Anybody else's..

Anybody else's 3.4L Tacoma feel like it's going to blow up after 3k RPMs?

I have a 2001 with 130k miles. manual 5 speed that just can't get over 80mph without screaming like it's at 9k RPMs. But it's just under 3k.

My gas milage is terrible as well. And climbing up a hill feels extremely boggy.

Only codes it's throwing is upstream O2 sensor and throttle positioning sensor. I've replaced the TPS. Have also purchased and plan on replacing O2 sensor soon. But I just don't think that's it.

Any input/ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

Are you sure your clutch isn't slipping at those speeds?

My auto runs 26-2700 at 80.

There is a pretty hard wall of air to push against at those speeds.

I never get better than 18mpg at highway speeds.

 

At 80mph I'm over 3k RPMs but it sounds like 9k. The motor screams. So much that I don't get over 75mph.

Was recently passed on the interstate by a same year model tacoma while my truck felt like it was maxed out. They passed me with ease. That's when I knew there is something wrong with mine.

I'm getting 12 mpg..

 

01 3.4L uses an Air/Fuel sensor upstream which determines engine performance. Replace it with a genuine DENSO 234 - 9003
https://densoautoparts.com/find-my-part.aspx

 

When replacing parts DONT buy aftermarket. Toyota Sensors (denso) are very specific and aftermarket will only cause more head ache. TPS sounds like an odd thing to fail but keep all your original parts incase your CEL are reading incorrectly as you could go deep into playing the error code game. I’d recommend checking with factory manual and doing some simple resistance tests on “failed sensors”. You’re wallet will appreciate it later. Any issues while at idle or strictly on the highway at high speeds? Could be your 02 sensor (Amazon has some denso’s)

 

No idling issues. No issues around town. Stopping and starting fine. It's just at +75mph.

The 02 sensor I ordered is Denso. Glad to know I got the correct one.

 

It might a good time, to clean the throttle body, IAC, and MAF. Check the intake filter and maybe swap out the spark plugs for some newer denso’s. That’s all cheap maintenance stuff so it won’t hurt you, just don’t spray the MAF unless you can clearly see the sensors are covered in stuff. You risk damaging a dumb expensive part. Just keep in mind, removing the throttle body takes away a little coolant and the gasket wont be reusable. Relatively cheap issue to have for an important service.

 

Sounds fairly normal. Mine doesn't like to go above 3k rpm. If I go above 3k, then push the clutch in to shift, the engine and trans sound like they're revved too high. Doesn't like hills either, especially in 5th, even at high speed it starts to slow down gradually.
But slower speeds are no problem and always seem to have plenty of power.

 

“The only codes it’s throwing”... Yeah you probably want to start there.

 

If it’s the 02 sensor your truck will most likely run rich and retard timing, makes sense why you’re getting bad gas mileage. Does it come alive when you floor it?

 

Depending on how long your upstream 02 sensor has been bad... it may be causing your catalytic converter to start clogging. That would definitely cause a power loss. But it takes years of running rich to clog a converter!

 

You're also at an age where you need to start considering preventive things- fuel filter, injectors, valve cover gaskets, and complete vacuum line replacement. Once you clear your code, you should be looking into these items to help with the MPG.

Edit: I'll also add to this- Transmission fluid, Transfer case, and front & rear diff oil. Wheel bearings, and other drive line "drag" can all add up to decreased MPG.

 

I notice my engine working hard at 2500-2600rpm at 75mph. Seems like it wants to get to the next gear but already in 4th.

 

My 2.7L needed a cat after about 310k.

My 4.7 Tundra has needed cats for awhile. The insides are all broken and rattling around. One cat finally dislodged a chuck of honeycomb and now I don’t have that backed up exhaust feeling. Tundra is at 300k now.

Neither truck threw a code when the cats went bad. O2 sensors are original on both.

 

sounds like everyone needs to replace the fan clutch....

 

Okay, so now that the o2 sensor is changed and the codes have all been cleared.. it seems more peppy. But the valves are rattling loud everytime I halfway press the accelerator. Scared to push it. Buying new plugs and wires today.

Maybe clogged cat? Back pressure?

 

Im experiencing a similar issue with my 98 2.7l 5spd with 227k miles. few months ago, it had no real issue getting to 100mph if need be.

I just completed a 2600mile road trip from Los Angeles to Detroit. Now she reaaalllly doesn't want to go above 70 but she will.
I was getting a CEL for TPS which i plan to replace soon and also I have a front wheel bearing that needs replacing. ALSO i plan on doing a full driveline fluid change.

But today when I took it in to get a quote for the wheel bearing ($550. jesus christ), I talked with him about the issue and he quickly stated that it sounded like a clogged CAT.

I'm going to do my research to see what kind of issues I could trouble shoot first regarding a fix and also the cause, but Im thinking it might be a fairly straight forward problem to solve because I'd love to have my power back.

I'll let you know if the TPS change (with MAF, IAC, Throttle bottle clean) affects it all along with any other solutions. At this point, I might even do a CAT delete....fuck it.

 

$550 is cheap for a wheel bearing. But you really should do both. It's not like the other side as seen any less miles.

 

On a recent 2,500 mile trip my new to me 3.4 JDM swap motor was also strugling up hills and i had to shift to 4th to keep it at 60mph. also got 15mpg but I have a large aluminum Habitat camper that weighs 340lbs and isn't very aerodynamic not to mention i also had 500-800lbs of camping/ recovery gear. I'm at 375k and guessing the air/fuel sensor has never been changed so doing it soon. Truck also has a very slight miss at idle that followed the New motor (used all the JDM motors engine sensors). Newer Denso dual electrode plugs, Newer factory spark wires, clean throttle, IAC, MAF and factory Denso coil packs. So i know it's none of that.

Keep us posted on what happens on your rig!