# A slight "stumbling/hesitation" sensation **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [May 11, 2013, 9:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-slight-stumbling-hesitation-sensation/79249 "2013-05-11T21:40:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Norman-M](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/9de053/32.png) [@Norman-M](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Norman-M)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2013, 9:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-slight-stumbling-hesitation-sensation/79249/1 "2013-05-11T21:40:04Z")
Maybe somebody can help me. I have a '97 Toyota Tacoma, two-wheel drive. It has 154,000 miles on it. During the last three weeks, there’s been a hesitation/ stumbling sensation happening occasionally in the first three gears. It doesn’t happen in 4th or on the freeway. At first, I thought it felt more like a “slipping”, like a clutch going bad (since I still have the original clutch). I had my mechanic check it out, and it’s fine. Here’s a brief history of recent work done. Three months ago: injectors removed and cleaned out on a special machine. I replaced the cap & rotor and spark plugs. The wires were replaced last year. I replaced the fuel filter and PCV valve. I cleaned out and replenished my K&N air filter. Last week, I checked the connections where the spark plug wires connect to the cap. They seem fine. Any suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![knfenimore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9fc348/32.png) [@knfenimore](https://community.cartalk.com/u/knfenimore)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2013, 9:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-slight-stumbling-hesitation-sensation/79249/2 "2013-05-11T21:44:37Z")
The K&N filters use oil and this collects on the MAF sensor. Try cleaning it with sensor safe cleaner. I know, because K&N gooped up mine. A new one not a replenished one. Make sure that you let your K&N sit and congeal before you install it. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2013, 11:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-slight-stumbling-hesitation-sensation/79249/3 "2013-05-11T23:47:19Z")
I agree with @knfenimore . . . sort of. I believe you should go one step further Get rid of the K&N air filter Put the stock filter and housing back ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2013, 4:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-slight-stumbling-hesitation-sensation/79249/4 "2013-05-13T04:50:19Z")
& ask you mechanic to double check the EGR valve.