Try again Ignition problems

January 21, 2003

There are really two problems, both of which are related to the ignition system.

The truck is a '91 4x4 SR-5 with 89,000 miles.

The first one I noticed shortly after I bought the truck about 2 months ago. While driving, and a few times while stopped at a light, the truck would lose fire for a split second. It will never completely die, but the RPM's will drop, and if I am driving, the truck will lurch as if the engine were off. It only lasts for about .1-.2 seconds at the most. It's just enough to get my attention. I have talked with a tech at Toyota HQ in LA, and he thinks that it might be the ECM? I think that's what he said. Only once did I notice that the "check engine" light come on. On a long trip, it will do it sporadically, but about every 30-45 minutes or so. Again, it's like you just pulled the coil wire out or something where there is just no fire. What do you think?

Also, when I accelerate from a light, the truck acts as if it's not firing on all 6. By the way, it's an SR-5 5-speed. It doesn't feel like there's a miss so much as it just isn't getting all that it should. Then, if I give it enough gas and it gets to about 2500-2800 RPM or so, it feels like a VVT engine when the cam kicks over. It all of a sudden feels like it's running like it should. I don't know what's up with that. It does it at about every stoplight. Usually only in the first couple gears though. Or as least that's all I notice it doing it.

If you guys/gals have any ideas what's up, please let me know. I'm a medical student that has neither the time nor money to take it to a shop. I am fairly good with cars, but this one is confusing me. Thanks for all of your help guys.

Doug