1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

My First Check Engine Light

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by DefTaco, Nov 27, 2023.

  1. Nov 27, 2023 at 7:05 PM
    #1
    DefTaco

    DefTaco [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2022
    Member:
    #406035
    Messages:
    28
    Hi All,

    Yesterday as I had just started up my truck and was about to leave the local grocery store my truck started sputtering / shaking as I was backing up and I thought it might almost die out. It kept going however and the sputtering / shaking stopped after a few seconds and the truck drove normally. My Check Engine Light came on however. I drove to my Mom's place to give her the groceries I just picked up for her and when I got back in my truck and started it up it began to sputter and shake again (a loootttt of shaking this time around). Again I thought the truck might die out but it kept on going. The Check Engine Light is still on (obviously), the sputtering / shaking stops after a few seconds. I shut the truck off, popped the hood and checked the oil (looks fine). Got back in my truck, started it up again (CEL still on), zero sputtering / shaking, and again the truck drove normally. I drove down a couple of blocks, shut the truck off to see what would happen if I shut it off and started it again. Started the truck up, CEL still on, and the truck drives normally (zero sputtering / shaking).
    I get home and shut the truck off in front of my garage door so I could go inside the garage and open the garage door via the inside button as I had left the garage door opener at home. I get back in my truck, start it up, CEL still on, and holy hell the truck begins to shake almost violently and again it almost seems like the truck would die out but it kept on going. Wow, that was the most shaking I had ever experienced in a truck before without going off-roading or going over a bump or what have you. Haha. I go to work this morning in the truck, CEL still on, but zero shaking. The truck appears to be driving normally. It almost seems like the truck could be driving slightly better than it currently is just based on feeling but I could be off. I drove the truck back from work and again it was fine althought maybe could be functioning slightly better.
    Can anyone here point me in the direction of what might be going with my truck? I am probably going to take it to Autozone tomorrow and see if they can give me some error codes.

    Truck Specs:

    2001 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner
    273,451 miles
    2.4 L (Pretty sure) 4 cylinder

    I did check the gas cap to see if that made a difference and it was on as tight as it can go (I make sure I hear it click before I close the gas door and leave the gas station). Just thought I should mention that.

    Thanks in advanced for any help and it is totally Appreciated.
     
    Last edited: Nov 27, 2023
  2. Nov 27, 2023 at 7:09 PM
    #2
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Well-Known Member Vendor

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2019
    Member:
    #284735
    Messages:
    78,040
    Gender:
    Male
    Fresno County
    4 run, 2 don't
    If you own a Prerunner (6 lug) then it's a 2.7 3RZ (if it's a 4 cylinder).

    Get yourself a code reader, super affordable and no reason to not have one for an old truck.
     
    eon_blue and DefTaco[OP] like this.
  3. Nov 27, 2023 at 7:16 PM
    #3
    DefTaco

    DefTaco [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2022
    Member:
    #406035
    Messages:
    28
    Right on man. Thanks for the correct info. I'll check out the code readers tomorrow. I do Love this truck and want to keep it in as pristine condition as I can for as long as possible. It's such a Rad truck.
     
  4. Nov 27, 2023 at 8:27 PM
    #4
    O'Silver_Taco

    O'Silver_Taco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2021
    Member:
    #375390
    Messages:
    3,863
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    MD
    Vehicle:
    98 Dlx Sr5 ext AT Rwd
    3rz to 2Rz bebuilt block and new heads
    Start with simple, clean/check Maf.

    Next maybe investigate the injectors.

    Then vacuum leaks.

    Then maybe check/scan engine sensors.....if you can in real time..

    And then the evac system....

    And then towards the dreaded leaking head gasket thing...
    or maybe worst scenario.....a freaking cracked head....

    If its the head gasket....it will slowly start loosing coolant......if its a cracked head....then it will be intermittent....from slow or no coolant loss.....and then some days, bam you'll loose alot...

    You can buy a test and see if its either of these.... Long shot is the purge valve on the charcoal is failing and flooding the intake with to much vapor at startup...




