rpeAMP

For the past few days, I have had an intermittant CEL. I can't notice any pattern with it, it just comes on and off randomly. Naturally, whenever I've been to get it checked, it won't come on.

Anyway, the only symptoms I have is a substantial loss of power in the 2800-3000 RPM range. This is well pronounced and noticed when on the highway in 5th gear going 70-75, and when climbing a hill, I can't sustain the speed, and it even drops sometimes to 60ish. I usually continue to slow down unless I drop to 4th to gain some more momentum. For all I know the CEL might not even be connected to this problem, but at this point, I assume it has to be until I am told otherwise.

In any other case I would have it scanned, but can't seem to be at Toyota at the right time. Anyone have any ideas as to what it is or if these two issues are connected?

Thanks so much in advance.

mt_goat

The ECU will save the code for you, the light doesn't have to be on at the time. Just check the code and see what it says. The decription of the power sounds about normal for a 3.slow V6. Has your O2 sensor been changed in the last 100,000 miles? If not, that would be my guess. Sorry I can't remember of the top of my head what pins are shorted to check the codes. Search a little for it.

PirateFins

If it is a CEL that comes and goes than it should be stored in the ECU. Jumper the diagnostics plug and post the results for the code(s) that flashed. We should be able to help with the results.

Here is the test procedure to retrieve the codes. Daignostics

As a stab in the dark without seeing what code it is, I would venture a guess that it is your O2 sensor going bad (in-out of range). I had the same type of CEL cycling and the O2 sensor was the problem.

rpeAMP

Guys thanks for the quick response.

As far as the power problem, I know something has changed in the past few weeks because usually I have no problem keeping a speed of 70 going up a hill if I started around 75ish. Whether or not this is related, I have no clue.

Now that I know that the code should be stored, I'm going to pull the code and post back here soon.

mt_goat

If you don't feel like pulling the code yourself, go to an Autozone and they will do it for free. The O2 sensor will affect performance, because the ECU adjusts the air/fuel ratio based on info from the sensor.

PirateFins

Mt_goat you beat me by 1 min. LOL
He is OBD-I like you and I, I don't think Autozone pulls OBD-I codes (I could be wrong).

mt_goat

You are probably right, I didn't think of that.