Stalls at idle

2001 PreRunner 2.7L, Auto, 2x4

So, today I drove the truck for 9miles, no problem. When I started the truck to leave the store, the engine started up but immediately shut off. Same thing after several attempts. I pressed on the gas as I started it and it stayed running. Clearly, the truck will not hold its idle. I tried it in R and N , same thing, will not hold idle. I have to keep my foot on the gas to keep the rpm's up. The weird thing is, as I drove it home on the highway, all trans shift were normal, however as I slowed down to a stop, I felt a 'clunk'. Happened several times, as if first gear was acting up. Borough it home, disconnected the battery for 5 minutes, same thing. Drove around a bit and low and behold, the problem was completely gone! Smooth tranny shifts too! Any idea what may of caused this? No check engine light, truck has not given me any problems, 236,000 on stock engine, tranny and components. Thanks in advance.

 

Recent gas fill-up? I had very similar with my Camry, thought that clunk was something in the front end - it was misfires occuring. Turned out to be bad gas. New tank cleared my issues up.

 

No, its at half tank. Will the ECT button affect anything. Ive had it on the past two weeks. I now have it off. Drove the truck today and no problems.

 

Bump

 

I have no experience with the ECT button, but if the engine stalls with it on, and is fine with it off, I'd say there is some sensor or setting out of whack.

 

I have the same problem occassionally. Usually it clears up on it's own but sometimes I shut it off and restart it then it's fine. Probably has something to do with the idle air control being dirty but I'm not feeling industrious enough to yank the intake manifold right now. 377K on mine.

 

Idle air huh? I'll look into it. Thanks

 

I don't see why the ECT button would have anything to do with this since that effects the transmission.