Alright, first off, I'm a new member so hello to everyone on the boards. But anyways, I installed a new Injen intake for my 97 3.4l 4runner last thursday. I recently(as in, the past day or two) have began having problems with it feels like something in my drivetrain, I'm not sure. When I just start off from a dead stop and don't gas it hard, my vehicle shakes, or seems like it stutters a little bit. It also does this around 50 mph or so if I try to keep it around that. Also, sometimes I will accelerate it seems like the engine will kind of stutter, then all of the sudden a burst of power will come in.......I am completely clueless as to what is causing this? I am also 100% sure I installed the intake correctly, I have checked, rechecked and triple checked the vaccum lines.....I don't know, any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

actually......I sadly think it's the transmission. It does it right before I shift gears unless I'm really on the gas.

 

I presume this is a manual that this is happening too?

 

No, it's an automatic......sorry, I didn't mean before I shift gears, before IT shifts gears.

 

DO you know by any chance when your fuel filter was last replaced?

 

Yes, about two weeks ago. Took the 4runner to a quick lube and got the filter replaced and all of the fluids checked.

 

For what its worth, I had a similar problem with my '97 runner last October. At first, I thought it was the transmission too, but then I realized that it probably wasnt because it was still shifting smooth. My engine was stuttering when I accelerated, and much like you, it would stutter when trying to hold it around 50 mph. Not long after I noticed all of this the check engine light came on. I took my runner to a friend and had him pull the code and found out that one of my cylinders was misfiring. We pulled the plugs and sure enough one of them was bad. Additionally, the O2 sensor wasnt in top shape (then again, it was the original, so almost 10 years out of it wasnt too bad). We went ahead and changed the plugs, O2 sensor, and fuel filter (also original). That solved the issue and I havent had any problems since.

Judging between the similarities between what my runner was doing and what yours is doing, I would try checking the spark plugs. Just an idea though.

Good luck!

 

good post DITTO

 

Could that create a popping noise under heavy acceleration?

 

possibly back firing kind of deal.. change your plugs with ngk or denso plugs for yotas. go to the dealership and get them. make sure they are gapped right and change them. also if you have 80k+ miles on it go ahead and change the front O2 sensor and go from there..

 

Yes. You should also check your TPS because that may cause similar symptoms.

 

Friend also said he had the same problem with his car....really rough start from a standstill and what not, and suggested new plugs, wires, and head gaskets? Also, check engine light came on today, haha

 

You need to inspect/replace your:

MAF
TPS
O2 Sensor
Spark Plugs
Plug Wires

Any one/combination of these could be causing your problems.

 

I believe I will just take it in to get looked at. I could replace those, but really don't want to spend money when I don't need to while guessing at the problem..... thanks for the help guys!

 

Since you recently put on the intake, I would say it was related to that. It sounds like the symptoms of an air leak somewhere. I was having a similar problem with my car. It would run fine, but starting off especially, it would hesitate and stutter. I would have to ride the clutch a little to prevent the vehicle from bucking like a mad bull.

I later found an air leak from a split hose in the intake. I know yours is new, but the principal is the same if it is getting air somewhere. Maybe something loosened up since your install?

 

I would agree......but I checked all the hoses.......maybe I will just unhook it all tonight, and rehook everything back up and see if that helps....I mean, what do I have to lose? It ran like a top for about 5 days.....but the piston misfire has been happening for quite some time which leads me to believe it's not the intake, but who knows? Worth a shot!

 

Yeah, took the intake off, and reinstalled it, checked for split lines, etc......no luck, and also no leaks either, intake is fine. Going to change spark plugs tomorrow and wires.....they need it anyways, so maybe....if not, will take it to the shop to get all the sensors checked out. Thanks guys!

 

This is your check engine light correct?

If so, get the code pulled.
That maybe a solution to your problem.

 

Where could I get this done?

 

AutoZone
Advanced Auto
Pepboys

all for free