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2006 DC Seems Sluggish

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by HBTundra, Nov 19, 2020.

  1. Nov 19, 2020 at 12:41 PM
    #1
    HBTundra

    HBTundra [OP] New Member

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    I just scored a super clean 2006 DC 2WD Tundra with only 58K miles on it.
    It was my neighbors who swore he'd never sell it, but bought a big boat and needs more towing capacity.

    He recently did the timing belt (due to age not mileage), water pump, belt(s) etc. new brakes, tires and shocks.
    He gave me an envelope which had pretty much all the maintenance records that were done at the stealership. He kept up on everything.

    The motor seems to run great, idles fine, no rough spots, super quiet etc. When I start it up cold however, the rpm's seem quite high, around 1500 until it warms up, then settles to about 750. Is this normal for this motor?

    I took off the MAF sensor and gave it a really good spray cleaning with a can of CRC MAF Sensor Cleaner. I also 'some-what' removed the throttle body (left the 2 coolant lines attached) and blasted it clean with a can of CRC Throttle Body Cleaner and scrubbed both sides and the hinge points with a toothbrush . . . there was minimal crud, but some. I also sprayed the cleaner on a clean rag and wiped around the intake opening and got a decent amount of crud off, but nothing excessive. I did disconnect the battery prior to all this and other than my radio pre-sets and clock being off, no check engine light came on after I started it, so good to go. The air filter is stock, and the filter element appears brand new & super clean. No noticeable change after the cleaning, 'Maybe' a slight bit smoother.

    The truck seems to lag a bit in power, it's fairly strong off the line, but above 50 mph I kind of have to lean on it to maintain or increase speed. It just seems sluggish and 'Bogy" for lack of a better description, not bad, but not the power I was expecting coming from a 2003 AC Tundra with a V6, . . . that motor seemed pretty 'torque-y'. I'm on my 2nd tank of gas and both fill-ups I ran 91 octane Mobil gas with Lucas Upper Lubricant according to their suggested ratio of 3 ounces per 10 gallons. I wasn't expecting any miracles, just figured since the truck sat for long periods of time w/o being used, it couldn't hurt to run some good gas & the Lucas treatment. I checked tire pressure and all 4 are good. There has been no modification to the truck, other than a pioneer radio, and a snug top shell. No lift kit, stock tire size etc. Also my mileage was right at 11 mpg (seems a bit low) although I know these trucks aren't great on gas. All city driving, stop and go, rarely above 45-50 mph.

    I was wondering if anyone had any opinions w/o driving it of course, as to why it seems sluggish? Or is it just Me, and it's quite a bit more truck than my 03 AC Tundra w/ a V6, and not that much more in HP ? I was gonna take it in to my mechanic to have them do a once-over on it, but before he's got Me by the cajones, I figured I'd ask here? Maybe spark plugs? Fuel filter? I'm fairly good working on stuff, but I don't mess with the major stuff. And again, the motor 'seems' to run great . . . I'm pretty keen on squeeks, grinds, misses, rough starts, etc. . . . it fires right up, and seems super solid . . . that's why I'm kinda stumped.

    Thanks in advance for any thoughts, suggestions.
     
    Last edited: Nov 19, 2020
  2. Nov 19, 2020 at 1:20 PM
    #2
    peanut

    peanut making uneconomical choices about my truck

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    Maybe go to an autoparts store and borrow their code scanner and see if there are any codes.
     
    HBTundra[OP] likes this.
  3. Nov 19, 2020 at 1:59 PM
    #3
    remington351

    remington351 New Member

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    I've had the same truck for a year and half now. Mine idles cold the same, 1500 rpm for at least 3-4 minutes before the idle drops down.

    When I'm cruising between 50-65 on the highway, in OD, with torq converter locked, and want to pass a semi or have to hurry to the front of traffic for an exit ramp, I have to play with the throttle. Just easing my foot down in a grandpa like manner does not get the truck to respond as sharply as I'd like. Typically I'll stab the gas once or twice to get the transmission to leave OD and kick into the passing gear. Once that happens, it pulls nicely from 60 to 90mph.

    A $40 investment in an OBD scanner with live data will provide a DIY'er with more information than they will ever need.
     
