My V6 97 4runner limited with 156K miles has starting acting up about 2 months ago. My MPGs have dropped from a consistent 17 down to 14.5. The truck struggles to acceleration from 45 to 70 when merging on the highway during the first 15 minutes of driving. So far I have put new NGK plugs in, cleaned the MAF sensor and put in a new air filter which made absolutely no improvement in the above symptoms. I'm going to try replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor next and was wondering how difficult it would be to change it out myself. Does anyone have a write-up or pictures on how to do it? Thanks!

 

^ also did the seaform treatment - 1/3 can through the PCV valve hose and 2/3 can in the gas tank about a month ago and also cleaned the throttle body. I'm thinking the ECT sensor replacement is worth a try.

 

Inspired by my posting?

I just did this yesterday on my 97 limited V6, I wish I had taken pictures... It's not that hard of a job but it does take a little bit of time and patience. You'll have to drain a bit of coolant and disconnect the upper radiator hose to get the timing belt cover off. You'll need a deep 19 mm socket to remove/install the sensor and you'll need a 17 mm combo wrench to get fuel pipe out of the way so you can access the sensor. Make sure you note the position of the washers when you remove the bolt holding the fuel pipe to the fuel rail so you can it back together correctly.

If I didn't scare you off, I'd be happy to write up a complete step by step guide.

 

^ yes a step by step write-up would be great. The only thing that sounds a little intimidating is the fuel rail removal and reassembly. Did you need to replace any gaskets, seals, or orings when you replaced the ECT sensor? I just picked up a new ECT sensor yesterday and will probably do the replacement next weekend.

 

I noticed the replacement Toyota ECT sensor I received did not come with any gaskets or o-rings. If the existing sensor has any, can they be reused? When reinstalling the fuel rail, can the washers/nuts/gaskets also be reused? Has anyone who has done the ECT sensor replacement posted a step by step write-up?

I hoping to do the sensor replacement this weekend.

 

no it can not be reuse. you will fine leak.

 

That must have been posted from a phone!

Mine didn't come with any replacement gaskets or washers but in my other thread about the ECT sensor, it was suggested as well. I guess I will just keep a close eye on my sensor and fuel pipe for the next couple of weeks....

P.S. My old ECT sensor did not have a gasket installed either.

 

mjwalfredo - do you happen to remember how long a job it was to replace your ECT sensor? The most involved DIY job I have done to my 97 runner V6 was changing the spark plugs which took me about 90 minutes. I was wondering if the ECT sensor rplacement is a longer, more involved job than replacing the spark plugs.

 

In my opinion, replacing the ECT sensor was easier than doing spark plugs. You have to move a few things out of the way to get to the sensor and the timing belt cover can be a little tricky to get in and out with the belts still on but overall, I think it's easier.