2001 4Runner 2x4 - Hesitations, Jerking

I have a 2001 4Runner with 85,000 miles that has developed a slight hesitation/jerking problem when first accelerating from a stopped position. You can also feel a jerking sensation for about 3 or 4 'pulses' or 'jerks' on slight inclines when the accelerator is depressed about half way. It does not have an idling problem at all and idles just fine. I replaced the factory plugs and transmission fluid at 30,000 miles. I used platinum plugs.

Could this problem be due to a dirty fuel injector or something more serious (O2 sensor, etc.)?

I am not looking to spend a great deal of money on it as it is not a major problem.

Thanks.

Try replacing your plugs with Denso or NGK factory-recommended plugs. There is a problem with some other plugs.
Denso PK16TR11
NGK BKR5EKB-11

http://sparkplugs.com/results_app.asp?productTypeID=1&AAIA=1375163

Thanks Brian. I will get the plugs and try it out.

I read in the forums that a fuel injector or throttle body cleaning is not necessary. Do you agree?

What about cleaning the mass air flow sensor?

Also, do I need to replace the fuel filter as part of regular maint. as well? I heard they are considered good for the life of the vehicle and do not need to be changed.

Thanks.

hello ghite replacing fuel filter every 30k cleaning tb & injectors are also
recemended i do the tb with ea. tune up

where is the oil filter located -4runner 2001? Do i have to remove the plate to access it?

Thanks Brian. I will get the plugs and try it out.

I read in the forums that a fuel injector or throttle body cleaning is not necessary. Do you agree?

What about cleaning the mass air flow sensor?

Also, do I need to replace the fuel filter as part of regular maint. as well? I heard they are considered good for the life of the vehicle and do not need to be changed.

Thanks.

Fuel injector and throttle body cleaning may be necessary but unlikely. It wouldn't hurt to put a can of injector cleaner in your gas tank. The MAF meter will give you a Check Engine light if it is malfunctioning or dirty. DTC P0171.

Don't replace the fuel filter unless you cannot accelerate properly or reach cruising speed and the engine just plain chokes. I believe that you will get a DTC for a clogged fuel filter related to lean mixture.

The fuel filter may last the life of the vehicle if you keep your gas clean. Don't fill up when the tanks at the gas station are being filled by the tank truck. Don't buy gas from disreputable stations that may have really dirty tanks. These may obviously cause your fuel filter to clog.

where is the oil filter located -4runner 2001? Do i have to remove the plate to access it?

Welcome to the AF!

To start an off-topic discussion, please start a new thread.

The oil filter is on the driver side of the engine above the front differential. You access it either through the left wheel well by loosening the rubber splash shield and reaching through, or from below by removing the skid pans and reaching up in front of the suspension on the left side.

If you change the oil and/or remove the oil filter without removing the skid pans, you will have an oil mess on top of your skid pans which will drip off for a while, and leave a greasy mess on the top of your skid pans, front differential, etc. I suggest you remove your skid pans to change the oil and/or remove the oil filter. You can then wipe the oil off the front differential and any other components that get dripped on by removing the oil filter. There is some oil left in the filter, even after you have drained the oil from the pan.

I got a quote of $60 from two different mechanics to put the new plugs in for me, which I think is reasonable.

One mechanic recommended a valve adjustment to check all valves for proper clearance to prevent the valves from burning. I've never heard of this and was wondering if it is necessary.

Greg

Thanks for the advice BrianR on the spark plugs. Just had them replaced and the old ones were the wrong type and one of them had a cracked ceramic case which must have caused the hesitation.

Went with the Denso plugs and now it runs great!

Thanks again.