WTF??

I am an old-car guy--carburetors, distributors/points...
My 2007 2.7 Tacoma has begun behaving badly--but only intermittently. When running at highway speed, approaching a hill, I will increase the throttle to keep the speed constant. Sometimes, when I press the accelerator pedal, it feels like the engine just bogs. If I get back out of the throttle, and try again it is usually OK.
Last weekend we had a trip which involved quite a bit of driving into strong headwinds. That made the problem worse, 'cause I was having to dip into the accelerator a bunch more. The last day, with my wife driving, we had little to no wind, and *no* problems.
Guesses, anyone?Thanks, Bob

 

Maybe you’ll get lucky, someone with a 2.7 will say I had the same problem and it was this.

Beyond that, any check engine light or stored error codes? Maintenance up to date? If no no yes, I’d suggest disconnecting the battery or hit erase codes with your obd reader. If it’s been awhile since you brushed your terminals and posts do that. If that doesn’t do it, pull a spark plug and check the gap. You can regap if they don’t look badly worn. Or it could be a dirty maf sensor or throttle body. There’s a start.

 

When was the last time you changed plugs...higher loads create higher resistance. When was the last time you ran some injector cleaner? Maybe a lack of proper fuel pressure? Its either air, fuel or spark. Do you notice any increase in engine temp....i.e. running lean?

 

I'd be curious to see what fuel trims look like during the hesitation

Yes scan it for codes. If any are present at least write them down before clearing. Codes don't just set for no reason

And yes, pull the plugs and look for wear. Also look the coil boots closely for cracks or arcing

 

fuel filter

 

Plugs have about 20 000 mi., no codes, boots look OK. I will try the bat. disconnect. Injector cleaner about 1 200 miles ago. I have not done the MAF nor throttle body clean.
Thx, all.

 

That's how the 2.7 is. It's 150 or so hp