Chronic skip at idel (FJ62)

[Capt. Ripper]

This truck has had a chronic skip at idle since I bought it about 7 months ago. It runs great other than that. Already did a full tune up with plugs, wires, dist, etc. Hoped that would knock it out, but no go.

In checking around, it sounds like it might be the idle air control or maybe the throttle position sensor. This is getting a little over my head. Any help on how to check if these need to be replaced??? Or even suggest a decent shop in the Ft Lauderdale area??? The skip has gotten worse and now, it's getting hard to start sometimes, followed by pretty serious stumbling/chugging after it does finally start.

My other vehicle is waiting for a clutch, so I need to get this truck rolling asap. Gotta have wheels to get to work!!!!

Any help MUCH appreciated. Thanks.

 

[iaintscared1969]

You didn't say you changed the 02 Sensors. That would be a very good start.

 

[Capt. Ripper]

You didn't say you changed the 02 Sensors. That would be a very good start.

I'm pretty sure my buddy already did that, but I'll call and check.

Oh, I forgot 2 very important things:

1. I moved down here recently with me, two 100 pound black labs, and whatever clothes, fishing gear, and tools I could fit in a Saab. Needless to say I don't have many tools here. hahaaa

2. I'm temporarily staying at a friends condo. NO WORKING ON VEHICLES HERE. And the condo commandos watch everything like a hawk. And I'm kinda flying under their radar as it is.


Soooo, maybe I need to rephrase my question...."Can anyone recommend a decent shop in the Ft Lauderdale area?"

 

[4xoddic]

Just a guess =

Find the main EFI relay (approx. 15.5 inches back from radiator support on pass side of engine compartment; between inner fender & air cleaner).

While engine is running, rock the relay in its socket. This may duplicate your problem, may not. You may find engine stalls. In my case, the poor contacts caused a variety of strange behaviors, never consistent.

My mechanic changed relays. I believe some have found it necessary to replace OEM contacts in relay socket using Toyota repair parts. A search should find your answer on how to.

This repair could be performed nearly anywhere out of the view of prying nayboors. A Toyota dealership parking lot if they have the relay. If you have to replace the contacts in the relay socket, it will be a more detailed repair.

Good luck.

 

[FJ40_Nut]

RPM?

What RPMs are you idling at? For some reason, my RPMs went to 4-500 on time and the stumble in the idle became noticable. I diagnosed this to be the idle adjustment. Sounds too simply I know.

 

[Capt. Ripper]

Find the main EFI relay...

This repair could be performed nearly anywhere out of the view of prying nayboors. A Toyota dealership parking lot if they have the relay. If you have to replace the contacts in the relay socket, it will be a more detailed repair.

Good luck.

Cool. And good idea on the Toyota lot. I was having very bad images of my non-master mechanic self stranded in a WalMart parking lot with a completely deisabled truck, and no airconditioning. Though it's Sunday, so I'd be just as screwed. hahaaaa

To the other question, it's idling at about 7-800, but with a truck jarring skip. Skip goes away when I take off (unless it's right after one of the hard-to-start episodes, then it does the stumbling/choking all through the RPM's).

edit: O2 sensors have been replaced. But the truck idles rough when the engine is cold, so it shouldn't be that anyway.

edit#2: Just fiddled with the EFI relay. Short of completely disconnecting it, there doesn't seem to be much "wiggle" room...it is an extremely tight fit. Is there any other way to check it???

 

[Bomar]

Have you pulled any codes on your rig?

I had the same thing with a code 51 and it was my throttle position sensor.

 

[4xoddic]

edit#2: Just fiddled with the EFI relay. Short of completely disconnecting it, there doesn't seem to be much "wiggle" room...it is an extremely tight fit. Is there any other way to check it???

Sorry, but I'm going on what my mechanic told me after the replacement. My impression is that the relay would wobble in the socket. Mechanic said wiggle = engine dies. Driving experiences included engine losing RPMs -> hesitation -> dies or sometimes it would regain composure & perform normally. Intermittent symptoms.

 

[Capt. Ripper]

Have you pulled any codes on your rig?

I had the same thing with a code 51 and it was my throttle position sensor.

Nah, I haven't. Not even sure how to on this thing. I come from the land of Troopers (though I did have a '76 FJ40 back in the day). Is there a way to pull codes without a scanner???

And it looks like I'm not flying under the radar with the condo commandos...they're going to fine my friend if I don't get my 2 piece o-chit vehicles out of their lot. Good times man, good times.