Toyota Sienna 2004+

jm38

This might seem like a dumb question. Has anyone had trouble getting their gas cap off their new Sienna? I have had ours for a month, and every time I go to the gas station, I have a terrible time getting the gas cap off. Yes, I did read the manual! I try everything. I turn it, I push it in while turning - it just won't come off. Eventually I get it and have no idea why it now comes off. Before I take it to the dealer (and feel like a complete idiot), has anyone had similar problems - and solutions?
Thanks.

davenow

it's just so cool, and comfee!! I feel like i need to be doing something to help in anyway that i could:)

i guess you have to be in a "big-time" mind set when driving this lux-vehicle!

i'm loving it! not so much the weather

Thanks for your advice, i'll leave it alone!

weaselinsuit

I seem to recall from driver's ed days, lo those many years ago, that it was recommended to always keep your car in gear at a stoplight. I think the idea was that if you ever got hit from behind, you could theoretically gun it through the intersection if you were pushed into it by the impact. Shaky logic I realize but ingrained habits die hard.

anildel

My XLE, about 10 days old, has michelin energy lx4 tires. Though they are not top of the line michelin but the michelin tires are generally good

lena132

How do rear drum brakes acutally work? I've been wondering for a while. I have a concept of how disc brakes work but no clue for the drums.

mark76

I,m not a mechanic but I can provide some insight that I hope will help you. Drums for the rear are OK, disc brakes are better. Drum brakes are literally a drum - actually they have the rough appearance of a tamborene - a shallow drum. There are brake pads that that press against the inside of the drum to slow you down when the brakes are applied. Disc brakes have pad on either side of a thin metal disc that clamp down on the disc when you apply the brakes. The big advantage in disc brakes versus drum brakes is that they dissipate heat much better. This can be very important if you are making repeated long hard stops, traveling down hill, or doing any towing. When brakes overheat they "fade", or lose their ability to slow the car down as well as they normally would. One thing to keep in mind is that Consumer Reports tested the Sienna LE with the 4 wheel disc brake package and still found that it had a relatively long stopping distance. Stopping distances would no doubt be longer with only rear drums. Again rear drums are OK, rear discs are better.

dako_tian

Picture a round, shallow cake pan. The inner side of pan is where the two curved-to-match pads press outward against the surface to create friction to slow you down. The pads are shaped like parentheses (), they are pivoted at one end each, and a piston between the free ends pushes them outward at the same time to contact the inner side rim of the drum. The drum is steel and the brake pads are made out of various high friction materials just like disk pads -- only the shape is different. Some types wear out faster than others.

If you peek through a spoke wheel at the drum brakes you will see only the (generally rusty) "bottom" of the virtual cake pan. The moving parts are squirreled away on the inner side where they are marginally better protected from the junk that might get kicked up from the roadway and from curious eyes.

lalalalala

I felt exactly as you do the 1st time trying to fill the gas tank. I couldn't open it at all, I had to ask a stranger at the gas station to help me open it. He,too, had to twist that thing really hard, his teeth were clanching, finally he did it. The following day I drove to the dealer to ask them why it had to be so hard. They said all the vans are like that...after filling over 10 gas tanks of gas now, I've gotten used to that funny gas cap, I agree that the instructions on the manual were no help at all, you just need to twist the cap, no stopping, until it opens up.

bondguy1

I think the brand of tires depends on model level you get. I have XLE Limited and it has Bridgestone Turanza'a. Someone said they got Michelins on an XLE...probably not a Limited. Also, what is the reason for Toyota putting HID headlamps that have a 5 way height adjustment on them instead of just self leveling. On my Audi A6 and on Lexus cars, the Xenon's and HID's automatically adjust to correct height even while moving. The only reason I can think of is cost. But then again, it is a 37K+ vehicle so this shouldn't have been an issue. Also, what is the deal on setting the height adjustment on them? Which number do you recommend using?

kksdad

I got Dunlop SP 4000, haven't read one good thing about them yet! Anybody else got these? Would rather have gotten the Michelins!

kip

The comments about Bridgestone's Turanza EL42 have been generally negative. I don't know what to do with these four brand new tires. Replacing them now means waste of time and money. Not replacing it, I might get into accidents sometime in the near future. Limited has 17inch tires (P225/60/R17), which are not common.

