Engine Bucking / Surge / Cut-out
 

I have a 98 Tacoma 2.4 with 86,000 miles. Lately while driving flat roads the engine / fuel cuts out for a split second. No check engine light has ever come on. I pulled the plugs they look fine. Wires to coils seem tight. Not sure what problem could be. Fuel filter never changed. Dealer says if no CEL, not worth doing a computer scan of engine. Any help is appreciated.

Not sure what would cause that...bad fuel pump maybe? Definitely sounds like a spark or fuel problem.

I would get a second opinion though...sounds like the dealer is brushing you off.

If it surges after you let off the gas, it is most likely an injector problem.

FYI, it's the 2.7L.

Anyways, couldn't this be a MAF problem? You can clean that yourself. It couldn't hurt to clean the throttle body too. Then run some injector cleaner through it...I'd recommend BG44K or Redline. The Redline is cheaper and I think it does a better job plus you can get it at any auto parts store.

Could also be a TPS problem but that's a whole different ballgame. Just try the tune-up stuff first.

:bounce2:

could be a 2.4 if its 2wd non prerunner

Really? I thought they discontinued the 2.4 when they moved to the 2.7. I guess I stand corrected.

:bounce2:

2.4 engine code is 2RZ-FE
2.7 engine code is 3RZ-FE :bounce:
the 2.4 is not available in 4wd/prerunner

Could be a pile of different things really.
Possibles: simple tuneup issues like distributor cap/rotor, clean throttlebody, clean injectors, check all air intake hoses to make sure they are all on tight, o2 sensor clean and functional (should throw a code if something is really wrong though), fuel filter, dreaded fuel pump. My experience with the efi fuel pump is that it will have a short period of time where it is cutting out and not delivering fuel properly resulting in jerky engine performance. Thereafter it makes amends for the poor performance by completely dying. It can be a real PITA to fix too since at least in older models, it sits in the gas tank.
Try all the simple/cheap stuff first and hope that takes care of it :bigok:

Sorry about the confusion on the engine type. The cose on the engine is E3Rz - N73, 16 valve.

Thanks for all of the great replies. I sounds like I have my work cut out for me. Trail and error, I guess.

If the problem is the fuel filter, would the engine sputter instead of cutting out for the split second?

Add some Heet to the gas tank to make sure it's not water in the gas...maybe a couple of bottles.

Change your fuel filter. She's 6six years old. No telling how much dirty gas has been put in.