  4. Nov 19, 2020 at 2:00 PM
    #4
    Darkness

    Darkness Allergic to white

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    Since your truck has that pesky secondary air injection, this is probably normal. Other cars I have had with a secondary air injection always run high idle while cold while the pump is pushing fresh air through the exhaust to warm up the cats. As long as the idle settles to around 750 or so you should be fine. To me the secondary air feels like you have a bad vacuum leak for the first minute the engine runs.

    What size tires on it? First thing that came to mind was tire pressure but you've looked at that. Were spark plugs included in the timing belt job? These trucks normally use iridium plugs and those can last well over 50k miles. I would check the records you have and pop one plug out to have a look at what they used. If its anything other than Denso or NGK I would replace them. Fuel filter is not a bad idea but I can't imagine that making it feel so sluggish at the speeds you mention. It should be more rpm related of anything.

    Last important question is what color? If its white then the only thing that can help make your truck faster is some black paint. Even plasti-dip will do the trick.
     
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  5. Nov 19, 2020 at 2:14 PM
    #5
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    I’m in this to learn because all I’ve ever heard was the vvti has the 40 extra horses that gets everyone all lathered up.

    Maybe fuel injectors clogged/old? Suggest the 12 Ports if you decide to go that route.
     
  6. Nov 19, 2020 at 2:22 PM
    #6
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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  7. Nov 19, 2020 at 2:26 PM
    #7
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, 6 lug enthusiast

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    Check the drag on the breaks if they were recently done.
     
    HBTundra[OP] likes this.
  8. Nov 19, 2020 at 2:33 PM
    #8
    bmc02

    bmc02 New Member

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    I have an 05, don't think my cold start up idles quite that high, but it's over 1k for sure. I wouldn't call the 4.7 a power house, but never thought it lacked power unless I'm climbing a grade with a load.

    There is no fuel filter. Fuel pump stainer.

    Toyota factory iridium plugs are good for 120k (per maintenance schedule, I changed them sooner). Make sure you have the correct ones installed. I believe their is a sticker somewhere that has the ngk and denso codes, or check manual. Pull one and see. Passenger side ones are easy.

    My mpg is usually 12-13 mpg and I drive like grandma. Mostly city. Best I've ever seen is 16ish prob for all highway with no load, which is rare for me. But I'm 4wd with larger then stock tires. So I'd expect you'll do better.
     
  9. Nov 19, 2020 at 3:06 PM
    #9
    HBTundra

    HBTundra [OP] New Member

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    Stock wheels / tires.... no lift etc. it’s not black .... and thankfully not white ! Lol. Thanks for all the help / suggestions, I’ll look at the plugs tomorrow. This site is a great resource for these trucks. Thanks again. BB513481-B58D-447C-8563-52E36BEA1012.jpg
     
    TheBeast, bmc02, MS22 and 1 other person like this.
  10. Nov 19, 2020 at 3:19 PM
    #10
    lsaami

    lsaami Let ‘er buck

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    is the 06 a V6 or V8 truck? if it's a V6 also, you probably won't see much improvement over your 03, as it's a fair bit heavier. a V8, you should though.
     
    HBTundra[OP] likes this.
  11. Nov 19, 2020 at 3:25 PM
    #11
    Darkness

    Darkness Allergic to white

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    Sweet looking truck! Close enough to black in that pic, I accept! I take it you are in California using the 91 gas, try 87 next refill. On my cars that aren't turbo I find a bit better response from 87 octane.

    I have driven two double cabs but it was really long ago. I recall them wanting to downshift twice when stomping the gas at highway speed but having only driven them often enough I don't know if they do that all the time.

    @bmc02 interesting about the filter, that might be an 05-06 thing because I know up to 04 has one on the frame. In that case, no filter does apply to his truck. :thumbsup:
     
  12. Nov 19, 2020 at 3:48 PM
    #12
    HBTundra

    HBTundra [OP] New Member

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    @lsaami . . . it has the 4.7 V-8
    @Darkness . . . Yeah, CA unfortunately . . . I'll try the 87 next time. Yeah, I'm still getting used to the 5 speed . . . it seems the motor /trans combo likes to spin-up more versus my old 2003 V-6 AC . . . that set up had a broader 'power-band' if that makes sense. It almost seems like the set up in the 2006 likes to get through all 5 gears, where as the older 4-speed V-6 was happy in any gear.
     