I am the one to blame for not looking at the tires before buying my XLE Limited. I thought that with $35,000.00 price tag, the tires should naturally be decent. I have a 2001 Accord EX V6. bought with four new Michelin tires. I therefore thought Limited would have tires at least better than those on Honda Accord. I am dead wrong.

The whole fiasco dampened my high spirit of owning a new 04 Sienna. Cannot understand why Toyota chooses to cheap it out on a $35,000.00 vehicle. It hurts me and also hurts Toyota's reputation. I bought 04 Sienna primarily because of my perception of Toyota's reliability reputation. Placing my kids on a $35,000.00 vehicle that has B-B ratings tires and lousy wet/snow traction makes me sick.

spartanmann

I have not seen anywhere in testing where the Toyota with rear discs stops shorter than with rear drums. Anyone have any actual data showing differently?

Under hard braking, the vast majority of stopping is done by the front brakes. The ABS exacerbates this by letting the rears free wheel to maintain stability.

Honda went to rear discs on the Ody but the stopping distance is virtually the same as with the previous model with drum brakes.

For racing or towing applications where the rear brakes are heavily used, discs are better. For a minivan in normal use, there is virtually no difference. Rear discs are fitted because optional VSC packages require them.

liaison

I have an XLE that also has the Dunlop 4000's. I noticed that the treadware is only rated 320 and yes this is very low compared with a set of Goodyear tires that I purchased at SAM's Club. You would think that the XLE would have Michelins or something better. I too am disappointed with Toyota.

lena132

Also wondering. What's the difference between vented disc brakes and just regular disc brakes?

jmess

Easy, heat dissipation is superior with vented. The rear disc don't work as hard so heat isn't as big an issue and that is why with many cars the rears are solid.

Drums with external ribs/fins provide better cooling. The ribs/fins act like heat sinks.

andrewtran71

My wife absolutely wanted the Odyssey even though I told her I preferred the Sienna Limited.
The Ody is a very nice van, but every time she complains that it's too loud for her to hear what her mom is saying from the 3rd row or when she complains that my driving is too bumpy, I just say, "That's because it's a Honda, not the Sienna."
She gives me a dirty look every time, but that doesn't stop me :-)
Every time I drive by my neighbor's house, I stop and check out their new Sienna Limited and say to my wife, "Look, we should have had one of those 'Lexus-minivan' in our garage!"

Toyota really wanted the Sienna Limited to be better than any minivan and most SUVs out there.
They gave it Laser Cruise Control, which the Lexus GX and LX don't have yet.
They gave it Intuitive-Parking Assist with front and rear Sonar Sensors, which the Lexus LX and GX don't have yet.
They gave it a power lift-gate, which the LX & GX don't have either.

They might as well stick a Lexus badge in the front of the Sienna Limited.

I test drove and checked out an Infiniti QX56, and the built quality is not as good as the Sienna Limited.
In particular, the gated shifter of the Sienna Lmt is much better looking and feels a lot stronger and sturdier than the $55K QX56. I guess test driving more expensive vehicles makes you appreciate the Sienna even more. I felt like the gated shifter of this high-dollar "Luxury" vehicle was going to fall off in about a year or something. It felt like cheap plastic all over.

Enjoy your Luxury vehicle. Peace.

samnoe

Sienna limited is almost like Lexus, just look at the price. But they forget to feature memory seats which most Lexus models do have, and also some Toyota models, as Avalon. The same is with power passenger seat. And now I read that they offer very cheap tires? That's not a Lexus.

It's very quiet inside, but not as quiet as a Lexus.

Liaison: Which type of Goodyear tires did you get at Sam's club? 17"? (replacing the run-flat?), and how much did you pay?

nematode

The XLE package #12 or the XLE AWD package #17 (which I have) are pretty impressive too. Granted you dont get the HID, laser criuse, and parking assist but the feel is the same for about $30-33k. I think they are the best values if you want leather and all the safety stuff.

