Toyota 4Runner Maintenance and Repair

stever

Me wrong? Well, it's not the first time!

We get a lot of noisy ABS posts on Town Hall so that's what I assumed in this case too. Especially since it usually happens in the first minute or so of driving and it sounded like it only happened when the 4Runner was first started up here.

Check way back to post 18 or so in here for the early thread about the brake buzz (btw, Klaudnyc, your email is marked private in your profile, so it's hard for anyone to contact you that way).

Please let us know when you get it fixed, Rayy.

Steve, Host

smf42

I have an '04 SR5 4X4 with moonroof with 6300 miles on it. The problem is the one-touch function of the moonroof button has failed twice so far. I can still open and close the moonroof, but I have to hold the button down. Sounds like a minor problem, but it is a pain because it is hard to tell when the moonroof is actually closed without the one-touch function. Has anyone else experienced this problem? ...thanks!

md4runner

I have an '03 Limited V6 with the standard JBL 10 speaker system that comes with the In-Dash Changer...I've had it for about 5 to 6 months and now the changer just doesn't read any CD's? Has anyone else had this problem? I keep getting an ERROR-1 msg on my screen...

whitney8

RTFM ;-)
The moonroof needs to be reset.
The procedure is in manual, but from memory, I believe you hold the button (open) all the way, once it is completely open, keep holding it for a few more seconds. Then close it all the way, and HOLD it again for a few seconds. If memory serves, this should reset it.

There is a similar procedure for the tailgate window.

You will need to perform this procedure if someone's arm (or head) gets stuck in a closing window or moonroof.

autonuts

Thanks for your feedback. So, you have a 1990 4-runner? Do you have the v6 or 4? I know the 4 was probably underpowered but that particular engine (4cyl.) is a good one for dependability. What kinda mileage are we talking about with your runner? Do you know what the mileage to be expected is for both the 4 and the 6?
Thanks again for replying and happy 4running!

Galileo757

Hey all,
Has anyone used Mr. Clean AutoDry Carwash product?
It claims no more need to dry your car again and no water spots.
Here is a link to the website and $5 coupon.

http://www.homemadesimple.com/mrcleanautodry/index.shtml

rayy

I used the Mr Clean over the weekend the first time and it worked ok. Did not notice any spots on the body, but still had spots on the windows. I think, it still takes about the same time to wipe a 4R dry. I like the soap option. The sample filter that comes with the box mentions that it is good for 3 washes only and I used the sample soap with the first wash. Good to buy another filter - it says it is good for 10 washed based on your water conditions.

rayy

Check the brakes. My break pedal buzzes sometimes when slowing down and pushing brake slowly the second time. There is some discussion on some of the forums here. I talked to the service manager and he mentioned that he has never heard of this problem. I need to take it in and have one his technicians drive it.

3toyboy

We have the 3.0 V6, which gets around 12-14 mpg. Nowdays, it has become our city driver. We have the 22re 4 cyl in our pickup, and yes that motor is bullet proof. I think I get 19 or 20 mpg with the 4 cyl, but I haven't checked it in a long time, and that truck is driven mostly unladen. Before we bought the '90 4Rnr, it had the recall head gasket work already performed - no problems there. Hope you find a rig to your liking, within your budget.

jaesee75edmund

i have an 03 sport. my shop is ordering a new sunroof and told me they would install it.

my2cents

Has anyone experienced the moonrood operating just so slighly all by itself when changeing speeds. When I change from slow speed driving to high speed with the roof open it seems to operate and adjust itself. When I slow down it does it again, and when I speed up to high speed again it moves alittle again. If I keep the speed below 40 it never changes or adjusts. Is it suppose to adjust for varying speeds???

jaesee75edmund

the manual states that it's got an automatically adjusting wind deflector. i've noticed it too.

smf42

thanks for the info. whitney8...you have obviously had more time to read the 400 page manual than i have....thanks!

nedzel

That's what indexes are for ;-)

dillon

I am considering Manik Grille and brush guards for my 04 SR5 and noticed you can buy them in one,two or 4 piece in black or stainless.
Is it better to get the one piece, is black going to hold up as well as stainless(rusting etc..)
is it easy for a semi-handy guy to install, and finally if I have the sport bumper trim(FO)and the hood protector both that came with the truck, will I still be able to install one of these?
Also, do the bars that go across the headlights interfere with light at night? I know you can remove them as well.
Thanks in advance.
Cliff

rvalc43594

hi bmw323is do you know of any solution for that noise coming from the v6 engine. It makes my engine sound like an diesel engine does in the winter when it's cold. It's starting to get warm outside and i am almost embarrass to open my window. That engine noises really annoys me. please help

dillon

can someone recommend a part number and place to buy cabin air filter for 04 4 runner SR5 and where is filter located in vehicle for changing?

