Tube in passenger side wheel well?

I am diagnosing a p0171 code. (96’ 3.4L) Hooked up a smoke machine and didn’t notice smoke coming from engine block or hoses, however, lots of smoke coming out of a tube in the passenger side wheel well. Can’t find this hose/pipe on any of the diagrams.

 

You're referring to this piece right?





That's just part of the air intake, any leaks there won't throw a code. A lot of people even remove that entirely thinking it will allow for better airflow.

You want to look for leaks after the mass airflow sensor (marked as #8 on that diagram), those are what will trip codes. Vacuum lines in particular, the intake tube going to the manifold (#6), etc.

The mass airflow sensor itself will throw that code if it's dirty or malfunctioning. You can clean it with MAF cleaner, if it gets replaced do not use an aftermarket brand. If this truck is new to you then check and make sure the MAF isn't aftermarket.

 

Thanks for the reply. No, it is a small diameter tube. Have to pull back the wheel well skirt to see it. Looks like it enters the cab so I thought it would be part of the A/C system but not sure why smoke would be entering the A/C.

 

Possibly your AC evaporator drain tube.

 

The first time this code popped last year, I cleaned the MAF replaced the PCV, fuel filter, used fuel injector cleaner and chased leaks. Discovered A hose to the engine mounted VSV was disconnected. Connected the tube and CEL extinguished. When it came on recently (CEL), I found the VSV mounted to the firewall detached from the bracket. I’ve also checked the resistance on the MAF and VSV. Trying to make sure I don’t have a leak before buying parts I don’t need.

 

I think that drain tube is inside the engine bay

 

It might be helpful to post a picture of the line in question. If you're ruling out the evap drain, and it's not in the fender proper as @eon_blue suggested, then I'm going to guess it's a vac line that has come disconnected and hanging down. A picture of the line, and the engine bay in general would help a ton.

 

Earlier years/non push button 4x4s have a vacuum canister in the wheel well. But IIRC that vacuum canister is on the driver's side, I think. It's a sphere shaped canister.

 

Early years also had some vac lines that run down the passenger side of the timing belt cover, coming from upper intake manifold. Not sure what they are head off too..


either way, OP needs to post up some pics of what he's looking at, otherwise we're just throwing darts with a blindfold on.

 

I believe that goes to the power steering system, some 4runners had it too, along with an additional tube going to the intake tube. For what I don't know either, mine is capped off & some newer years don't even have that port.

I could be wrong but I think that vacuum canister for the 4WD is also connected to that same port with a T.

 

I will get some pics posted. Sure my explanation is confusing

 

Pipe is in circled location behind the wheel well skirt . Picture of pipe is looking straight up

 

I am not sure about that line. You're going to have to follow it back into the engine bay and figure out what it's connected to.

 

Pretty sure that's just your antenna.

 

This is from a second gen but looks similar enough.

 

That makes perfect sense. OP must have some serious issues with his truck if he's got smoke coming out of the antenna tube.

 

I’m gonna need some tannerite to fix this issue!

 

Shit, sure enough you are right. There was so much smoke I couldnt see anything and when it cleared I assumed it was that. After tearing out the skirt it appears the smoke must have been from the part eon_blue referenced. Thanks for the info.

 

No problem, happy to help in any way I can!

 

Think you were right. I didn’t have a chance to pull the skirt off till now and see the piece you referenced