Info about 2004 Prado 1KZ-TE

[sarocks Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close sarocks]

Hi guys, new to the site and to 4WD. Love all the info and tips. I just purchased a 2004 Prado auto diesel with 200,000km, and have noticed, that when driving at highway speeds, if I take my foot of the accelerator, the engine almost straight away drops rpm's down to idle rpm's. Is this normal for this model, or do I have a problem ?
Apart from the rpm's, the car drives beautifully. Just seems that there is no engine braking when decelerating. I am new to the 4wd scene, so this may be a silly question, but any thoughts would be appreciated.
Cheers

[Duncan271 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Duncan271]

It is normal for your engine revs to drop when you take your foot off the go pedal, its the auto box and engine management doing its job. I have the petrol 120, same deal when i get off the go pedal.

[sarocks Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close sarocks]

Thanks Duncan, much appreciated.

[Duncan271 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Duncan271]

Too easy mate, the deceleration can be an issue when towing over hilly country and off road, pays to take it nice and easy..!

[Subbo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Subbo]

Use your engine braking for off road purposes by adjusting your speed and selecting the correct gear while monitoring your revs. Don't expect engine braking at highway speeds. Enjoy maintaining and looking the 1KZ - they are fantastic vehicles with heaps of DIY prospects that will save you heaps of dollars.

[sarocks Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close sarocks]

Thanks Subbo,
Absolutely love it, drives like a dream. For its age, its is in excellent condition. It doesn't look like its been offroad. Time to start setting it up for the many trips me, the missus and the dog will take. First on the list is replacing all fluids and major service, then electric brake controller for the camper. Cant wait to start exploring.

[sweeks Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close sweeks]

Any updates. I have a 2005 that works pretty good but it's bone stock and I've been thinking about what I should do to it.

[JohnCW Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close JohnCW]

Any updates. I have a 2005 that works pretty good but it's bone stock and I've been thinking about what I should do to it.

Depends what you want to do with it. I always thought the stock suspension on my 2004 was dreadful i.e. harsh. For better with aftermarket suspension. If its a diesel and you're towing a catch can is a must IMO. If you haven't as yet done the injectors and glow plugs put that on the list.

[sweeks Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close sweeks]

Depends what you want to do with it. I always thought the stock suspension on my 2004 was dreadful i.e. harsh. For better with aftermarket suspension. If its a diesel and you're towing a catch can is a must IMO. If you haven't as yet done the injectors and glow plugs put that on the list.

Service injectors and replace glow plugs? Or replace both?

[JohnCW Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close JohnCW]

Service injectors and replace glow plugs? Or replace both?

Service the existing OEM injectors with new DENSO seats, and replace the glow plugs. IMO, properly rebuilt original injectors will be superior to cheap Chinese clones. I used Hi Tech Diesel Injection in Adelaide based upon others recommendations, and wouldn't hesitate to add to that recommendation.

If you come across a video on the internet of changing injectors and glow plugs on a 1KZ-TE by a self proclaimed 'expert' that used a shifter to bend the EGR valve bracket out of the way to access the rear glow plug, you don't need to engage in that sort of butcher work. Simply use a ring spanner to undo it, it will lift out. Do the replacement the exact same way using a torque wrench on the front 3 to guide you as 'feel' for number 4 with the ring spanner.

If you use the vehicle for towing, be prepared to clean a mountain of utter crap out the intake manifold, throttle body, and intercooler. You're about to discover why people fit a catch-can.

[sweeks Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close sweeks]

Injectors servicing are costly or so I've been told. The parts are cheap but the labor isn't. Any obvious signs of degradation?

Never towed anything and I was wondering if that sort of servicing (intake manifold, throttle body and intercooler) was needed.