Thanks

Dillon

toyboxx

The cabin air filter will have to be bought through Toyota. It is located behind the glove box. It is all in the Owner's Manual.

toyboxx

Thanks for the info. I will probably still buy the Toyota cabin air filter though for a couple of reasons. BTW the link did not work for me.

stever

Too late to edit, so let me try that link again:

Purolator has cabin filters for 4Runners too.

btw, I priced these for my van a month ago and they weren't any cheaper than OEM.

Steve, Host

bmw323is

I am not aware of anythng that can be done for the ticking sound from the V6 engine. It certainly isn't a very reassuring noise, and very unpleasant during hard acceleration with windows open. But I've been assured it is normal and is not a sign of any kind of problem. I've heard other crummy sounding engines as well, so Toyota is not alone. My other car is a BMW, and they SURE know how to make all five senses stimulated while driving their vehicles, especially the sound - BMW's engines are pure heaven.

rvalc43594

Thanx I took my 03 4runner limited to the dealer today and the service tech call toyota's hot line. They said that toyota is aware of the complaints of many owners of this noise. Toyota acknowledge that there was a f awl in the design material of the exhaust manifold but do not have a solution as yet for it.

jaesee75edmund

i bought an 03 late last year, sports, v8 with moonroof. yes, there were ticking noises from a couple of spots, in addtion to the moonroof rattles. But, i'm glad to report that the moonroof has just been fixed under warranty. the other noises have come and gone, and has been gone for a couple of months now. knock on wood.
as for the sulphur smell, i never noticed it in the beginning, until i got cheap and started filling it with cheap gas. i'm back to supreme now and the smell has definitely lessened. let's see if a few more tankfuls of the good stuff won't get rid of it totally.
otherwise, i absolutely LOVE the truck. it's quiet, powerful, roomy, handles well, and it's a toyota, what can i say.

biglatka

I'm getting 16-18 (tops) MPG with my 2004 Toyota 4Runner V6. I don't lead-foot it and try to drive it sensibly, but no matter what I do I stay in the 16-18 MPG range. The truck has only 1200 miles on it. I've used regular (87 octane) and super (93 octane) with no apparent difference in mileage, nor do I believe a difference in performance either. I'm a little disappointed as I was looking for 21-22MPG on the road. Does anyone have the same experience with their 4Runner and/or solutions? Or do I just have to live with it as it is normal for this truck with 4300 lbs. and 4.0 liter V6. Otherwise the truck runs great and I'm very happy with it.
Thanks!

jaesee75edmund

i have an 03 sport with v8, i get 14 in nyc. i've gotten close to 18 on the hw. i've also tried diff grades of gas. no diff in mpg, but there was definitely a diff in performance, as well as that darned sulphur smell. and yes, i too love that truck.

bmw323is

I'm getting over 20 mpg in a mix of freeway and city driving, although mostly freeway. I do live at 6,000 feet of elevation and I am told that makes a difference in gas mileage (it also reduces performance). I'm very pleased. I had a V6 Ford Ranger that was 700 pounds lighter with 85 less HP and that only got about 18 mpg.

biglatka

Thanks for the reply. I haven't detected that sulphur smell, maybe it has something to do with the locality you get your fuel from. I know CA & NY use different formulated fuels (I live in NY). In fact the super has 10% ethanol here in NY. I would guess that if the performance was better with 93 octane (optimized with variable ignition and valve timing) the engine would also be more efficient and thus get a little better mileage. This is very hard to test for as you would need identical conditions when doing both trials.

biglatka

Thanks for the reply. Well that's better than I'm getting <grin>, especially at 6000 ft. where you would expect worse mileage. You didn't say how many miles you had on it. Maybe mine will improve when I get some more miles on it. The engine may be very "tight" right now and needs to get a little more clearance from wear. I really haven't had it out on the highway for a long trip that would use an entire tank full. I also have a 1988 Toyota 4Runner, 3.0 liter V6, (original owner) that's still going strong, albeit a little rusted from the salt used on roads in the winters here in NY.

