I have a 1998 Avalon that runs fine around town, but after being driven half an hour on the interstate it begins to sputter and shake when idling. Changing the fuel filter has not helped.

Check the throttle body/butterfly valve and see if there is any crap accumulated, if so then clean it out. I would check the idle air control valve too, it should be located under the throttle body.

I have a '98 4Runner with the 3.4V6 and 122K miles on the ticker. My 4Runner has died on me once about 2 years ago while I was idling at a stop light. I have no idea why it did that. It was even a little difficult to start after it had died. But that was the only time in the last 4.5 years that I have had that problem. I just attribuited it to a fluke. I wouldnt be too concerned unless it starts becomming a regular habit. One think to also keep in mind that you may have got some dirty gas somewhere along the line and your fuel filter might be clogged. I just changed mine after 122K miles and I've gotta tell you, it runs like its just recieved a steroid injection. So thats somthing I'll be paying more attention to. Brian

Hey, I think Brian said it earlier. Check the fuel filter because thay can become clogged with debris over time. My mechanic friend said that these filters should be changed at least every two years for optimal performance. Hope this helps a bit

Thanks for the reply, guys. The filter is one thing I had not thought about. I will have it taken care of. 122k on a '98? I thought I was putting on the miles with 25K in the first year. Thanks again, Doug

Doug, I've heard of stories that a '96 Limited has 320K on it and is still running strong. The owner has used Mobil 1 Synthetic MO since new and changed it every 10 K. The fuel filters on Japanese Vehicles are more sensitive to being clogged in general (so I'm told). Stalling behavior is usually one of two things, fuel starvation or oxygen starvation. I have a '02 Limited and I'm driving mine up the Pikes Peak Highway next month. I will take some photos along the way and share with who ever wishes to see them. Ok, take care

Thanks for the reply. BTW - What tires do you run? What year is your truck? > > You do almost exactly what I do. Except I rotate every 5k. Yes, the > fuel filter is changed at every 30k.( at least it should be ) On the > 1st gen 4Runners its a PITA to get out (v6). You may have had bad gas > and i just hick up'd. Is that even a word? The truck should last you > more than 10 yrs. Ive got 235k on mine and still going! I wanna join > the 300k club. hehehe.