other thought, check the coil on that #2 plug cylinder and also fuel injector - and by "check" I mean replace.

 

Have Toyota do a transmission flush, may improve things. But either way it does sound like it's on a downhill slide.