gas pedal occaisonally does nothing

This is on a 2004 3.4L automatic.

Been having this problem off and on for over a year. Sometimes when I press the gas pedal, nothing happens. It's not like there's an engine rev or a sputter or anything, it's just...nothing. So far I've gotten responses from the engine pretty soon if I pump it a bit. Biggest problem is that it's so intermittent. I can't demo this to a mechanic.

Are there any classic causes for this problem? Someone suggested it was my TPS (throttle position sensor).

 

Sounds like it's not getting fuel.. I'd check the fuel pump, or fuel pump relay.

 

Your TPS might be going bad.
Removed! (Because at times I can be a Moron! LOL)

 

I would suggest getting a blue tooth ODBII reader and check the TPS reader live. I know my SCII can do this.

Also, be aware that the linked TPS sensor will not work in your 2004. 2003.5-2004 1st gen Tacoma's have a different throttle body and TPS. They actually do not sell a separate TPS sensor for these model years. There is a thread on TW detailing how a member has modified a pre 2003.5-2004 sensor to work. If you find from the diagnostic data the TPS is faulty, you will need to follow that thread to replace the TPS.

 

Oop! You're right!!
Sorry that was the TPS I got for my 2000 4runner.

Good Catch!!!

 

about every 6 months I press the gas pedal all the way down and all the way up 100 times with the truck off. Seems to help. I have a 2004 taco with the 4 pin tps

 

That's an interesting idea?
Exercising the potentiometer in the TPS may reduce the chance of it glitching.

 

04 is drive by wire

Electronic pedal may be on its way out

 

yea, it’s works on the hvac controls too

 

Even though your truck has ECTS "Drive by Wire, you still have a physical throttle cable for limp mode. Your pedal should so something even if your ECTS motor is fried.

Maybe check if it's out of adjustment.

 

Is this something that can be adjusted? Or would you need to replace the TB at this point?
That cable fooled me when I look into the engine bay. It didn't occur to me that the DBW system was in the 1st gen.
Learned something new!

 

This may be the most, and most useful, replies I've ever gotten something I posted to a message board in such a short period of time. I am flattered and humbled by the amazing responses. Toyota should put This Community in its marketing because this is a reason to buy a Tacoma.

With it being such an on-off thing, is out-of-adjustment likely? Feels more like something's getting caught/hung or something isn't getting a signal.
Definitely going to try gently stomping that pedal 100x with the engine off.

Before I read these responses, I found a part that's supposed to be compatible here in town for just $50. Sold by Advanced Auto Parts, Definitely keeping the receipt handy for this one. Here's picts of it and the receipt with some ID#s & the box. Might as well screw it on and see what happens. What should I expect? Nothing but idling? Nothing but red lining? Flames?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2003-04-tacoma-tps.334363/page-3#post-23496453

I think you got lucky. According to the linked thread someone else has been able to get the same part you stumbled on to work.

 

I believe the potentiometer contacts get corroded, that’s why cycling the gas pedal 100 times works.

 

Sounds like a linkage problem; I would look at the mechanical aspect first.

 

Most likely its that notorious cable sensor.....

and if so, this is the only work around i've found.....short of getting a new TB....

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...lable-from-toyota.807474/page-2#post-29032053

 

Just switched in the new TPS and took it for a quick spin. All seems well ... just like it does 95% of the time with the factory TPS. Going to take some time to know if this helped.

One thing though - the Check Engine light's now on. Any guess as to what's going on there? I'll run it by an auto parts store to read the codes sometime soon.

 

I made a couple 400+ mile drives over the last week and at some point in the first 400 miles the check engine light went off. I saw it during the bulb test afterwards too, so it didn't just burn out. No skips on that drive either. That doesn't mean much - the problem's gone months before without showing up though, so I'm afraid to declare it fixed yet.

 

When it does show up again you'll need to replace the throttle body. The APPS (accelerator pedal position sensor) is going bad. I've been deeply invold in this issue with mine for the last couple years. Replaced the throttle body and it fixed all my problems. (Toyota and no aftermarket company sells the APPS sensor by itself)
https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2004/toyota/tacoma/fuel_injection/throttle_body.html

High ambient air temps will make the issue show up more.

Welcome to the forum.

 

I've done this for 3 years. It's no longer helping. Boo! What was your fix?