1997 Toyota 4Runner Noises, loss of power and gas mileage

Tiny
KERRISON
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,300 MILES
I'm the 2nd owner- got all my service records when I purchased the vehicle 1.5 yrs ago. Impeccable maintenance from previous owner- truck ran like a dream.

Within the last 4 months, the 4 runner has gained some weird symptoms.

The check engine light came on & I had it read by a tech at an auto-parts store. They said it was an o2 sensor. But the light went off and hasn't been back on other than for a gas-cap issue.

It went from 280 miles to the tank to 220. We have a clean air filter and recent oil change.

I notice VERY little difference between Drive and Overdrive on the tachometer-- it used to be a large difference. Also gas mileage between Drive and Overdrive is not different.

Today the car made a very weird noise going uphill- as if something had come off the bottom and was slowly dragging against the asphalt. I got out and looked, nothing hanging under the car or stuck in the chassis/carriage.


Due to financial restrictions (recently lost my job) I haven't been that great about tune-ups, or replacing spark plugs, scheduled maint. Etc.

I try to do as much work on it as I can myself- tho my tools and skills are limited.


What are my quick and cheap steps to rule out something small?

I don't want to go to the dealership as I'm sure they'll tell me I need 100 things done that aren't urgent. With very little $$ to spend here, I need to go through the cheap stuff first to see if that solves the problem.


Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks.
Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 AT 5:12 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Kerrison,

If the OD is not funtioning, the mileage would drop very much. Most probably the OD solenoid is stuck.

The indicator would work but the solenoid is not opening for the OD gear to engage. I am not sure which side it is located on the trans body, but the wire should be just above the oil pan on the trans body. Apply intermittent battery current to try to free it, the clicking would be quite audible if it is free.
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Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 AT 9:37 AM

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