I have a 1986 1/2 SEV6 (thus my login name), VG30 automatic.
Over the past three years I have this very bizarre sporatic problem. Every 10-14 months the truck drives like poo. I can't keep it running and it feels like a fuel/air problem.
After a few weeks of me trying to fix it and failing miserably, it goes into some sort of rev limiting protector mode where I can't get the car over 3000 rpms. I reset the ECU and have the same problems, then one day it just fixed itself. I had absolutely no problem whatsoever until 14 months later - same thing, same exact thing.
I mess around under the hood clueless as to what the problem is, then a few weeks of me trying to get it around the block, it fixes itself. Runs like a dream. This is my daily driver.
FFW 10 months later (today), mofo starts acting up again. Same exact problem! Now I can jerk around for two weeks until it fixes itself again, then mess with this sometime in June of 2007 but I really would just assume FIX the actual problem.
Might this be some sort of infrequently sporatic air flow meter problem? Has anyone ever heard of anything like this?
Any other ideas?
PS- My husband delicately asked if perhaps we should just get me a new truck, but I LOVE my truck. It's comfy, and in 12 years, besides this problem it had run great and it still looks good (and really don't want a car payment if this is someting easily fixed). So I told him I would take it to a mechanic to fix it (but I really don't trust mechanics, especially of I don't know what the problem is- muffler bearings? headlight fluid? transmission installed upside down?) Please help!!!
My truck is so old that it doesn't even have a CEL!
sorry I was thinking my year. you should be able to go to Autozone and the like and they should be able to pull DTC (diagnostic trouble codes) from the ECM. that way you have a starting point to go from, these will be stored codes from this problem.
sorry I was thinking my year. you should be able to go to Autozone and the like and they should be able to pull DTC (diagnostic trouble codes) from the ECM. that way you have a starting point to go from, these will be stored codes from this problem.
(Sadly) AutoZone said they could only check 1997 and newer.
The 86 1/2 is pretty much the same as the 87, throttle body injection. It was released mid-year. I have the Haynes but I still have not been able to figure out what is causing my problem. I'll probably end up taking it in tomorrow and have some mechanic point out everything that could possibly be the problem in a 20 year old truck. I'll let you know what he says.
HI my truck has the same problem it could, be the vacuum, ecu, Map sensor, or the ignition, mine is the Map sensor (like a flowmeter), but i don't have the same deal as you that in some time it fixes it self, mine since, june i can't drive it, above 3000rpm, mine too is daily truck and i have for racing, so imagine how frustraiting it is to me...until today i haven't fixed up the problem cause if you order ir, it comes with the throttle also, the factory doesn;t sell it indivdualy so you are looking at 350-400$ in it, I even took it to a performance part auto shop so they can trick the ecu, and they said that only could program the ecu if the truck was later than 94 so...still have the same problem. I would tell you if i could fix it...'cause i don't want to buy it like new...so chkt...
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
