Rough running (CEL) after engine bay clean
 

Hello all,

My '96 Runner got a good engine bay clean yesterday (looks brand new!) but on the way home it started running on 5 cyls and the Check Engine Light came on- it actually flashed for a little while, which I have heard is REALLY bad... I got it home, let it sit for a few hours- started it, and it runs on all 6 cyls, but still rough. I am hoping something got wet (electrical), and it is drying out... Any other ideas? I will get the codes read at Autozone when they open...

Thanks!

Need a code before we can help you with that one.
This is a 3.4L motor I assume?

Yes, 3.4L 1996. I will get the codes read ASAP (who's open on TGiving....)

Just pull the plug wires and dry out the channels, bet one is full of water.
use a blower if ya have one or a screwdriver with a dry rag.

There is some water in there- I'm letting them dry out now. I also noticed that the plug wires don't "snap" onto the plugs- they come off way too easy. I'm going to replace the wires and plugs when NAPA opens up. I haven't taken the coilpacks off the passenger side of the motor- is there a spark plug connnector that connects the coilpack to the plug? I would like to replace those as well.

Thanks all!

Sounds like you've found your issue.

I will keep you all posted- hopefully that's all it is! What about the coilpack to plug connectors (Pass side), should those be replaced along with the other plug wires (drivers side)?

They don`t come with the wires.Those are expensive to replace.
I don`t have a firm snap on mine either, Just as long as its flush with the cover, should be just fine.
I use the NGK BKR5EKB11 plugs all the way around on mine. The dual electrode ones.

Also make sure there are no cracks in the destributor cap. I had a truck that had the cap crack when it got hit with some cold water when I was playing in puddles. The firing order was screwed up from it and the truck ran really rough.

The 3.4L has a distributorLESS ignition.

I have also been having a rough idle since it got cold here for some reason i don't know. When i am at a stop light i have to give it a little gas to keep the RPM's above 500. If i let go it doesn't die but hivers at about 500 where it is pretty rough.

boo u guys go to get the triple electrode ones

You lost me there...

[OT]

out of curiosity...how did you clean your engine? with a pressure washer? any cleaning agent with it?

my bay is way long overdue for a wash..i just want the safest, least destructive way to thoroughly clean it.

[/OT]

Not tryin to start an agument or anything but spend a couple extra bucks and get the parts from Toyota. Stock Toyota plugs and wires are just fine and they do what they are made to do, Toyota would make 'em if they didnt work, also they will fit better than napa/kragen so you wont have the water leakage problems that you did. If you dont want to pay the extra dough then just think of what you'd be drivin if your entire truck was made from Napa parts. Just my $.02.

I replaced the plugs and wires (from Toyota), and it runs great now! Thanks all!!

Congratulations!

replaced the plugs EXACT same thing happened to me. something got wet.