RAV4 Bucking

Tiny
CLMBANDSKI
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 TOYOTA RAV4
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • MANUAL
  • 170,000 MILES
My '98 RAV4 is bucking strongly, it is worst when decelerating at under 3,000 rpm, it also has a strong exhaust smell like unburnt fuel while idling, any ideas?
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011 AT 1:06 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
SIXPACK SUBARU
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Is it well serviced?
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Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Check engine light on? If yes have codes been read?
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Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011 AT 2:52 PM
Tiny
CLMBANDSKI
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Sixpack Subaru- things have been a little tight lately so I am a bit behind on scheduled maintenance but overall it is well maintained.

Docfixit- the check engine light was on briefly at one point but it has since gone off again.

I know this age group is famous for O2 sensor issues, the unburnt fuel smell makes me wonder if it might be another sensor issue. Has anyone experienced surging/bucking due to a faulty O2 sinsor?
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Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011 AT 3:13 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
The unburnt fuel smell indicates it is most probably a misfiring cylinder. Have the spark plugs and related components checked.

The CEL indicating briefly could mean a truble code has been stored. Get a free scan done at parts stores and let us know what it is.

Speculating is not going to get you anywhere.
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Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011 AT 3:52 PM

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