I decided against the AWD Limited and went for the XLE AWD #17. The main reasons were:
1) The only thing I wanted in the package were the HID lamps.
2) Still no memory seat and mirrors if you move up. This was just bizzare.
3) I hated the laser cruise. It can be used as a regular cruise but then why pay for it?

The Limited was tempting but if you can live without a couple of frills you can have the same feel and save $2500.

michelle1

I just returned home with my Arctic Frost Pearl Sienna LTD with pkg #5! I wish I had the navigation system, but otherwise I LOVE this van!! I have just one minor complaint. I wish you could load the DVD from the dashboard area instead of straight into the DVD player. It's absolutely impossible for me to do it from the driver's seat. So I either have to put it in before we start driving or depend on my oldest dd to do it. The only problem with that is that she says she can't see the screen right from the middle row (seat behind the driver). It's fine if the screen is pushed back all the way, but it won't stay in that position. So she sits in the 3rd row. But then she can't change out the DVD on long trips like we just made (600 miles from MO to TX, just me and the 2 girls). Minor complaint and something I'm sure we'll adjust to. Does anyone else have a problem keeping the screen in the position you put it in? But other than that, this van is awesome! Loved the laser cruise control on the long trip. Felt like the van practically drove itself home.

ralph_00

I am considering the purchase of a 2004 Sienna LE 7 passenger Fwd with package #7 which includes the stability and traction controls. I know these are added safety features but can someone explain which each one does? Also what is the advantage of the AWD vs. FWD?

kip

Did anybody say 04 Sienna XLE Limited is a Lexus? Some people just say that they are LIKE a Lexus. "Like" doesn't mean "is", does it? Or Lexus will not sell anymore

mark76

IMO The features you are considering are "must have" options. I don't know if you live in an area that gets snow, but if you do, these features should be even more seriously considered. Look at what you get in pkg #7.

1)Dual side air curtain air bags. Protects all three rows of occupants in side collision - arguably the most deadly type of collision.

2)Traction control uses the ABS system (and can even restrict fuel supply) to stop (or at least control) wheel spin when it's detected, such as in snow, ice, or heavy rain. I Don't know if this is a low speed only system or all speed system, however. All speed would be better.

3) Vehicle stability control uses all the systems in place (traction control, ABS) to help you maintain control of your vehicle in the event the computer detects that you are about to lose control. This system would kick in during a severe avoidance menuver and should help prevent the vehicle from spinning out or tipping over. The system can help you overcome an unstable driving situation but it's not foolproof.

4)Rear disc brakes offer an additional margin of safety/performance in braking - especially if you are towing or do a lot of repeated hard braking.

5) Day time running lights keep your headlights on at low wattage to help call attention to your vehicle so people see you.

6)Wiper deicer grid should help keep wiper warm enough to prevent the build-up of ice on the wiper blades.

7)Plus you get some sharp looking alloy wheels!

This is clearly comprehensive safety performance option package. If you are on a limited budget (who isn't?) I would put these features as #1. While something like DVD video is nice, you can always add that later or get a portable unit, which now come with bigger screens than factory units and cost much, much less.

All wheel drive allows both front and rear wheels to be powered by the engine. Thereby allowing better traction since you've doubled the wheels powered by the car. If the front loses traction the rear can keep you moving. Do you really need all wheel drive??? Consider that I live in Wisconsin where we get a fair amount of snow and I have a long commute. I have a car with what I call "poor man's all wheel drive". I drive a front wheel drive car with ABS and traction control BUT I put WINTER TIRES on during winter. This set up works fantastic for me. The key to good traction is tires, tires, tires. All wheel drive (or 4 wheel drive) can help you get-up-and- go, but they do nothing to help you stop.

Hope this helps!

PS: we recently oredered a Sienna XLE with the same safety features you are considering so I'm backing up my opinion with my wallet. ;-)

kksdad

Along with NAV's, I'd think these are hot items out "on the street" but I haven't heard too much in the media about these getting rip off?

Are they "that new" or "so secure", or have the street punks and/or pro's not figures these out yet?

