Hi all, long time lurker here.. I have been searching the forums like crazy the last few weeks and I have to say thanks to all there is some awesome info available here!

I have a '93 4Runner 3.0L V6 (3VZ-E) manual and I've been hunting the strangest problem over the last few weeks. Now and again my truck develops a strange surge. If I'm driving at say 60-70kph in top gear when I accelerate slightly It starts to surge? If I keep the pedal in the same place the surge gets gradualy worse and eventualy turns into a harsh chug! While it's doing this If I nail it (Full throttle) the surge goes and the car accelerates ok. It kind of feels like the timing is retarded and the car wont make any power.

I have tried a number of things:

New fuel filter - Same problem.

Fuel treatment. I thought I may have got some bad fuel - No Change.

Replaced plugs, leads and rotor - same problem.

Cleaned the throttle body and reset the TPS. Car seems to go better but still have the problem?

If anyone can point me in the right direction I would be very greatful!

Cheers
Craig.

 

you throwing any codes ?

 

I have no idea? How do i check? :pat:

 

jump the t and e1 connectors on the diagnostic plug with a piece of wire or paper clip. the check engine light will flash the codes according to the number of flashes with the amount of time between the flashes. check the emissions section of the online fsm here.

http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/

 

Thanks.. I'll get back ASAP with a code.

Man I love this place.

 

Ok.. I've got some codes!

1st: Code 24 - Air intake temprature sensor signal.

2nd: Code 41 - Throttle position sensor signal.

**EDIT**

After resetting the computer and driving the car for 20 minutes I have a clear diag? How long should it take before anything is reported?

Thanks again
Craig.

 

Ok, I'm back.

This weekend I to put a few KM's on the car after the computer reset. After about 150 km highway driving it started it's surge/power loss again. Though, this time it was doing it in 3rd, 4th or 5th anywhere between 1500 and 3000 rpm!?!

When I got home I thought I'd check the codes and......... NOTHING! What would make it surge and carry on like this that wouldn't register as a problem? Help Please!

Thanks
Craig.

 

My 97 was doing exactly the same thing - hesitation at 3-3.5K RPM, 3rd & 4th gear..... Fixed yesterday; was a bad throttle position sensor causing 99% of the problem. The K&N filter was in need of a cleaning as was my mass airflow filter!

 

I was going to suggest replacing your TPS.

 

try that and if it dont help take it back

 

i wouldnt replace it without adjusting and testing it first

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/TPS/index.shtml

 

Ermm...

Thanks guys, I'll grab a bew TPS on monday and see how things go.

 

Ok. So I disconnected the TPS and went out for a drive last night.. The car is running perfectly! More power, no surging, nothing.

My question is why do I even need the TPS? What is the benefit of having it connected if it's such a PITA?

Cheers.

 

Just went through a similar problem with mine, turns out it was a vacuum leak in my inlet pipe (ISR)

Resealed it, back to normal!

 

it kind of sounds like a sticky needle valve in a carburator, but yours is fuel injected... hmmmmmmmm. all i can say is check your sensors. good luck

 

It would be a good idea to keep the TPS. Just grab a new one and you're set

 

You certainly don't "need" it. I drove without mine working for over 2 years. I got so used to the way it drove without it, that when I finally fixed it I had to learn how to drive my truck all over again. I didn't care for it at first, wanted to unplug it. But then I realized it was a little better with it working, a little better throttle response. The accelerator seems more sensitive, takes less movement to get the same response as without the TPS working. Which took some serious getting the hang of at first. That's my observation anyway.

As far as MPG/HP, no difference either way really.

 

Has anyone had any luck yet. i've got the same problem. Goona try the TPS as well.

 

Anyone know where I can find somewhat of a performance cam. Somthing with a bit of lower end (3VZE)