Will I make the trip?

Sorry for clogging up the forum, but my mind runs a million miles a minute haha. My truck has about 400k miles on it. It has an engine light for the knock sensors. They are bad, there's no knock. It runs great, but it has those codes. In October I need to go to Watson Lake, AZ. It's a 1H and 36Min drive on the I-17, and its mostly uphill. My wonderful mother doesn't think my truck will make it. I, on the other hand, do. Just let me know your thoughts, and I'll let you know how it goes if I decide to take the truck.

She also needs a name.

Thank you all

 

400k on the clock I'd just get a AAA plus membership and have fun.

 

Driving I17 I am more worried about getting hit by someone rather than the truck breaking down. But like said above grab a AAA memebership and make sure to pack some drinks and snacks just in case. But otherwise I would drive it.

 

Fix those knock sensor codes. It probably needs new sensors and a harness.

It listens for "spark knock" (pre-ignition inside the cylinder) and helps the computer control spark timing. Doesn't have anything to do with mechanical knocking like if a main bearing or connecting rod were going bad..

 

Send it. 400k miles, another 200 miles ain't nothing

 

Typically knock sensor codes pull timing.
If the trips up hill, it will be “slow going”.
As less timing equals less power.

I think the truck will be fine. Check the fluids and belts, and take off.

 

My 02 has 528K and i drive 75 minutes one way to work every day. Its a toyota drive it.

 

I’ve driven mine from Phoenix to flag on the 17. Will the engine make it? Maybe. I wouldn’t be too worried about it going the distance.

what I would say is that you should really make sure your brakes are fresh and in good shape, and you should drive like they’re iffy either way. People drive the 17 like a racetrack; even if you’re taking it slow, there are several sections that are white knuckle in one of these old trucks. Remember, if you can’t go it’s a bad day, but if you can’t stop it’s your last day.

 

Every time Mom said something might happen The first few lessons were expensive!!

Learning those lessons after that I paid attention.

Good Luck no matter how it plays out.

 

Between now and then I have a grocery list of little things and maintenance things that I need to get done. I've been DD my truck for about a year now and have put about 30k miles on it. I'm sitting at 393k and the timing belt hasn't been done since 298k. I am for sure going to get the timing belt and such taken care of, and brakes. Thank you for the input!

 

Why doesn't your mother have a name?

 

I knew that I messed that part up haha! My truck. My mother has a name, and one that people struggle to spell and read aloud at that!

 

I had the knock sensor codes, and had them replaced at great expense. It's made absolutely no discernible difference in power or fuel economy. I think it's one of those things that can probably be ignored, unless your truck feels severely down on power.

 

There's a guy in our club who's a shop owner, and specializes in Toyotas. He just said to use a higher octane fuel, but I haven't noticed a major power loss. They've been bad for a hot minute. I was going to replace them myself, but I do have one question. Are those sensors under the Intake Manifold? If they are, I think I'm just going to put it off a little longer haha

 

Yeah it's kind of a PITA job. I didn't feel like attempting it in the apartment driveway, so I took it to a shop ($$$). They charged around 5 hours of labor iirc.

 

I was never sure of my Moms name till I was out of school.

She was always Mom!

 

If you dont make it your Mom was right....

 

I wouldnt worry so much about the engine. check ball joints, grease up them u joints, check brakes, check fluids and send it

 

I just didn't want my mom to worry. I love driving my truck, and have yet to take it up the mountain. I appreciate all of the input, and will for sure be taking care of all the maintenance that I need to. Thanks Guys!!