Hey guys, I need some help. My 1988 4Runner has a sudden loss of power. When I try to accelerate uphill, it shakes like crazy and struggles especially around 2K RPM. It's like I only have 20 HP. At higher RPM's the vibration tapers off a little but there is still no power. The exhaust has a sharp smell and the engine oil smells like gasoline. There is no CEL but I tried pulling a code anyway and I think it's saying '2'. Should I just go ahead and change out the AFM or should I perform other tests first? What else should I test & how? Thanks in advance.

 

Have you checked the typical stuff? Connections..... Spark plugs (sounds like you are not firing on all cylinders). Is your tranny shifting smooth? Fluids where they are supposed to be?

 

I had about the same probem 2 days ago....no power at all, couldnt get to work via bridge...had to go around...turned out my timing was way way off, put it back in place and now i got my v6 again....check timing...
I could believe how bad it ran when it was way off like that...mine was all the way to the right bottomed out and for some reason still ran lol

 

There's no code "2" for a 3VZE. That's a code for an 87 and earlier 22RE or 88 and earlier 22RTE.

More importantly, what is the sequencing of the flashes that it's showing you? 'Cuz it ain't "2".

 

flash...1 second pause...flash....4 second pause...repeat

tranny is smooth. all fluids appear to be present. i haven't checked plugs yet. Coolant & oil appear clean.

 

i think i found the problem. i started the truck, checked the engine bay and saw a spark coming from the middle of one of the spark plug wires. time to replace the wire.

could someone tell me what the code is or should i not worry about it?

 

Maybe it is (was) "Code 11".

Now you are going to ask me what a "Code 11" might mean... but I have no idea.

 

i replaced the wires and the symptoms are gone. *sigh of relief* i'm not going to worry about the code since no CEL has come on. thanks for everyone's input on this Christmas Eve. Happy Holidays


*edit: btw this is the site i used for the code checking

http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/codes/index.html

 

Code 11 = loss of power supply to ECU.

The ignition system was probably shorting out from the drain. If the problem appears to be gone, don't worry about it. All the shaking and power loss was from one cylinder not firing and strong fuel smell from unburned fuel.

 

that makes sense. each spark that came out of the faulty wire came into contact with grounded metal. thanks again.