Hiall -
New to the forum (my first post). Please be gentle; it's my first time.

I have a '97 4WD Auto 6 Cyl w/the 5VZ-FE engine.

Noticed a loss of power when accelerating, and a significant "hesitation" when I'm coasting at 50mph and slowly start to add gas. I thought maybe it was tranny, 'cuz it sort of jerked (reminded me of when you're trying to pedal and change gears at the same time on a bicycle). If I punch the accelerator, it downshifts and does fine. When I get to about 3200 RPM, it starts to hesitate again.

I took it to two shops, both of which listed themselves as tranny specialists (along w/everything else). Not necessarily Toyota shops.

First guy says it's my Throttle Position Sensor. He said it *may* fix the problem. Says it "never opens or closes fully, and is really slow in transition." Wants $135 for that. Also recommends a tranny fluid flush (I agree) - $160 for that.
He also found the source of my radiator fluid leak = water pump. I'm also due for a timing belt. Wants $791 for pump, belt, tensioners, pulleys and bearings.

So, trying to be a good steward, I decide to geta 2nd opinion.

Yikes!

2nd guy says I need a tune-up. $525 for new plugs, wires and boots.
also says my catalytic converter is "coming apart - I found pieces of it in the exhaust" - $660 for that
He confirmed the water pump leak. His price for a water pump & belt is $589
He didn't say why, but quoted a fuel filter at $111
He found my dying battery (I knew this was coming, too) - $133
He also found my nasty tranny fluid - $162 for flush

So..... what do I want from you, sages of the best, and orginal SUV?

What do you think?
I got shop ramps, a creeper and the Chilton repair manual for Christmas. I have minimal skills but decent motivation - how much do you think I can/should tackle on my own? (I'm pretty sure I can do the battery - but what about the fuel filter? And getting to those plugs looks pretty tough).

Do you think I should fork over two grand and quit crying?

Sorry about the long post. I truly appreciate any insight you are willing to offer.

THANK YOU!

 

Let a good shop do the timing belt and tranny, as for the tune-up do it yourself. Also Fuel filter do it yourself, TPS, battery etc do it yourself... Second shop is on CRACK for money wise..

TPS is a possiblity, that was one of my first thoughts. Fuel filter might be nice to do just for fun depending on miles but THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM, NOR IS THE CAT (if the cat is really clogged you would have problems taking off)

Dirty tranny fluid causes mis-shifting or hard shifting, shaking not really. Broken mount, possible but VERY HIGHLY doubt it, plus it would always shake.

As far as I know $700 for this truck getting a timing belt, water pump and all the trimmings is a decent price. CHIME IN IF IM WRONG.

$500 for a tune up- I would tell that guy to go blankie blank blank blank himself..

 

Thanks for the input, JT - appreciate it.

I'm thinking of doing the plugs & wires myself (in addition to the batt & fuel filter) - a bit intimidated by the mess of stuff between me and the plugs, tho. The Chilton book doesn't have anything on how to dismantle what appears to be a tricky air intake assembly. Do you know of a better book / site / source for that kind of info?

thanks again,
bill

 

Nah unfortunatly, I only know about the Chitlon. You can search info online, but its kind of limited. The 4 things you mentioned are very easy even for a NOVICE.

One way to handle it is if you have an AUTO ZONE or ADVANCED auto parts close by you can have them do the battery for FREE! One less thing to worry about, plus thats where you might get the battery anyway right?

Fuel filter is easy, just pick it up at NAPA and look at your Chitlon for the location, its simple stuff. Plugs and wires my best advice I can give to you is do 1 at a time, takes a little longer but you will be sure everything is back in the correct location that way. You can double check it with your Chitlon they give a picture.

Anyone questions just shoot.. I personally think a Timing belt is not a novice job, you got to know quite a few basics, plus if a good (WELL KNOW SHOP) does it and something goes wrong you can sue, get your money back, or they will back it up with a garantee.

 

Another manual (if one is made for the 4rnr) is made by "Haynes". Found them pretty easy to understand (easier than the Chiltons in my opinion (I've used both) with excellent photos also.