    They sell a lot of replacement heads for these....and business is good...
     
    Last edited: Dec 2, 2023
    Squirt and DefTaco[OP] like this.
  5. Nov 27, 2023 at 8:32 PM
    #5
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Okayest Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2016
    Member:
    #180213
    Messages:
    68,742
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Azusa, CA
    Vehicle:
    '04 TRD 3.4l 4x4 5sp manual Xtraca & '96 4runner 4x4 5spd manual
    First check engine light in it's entire life or since you've owned it? If it's the first one in 273k that would be something.

    Without knowing the code we are literally shooting in the dark. It could be anything from something someone with 2 thumbs and a screwdriver can fix to something much more complicated. Get the ecu scanned for the code and report back, if you don't have a scanner most auto parts stores will do it for free
     
    DefTaco[OP] likes this.
  6. Nov 27, 2023 at 11:47 PM
    #6
    DefTaco

    DefTaco [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2022
    Member:
    #406035
    Messages:
    28
    Holy shit O'Silver_Taco! That is quite the list. Thanks for the info dude. I will get the code(s) tomorrow and see what I come up with. eon_blue, as far as I know, this is the first CEL this truck has ever had. I was with the original owner when he bought the truck back in 2001. Seven years later he sold it to me. He took Great care of the truck and I baby the truck and get it maintained regularly by Toyota. So as far as I Know this is the first CEL the truck has ever had. I will get the CEL code(s) tomorrow from Autozone and let you all Know what I come up with. Thanks for all of the help and info!
     
    eon_blue likes this.
  7. Nov 28, 2023 at 9:10 AM
    #7
    O'Silver_Taco

    O'Silver_Taco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2021
    Member:
    #375390
    Messages:
    3,863
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    MD
    Vehicle:
    98 Dlx Sr5 ext AT Rwd
    3rz to 2Rz bebuilt block and new heads
    I have used the Barr's stop leak to stretch an extra year or so out of a leaking gasket...
    to buy time to shop for engine head and parts...


    however if its a cracked head......its would probably less effective...


    also the barr's will most likely ruin an older radiator.....and you should bypass the heat core during that time...



    Moral of the story is dont let them overheat ever.......change out that coolant every 4 or 5 years.....

    7+ year coolant is BS.......confidence in that long lasting red coolant is the worst thing toyota ever did to its customers.........only second to the rusting frames...


    Mine's preston max ....... and I change it every 3 yrs...
    the HOAT coolant isnt the problem.....its the additives that break down to time/heat..
    after that at the high temps cause it to become reactive, and starts to corrode metals....all in secret....unseen...
    the oem heads casting between the valves is thin.....and they need all the help they can...

    same on the brake fluid.....especially if its the non synthetic oem....
    again mine is the preston synthetic 10yr....every 5 yrs....


    The Hoat coolant wasnt designed to save you money....it was to save them money over the warranty period........and its pet safe....ugh...what a crime...


    Far too many head gasket failures on the 1st gen 4 cylinder american made Tacoma's.....

    Its the biggest recruiter for new members here.....
     
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2023
    DefTaco[OP] likes this.
  8. Nov 28, 2023 at 10:00 AM
    #8
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Well-Known Member Vendor

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2019
    Member:
    #284735
    Messages:
    78,040
    Gender:
    Male
    Fresno County
    4 run, 2 don't
    Relax my dude

    The OP hasn't even pulled codes and you're talking about cracked heads and using stop leak

    Let the OP post his findings and we'll proceed from there
     
    DefTaco[OP] likes this.
  9. Nov 28, 2023 at 10:02 AM
    #9
    O'Silver_Taco

    O'Silver_Taco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2021
    Member:
    #375390
    Messages:
    3,863
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    MD
    Vehicle:
    98 Dlx Sr5 ext AT Rwd
    3rz to 2Rz bebuilt block and new heads
    Absolutely....do your due diligence.......this is worst scenario.

    The last bus stop..........but we know what the odds are...

    couple a week are now coming in...worthy of a sticky...



