Newbie with an “issue,” but no codes

Long time lurker, but first time poster. Just added a 2006 Sequoia to the all Toyota fleet. This is my first experience with the 1st Gen. Tundra/Sequoia, so my “issue” may be normal, but it sure is stressful...

130K on it. Seems mechanically sound. One-owner vehicle from Central Texas (no rust) that was hailed out.

No issues on idling, acceleration, changing gears, etc. The problem comes when cruising, maintaining a steady speed. When cruising above 40mph or so, it feels like there are slight, but noticeable, changes in momentum. At first, it feels like a slight transmission slip, but closely watching the instrument panel reveals absolutely NO change in RPMs or speed. My second thought was that it feels like brakes being applied then quickly released, which would explain the no visible or audible change in RPMs that comes with transmission slippage.

Again, this sensation is ever so slight, but noticeable. Using cruise control certainly minimizes the “issue,” but doesn’t alleviate it. No codes or lights of any kind.

Any thoughts or ideas? Any insight would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

Welcome aboard from The Pacific South West.

 

Thanks!

 

Is it continuous or does it only happen once?

 

Continuous as cruising... every 30sec to 1 min.

 

Clean your throttle body and see what happens. Then check for vaccuum leaks. It probably wouldn't hurt to check your plugs and coils either.

 

@Backcountry_explorer seems to share your same problem?

 

Not sure it’s the same. Trans feels solid. Honestly it just feels like mine is constantly towing a load

 

And it's likely the fuel filter has never been changed.

 

I have felt something sort of like this when a Coil Pack was going bad but I also always get a code thrown with it too.

 

I've definitely felt similar on my truck but it happens randomly for a short period, then goes away and may not happen again for the entire ride.

 

I will clean the TB. Toyotas seem to be sensitive to carboned air intakes/TB.

I also plan on doing maintenance stuff (change all fluids, plugs, fuel filter, check front end, etc.) for a clean slate and because it is time.

I will report back, and keep the ideas coming. Thanks!

 

Also planning on changing transmission fluid to rule out fluid/level problems.

 

I guess I should clarify what my problem feels like. And this is relatively new for me, too, or I've only recently noticed it happening.

Imagine driving on the highway at a cruising speed, then suddenly having the feeling or sensation your vehicle is decelerating, but you haven't let off the gas, and it doesn't visibly look like you're RPM'ing down or anything. I felt it a couple times recently while dropping off some bike parts to a fellow enthusiast from Clemson.

@Ckat is that sort of what you have going on?

 

Exactly what a coil going out feels like to me.
I imagine it could be anything else that makes a cylinder go in and out too?

 

Sounds EGR-valve-ishy.

 

Run a scan for any codes or wonky data. How's the exhaust flow out the pipe? If your catalytic converter is plugged, it could bog the engine down. The next thing I would do is check the gear oil level in the rear or the fluid levels in the trans and transfer case. The other thing you could look at it the U-joints to see if they're binding up.

 

Yes, but immediate. As soon as you notice it, you are back to “full power.”

 

Mine lasted 1-2 seconds. When I noticed it, by the time I looked down at my gauge cluster to see if anything was hinky, it went away. But I noticed no flux in the gauges. I'm also not throwing any codes.

 

Are you experiencing this with the AC on? My 2005 DC Tundra does this when the AC is on (compressor engaging/disengaging).

 

Anything cruising in D4 your Torque converter is going to engage and disengage when needed most of the time you will see about a 200 RPM change Sometimes noticeable and sometimes not elevation change temperature change touching your brake pedal will disengage your torque converter then it will apply again when computer commands it.

You can test it by driving in D3 at this point 4th and TC will be off and see if you feel any hesitation at that cruising speed check your Transmission fluid that it’s filled to the right level

 

Not sure about OP, but I was driving w/o A/C at the time.

 

Might aswell. Super easy on my 01, drain it out and put exactly 4 quarts and your perfect. Love how toyota made it so simple for the drain and fill

 

I agree. Could be a torque converter "shutter" issue.

 

Well, early indications are pointing to jamess28 nailing it. I can’t imagine this, but the problems have not shown themselves with the A/C off. Yesterday, I left the compressor off for several miles - no symptoms. Turned it back on, and the “issue” started immediately.

I just can’t imagine a compressor robbing that much power. It isn’t nearly that noticeable in my Gen 3 4Runner with the gutless 2.7!!!

I hope this is the “fix,” as it is certainly the cheapest option!

I still plan on replacing the wear/maintenance items in a the spirit of best practices. Thanks to all for the insight!

 

It could be the compressor or the clutch on it going out.

 

Check all your ground wires. The battery to fender, battery to firewall, and the little one on top of the A/C Compressor. Might need to clean all of them up and retighten.

 

Actually, after reading this, I went for a drive to get lunch to test. Sure enough, put on the A/C on the way out, drive about 10 miles on the interstate, felt it twice. Drove the same distance back, didn't feel it once.

Maybe I'm smoking crack. I swear I just had the vents on while I was driving and noticed it last. I just haven't been driving much lately.

So mine is apparently A/C related too. My truck has the original compressor & clutch in it. Guess I should expect that to go out soon too eh...

 

Well shit. I guess I have something to check too.

 

Early 1st Gen hasn’t this problem.