Questions and Answers

Toyota 4Runner Concerns Q. I have a 1988 Toyota 4-runner, 3.0 liter, V-6, SR5 automatic with A/C, cruise control, fuel injection and 171,000 miles. I notice at times the transmission takes a long time to down shift. It will get up to 4,000 RPM before it will then it smells like sulfur.

I also smell this if I slow down after being on the freeway or going uphill. Someone told me it was my catalytic converter doing its job, is this true or is there something wrong? I also had the rear brakes replaced and they told me my power brake assist is bad. Will my brakes go out totally if I don't replace it?

Thanks,
Joyce

A. As long as the truck is running good I wouldn't worry too much about the smell and yes, it does smell like old eggs. It's usually caused by certain brands of gas.

If you want to try to get rid of it you can try this. Make sure the air filter is new or very clean. Wait until the gas gauge says about ¼ full and go to a "name brand" gas station or a different name brand station if you already go to one and fill up on 93 octane. A can of injector cleaner might be a good idea too.

Now take a good trip on the highway without stopping This will give the catalytic converter a chance to get up to 600-700 deg and you should have a better smelling truck when you get back. You want to drive at highway speeds with no stopping, this will help to maintain the high temperature in the converter and hopefully clean it out.

About the transmission, I think you mean upshift, not down shift. This could be simple or a sign of trouble to come. The first thing to check is the fluid level and the condition of it. You should be getting it changed at least every 25,000 miles. The color should be a clear, deep red. If it's not, take it in for service. The transmission kick down cable adjustment should be checked at this time also, since it can cause this trouble. If these items are okay, you're seeing the beginning of transmission problems.

If the power brake assist is bad the truck will still stop, you will just have to push much harder to make it stop. If the truck feels like it stops normally it's probably okay. I have seen very few Toyota power assist units go bad. This is usually a come on by chain stores and quick lube type places which I have a very low opinion of.

The best place to service your 4runner is still your dealer. Whatever is wrong with it, they have seen many times before. Good Luck.

Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA