Error code meanings

2000 Tacoma 2.7 auto 4wd

Sputters on takeoff every now and then....

Errors codes

P0120
P0420
P1310

 

P0120 - Throttle position sensor (TPS) malfunction
P0420 - catalytic converter efficiency below threshold
p1310 - igniter circuit malfunction #3


so, before starting to throw parts and money at it, can you describe if you have any particular symptoms, other than sputtering? Do you have rough idle, or anything like that?

 

Every now and then it sputters when taking off.... warmed up only....

 

hmm, all these codes can be related to a misfire... and the fact it's sputtering could indicate that too

first, let's talk about the sparkplugs. When were they last changed? And what is your mileage?

 

157k..... just bought truck he changed coils

 

were the plugs changed as well? if you dont know, I'd take a look at them
p0130 means there is problem with coil on cylinder #3.

coils can be changed, but some people put their worn out plugs back in there....

 

I’ll go grab plugs tomorrow.... I’m sure he didn’t.... any plugs work better than others

 

NGK or Denso. Don't get anything else

There's three types of plugs. They are all the same, but the difference is in how long they last. Don't go believe stuff like any particular type will give you more HP, that's bullshit. Though, fresh sparkplugs will improve your MPG if you have old worn out plugs

Copper is the cheapest but they also have the shortest lifespan. They must be replaced at about 30k miles intervals
Platinum have a longer lifespan, needing to be replaced at about 100k miles
Iridium are the most expensive of the bunch, but they can last for 120k+ miles

I did put iridium plugs in my truck (I have the 2.7l, like you) and it's running great.
Also, before putting them in, check if the gap is good. They are supposed to come pre-gapped, but I prefer to check, just in case. The gap must be 0.044"

 

Ya I try to stick to Ngk unless a Ford...

Thank you

 

while you'll be in there, check and test your coils packs to see if there is something wrong with them, especially cylinder #3. Take a look at the wiring too

To erase your error codes, if you do not have a scan tool, unplug both terminals of the battery for 15 min.

keep us updated on if your error codes come back

 

I have a scan tool....

Plugs, wires, coils all new

 

Today drove good..... got to gym, played ball for an hour and came out to this.....

Start, die, start die....

Hold it wfo and soon as you let off it dies..... finally held it there for a minute then boom went back to fine....

Wtf?

 

Only the TPS and ignition coil would giving you running issues.
You can ignore P0420 for now.

Did you clear them? and if so, what came back?

 

420 & 1310 came back....

Coils are new I might go pick up tps tomorrow

 

yes, probably TPS then. Looks like it's acting up

especially since it did pop you a code related to it before (P0120)

 

Tried unplugging tps..... didn’t help and made it worse because it don’t downshift when you punch it....

Does it from a stop to about 35mph

Any other ideas? Mas? Air leak?

 

if you remove the TPS, of course the car will run bad. TPS is essential part of the system, as it allows the car to regulate the fuel. The car can't know you are at idle or holding the the pedal to the floor if it does not get the signal from the TPS

if you want to try something else, what about cleaning the mass aiflow sensor, the throttle body and the idle valve? pretty easy to do

Then if it doesn't get better, get another TPS (it's like 50 bucks...). They sometimes tend to act up on old cars, but if you want to make sure it is bad, you can still test it (lots of how to videos on youtube)

 

P0420 usually means a leak in the exhaust system or a bad catalytic converter...if you have a cat that's plugged up bad it will really effect your truck's performance. Can also indicate a bad o2 sensor if I'm not mistaken.

I had a P0420 and had to replace my front cat, truck ran much better afterward. Don't go doing that though until you confirm it's good or bad.

 

true, but he had a few other codes as well, related to TPS and ignition coil issues. That why I think it is something related to the fuel delivery components (can cause p0420 as well)

btw, how did you know the cat was bad? how did you test it?
I'm chasing p0420 issues as well... but no symptoms

 

I gave up and took it into Toyota, lol. They ran their emissions test on it and concluded the front cat was bad...I wasn't surprised because I'm supercharged and my truck had lean issues for a long time (which is known to kill the cats).