I got one in my XLE and my kid's leave there DVD's all over the place, "so far so good", knock on "plastic wood"!!!

samnoe

One more thing I like the Limited over the XLE is the rear sonar sensors. I think Toyota should make this safety feature available on lower-end models, too, like most other minivans feature. And on the Nissan Quest S, you can have it as an option.

I would leave the front sensors for the limited, for those people driving with closed eyes and can't see an object in front of them, and therefor needs laser cruise... LOL:-), but rear detection is useful and safe for such a large vehicle.

About being a Lexus model or "like" lexus, how come the Sienna feature a plain old-school sun visor? no extenders? no secondary visor? variable illumination?

It's interesting to me how all models feature different things. In a Sienna Limited I would not just copy options from other minivans, but also some Toyota features. Examples:

- Those rear-seat mirrors, on the new 4Runner.
- Lamp outage warning, 4Runner & Matrix.
- Power adjustable pedals, Camry.
- Memory seats, Avalon +
- Power folding mirrors, Sequoia
- etc.

kmead

The rear sonar system can be added to any car for under 150. It is a pretty easy install that can be done in an afternoon. There are several places on the web, eBay and of course your local auto electronics store.

They use the same sensors and many offer painted ones, something Toyota does not bother to do. Gotta love the XLE with chromy bits and black plastic sensors in your nice mica white bumper. :-(

kwtrading

If anyone can help on any of these its appreciated. We want to order an LE with one of the factory DVD packages and I'm struggling with some choices.

1. Regarding tires. Does anyone know for sure what determines whether you get Michelins or Bridgestones on LE models? From what I see on the lots, it apprears that if you get the base steel wheels you get Bridgestones but if you get a package with alloys you get Michelins. I can't say thats 100% though because I've never seen the packages I'm considering (#8 & #11).

2. What are your opinions of the factory dvd? Any true advantage to going aftermarket? We really didn't want to stray from factory as I want a cleanly integrated sound system. I just read above that someone said they couldnt see the factory screen from the middle second row on an 8 passenger? I would think that would be the best seat? Also, do you know what speakers the audio comes out of on facatory dvd? We don't have factory dvd's in my area on the LE to look at, we need to go out of state for it.

3. Does anyone know if LE package #11 CM comes with alloy wheels? I can't imagine they forgot to put it in the brochure but don't understand why it doesnt? Almost every other package has them included and this one has almost every option including traction control,etc.

4. Anyone else struggle with choosing 7 or 8 passenger? We have 2 kids now and may have a 3rd. 8 passenger appeals to us, but the middle buckets with the armrests just seem more comfortabale to me for when our kids get older. I know we can remove the middle bench seat, but the 7 passenger also just has a more 'open' feel to it for obvious reasons. Decisions, decisions...

Thanks for your help.

ralph_00

Mark76: Thanks for the great explanation of each feature in package LE # 7. I live in Alabama where we seldom get snow, therefore I think I will pass on the All Wheel drive and stick with the FWD. Thanks again.

dudleyr

The three seats in the center row are much more flexible - especially with 3 kids. Yes the buckets are more comfortable, but kids are smaller/slimmer and don't care as much. You can also fold downt the back of the center seat, and the kids can use it as an armrest.

W/ 3 seats in the middle you can haul the whole family, and still have a cavernous cargo space. The three seats are no less comfortale (and probably are more comfortable) than any other 3 seat bench like a sedan or SUV would have.

nematode

Plood everywhere (plastic wood = plood), no memory seats, power passenger seat, no Mark Levenson option, leather not quite Lexus quality, where's the V8?, I could go on but you get the point. Its certainly not a Lexus.

BUT the basic feel is there for $30-33k in a variety of XLE + leather packages or even more so in the $35k+ Limited versions. Thats still a pretty good deal.

andrewtran71

I drive a Lexus LS400, so yes, I know the Sienna Limited is not A Lexus, but I was just saying it is very similar to a Lexus, especially if you compare it to a $40K Lexus.
I would not dare compare the Sienna to a $65-70K Lexus either.

ralph_00

Mark76: Thanks for the great explanation of each feature in package LE # 7. I live in Alabama where we seldom get snow, therefore I think I will pass on the All Wheel drive and stick with the FWD. Thanks again.

ralph_00

I have another question regarding the 2004 Sienna LE 7 FWD. I perform minor maintenance on all of cars in the pass. How much access is there to the engine compartment on the Sienna? I usually change my own oil, battery, headlights, air filter, radiator coolant, brake fluid, windshield fluid, spark plugs, PVC value, and etc. Is there enough clearance to access these components for the backyard mechanic with large hands and fingers?

