The first thing I look at when dealing with a hesitation, is seeing exactly what the fuel system is doing at the time I feel the issue, this is where scan tool data comes in. Watching the Long Term and Short-Term Fuel Trims data, the Oxygen sensors, and Mass Air Flow sensor reading.
Diagrams 1,2 below are the VVT codes that would set, and your engine is not listed here. Diagrams 3,4,5 are for cleaning the Mass Air Flow sensor, I would also recommend cleaning the throttle plates. I've found on these Tacoma's that cleaning the throttle plate, even just around the edges makes a huge difference. Just be careful with your figures around the throttle plates. And don't spray carb cleaner on the plate, spray it on a rag and clean it that way. Diagram 6 is the Evap hose diagram if needed.
The Mass Air flow (MAF) sensor can be sprayed with MAF cleaner which you can get at any auto parts store, this has a hot wire type sensor, and they get dirty which causes the sensor to under report air flow, and a hesitation will happen. Also adding some fuel system treatment will help to clean the fuel injectors. So just some things you can do to improve the performance. These are great trucks, so I would hang on to it as long as possible.
Here are some guides to help as well:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mass-air-flow-service
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service
Let us know what you find.
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Sunday, April 13th, 2025 AT 10:24 AM