Issues accelerating after air filter & spark plug replacement

[ratatouille]

Guys appreciate any help or direction you can send me.

Last night I replaced spark plugs , replaced air filter, and flushed cooling system. During running the flush I first noticed engine light on and when I gave it gas to rev up rpm's it cuts out and almost dies and returns to a proper idle. Thought maybe I tweaked some thing when going in and out of air system to replace filter? The black air hose coming from throttle body is in good shape. Not cracked, recently been replaced. I tried driving van home and it would just about quit on me every acceleration. Engine light doesn't stay on, but comes and goes while driving. Maybe an issue with the spark plugs? I bought platinum type recommended for my 88 4wd, but I did notice they had a much smaller tip then my last ones. Double checked part number on plugs and they seem to be the proper ones. What should I dig into first? Huge thanks...

[Burntboot]

Check for stored codes.

And while you're right there may as well make sure the plug for the air flow meter is fully seated.

BB

[ratatouille]

I'll have to track down a reader...don't currently have one. Where is the air flow meter & plug located? I think I'm looking at what your saying Burnt, but want to make sure... It looks like everything is seated properly. Thx

[ratatouille]

yes, air flow meter cable seated snug. The only other thing I moved out of way was the rectangular ignition box I think its called, on the air flow unit...Would tweaking this cause these symptoms? Everything seems to be seated properly though and back to how it was before I replaced air filter...

Looking for a code reader...no engine light at moment though...

[Burntboot]

No reader required.
There are a lot of threads on how to check for codes.

These vans will often have stored codes without the CEL being on.
ALWAYS start with checking for stored codes before jumping into repairs.

[timsrv]

:whs: http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/content.php?196-Engine-Service-Connector

[ratatouille]

Alright, I will do and report back later. thank you .

In meantime, I was looking around the day I was doing maintenance and saw I may be missing something important. I think its a nut that bolts the exhaust to the engine. Looking around I believe its part number 90179-10051 ? Maybe this could be contributing to how its running bad? I figure the nut hasn't been on there for a while... The bolt moves around a little bit by the way, not sure if it's suppose to be. Here's a pic:

2170

Zoomed in:

2171

[djshimon]

Looks like your exhaust manifold stud needs a nut. That won't make it run like crap, just loud and stinky.

[timsrv]

Yeah, I'm actually surprised you still have that stud (they usually break off on vans with over 150k miles). I'm guessing you'll find a code 22 as your problem sounds like a failed water temp sensor. But you'll need to read the codes to verify before jumping into replacing that. Tim

[ratatouille]

Ok good to know. Thanks for quick reply guys

[ratatouille]

Ok got codes 22 (2-2) and 51 (5-1). I'll dig around to see what threads I can find on these codes....

New sensors available from toyota? At first glance the wiring to mine seems suspect...wondering if I can try to rewire to sensor first see if that does trick..

so far reading of code 51 in manual doesn't make it too clear to me...possibly an issue with oxygen sensor?

[timsrv]

9.9 times out of 10, code 51 is a bad TPS (Throttle Position Sensor). The TPS rarely lasts beyond 150k, so if your van has that many miles (or more), and it hasn't been replaced yet (or you don't know history), it's just a good idea to replace. Since you'll need to remove the throttle body to replace, it makes sense to clean/rework the throttle body. Here's a thread where this is covered: http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/showthread.php?1242-Article-Cleaning-the-Throttle-Body&p=7663#post7663

As for the temp sensor, Here's a thread that explains that: http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/showthread.php?2086-How-to-test-igniter&p=12234#post12234

When reading that last link, keep in mind we're discussing an 87 van. ECU codes from 86 - 87 are different from the 88 - 89 codes, so the code #4 we're discussing is the same as your code 22. Same goes for his code #11............in your case it's #51 (same part being identified by the ECU). These are the same sensors (part numbers did not change throughout the years), it's just the ECUs using different codes to identify. Tim

PS: If you're temp sensor connector is damaged, that's a standard Bosch injector connector that's used there. You can find these at any auto parts store for 2 or 3 bucks. Tim

[ratatouille]

Thanks Tim was just reading through those threads... Regarding the TPS, I'm 700 miles from home and not able to to do the complete throttle job. Possible to get hand on TPS and swap it ion until home and can do complete cleanse and rebuild? Just trying to get it running better for trip home. Would running it with these sensors bad have adverse effects other than bad gas mileage, bad acceleration...etc? Weighing my options...thx for input!

[timsrv]

You'll need the ECU temp sensor issue rectified right away, but fortunately that's easy to replace. I'm guessing the TPS has been gone for a long time. The van will usually run decent with a bad one, it just has a slight effect on power and emissions. If I were in your position, I'd only address the temp sensor issue now, then deal with the TPS/throttle body issue when you're in a better place to do the repairs. Considering it's probably been failed for many thousands of miles, another few hundred miles won't have much effect on things. Just don't put it off for too long, as this can eventually create bigger problems. Tim

[ratatouille]

Right on. Man, thx for the rapid reply. Really don't know what I'd do w/o these forums. Love gaining the knowledge...if your ever in Huntington Beach, got a drink with your name on it.

heres what I've got disconnected...I'm on the right sensor correct?

2172
Sorry, some reason won't let me rotate pic...

[ratatouille]

...may be running like crap but at least in good company..:drunk:

2173

[ratatouille]

heres what I've got disconnected...I'm on the right sensor correct?



Doh..ignore that q...I'm an idiot..sheesh. Wrong sensor...

[timsrv]

Lol, yeah, wrong sensor. It's the next one clockwise to that. It's the one top of this picture with the green connector. Original poster incorrectly marked as "Temperature switch" (S/B ECU temperature sensor). Tim

http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=763&d=1347392437

[ratatouille]

Thanks Tim. New sensor on, no more code.

I've got some new codes however... Engine light comes on when driving up steeper hills/passes, rpms pinned for a while. Or when I've got the cruise pinned just above 70 mph for a length time o flat fwy driving. I don't notice any change in performance. I'm getting codes 2-5 & 2-6. An "Air-fuel Ratio Lean / Rich Malfunction" . It seems this code disappears after some time of driving around town for a day or two. Any light folks could shed would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

PS-still have 5-1, still need to do throttle position sensor job

[timsrv]

Sounds like you have an o2 sensor issue as well. I'd probably just replace o2 sensors along with the TPS, then clear codes and drive. If they stay gone, then good. If they come back, then you'll need to spend more time chasing it down. Tim