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  13. Nov 19, 2020 at 3:51 PM
    #13
    rock climber

    rock climber New Member

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    I went from an 01 AC to an 06 DC both the v8 and what I've noticed is the 06 doesn't want to downshift as quickly as the 01 so in passing situations I have to hit the gas just a little harder than the 01, the power is there, just have to push it a bit more to get the power. Maybe that's what you are experiencing.

    I think @empty_lord mentioned that there's a separate cable that actuates the throttle at speed or something like that and it needs to be tightened, I just haven't dug into it yet.
     
    HBTundra[OP] likes this.
  14. Nov 19, 2020 at 3:59 PM
    #14
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Check transmission fluid levels. They play a role in proper shiftings or not.

    Also, do the 05-06 have a button you need to push to make the 1 gear work?

    Gotta ask about that kill switch when stabbing into traffic. Does that come into play in accelerations?
     
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  15. Nov 19, 2020 at 4:01 PM
    #15
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, 6 lug enthusiast

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    So part of that might be that the vvti engine is not a throttle cable but a magical concoction of sensors and motors to open the throttle.
    The throttle by wire is a huge complaint in the 5th Gen 4runner community, and I will agree it blows! BUT the V8 usually makes up for that anomaly, but I can still feel the hesitation in my 06
     
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  16. Nov 19, 2020 at 4:03 PM
    #16
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, 6 lug enthusiast

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    That gear button is only to hold it in 1st or close to it. It never Cancels out 1st gear.
     
  17. Nov 19, 2020 at 4:10 PM
    #17
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

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    I can't help but that's a beautiful color. It's rare too. I've only seen a few of those in person. Can't recall the name.
     
  18. Nov 19, 2020 at 4:19 PM
    #18
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    So when you tow, you push that button and it holds 1st longer?
     
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  19. Nov 19, 2020 at 4:37 PM
    #19
    HBTundra

    HBTundra [OP] New Member

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    Thanks . . . it was the color I was looking for . . . just sheer luck that my neighbor had the truck and decided to sell it. I've heard the color called a few things, but I'm pretty certain it's called 'Bluesteel Metallic' (Code 8J7)
     
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  20. Nov 19, 2020 at 4:43 PM
    #20
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, 6 lug enthusiast

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    I don’t normally tow, but when I do, I drink XX!
    So our shifter doesn’t have enough room to drop into that 1st gear(5speed problems, I know!)
    That’s all the button does is drop it into 1st
    But if I did tow, yes I would hit that button, once the shifter is fully landed in the lowest position, to get into 1st gear. But I would never tow in 1st gear driving normally.
     
  21. Nov 19, 2020 at 4:54 PM
    #21
    bmc02

    bmc02 New Member

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    Yeah, drop to 2 on the shifter, then push the button to shift into 1. I figure it is a safety thing so you don't drop down to first accidentally. I don't like it when you're wheeling I'd prefer the whole range on shifter. (not that I do a ton off roading in this truck, but a little). Push button again or shift up to 3 to take it out of 1. At least you can reach the button with hand on shifter.

    I haven't driven earlier first gens, but maybe the 5 speed is making it feel like less power. You gotta give it a little foot to drop a gear from 5.
     
  22. Nov 19, 2020 at 5:14 PM
    #22
    empty_lord

    empty_lord They see me rollin'

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    03 and up are all drive by wire, 05-06 have ACIS which can cause odd issues if the flap inside the plenum isn’t working right, but doubt that an issue, vvti makes things feel different too, and the 5 speed isn’t exactly the most direct transmission ever.
    The SHIFT L button is if your shifted to 2nd in the column, instead of have it ratchet down further, Toyota put a button to make it hold first. It’s just like shifting into low on the older trucks. It doesn’t cancel out 1st or anything
     
  23. Nov 19, 2020 at 5:39 PM
    #23
    Darkness

    Darkness Allergic to white

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    Its called "close 'nuff to black" I like it
     
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  24. Nov 19, 2020 at 10:33 PM
    #24
    Captain Tenneal

    Captain Tenneal New Member

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    Congratulations, I see you got the low mileage DC you were talking about! Looks great!

