Strange "stutter" at idle - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

mjboswell · 06-21-2006, 10:15 AM

I have a 98 V6 with 108,000 miles on it. For the past few weeks I have noticed a strange "stutter" when I am in Drive and am parked or at a stoplight. At idle, the engine will be running and then every few seconds it feels like the car is going into gear or a compressor kicking in, real subtle.....(Im not sure if that is exactly the best way to describe it). Then it goes to back to normal engine thrumming.....Looking under the hood I can hear the stutter, but it does not seem to be coming from the engine compartment, including any of the compressors.

I have had all the services at Toyota up until the 75,000. In adition I just did the timing belt replacement. Could this be a transmission thing? Something else?

Thanks!
MB

atobe · 06-21-2006, 10:49 AM

could be dirty AIC ( air idle controller) try giving that a cleaning first

mjboswell · 06-21-2006, 02:50 PM

New Details: As of today there is more shuddering happening at highway speeds. At approx 55 mph and 2000-2500 RPM and accelerating, the vibration from the front is really coming through. Also, this morning as I was accellerating (really stepping on it) into higyway traffic the check engine light was flashing, but it is off now.

I took it down to the local Toyota, as these were issues that I told them about 3 weeks ago (their diagnosis: replace ignition coil in #5 cylinder). They are guessing that it might be a fuel injector now.

Thanks!
MB

Mike Gerber · 06-22-2006, 11:52 AM

If the check engine light even flashed on, it will store a code in the computer since your car is OBD2. Did the dealership read the code(s)? If they didn't, go to Autozone and they will read the code for you for free. Then report the code back here and someone will be able to give you some direction.

Mike