Engine Stops Responding and Throttle Gets Tight, Ideas?

I have a 2003 SR5 TRD 4x4 that has gone into 'limp mode' twice on me in the last month. Once while on a highway... I have decided to sell it but I can't decide if I should fix it or sell it as-is. Any advice in this area would be GREATLY appreciated. I love my little Tacoma and will miss her dearly but I need something more reliable.

142k miles

 

Have you figured out the cause?? If it will cost $12,000.00 to fix might be good to sell before spending the money

To me kinda dumb to sell it after you fix it the way i look at things .

I am sure someone will grab it soon in either case.

 

If you decided to sell that tent....please let me know.

 

I say fix it. If you don't want to sell, then see how much it will cost. I'm not sure what makes it go into limp mode. Any codes? that will point you in the right direction to see what is wrong.

 

Hmmm.....interesting dilemma...

If I was buying and found out the truck was frequently in "limp" mode.........I'd walk away or offer < 30% of the seller's asking price. I don't think many buyers will have serious interest in a "broken" truck.

On the other hand. If the repair only costs a couple C notes and you have a chance of selling at or above market, then good money spent.

If you decide to sell as is, be up front with the troubles and be prepared for low offers.

 

Throw some sea foam in it. If that does not fix it put it on Craiglist. Tell people u selling it in this day and bring cash. Sell to highest bidder who thinks it will be a simple fix.

FYI I sold a honda accord coupe that went into limp mode. code reader said it was shift solenoid #X or some jazz like that. Turned out to be a bidding war for it.


I actually did a tranny fluid flush and it made shifting worse. Would not engage 4th gear. Not to may shops do tranny rebuilds, they just slap reman transmission on them.

 

If you love the truck why not fix and keep?

Seems like a bit of an extreme reaction to have an issue and immediately jump to selling it. Different story if you were looking for an excuse to get out of it.

 

Fix it. You will not get a good price with it going into "limp" mode.

 

Define reliable... Your tacoma is definitely reliable as long as you keep up with routine maintenance. Also, what is limp mode? Give us an idea on what troubles you've had and you'll hear back from many of us with suggestions on how to proceed.

Welcome to TacomaWorld. Decide to stick around. Looks like you've had fun with the truck, keep it maintained and it will last for years to come.

 

‘ Limp Mode ‘...................Whats WRONG With IT ?!?!?!?!?!?!?

no one will buy a broken truck

its an ‘OffSET whether U sell or keep

not a lot o miles actually UNless U have neglected MAJORLY !!

if U fix it for a nominal amount...................keep it

 

Fix it probably won’t be many takers as is especially with the price difference it would bring.

 

Seriously? You joined Tacomaworld to ask this question? Of course you should fix it... and then keep it.

 

I joined Tacomaworld back in 2012, actually.

 

I would totally try and fix it.

 

Let me clear up a few of the questions...

I've had this truck since 2007. I bought it with 37,000 miles on it and it's been a great truck. It's not only because it's having problems I'm considering selling it. Have you ever tried putting a car seat in this thing and taking it out? With only two doors and a seat that folds forward, it's definitely a pain in the tookas. Our German Shepherd is getting older and it's harder for her to jump into the back seat area. Yes, I will miss it when I sell it, but it's currently our 3rd vehicle. I have a 2018 Tundra TRD CrewMax 4x4 that is my daily driver.

Basically, I was wondering if it would be more economical to fix and sell or just sell as-is, with full disclosure of any problems. I don't plan on being shady about it.

 

If you can't tell the new owner what's broken, they're not going to offer much. Fixing it will probably be a better selling price.

 

Are you fixing it yourself or paying a shop to do it?

 

I wish I could fix it myself. I'd be paying a shop. And just moving to a new state, I don't have a shop that I trust yet. I know this is a bit of a vague question because I don't know exactly what's causing the problem. Don't be too harsh on me.

 

You wont know the answer unless you know the details.

Diagnose it.


That will tell you if its worth fixing or not.

 

Thanks! I've been around reading threads since 2012

So here's what happens... When driving, once on a side street and once on the highway, the check engine light comes on and the vehicle feels like it loses power. Suddenly the gas pedal gets much harder to press and I have to press it 3/4 of the way to the floor to make it move again. When it changes gears, it makes a 'clunk' noise, but does shift. The engine power is very touchy at this point. Press on the gas pedal until it gets power and then it takes off! Like, I peeled out in a parking lot while trying to park it after it happened the second time. The engine does not shut off. After sitting for a day or so, everything goes back to normal. No check engine light, no loss of power, gas pedal feels perfectly normal and no clunking when shifting.