    I've seen the vapor canister do the same thing.....but that's usually right after a fill up....
    Same with a failing ECT temp sensor.....


    If your not loosing coolant....you still should have plenty of time....

    Its just the walking thing......that I'm not too keen to...

    can always throw a bike in the back....for backup....


    Amazon.com: BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android : Automotive


    In all seriousness, watch the coolant level like a hawk....
    and the oil clarity .....
     
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2023
    DefTaco[OP] likes this.
  10. Nov 28, 2023 at 11:22 AM
    #10
    DefTaco

    DefTaco [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2022
    Member:
    #406035
    Messages:
    28
    O'Silver_Taco- I'm sure the coolant has been changed recently. I replaced the heater control valve last year and I replaced the coolant then. Toyota also did some work on the truck a year or two before that where they changed the coolant as well.

    Coolant levels are fine. Everything in the coolant department seems to be fine after that heater control valve replacement.

    As soon as I get the codes today I'll report back. Thanks dudes for the help. It is always Appreciated.
     
  11. Nov 28, 2023 at 12:11 PM
    #11
    O'Silver_Taco

    O'Silver_Taco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2021
    Member:
    #375390
    Messages:
    3,863
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    MD
    Vehicle:
    98 Dlx Sr5 ext AT Rwd
    3rz to 2Rz bebuilt block and new heads
    Yeah the 4 bangers are pretty simple.....those engine sensors are easy to check on live data....

    Probably the most common simple thing to fix/clean is a dirty mass air flow sensor...

    that and the forward O2 sensor determine how much fuel is squirted...

    Bad o2 will throw a code.....dirty maf wont...

    as I;ve said before...if the ECT temp sensor is going out....it will most likely act up when truck first starts...either hot or cold...
    those should be replaced about every 100K....they get cooked to death eventually...

    The ecm really needs oem engine sensors for everything to play nice....
    its very tempting to use aftermarket at 1/10 the price...dont.....


    One of these days I'll make a cycle life list of what should be replaced, when....
    before you have to do that walk of shame....


    dont know about yours.....but tow trucks in my city start at about $150 up...

    the tow strap behind my seat has gotten used 3 times......last was trouble shooting a failed ignition switch.......that has a 150K cycle...just like the fuel pump...if your lucky...


    I realize there's a lot gamblers here.....let em gamble...

    especially when it comes to fluids and hoses....let em rot....til failure...
    is not a winning strategy to me...
     
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2023
    DefTaco[OP] likes this.
  12. Nov 28, 2023 at 5:30 PM
    #12
    DefTaco

    DefTaco [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2022
    Member:
    #406035
    Messages:
    28
    So here are the results of the code I received from Autozone. I figured it was something simple as my truck is still driving exceptionally Well although I can tell it could be driving a bit better. I gave the guy the correct mileage but he messed it up putting it in the computer. He typed in 207,345 when the milesage was 273,454. I asked him if that made a difference and he said it didn't. The VIN on my report is not my VIN either. The rest of the report is accurate however.

    Code: P0300

    20231128_172442.jpg
    20231128_172525.jpg
     
  13. Nov 28, 2023 at 5:35 PM
    #13
    DefTaco

    DefTaco [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2022
    Member:
    #406035
    Messages:
    28
    So my next question is, is this a simple fix? Is this something that needs immediate attention? My next service with Toyota is about 2500 miles. I have no idea where the Mass Air Flow Sensor is. I can do basic maintenance on my truck but the more "intricate" work I leave for Toyota. Should I take my truck to Toyota ASAP? Or would I be able drive around and be fine until I take my truck to Toyota in about 2500 miles?
     
  14. Nov 28, 2023 at 5:51 PM
    #14
    ControlCar

    ControlCar My Moto: Help & Learn…period.

