My wifes 2001 Tacoma, 5spd, 4x4, v6 has 58K miles on it and has been acting up lately. It is difficult to start (which I know to be somewhat typical for Tacomas) but will sometimes die when seeking idle, then it is very difficult to start. She can manually rev the engine once started then it runs good. Ocasionally it will stall out when decelerating and coming to a stop. The stalling typically occurs after warm-up.

-There is no check engine light before or after stall.
-I've cleaned all the suspect sensors & parts.
-I replaced the fuel filter about a year ago.
-I've run seafoam treatment through gas & intake.
-It is an extreemly well maintained vehicle.

This started within 6-8 months of moving to S. California. We drove from South Carolina and the Taco performed flawlesly under tow. I wonder if the additives Cali puts in the fuel is causing this. I'm not sure if this is typical for Tacomas. Because of the cost of fuel in Cali, she also has been running 87, and buying it where it is cheapest. We used to only run 89.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

BigErn

The symptoms make me think of an air leak somewhere on the intake side, or maybe a sticky EGR valve, but I'm no pro so maybe someone else will have better info.

Did you possibly move from a high altitude area? I would think the computer would be able to relearn for this but some older cars are actaully programmed differently depending on where they are sold. I would check into the IAC as a possible culprit. They can get gunked up and stick.

I thought about disconnecting the battery for a while and then letting the computer relearn the vehicle conditions. I will remove and clean the IAC as well as check the vacuum. Hopefully this will help

It does sound like an elevation problem to me. If not then it may be your sensor. There is no reason for it to start hard either. My 01 turns over about 3 times and it's running even in cold weather.It has 70,000 on it and I replaced the plugs at 60,000.
Make sure your air filter is clean and that your PCV valve is working.Also may want to have someone check your fuel filter.Run some Techtron through the gas tank.
Let us know what you find out. Good luck at your new home. Mike

I just re-read your post and I now see that you have done all I suggested. Sorry about that. It sounds like it may just be the elevation. Mike

my 01 dcab was doing the same thing... took it to the stealership at 85,000 miles, and had them do the carbon buildup cleanup thing, switched over to synthetic oil, switched up to 89 octane, did my timing belt at which time they discovered a leaking water pump... now at 95,000 miles and it hasnt stalled or had trouble starting up since...

I didn't realize that the V6 had a serviceable timing belt. Is it a single belt? Anyone ever attempt this at home?

Back to the stalling/hard start:

Carbon cleaning through vacuumed system (I used SeaFoam), fuel filter change, Techron in fuel tank (I used BK44), raised octane to 89, and road trip!

Works like a charm.
Thank you all.

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http://fsm.afraid.org for your future reference. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> Glad she's runnin' good for ya!

OK. I thought it was fixed, but it started to do it again, so I didia bunch more research and founf out that the problem was with the Idle Air Control valve (IAC). I had to remove the throttle body, unbolt the IAC valve and clean it with a good cleaner (I used Deep Creap by SeaFoam)as well as the throttle body, then remount the goods and everything is irie. It is purrrring like new.

The Cause:
I believe that it is a combination of cheap California gas and the effects of the EGR. It is something that most will have to deal with sooner or later.

Out.