bmw323is

My 4Runner has bout 11,000 miles on it now, but I didn't notice much improvement from the breakin period - it has stayed pretty consistant. Altough I was very easy on the throttle during break-in. On an all highway drive (up in the mountains) I got as good as 25 mpg. I have noticed that higher speeds really zap my mileage. My guess is that constant 70 mph speeds would keep me well under 20 mpg.

dillon

If any one has any experience with this please let me know:
I found out that in order for me to install a Manik grille guard on my 04 4 runner, I need to take out the bolts on the underside and there are two 3/8 inch bolts behind each black plastic piece in the front. If I take the sport bumper assembly off and install a Manik, I was infomed in might hinder the air bag sensors ability to deploy in case of an accident. In fact, I heard Toyota discontinued making these types of guards for liability reasons. Do you agree that this would hinder the air bag sensors. Also, any recommendations on what to use to fill the 2 holes on either side of the bumper once removed?
Thanks in advance
Dillon

toyboxx

do a search at t4r.org. A member there busted his front protector, took it off and made a pretty nice repair to fix the holes (pictures included). Also there is alot of talk about the different things to put on the front of your truck.

maxless

2003 4x4 SR5 V8, 11,000 trouble-free miles other than the sunroof switch problem. Reset and all is well. When pulling the boat out of the lake and up the boat ramp, I purposely removed my foot from the brake to see if the anti-roll back feature would hold the vehicle and the boat and it did appear to activate but the VSC light lit up and chirped at me. Thoughts? Is this feature designed to hold more than the vehicle weight? By the way, we caught a bunch of big crappies the first time out this year in Minnesota.

dillon

Toyboxx
Thanks for the link to the 4 runner site.
very helpful.

Dillon

jthree4runner

Howdy Gang, has anybody noticed a problem that feels like their trans. is slipping? Here's the scenario: Heading into a corner, I apply the brake and slow down to about 15-20 mph. As I enter the corner and begin to hit the gas, the engine revs up about 1000 - 2000 rpm without actually putting the power down to the wheels (almost like i'm in neutral). Then, the trans. seems to "catch" and the truck lurches forward. After that things are fine. Same thing happens if I'm rolling towards a red light and the light turns green before I actually stop. I hit the gas to get moving and I get the engine revving without the response going to the wheels. Anybody else have a similar experience?

toyboxx

What year do you have and how many miles.

jthree4runner

2004 SR5 - 9,000 miles - purchased in Mid October of 2003. Originally noticed the problem a couple of months back (around 4,000 miles).

toyboxx

I can say that I may experience something similar but I believe it to be normal. Mind though if there is any wheel slippage the VSC will cut power, which kida stinks some times.

The feeling I get is similar to yours, it doesn't always feel like it has downshifted enough and when I hit it it has to find the gear. This doesn't happen under "normal" driving though. Ask at t4r though.

biglatka

I think you're catching it just at the point it wants to downshift. So it's more of problem of being in-between gears rather than slipping in gear. I've had the same thing happen when slowing down to almost a crawl and then accelerating when still rolling forward in a higher gear. I don't believe it's a problem, just the nature of a 4-speed automatic transmission. If it's more pronounced than just a rough downshift maybe you ought to take it to your dealer for an adjustment.
Hope this helps!

bmw323is

My V6 does this all the time. It is just the transmission downshifting and then if I'm easy on the throttle, it immediately up shifts. It feels like a lurch forward. I think it is just the way this automatic transmission works. I would rather have a manual transmission, but since most American buyers can't drink their latte, talk on the cell phone and shift at the same time, I guess Toyota just decided to quit offering a manual transmission, that's a shame.

jthree4runner

Thanks for the info guys, glad to know it's not just my truck. The major concern that I have is that when I test drove the 4Runner I did not notice the problem in those vehicles. I have since test driven a couple of other 4R's to really compare and contrast and the new ones (at the dealerships) have not exhibited this type of problem. Has anyone gotten their 4R checked at a dealer/shop for this type of problem? I spoke with a service tech a couple of times and he just told me "the trans. is in overdrive and that's why it's slipping". Like usual, the guys at the dealer don't have a freakin clue. If anybody can offer additional info, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

lildevil23

All,
What is the recommended speed during the breakin period? I recall reading a post while reseraching the vehicle, but would be great if anybody could give some info.

