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3.4 / Starts, runs & idles fine.. let off clutch and it dies

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Large, Nov 14, 2017.

  1. Nov 14, 2017 at 5:22 PM
    #1
    Large

    Large [OP] Red

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    Title. Doesn't matter if I rev to 1k or 4k, let off clutch or dumping it - it dies. Throttle input doesn't seem to matter. It will rev really low, if I push the clutch back in it shoots back up to normal RPMs.

    Some quick notes -

    not original 5VZ
    new throttle position sensor
    can't find anything wrong under the hood .. but I'm no 1st gen expert

    Only thing I haven't done really is clean the maf and I'm getting my buddy to knock it out for me tomorrow and I will update afterwards. I made a video and will attach some pics - maybe the will help.

    For the sake of this thread let us assume this backup motor was installed correctly, when I bought it - the guy I purchased it from sent me a video of him driving down the highway in it.

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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp1n2EqQ2So
     
  2. Nov 14, 2017 at 5:38 PM
    #2
    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

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    the first thing I can see is that the air tube from the MAF (mass air flow) sensor has cracks. I would start by inspecting that by taking it off and flexing it to see if the cfracks go all the way through. Any false air and she wont run right.
     
    TacomaJunkie8691 likes this.
  3. Nov 14, 2017 at 5:49 PM
    #3
    Large

    Large [OP] Red

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    I guess I didn't look for cracks really but I will now. Do you mean on the intake tube downstream of the maf?
     
  4. Nov 14, 2017 at 6:16 PM
    #4
    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

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    yes... look at where the resonator box connects to the tube...
     
  5. Nov 14, 2017 at 6:17 PM
    #5
    frizzman

    frizzman Well-Known Member

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    04 XCab 4x4 TRD/OR
    OME 2.5,Tundra 17s,Falken Wildpeak AT3W hitch w/ 7-pin, ARE cap, JVC HU w/BT, HID/LED lights
    was that thing submerged for years or what? :p
     
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  6. Nov 14, 2017 at 6:25 PM
    #6
    mlcc

    mlcc Well-Known Member

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    Will it idle in nuetral with clutch engaged
     
  7. Nov 14, 2017 at 6:52 PM
    #7
    Large

    Large [OP] Red

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    Got it. I can source a new one pretty easy .. but I don’t think that’s the culprit. But I’ll still try anything.
    Yes, idles in neutral clutch engaged & disengaged
     
  8. Nov 15, 2017 at 9:19 AM
    #8
    Large

    Large [OP] Red

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    Cleaned MAF, still same problem. Going to have someone look at the intake tube for holes.
     
  9. Nov 15, 2017 at 9:50 AM
    #9
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Most Improved Member

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    Any codes?
     
  10. Nov 15, 2017 at 9:53 AM
    #10
    Large

    Large [OP] Red

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    CEL just came on today. Going to get a code reader and look at it. Also going to change the spark plugs.

    One thing I did find out .. you can let off the clutch in reverse and it doesn’t sputter / surge at all.. works fine.
     
  11. Nov 15, 2017 at 9:55 AM
    #11
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Most Improved Member

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    Code is probably directly related to this issue so it should help narrow it down, it was probably a pending code prior to becoming an actual one. Let us know what it is, should help diagnose the problem.
     
  12. Nov 15, 2017 at 10:18 AM
    #12
    MalinoisDad

    MalinoisDad Misanthropic dog person

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    Clogged cat(s)? I'm probably the biggest noob here, fyi.
     
  13. Nov 15, 2017 at 11:42 AM
    #13
    Xbeaus

    Xbeaus Well-Known Member

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    That is odd. I'd say it's trans related but you have a manual. Works in reverse but not in forward gears is odd as well. Guess you'll just have to drive around in reverse :) I would second the clogged cat. But - there are a whole host of things on these older pickups that can go bad. Post up what CEL came up. By the looks of that dirty beast you could just have contamination somewhere.
     
  14. Nov 15, 2017 at 12:39 PM
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    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

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    ahhh... dont throw parts at her... take the tube off and take a look.
     
  15. Nov 15, 2017 at 12:51 PM
    #15
    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

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    here is the diagnostic chart for the 3.4 auto trans.
     

    Attached Files:

  16. Nov 15, 2017 at 1:20 PM
    #16
    tony2018

    tony2018 Well-Known Member

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    its not an auto, but I would like to know what ecu is running and why are there cel lights.
     
  17. Nov 15, 2017 at 1:32 PM
    #17
    Toyko Joe

    Toyko Joe Here for the pictures

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    Assumption: It moves under its own power in reverse.

    Questions needing to be answered:
    • Might be a silly question but have you tried starting off in 2nd or 3rd gear instead of 1st?
    • Is it 4wd?
    1. Have you tried removing the rear drive shaft and tried to drive it just using the front axle?
    2. 4lo?
    Personal reference notes: To me if it idles fine and you have reverse working it seems as though something is binding in whatever forward gear you are trying to use. The steps above might help you determine if you're looking at the transmission or the axle.
     
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  18. Nov 15, 2017 at 4:46 PM
    #18
    Large

    Large [OP] Red

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    Thanks for the replies guys ... I’m going to try them all and report back.
     
  19. Nov 16, 2017 at 10:45 AM
    #19
    Large

    Large [OP] Red

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    Started in 2nd gear, same symptoms
    Removed rear driveshaft > 4wd, same symptoms

    Going to do front driveshaft tomorrow and update.

    I could also remove most of the exhaust and see if the cats are clogged, if nothing else works I will do that last for sure.
     
  20. Nov 16, 2017 at 10:54 AM
    #20
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Most Improved Member

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    Did you get the code read? If it's a P0420 then that would point to an issue with the exhaust or possibly clogged cats.
     
    Lucifer1 likes this.

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