Automobile / Toyota / 4x4

MORE: Toyota Pickup Repair Questions

Answer:    You will have to scan your computer for fault codes. We recommend buying a pocket scanner that works just like your mechanics. The OBD II scanner will read the data stream from your trucks computer and give you all the trouble codes that are malfunctioning.  You can look up the trouble codes here. After replacing all the sensors that have failed you can use the same scanner to clear the check engine light. Check the EGR valve, it may be “hanging up.”  Also, check the fuel pressure regulator.

Question: 1986 Toyota Pickup 4x4  mileage: 150,000. I cannot get this truck through smog. The readings are great at Idle, but at 2500 rpm there is 2% CO 30 ppm HC 1% O2 and 13.5% CO2. I know this is a rich running condition. I have changed the 02 sensor, and nothing. Before I replace the carburetor, I wanted to ask you guys. Thanks

Answer: Your carburetor may be the problem, but if you have the original catalytic converter on your truck, you might want to replace that first.

Question:  1998 Toyota 4X4 truck mileage: 125,000.  I am dealing with a claim in my business of 16 years. A customer is telling me that we did not put in any oil, while doing a 17-point service oil change.  The customer drove exactly 400 miles and 1 week with no oil, allegedly.   I know this is not possible.  Do you have any helpful information I can use to prove I am correct?

Answer:  If there were no oil in the motor when it left your shop, the car would not have gone 400 miles.  In fact, the customer would have been lucky to get a mile or two.  If there is no oil in the motor, the rod bearings will not be lubricated and cooled.   Therefore, the soft bearing material overheats and melts causing the rod bearing to fail.  We do not have any treatises on this basic topic, but you might find something helpful from one of the books listed throughout our Website.

Question:  2002 Toyota 4x4 truck  mileage: 79,000.  For the past two-three months my trucks rpm's have not been consistent.  It fluctuated even when I did not accelerate the engine.   In the past two weeks, it has been getting worse.  The climax was a few days ago when I got onto the freeway and experienced a craze with the rpm’s as I changed gears.  Ultimately, I was stranded on the side of the freeway.  I changed the clutch as my mechanic advised and it has gained a kick when I shift gears.  The rpm's still fluctuate slightly on neutral, first or second gears.  Once I get going it is not a problem.  Obviously, the clutch was not the source of that problem.  I am assuming it may be the fuel pump or filter.  What do you think the problem could be?

Answer:  Your car may be ready for a major tune-up including spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor, fuel filter and air filter.  Also, perform a fuel pump pressure test.  Clean fuel injection system including throttle bore, idle speed control motor and passages.  If problem still exists, scan computer for trouble codes.

MORE: Toyota Pickup Repair Questions

Question:  2001 Toyota 4x4 truck mileage: 108,000. I have a high-pitched metallic chattering coming from the front of my engine. It gets louder with Rpms and when the clutch is depressed, it quiets right up. It does not sound internal but sounds as if it is coming from the fan belt area. I originally thought it was the water pump and replaced it. Not so. It may be the fuel pump but I can't isolate it. Any suggestions?

Answer:  When you depress the clutch, the crankshaft moves ahead a slight amount. Check the backside of the dampener on the front of the crank shaft. It may be rubbing on something.

Question:   1999 Toyota 4x4 truck 100,000 miles. During acceleration, (stock-carburetor) there is a point where no more acceleration occurs, pedal on the floor. Let off gas slightly and reapply acceleration continues slowly. However, recently there is a "bump," like hitting a small pothole and then I have excellent acceleration. Is the lack of acceleration a function of the vacuum and emissions system, and what is causing the "bump" sensation? Is the "bump" an indication of a serious problem?

Answer:  Check for dirt in main jets of carburetor. The downward angle of the jets makes them prone to the problems you describe. A new fuel filter is also in order. This should cure your "bump" sensation.

Question:  1992  Toyota 4X4 Truck mileage: 117,000 miles. At about 100,000 miles, I had the original clutch replaced. The clutch was working fine, but because of the mileage, I felt it would need replacing soon. Since the truck would be spending some quality time at the Toyota dealership for the infamous head gasket problem, I felt this was as good a time as any. The Toyota dealer replaced the clutch, pressure plate, bearing, and turned the flywheel. The new clutch grabbed when starting off in first and especially in reverse. It feels like the clutch is chattering. I returned the truck to the dealer with the above complaints. They claim they replaced the clutch once again, but it did not cure the problem. At this point, they thought the recently turned flywheel needed replacing, naturally at my expense. After all this the truck still has the same problem, but less severe. If driven aggressively, the clutch works smoothly. The problem is most evident if you just release the clutch without applying the gas. My question is, what other conditions could cause this particular problem? Could the strength of the new clutch accentuate worn engine mounts? Would worn out bearings in the rear end cause this, and if so, how can you tell if the axle bearings are worn?

Answer:  Your problem could be caused by improper clutch linkage adjustment. One adjustment is under the dash on the clutch pedal to clutch master cylinder. The other is on the clutch slave cylinder on the engine. Yes, worn engine and transmission mounts can also cause this. I would be very surprised if the worn out bearings in the rear end could cause the problems you describe. You can check for loose axle bearings by raising your truck off the ground, lift each rear tire by hand, and check for "play".

MORE: Toyota Pickup Repair Questions

Automobile / Toyota / 4x4

Look up more Toyota 4x4 Questions in our Car Repair forum section.

Try looking up your problem in our Auto Repair topics section

Got Car Repair Questions? We will answer it for free.