Again, thanx for all your help.!!

alfster1

The 4Runner doesn't require an elaborate break in period, but traditionally, you shouldn't drive faster than 55-65mph for the first 1000mi or so. It is also recommended to have a mix of driving (ie. city and highway). You should probably refrain from towing while "breaking in" as well.

feral

Hi All,

I have 800 km's on my 04 SR5 V8 since i got it 1.5 weeks ago. No real problems, but i have 2 complaints.

1. The dealer positioned the remote starter kill switch in a position where my big feet sometimes turns it off!! Obvisouly not a real problem since its dealer installed and i will go in and have them move it. Just thought i would mention it.

2. Under the carpet, 2 inches below ( towards the driver ) and 1 inch to the left of the gas pedal i feel this 'bump' that is sticking up about 3/4 of an inch. It feels like hollow plastic but i cant imagine why it would be there. Its directly under my foot when i have my foot on the gas pedal and it is rather annoying. I cant remember it being on the sport model i test drove but i cant see why it would be only on the base.

Do any of you have this, or know what is?

pat84

One of my neighbors got new carpet installed. There was a bump under it.
It was their parakeet ;-).

sovang

Everyone,

The default on my 4runner is when the lock button on the remote is pressed twice rapidly, it turns off the head lights. For some strange reason, after about 3000 miles, the computer switches to a different mode where this function no longer works. Also, it doesn't automatically turn off the head lights. This has happened to me 3 times now and everytime I had to have the dealer reprogram the computer.

My understanding is there is no way I could have change the program by accident. Does anyone else have this problem?

Thanks,

sv

dillon

I cannot believe how lame the service department is at Wappinger Falls Toyota. NO ONE could answer my questions:
I asked if they could tell me if all 04 SR5 4 runners have the automatic off feature for headlights? I can turn my lights off with the remote by hitting lock twice, but I am not going to leave my lights on for 30 minutes to test if I have the feature. Anyone know how I would know if I have them?
The windows and my sunroof on my 04 SR5 when you push down on them, (when they are traveling up) DO NOT stop as they are supposed to. The jam feature is not working. Is there a reset button.
Dealer has no clue.
I asked them is it ok to leave the AC button on when turning off the vehicle so that when you get back in the ac kicks on? No clue!
Lastly, I asked if they would install an alarm for me, they said yes, it would be a Pursuit alarm. I ask them who manufactures it, they say Pursuit! Lame!! It is audiovox. I ask what model is it, no clue!.
If anyone can answer these questions, I would appreciate it.
Dillon

alfster1

As far as the SR5 and Sport headlights go, there that there is an auto-off feature. This is also listed on the Toyota homepage. All Toyotas (to the best of my knowledge) have this feature. For example, if you had your headlights on and then removed your key, the headlights should shut off at that time. I've had this on previous Toyotas, namely a 1990 Camry and a 1995 Corolla.

You may need to have your windows checked. The jam protection feature should work. I used mine for the firt time recently when using the visor on the driver's side window. The window retracted as I attempted to close the partially obstructed window. I don't know of any reset feature, but I am sure that there is one that the dealer can access.

>>>I asked them is it ok to leave the AC button on when turning off the vehicle so that when you get back in the ac kicks on? No clue!<<<

Yes, you can leave the AC button in the on position without causing any damage.

I would definitely not opt to purchase any aftermarket alarm from Toyota. The RS 3200 from Toyota is a good alarm, but for what you pay for it, you would be better served purchasing a Clifford Matrix or other similar alarm manufactured by DEI.

kdvaillancourt

04 Limited,owned since 3/04. No problems except constant "film" (not condensation) that appears on front window. I will clean windows and within 1-2 days this film starts re-appearing and actually causes some reflection issues. Hope this makes sense..Ask questions and I will try to explain in a different way

alfster1

I would recommend cleaning both the interior and exterior glass with Invisible Glass Cleaner by Stoner. It may help to remove any film. Does the "film" appear and then go away?

     I know that "film" may build up on the interior glass due to gases escaping from the various glues and other adhesives that are used in the manufacturing process. This buildup will probably occur for awhile, depending on how much of these gases exhaust out of the vehicle. You may want to leave the windows down (or partially open) while parked at home (esp. in the garage. This should help speed up the process.

bmw323is

I have also heard that some types of vinyl conditioners used on the dash will create a film on the windshield.