I have also readed other posts suggesting that Toyota add a warning system when you leave your lights on. Is there an option available that will automatically turn your headlights off, after a few minutes, especially if the engine is off and the keys are removed?

garnerj

Oil is easy right up front... Oil pan is accessible below.. There is about 7 inches or so of clearance underneath.
Battery is sealed, the airfilter looks like it is closed with bolts not clips... So it might be a pain to change but I have not looked into it. Headlights arnt too bad, the radiator fill is way in the BACK but you are supposed to add fluid (Toyota RED ONLY) from the overfill bottle in front. Spark Plugs.... Forget it.. You have to pull the engine cover to get at them.. but they do not need to be change for a long while...

"Is there an option available that will automatically turn your headlights off, after a few minutes"

The car is supposed to turn off the headlights after 20 minutes if you leave them on. I believe mine Has done this... As well if you leave them on and lock the car they will turn off. The interior lights however have a flaw in the design. They are supposed to turn off to save the battery however it does not work if you leave a door cracked open. Toyota has not fixed the issue and instead has removed the reference from the manual.

Here is a photo of the engine compartment

http://www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2004/Toyota/100257805/022- - 337-E.jpg

ralph_00

garnerj: Thanks for the reply regarding maintenance issues. Great picture of the engine compartment.

garnerj

I have my own pictures of the engine...
Too bad there isnt a private message option for this board... I could email you the web site...

mark76

The big advantage of the factory DVD system is the fantastic sound you should get since it will go through the stereo system. With factory DVD you will automatically get the upgraded 10 speaker stereo, which includes a Sub woofer and surround sound! You'll get the factory warrenty and a nice tidy roof mounted system. Oh yeah, you also get two 120 volt power outlets for X-box, Play station, etc. Neat.

Dealer installed DVD is OK and somewhat cheaper than factory systems. But I've read extensively that since the sound is typically transferred to your stereo via a wireless system, it's quality is diminished and you can get static, feedback, humming, fading, etc... That would be annoying to me.

You could go the high value path and get a portable DVD, which has the advantage of larger 8" screens now available, that could be mounted behind the from seat. The big disadvantage here is sound. You typically only get two small speakers integrated with the player. But these systems are only 200-300 bucks and you can take them with you from car to car, camping, motel room, etc.

If you can swing it I'd go for the factory DVD system. My second choice would be portable DVDsystem for its value and versatility. My last choice would be dealer installed DVD - lowest value.

samnoe

You can buy an aftermarket system and connect it to your cars speakers. You can but a small adapter (get it at Wal-mart for less than $15, or at Radio Shack) called CD to cassette adapter, which you connect from your CD/DVD headphones jack to your vehicles (or any) cassette player. NOTE: that you must have a cassette player in your car in order to use that adapter!

It sounds beautiful, although I can't guarantee you you'll have the surround sound feature with that adapter. But still a lot better than 2 small speakers.

kwtrading

thanks mark76, thats good info.
very cool on the 120 volt outputs, didn't know that.
so does that mean there is definately some sort of a/v input on the factory dvd sytstem? so you could hook up a video game system or a camcorder?
i'm already sold on it but that would be icing on the cake.

bondguy1

Congrats on getting your van! We got the exact van about 3 weeks ago. Also with the package #5 and Z1 (first aid kit, carpet mats, and threshold protectors). We haven't even tried out the DVD player yet. We also love driving this van. Love the window shades on kids windows. The Arctic Frost looks so good in the sun when it's just been cleaned. I got stopped by a few people so far in parking lots at the supermarket asking questions about what kind of van it is and do I like it, etc. Even at the discount prices for Honda Odyssey, because they are getting ready to release the new version, how could anybody get a Odyssey over the Limited Sienna...no comparison. I must be the only one other than my wife that thinks the Honda Odyssey is the ugliest looking van on the market...it looks like a big baked potato on wheels.

