I have a 2001 2wd Tacoma (basic 4cyl, 5spd) that has an idle/start problem. It is sometimes difficult (impossible) to start; the times that it does start on the first attempt, it will idle very fast (I have no tachometer, so I'll guess it is about 2500 RPM). When I come to a red light/stop and place the transmission in neutral with both of my feet resting on the floor, the idle will lope/surge. This is very frustrating for me as I pride myself to be mechanically inclined.

My first plan of action is to clean the throttle body. I have all good fuses; I have reset the ECU by disconnecting the battery and reconnecting after a minute or so (this changed nothing).

While driving the vehicle, I cannot notice anything out of the ordinary other than it having a "touchy" throttle response (i.e. SERIOUS engine-braking at liftoff, feels as if you are accelerating away from a stop in first gear and are having trouble modulating the throttle).

Can anyone offer any help? I also changed the plugs and the oil/filter last month. The owner's manual says about 6 qts oil with the filter change, but my dipstick reads much higher than the high mark...incorrect owner's manual?

Thanks,
Matt