01' V-6 Tacoma check engine light

[Aseif007]

I have an 01' V-6 4X4 TRD Tacoma with 70,000 miles. While drving home on Sunday my check engine light came on. Moday after I drove it once and started it up again the check engine light went off during my drive. Is this common? Should I go and have the code pulled, I don't own a scanner yet. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[desertdude]

Sounds like one of your o2 Sensors - They can both be replaced by you the one in the exhaust can be pricey. It is common for them to eventually fail. Once you figure out what the code is you can dial in what you need to replace.

 

[Aseif007]

But if the sensor was bad would the check engine light turn off? In my FZJ-80 the check engine light came on and it would not turn off until I crawled under and changed the sensor. I guess Iwill just get the code pulled even though the light turned off.

 

[desertdude]

Not necessarily I had the check engine light on my 2000 Tacoma go on and off for quite a while before it choose to stay on. It was the sensor near the air intake. The next time it came on it was the one in the exhaust. the codes will tell the story

 

[fourstringfletch]

Andrew - just cruise down to autozone or checker and borrow their OBD scanner. they'll show you how to use it if you need, and at least at my checker they'll give you a free print-out of the report so you don't have to hunt down what the code means. It could just be running too lean, or what just happened to me a couple weeks ago was my throttle position sensor went bad. really easy fix once I found the damn thing. email me if that's the case and you don't have a service manual.
fotwell@mines.edu

 

[Aseif007]

Speeking of the FSM, are they expensive? My FJ-62/80 FSMs are great. I need to do the timing belt and whatever else needs to be done at 70,000 so I think I will get use out of it. Anybody else have a squeeky original throw-out bearing?

fourstringfletch,
When you had the TPS problem, did your CEL turn off after a period of time before you changed it? Just curious.

 

[desertdude]

here is one for DL It is for an 03 but seems good for 01-04

http://65.200.1.6/FSM.zip

 

[Aseif007]

"here is one for DL It is for an 03 but seems good for 01-04

http://65.200.1.6/FSM.zip"

Much appreciated desertdude.

 

[desertdude]

My pleasure, hope it helps you out

 

[Aseif007]

It for sure did. I have rebuilt 2Fs and 3FEs so timing belts are new to me. Thanks again

 

[fourstringfletch]

fourstringfletch,
When you had the TPS problem, did your CEL turn off after a period of time before you changed it? Just curious.

It did in fact.
It came on a few times after driving through the mountains to go snowboarding, but when I checked the codes, it turned out 2: left side too lean, and the TPS, so I don't know what was initially to blame.
good luck
-Fletcher-

 

[Aseif007]

Mine also came on while driving up a grade. I will report back with the results of the code scan.

 

[Lockd97]

Mine also came on while driving up a grade. I will report back with the results of the code scan.

Have you scanned it yet?

 

[T Y L E R]

Also check your fuel door. Open it, and then ensure it is closing fully.

 

[expeditionswest]

And replace your air filter if you suspect it is old or clogged. The Tacoma's measure manifold pressure and a clogged filter puts it out of range. I have had a check engine light come on once for that on my 2004 at only 22k miles (and I had already changed the air filter once).

I now change the air filter with every oil change (5k with synthetics), but that is not typical, as my truck is only used for trails and trips.

 

[desertdude]

Scott- Good tip. I have checked the net the AF seems pricey - What air filter are you using where are you buying from?

 

[expeditionswest]

Hey amigo , you would have really liked the Baja climbing trip last weekend! We had SNOW....

On the filter, I just buy them from Toyota, and I think they run in the $30 range. I have purchased one from autozone (fram), but the fit wasnt right. Lots of molding flash.

And those with '04's (like you and I), there was a filter size change mid year. I feel lucky, as I have the older size, which is the same as the 5+ other Tacoma's I run with. The other size is slightly smaller, and leaves a 1/4" gap at the top

 

[desertdude]

Sounds like that was a fun trip - I read the thread on 4X4trips - I will get there to mexico with you one day soon

Mucho apriciato - for the info in the AF

 

[95taco4x4]

You might also check your maf sensor and clean it if the code shows an o2 sensor problem. Worked on my 95.