This problem with my 4runner has been going on for a while. We have taken it to many mechanics and none of them were able to fix the problem successfully. After many hours and a lot of money spent I would like to see if you guys can figure out my problem. First of all when I start my car up in the morning, it seems not to want to start up right away. Also when I drive somewhere and stay for approximately 30 to 45 minutes and then come back out to try to leave, I will start my car and it will run but immediately the rpm gauge reads below 1. The rmps will go up and down and when I give it any gas it doesnt seem to help. As soon as I let off the gas the car shuts off. Sometimes I can get it going but it is especially dangerous when pulling out of a road because I will have it floored and it wont go but about 15 mph. Also there is a strong gas smell coming from the exaust pipe when this happens. A few times when I was trying to give it gas i could hear and feel something pop under the hood. When the vehicle warms up it seems to run fine and not have any problems. But when I stop somewhere and try to leave again it does the same thing again. When the problem occurs, If it shuts off and i try to start it again it eventually wont start at all and I will have to wait about 45 minutes to leave from whereever i am at. Please help me with this problem. I am tired of worrying about if my car will get me home from wherever i am. Thanks.
Feb 16, 2010 at 5:11 PM