RAV4 Bucking

CLMBANDSKI

MEMBER
1998 TOYOTA RAV4
4 CYL
AWD
MANUAL
170,000 MILES

My '98 RAV4 is bucking strongly, it is worst when decelerating at under 3,000 rpm, it also has a strong exhaust smell like unburnt fuel while idling, any ideas?

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011 AT 1:06 PM

4 Replies

SIXPACK SUBARU

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22 POSTS

Is it well serviced?

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Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011 AT 1:39 PM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Check engine light on? If yes have codes been read?

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Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011 AT 2:52 PM

CLMBANDSKI

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Sixpack Subaru- things have been a little tight lately so I am a bit behind on scheduled maintenance but overall it is well maintained.

Docfixit- the check engine light was on briefly at one point but it has since gone off again.

I know this age group is famous for O2 sensor issues, the unburnt fuel smell makes me wonder if it might be another sensor issue. Has anyone experienced surging/bucking due to a faulty O2 sinsor?

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Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011 AT 3:13 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

The unburnt fuel smell indicates it is most probably a misfiring cylinder. Have the spark plugs and related components checked.

The CEL indicating briefly could mean a truble code has been stored. Get a free scan done at parts stores and let us know what it is.

Speculating is not going to get you anywhere.

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