Engine Light and Knocking Sound

HELP! I’m new to the Tacoma world but I’ve been doing tons of research since buying a 4x4 v6. I’ve been concerned about a sound coming from my engine bay for a bit now but wasn’t sure if it was just the “Tacoma tick”. However, today my engine light came on while driving home from work. I don’t know if the two are related, I didn’t feel a performance change after the light came on and there wasn’t any overheating. I’ve listened to other tacos tick and my knocking sound is unique to me. If yall could take a listen and let me know if I’m being a dingus I’d appreciate it: https://youtube.com/shorts/W-hQDCtHAHw?si=2yGTsDQIjfeiofTw

 

Doesn't sound like a normal Tacoma tick. What code did the computer throw?

 

I don’t have a code reader

 

Most parts store chains will read them for you and basic ones aren't very expensive these days - less than $40.

 

You can order a code reader from Amazon that allows you to view the codes via an app

 

Thanks for the recommendations. I just ordered a reader and it’ll be here tomorrow. Im thinking the transmission fluid is low and the spark plugs need replacing. No misfires but the truck lurches while idling in gear. It also almost sounds like it’s having trouble pulling air in so gonna check the intake/exhaust.

 

Welcome to the forum BTW

 

Happy to be here! This site and its community is a godsend ❤️

 

UPDATE: the codes came back and it was just because my wife didn’t screw the gas cap back on all the way (whomp whomp) but I took it to a mechanic anyway for the knocking sound and he said it sounds like it’s coming from inside the engine. Not sure if I trust his opinion so I’m going to change the transmission fluid, spark plugs, and oil this weekend to see if that fixes anything.

 

The tick sounds normal to me, the closer you get the more weirder sounds you will hear. Check oil dipstick, see if its low or if you see any particles inside

 

How many miles on your Tacoma, and you ever check engine oil level?

 

32k miles. The dealership said they changed the oil before selling it to me 1k miles ago. The oil is almost clear so it’s hard to tell exactly where it is on the dipstick but it appears to have enough?

 

it doesn’t appear to be low on oil and the oil looks almost clear so I’m assuming it’s good. Kinda hard to see exactly where it is on the stick tbh. The sound I’m hearing can be heard outside of the car, my phone was doing a solid job of muting it but you can hear the off tempo knocking towards the end of the video.

 

Nobody knows if previous owner, changed out engine oil, and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Can take engine oil sample from your Tacoma, send it to Blackstone Labs. See what they say.

 

** UPDATE **

Sorry it’s been a minute. Life is crazy. Replaced oil, transmission fluid, and spark plugs but I’m still hearing the sound. I’ve actually noticed that a lot of the issues/sounds I’m experiencing with my Taco are related to the AC and power steering. It’s still making the odd knocking sound but when the AC is off and the temp is set to mid, the sound pretty much goes away and the truck doesn’t lurch (as much) while idling in drive. It still lurches a little due to the power steering causing the RPMs to jump. Is there any fix for this? Been thinking about taking it to get tuned so it idles at a high enough RPM to handle the power steering and AC? What do yall think?

 

I think you aught to bring your truck back where you purchased it and tell them to fix it.

 

I don’t trust the shady dealership I bought it from so was hoping to solve this myself. Someone mentioned a potential VVT issue but I can’t find any info for Gen 3 v6 tacos.

 

A tune will cost you $450. Code reader got no codes? This used car dealership is part of Toyota, or independant? You found out dealer was shady before, or after you bought your used Tacoma? If cannot figure it out, probraly time to find independant shop, and see if they can fix the problem.

 

What trim level is it? It sounds like a vacuum pump but I’m not sure if you have a vacuum pump or not seeing as I don’t know what trim it is.

 

2017 SR5 V6 4WD