Symptoms
Loss of power, a check-engine light or limp mode on an F33A diesel, sometimes with extra smoke and fuel use.
The fix, step by step
- Unsealed 4X4 puts most of it down to town driving: repeated stop-start trips can stop the DPF from finishing a regeneration, and the EGR slowly chokes the intake manifold.
- Its advice is a highway run at least weekly and an intake clean, chemical or manual, at least once a year.
- The same article reports failures of the 'seventh injector', which sprays diesel into the exhaust to help regeneration.
- They bring limp mode, smoke and a fault code the dealer has to clear.
- A Toyota technician told Unsealed it happens to most trucks at around 20,000 km, which the author says he can't verify.
- Toyota can reportedly tune the problem out, though some owners say it comes back.
- Make sure all software updates are done.
Tools & part numbers
- OBD-II scanner to read codes
- workshop for the intake clean
Where to buy the parts
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.