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2023
    Member:
    #429578
    Messages:
    2,750
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steven
    Sugar Land TX
    Vehicle:
    1996 Taco 2.4L 2wd Automatic
    Clock Volt meter/LSPV Delete/Hyundai 16’s/FP gauge/after 9months of wrenching ZERO oil leaks
    IMO
    Could be simple could be hard
    Screw tht Vatozone print out
    And
    Screw taking taco to dealership
    Find good mechanic or get your hands dirty and keep us posted
    Myself/other seasoned members here will be sure to help you out!

    here are some places to start:

    IMG_3693.png
     
    DefTaco[OP] likes this.
  15. Nov 28, 2023 at 5:51 PM
    #15
    ControlCar

    ControlCar My Moto: Help & Learn…period.

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2023
    Member:
    #429578
    Messages:
    2,750
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steven
    Sugar Land TX
    Vehicle:
    1996 Taco 2.4L 2wd Automatic
    Clock Volt meter/LSPV Delete/Hyundai 16’s/FP gauge/after 9months of wrenching ZERO oil leaks
  16. Nov 28, 2023 at 5:56 PM
    #16
    DefTaco

    DefTaco [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2022
    Member:
    #406035
    Messages:
    28
    Right on ControlCar. Thanks for the info dude. I have been taking my truck to the dealership since it has been in my poessession. They have been doing exceptionally Well with it as far as I Know. I'm not super Knowledgeable on maintenance of my truck other than basic maintenance so I just take my truck to them.
     
  17. Nov 28, 2023 at 5:57 PM
    #17
    O'Silver_Taco

    O'Silver_Taco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2021
    Member:
    #375390
    Messages:
    3,863
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    MD
    Vehicle:
    98 Dlx Sr5 ext AT Rwd
    3rz to 2Rz bebuilt block and new heads
    Toyota Service How To Clean MAF Sensor - YouTube


    its way easier to clean the tacoma ones because of its orientation...

    your supposed to let it dry for a half hour before you clip it back in...just to be safe...

    I use tiny dab of silicone grease around that o-ring.....when I reinstall it..



    Thats amazing.....some of these guys here clean that every few months because they're so anal...

    Me....once a year...and your good......in theory if you use it too long dirty....it can damage those tiny little sensor wires.....they are supposed to heat up when they're measuring the air flow...

    Many that get a used taco with a cold air induction installed.....use way too much oil when the clean and re-oil that cone filter.......that extra oil can really do a number on the maf sensor.....coating it with oil....

    If would pay to watch the vids on how to do it right...
     
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2023
    DefTaco[OP] and ControlCar like this.
  18. Nov 28, 2023 at 5:58 PM
    #18
    ControlCar

    ControlCar My Moto: Help & Learn…period.

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2023
    Member:
    #429578
    Messages:
    2,750
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steven
    Sugar Land TX
    Vehicle:
    1996 Taco 2.4L 2wd Automatic
    Clock Volt meter/LSPV Delete/Hyundai 16’s/FP gauge/after 9months of wrenching ZERO oil leaks
    I forget what year Toyota went to coil packs….(no plug wires)

    1st thing I would do is plugs/wires
     
    DefTaco[OP] likes this.
  19. Nov 28, 2023 at 6:04 PM
    #19
    ControlCar

    ControlCar My Moto: Help & Learn…period.

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2023
    Member:
    #429578
    Messages:
    2,750
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steven
    Sugar Land TX
    Vehicle:
    1996 Taco 2.4L 2wd Automatic
    Clock Volt meter/LSPV Delete/Hyundai 16’s/FP gauge/after 9months of wrenching ZERO oil leaks
    And what OS stated^^^
    Make sure you buy the expensive MAF cleaner (don’t cheap out with something else)
    MAF sensor cleaning can be done in 5 minutes (2 screws and a pigtail to take off)
     
    DefTaco[OP] likes this.
  20. Nov 28, 2023 at 6:13 PM
    #20
    DefTaco

    DefTaco [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2022
    Member:
    #406035
    Messages:
    28
    Thanks for the video and info O'Silver_Taco. And Thanks info too Control. Cleaning the MAF sensor seems relatively easy. I usually spend good money on everything I buy with the notion being that you get what you pay for. You buy cheap you usually get cheap. You pay good money, you usually get your monies worth.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top