Hello all.

I have a 2004runner 5spd v6.
Just recently the check engine light has come on and off, idle has spead up to about 2000rpm and there seems to be a ticking sound from under the hood.

This past week and 1/2 the weather broke and finally got warmer so this weekend I'm planning to take a look and see what I can figure out.

It would be really helpfull if anyone had some clues in advance to help limit my search.. and give me ideas of what to look for.

I should probably get the code read but the dealer wants 80$ and the local "Parts Source" store says they will not read codes.... so... any other ideas?

The light is off right now however I assume the code is in memory.

The Vehicle has about 187,000km on it regular oil changes etc, performance does not seem to be affected.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

Tommy

I go to my local Autozone store that lets me borrow their code reader to hook up to my Toyotas and check the codes.

180,000KM is 112,000 miles. Have you replaced the O2 sensor yet? Usually goes bad around 80-100K miles and is seen as a drop in fuel mileage by 10%. Computer in the 4runner doesn't show an engine light until much later. There is a article here for step by step replacement.

Good luck, Hugh

Hey Dere!

When's the last time it's had any scheduled maintenance done to it?

You will need to find someone with an OBDII code reader; more on that in the tech articles in our Toyota section above. Yep, code should still be in there.

There is also an FSM sticky over in the Taco section for manuals on line; check it out for your maintenance service intervals.

The dealer will also print one out for you free of charge; take your VIN with.

One of several things to look for is exhaust leaks. Those make a ticking noise as the exhaust escapes.

Well,

On Friday, I was leaving work and got a call from my wife.

"4runner died... kids and I are ok"... got there.. right side of motor terrible noise... loud clicking, no power..oil appears to be leaking out the middel spark plug on right... wife thinks she saw some smoke at the end... oil is still there and clean (just had it changed at dealer two weeks ago)... towed to the dealer.. probably hear today what the problem might be.

Ok experts I need some help.

If it is a total top half of the motor which needs to be rebuilt (I'm thinking something valve wise went).I'm wondering if it is better to get a new motor from a wrecker, and if so how. Anytime I've looked for parts before they basically laugh when I mention Toytoa and tell me nothing available.

I've got a friend's dad with a shop who can pull a motor and put a new one in...he could probably do the top part of the engine too if needed although none of the computerized equipment, just old skool mechanical knowledge and experience.

Ok... as usually any help is appreciated.. I think this is going to be a really rough week.

Tommy

Just an update for anyone interested.

Turns out one of the spark plugs came out, and ripped out the threads.. need to get it retapped.. the dealer says they have to pull the head to send it out. head should be ok.. but possible valve damage.

$1500cnd is the ball park.

Another garage has suggested they will tell me the head is no good and try to sell me a bunch of parts.

I'm having the dealership pack it up.. and I'm taking it to a friends on a flat bed trailer.

I'll keep you posted.