kwtrading

Michelle1,
Does Arctic look more like a pearl white color or a pearl silver color? We havent seen one on a lot yet in person and may be ordering. Thanks in advance.

michelle1

Dh actually said he didn't like the body style of the Sienna. And I'm not sure if I liked it at first. But it's getting past the fact that it doesn't look like all the other "boxy" minivans. Now I absolutely love it. It's definitely different. And I'm excited about driving something different that no one I know has. I also got the carpet mats/door sill protector package. No first aid kit, though. I was surprised at how much SPACE is in this van. My grandma loaded me down with stuff to take home (I was visiting there when I bought the van) and it all fit perfectly in the back, didn't even have to fold the seats down. I mean, I had A LOT of stuff...big suitcase, 3 big boxes of stuff, 1 smaller box and a few bags of stuff. Never would've fit NEAR that much in my old Caravan (regular Caravan, not a Grand).

michelle1

kwtrading - the artic frost is definitely a white pearl color. I actually expected it to be more of a pearl/cream/off-white color. When I first saw my van, I was thinking "This is the wrong color - it's natural white!" But when you really look at it, it's a shimmery pearl white. Very nice looking. Definitely better than regular ol' white. I really didn't WANT a white van, but dh would only go for white or silver. And since I like the silver even less, I went with the arctic frost. I really wanted the sand color. But I love my van, can't complain, and the color really is pretty.

kwtrading

thats good to know. its funny because we have totally nailed down 'which' van we want, options,etc now we are just struggling with color a bit. my wife is wondering what interior you went with? fawn brown or stone?

michelle1

kwtrading - we got the fawn (tan) interior. It's really nice. Actually, the interior was dh's choice also, but I didn't really care about interior color. The fawn looks really nice with the arctic frost pearl exterior.

mark76

To your question on DVD, yes it does come with AV inputs for a camcorder, game system, etc.

Did you get your van? Sounds like it from your latest message. If so, enjoy it.

FYI, we just got word that or Salsa red XLE, grey interior, with pkg #5 will be "born" on April 12th. We had to have it custom built. I'm very picky about what I want - especially when were talking "big bucks". We can't wait. It's weird, we feel like expecting parents. ;-)

lama

Hello Everyone - I recently purchased an 04 Sienna xle limited with dvd and navigation. According to the owner manual and Toyota Experience Service, there is a drawer under the front pasenger seat for my van. However, it was not present. The dealer where I purchased the van could not give me a reasonable answer. Can anyone who has the same van with option let me know if the drawer is present? Thank you.

kwtrading

no, i wish but we have not gotten anything yet. it looks like we are gonna special order it so it will probably be 6-8 weeks. we know exactly what we want now..LE/8pass/Package #11 CM which will give us traction, dvd, curtain airbags etc. Should be great. We're really just trying to get the best price as close as possible to where we live. Right now we are at $600 over invoice with a 6 hour ride to get it. The prices just keep going up the closer you get to us, and once you are in our state no dealers claim to be even able to get us an LE w/pack #11. The drive doesn't scare us. The way we look at it we will have this vehicle for at least 10 years so we better make sure we get what we want (within our budget of course). 10 years sounds like a long time but we have a Civic now that we've had 9 years and drives perfect.

Congrats on your baby Salsa coming soon! My wife wanted Salsa, i couldnt commit to it. i pretty much liked half the colors and she like the other half. we do both like arctic pearl white so we're leaning that way.

kip

Mine has DVD only, no navigation system. It does have a small drawer under the passenger seat. What is under your passenger seat?

lama

It looks like a computer chip under the seat. The navigation manual said it is the GPS, but I am not sure.

kksdad

Hate to burst your bubble but if you're only going for an LE, you'll have to settle on the natural white; not only is arctic pearl a "premium color" (cost more), you got to PAY more, for an XLE, to have it as a choice.