Short version, popped my EFI fuse and not sure if stalling out overloaded something as a fluke or if I need to look deeper. Long version is below.

I was off roading in my 97 4Runner 3.4 and high centered trying to make it through a mud hole. It had some deep ruts, and I slid into them trying to straddle and had to be pulled back. We packed the ruts with some logs to try to get traction because it was tight between trees and I didn’t think I could make the straddle work. One of the logs snapped and caught under my 4Runner and I stalled. No visible damage, and it was between the muffler and right frame rail where I couldn’t see any wiring. I sawed the log with a bow saw I carry in my toolbox and tried to start, and it wouldn’t. Was towed out again, and took a deeper look, and couldn’t see anything. Towed it to a shop because insurance only covers the first 10 miles. They found a popped EFI fuse, and it started up every time they shut it off after they figured it out. 2.5 hours of labor cost just under $200... ouch. This happened Monday, and I picked it up yesterday but haven’t gotten around to washing off all the mud yet. I p,an on hitting the chassis with the power spray at the car was tomorrow, and have the fuses on hand and ready if it stalls out. But what should I look for if it does? And even if it doesn’t, should I consider this a fluke, or be concerned that something might be ready to break next trip?

Zac

 

For some reason the O2 sensor wiring is on the EFI fuse circuit. If your chafe one of the sensor wires, which you can do going over obstacles, you can end up blowing that fuse.

 

Thanks! This is good to know.

 

Forgot to post an update, but I spent 15 minutes pressure washing the Cody, mostly in wheel wells, getting all the mud that was caked on the suspension, steering, and drivetrain. Turned the steering wheel lock to lock each way to get access from the front and rear of the front tires. Also spent some time kneeling in front of the bumper to get at the skid plates. And the EFI fuse never popped, so hopefully there aren’t any issues going forward.

Zac