Losing power/ code p0300...

[usptwins]

Well, seems like im the only one having so much trouble with my truck, and im not even modding it... So, i got my oil changed today, and when i go to take off, it falls on its face and the tach goes nuts. So, i turn off all electronics in my truck, radio and a/c, and it runs normally. Then i turn the a/c back on and it starts to go nuts again. Every time i turn anything on i hear a noise by the kick panel on the passengers side. When its going nuts, i can't use anything in my truck, ex. lights, headlights, dash lights, a/c, radio, or anything. Does anyone know what could be going on? Maybe a bad battery, and cables.... im at a loss and im at work. If anyone can help, please and thank you.

[YotaFun]

You also have a P0300 code I presume?
Which is a random misfire

[usptwins]

But, what would cause it to do that? Bad altenator, or battery? hell, like i said, its like my ECU takes all the power i do have and uses it and when i try to use something else it starts to sputter and want to die...

[YotaFun]

What year Runner do you have?
Possibly a bad alt, but that would throw your bat light on.

[usptwins]

Well, its a 96 tacoma 4x4 sr5. I don't think very much has been changed on the truck except oil and filters... It has over 434xxx miles on it as of now. and it just started doing all this since i left Toyota today.

[04 Rocko Taco]

Well if it never did this BEFORE Toyota... being me, I would turn it around and take it right back into Toyota. Tell them to fix it.

[Seanz0rz]

im going to assume you have a v6.

is there oil on the alternator? it is real easy to spill oil on the alternator when refilling.

also check spark plug wires, especially where they come around the driver's side bank and are near the oil fill cap.

like chris said, take it back and make them fix it.

[usptwins]

Hell, i didn't think of that part, but ill look at it when i get off and see. Ill also check the plug wires too, but wouldn't it act sputtery even when im not accelerating? And as I said, it was good until I brought it to Toyota. So, what about the "relay" type noise im hearing like, under the glovebox area?

[Seanz0rz]

any other lights on the dash? ABS, etc?

[usptwins]

Haha yea, when it wants to shut off. But i can't look now untill i get off in another 4 hours...

[Robinhood4x4]

In your transmission post you said you got water in the tranny. How did you do that? When you dunked the truck, how deep did it go? When did it happen?

[usptwins]

well, it was maybe early june? And it was kinda leaning to the right, so it got water in through there, i mean, ive gotten water in my truck at least 3 times since ive had it. I don't do it intentionally but it just happens.

Oh, and btw, when i put the a/c from 1-2-3-4 it starts sputtering worste, or if i do it opposite it gains power back.