'96 4Runner CEL #5 Misfire

[Lori123]

Hi There, Wondering if anyone can help with a mystery. Check Engine Light came on, then 4Runner started running rough. Diagnostics showed #5 cylinder misfire. The mechanic swapped coils among cylinders and showed that the coils were okay. He checked the plugs and they were okay. He put some gadget that lights up to test the fuel injection and said that they were getting fuel. Through all that he did, the #5 quit misfiring but the passenger side cylinder, closest to the dashboard, is now misfiring. It stills idles rough. He got the CEL to go off by disconnecting the battery but after I drove it a little bit it started flashing and came back on. Any ideas?

He told me to take it to a dealer and have them run a diagnostic which he said would be about $75 but the dealer quoted me $315. The mechanic told me he ruled out all critical things and that it is okay for me to drive on my vacation tomorrow. I don't know about that. Anyone able to lend an assist on this?

Thanks!

 

[rusmotor]

96 4runner misfire

Hi Lori,
I would strongly recommend you do computer engine analysis,
it should pin point the problem. From your description, I would
guess the problem is electrical, could even be your on board
computer??? Have it tested. Your mechanic is right - the
codes analysis should run you around $75, if dealer wants
$375 - look for an independent garage, some of them
have equipment to do the test.

If after your mechanic moved things around a different cylinder
started misfiring, it is most certainly electrical.
Here is a link where someone discussed exactly same problem with 96 4runner:

Good Luck and Happy new Year!
Ilya

 

[SteveH]

Did you ever resolve this?

If #5 is misfiring, I would not drive the truck any more than necessary - you don't want the unburned fuel to fry your catalytic converters or overheat them.

Steve

 

[cruiserbent]

which one did he swap the coils with.coils are not uncommon on these rigs.and it is possible for the miss to come & go.engine computers are not common.steveh is right about driving.you could burn up the cat convertor on it.