    11 mpg seems really low to me, even if it is around town driving. Right now I'm averaging 14+ in city driving, though city driving here isn't like city driving there. I'd think you could get at least 12 if not 13 under the conditions you talk about.

    Not sure about your throttle response question. I do notice a good initial response too, then it tails off slightly. But all I need to do is put in more throttle and I get more power. The power is definitely there, perhaps the throttle response is not as linear as we'd like. I just pulled a 3500 lb. BMW with a 2000 lb. U-Haul trailer at 4,500 ft. elevation and it did fine.

    I also get a high idle after a cold start. It takes less than a minute before it starts slowly going down to normal idle. To me it is fine, but here it is over 20 degrees colder than where you are.

    I haven't learned enough about Tundras yet, but for old BMWs with low mileage, there are often cracked hoses which can cause vacuum leaks and leads to problems. Moral of that story is check all your hoses to make sure there aren't any cracks or pinhole leaks.

    I have no issues with power or throttle response (that I know of), I figure I just have to get used to the way it runs. I'm not coming from a 4.0 V6 Toyota through, I had a 4.0 V6 Frontier 6spd manual. The low and mid range torque of the 4.7 is noticeably stronger than the 4.0 Frontier but the Frontier has more top end, even though the specs aren't that different (271 hp and 313 lb/ft vs. 261 hp and 281 lb/ft, Tundra is 500 lbs heavier).
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2020
  25. Nov 20, 2020 at 12:47 AM
    #25
    empty_lord

    empty_lord They see me rollin'

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    I did a thing similar recently.. still amazed how effortlessly the 4.7 pulls things.. more comfortable towing a small car with this tundra than the families 7.3 turbo diesel f-350
    [​IMG] I just wish the dang throttle mapping was more linear
     
  26. Nov 20, 2020 at 10:50 PM
    #26
    Captain Tenneal

    Captain Tenneal New Member

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    Update...I decided to fill the tank after my tows...went 111 miles with about 25% towing the trailer only (2000 lbs) and 75% towing the BMWs (5500 lbs). I got 11 mpg. Not bad, I probably would have got 12-13 with the Frontier. Probably less than half the miles were on the freeway. The rest were light traffic street and highway.
     
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2020
  27. Nov 21, 2020 at 8:16 AM
    #27
    HBTundra

    HBTundra [OP] New Member

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    That's great to hear. I pulled a couple plugs and they looked new. I'm thinking I may have some sort of vacuum leak, or a bad sensor somewhere. (but there is no check engine light on) I think I'll take it into my guy and have him run a once-over on the truck, throuble-shooting stuff like this is above my pay-grade.
     
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  28. Nov 21, 2020 at 3:41 PM
    #28
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    I’m not saying this is the case with you, but both my rear o2 Sensors were way out of spec (showing zero resistance) per the FSM Test. My CEL Light never came on. I think they were the originals?

    My low end torque improved (by feel). My City MPG improved by 1-2 from 11-12 to 13-15 (non towing). Highway MPG remained the same 17-18.
     
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  29. Nov 21, 2020 at 5:12 PM
    #29
    Hooptytrix

    Hooptytrix Squeaky Chicken

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    I’m jumping in late in the game as many have provided solid advice. I feel your pain though, I can’t seem to keep my truck happy. Some days she performs very well, plenty of power and then other days it’s very sluggish.
    Just a few things that I have done and you should consider looking into. Dirty deeds 12 hole injectors, all 02 sensors, new maf, aem dry filter.
    The maf is very sensitive in these trucks, swapping it out will not cost much. Because of the maf, use a dry filter. The injectors will make the truck drive better all around. The last thing you are going to need at some point, secondary air pump thingy bypass, Hewitt makes it
     
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  30. Nov 26, 2020 at 8:50 AM
    #30
    Hooptytrix

    Hooptytrix Squeaky Chicken

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    I completely forgot something else I have learned. Turn the truck off when pumping gas. I’ve noticed that my truck gets sluggish when I fill with the truck running
     

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