Toyota Tacoma 2005+

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Comments

  • aortaaorta Member Posts: 14
    I can now confirm what others have posted here about the front end knocking over potholes, speed bumps etc. (at least for me). '05 4wd, doublecab, auto', no trd or sport suspension. I had the same problem which began after 250 miles. I sprayed all of the cab mounting cushions (6) with a penetrating spray lube with PTFE and this immediately resolved all knocking, popping etc., very quiet. Build date 1/05 in California.

    JMS in TX
  • gymbogymbo Member Posts: 37
    aorta,hey thats great info! how did you know to do that?
  • carglowcarglow Member Posts: 91
    Went to my local dealership today and they didn't have a single Tacoma in any configuration.

    When will the Tacoma be in full production?
  • pope1pope1 Member Posts: 1
    I THINK THATS THE PROBLEM!!! I found two nuts on the floor then I notice teh parking brake not to be working!! Went to the dealer and they laughed at me!!! I will be taking it BACK!!!!!
  • geogeckogeogecko Member Posts: 225
    I will be taking my GPS with me tomorrow on the way to work. Will let you know if the speedo is off.

    (Don't want to be racking up more miles than I'm actually driving...)
  • ush00zush00z Member Posts: 30
    Interesting. I'm not so sure about this, but in my neighborhood, I always obey the 30mph limit. I'm very used to the rate, and at times don't need to look at the speedometer to tell me that I'm doing 30. Now, with the tacoma, at times when I glance at the speedomoter, I se 35. I slow it to 30 on the speedometer, but that seems a bit slow for 30. I'm going to check this out whenever I had a chance.
  • volleyvolley Member Posts: 298
    "On a doublecab the fronts are 6x9s and the rears are 6 1/2s. I'm taking on this same task this weekend except I'm also installing an amp. Don't know of anyone that has a navigation yet. I think most are still waiting for a dash kit to come out and the date keeps getting pushed back on them. "

    I replaced the factory speakers this weekend. This is a must mod as they sound so much better than stock. Much cleaner sound. I am installing the amp tomorrow which should make it even better sounding. I put 6 1/2" Infinity speakers in the rear (they are great) and some cheaper Pioneer 3-way 6x9s up front (they sound good too, but really only got them because Best Buy has like 75% off all their 04 speakers- got them for like $30). The Infinity 6x9s might be a little too deep for the shallow front doors. At any rate, do this mod, you won't regret it!
  • leob1leob1 Member Posts: 153
    On older vehicles that problem was usually fixed by changing the speedometer gear and getting one with 1 less tooth. The Tacoma has to have a speedo gear..? No problems like that on my 05.
  • leob1leob1 Member Posts: 153
    I might have got the order wrong in my reply on the tooth...If it's the speedo gear, you may actually need one with 1 less tooth to slow it down...I know one tooth is about a 5 mph diff...recently had the same problem on my Bronco and fixed it.
  • bjw1bjw1 Member Posts: 152
    I am installing my 600w amp with sub in a few days, then when I recieve my refund i will install some speakers it should sound pretty nice when it all gets done, just bought double cab so amp fits nice behind rear seat out of the way mileage is decent got 315 miles on the first tank with 50/50 city highway have not got gas as this posts yet to find the mpg rating but will post when i get gas tomorrow
  • volleyvolley Member Posts: 298
    What kind of sub/enclosure did you get? I have a doublecab too but I want something that is out of the way and doesn't take up much space.
  • geogeckogeogecko Member Posts: 225
    I took 2 measurements using a GPS this morning on my '05 DC TRD. I got the speedometer to an exact multiple of ten in speed, kept the speed constant, glanced over at the GPS to record the speed it was measuring.

    At 60 MPH on the truck, I got 58.5 MPH for a difference of 1.5 MPH
    At 70 MPH on the truck, I got 68.4 MPH for a difference of 1.6 MPH

    So, it's not as bad as yours, and still within what I would consider acceptable, considering tire pressure, etc.

    One thing that I could see happening, would be that if someone where to buy a Tacoma with no upgrade package on the wheels/tires, and just had the standard tires (very base model), and then upgraded later to the tires that come on the SR5 or TRD packages, that you could have this issue.

    If you drastically increase your tire size, your measured speed on the truck would go down (i.e., you're going faster than the speedo says you are going). This would also be true if you decreased your tire size, so your measured speed on the truck would go up.

    This could also have been a slip up at Toyota, as they could have installed the wrong speedometer with the options that were installed on the truck.
  • r979r979 Member Posts: 8
    Vehicle Shield Package

    * Lusterizing Sealant
    * Sound Shield
    * Sealant Cleaner
    * Rental Car Assistance

    Does anyone know what the Sound Shield part of this is ?
  • leob1leob1 Member Posts: 153
    It was stated 05 runs a little rougher on regular from what read.

    I assume that the engine would retard it's timing if pre-ignition was detected by it's anti-knock sensor. You could lose some hp if that happened. In light driving conditions I would not be afraid to run mine on reg or plus, but would use super for harder driving. I think this is the same 4.0L thats in the Tundra and 4 Runner and super was not recommended in them...maybe I might look again..

    I have noticed performance differences between super and reg in every vehicle. Especially in hot weather and driving over hills and mountains.
  • bjw1bjw1 Member Posts: 152
    I used to have two 12" subs but did not like the space it used so i got 1 box for a 12" the audio store wanted $69 but found some at walmart for $34 and put the amp in the storage space behind the rear seat so if I need the extra passenger space all you have to do is used the quick disconnect on the box and put it back on when done, i upgraded to 600watt amp from 400 due to having only 1 sub now but it should be fine
  • dreasdaddreasdad Member Posts: 276
    it is a tar like substance sprayed up under the truck to insulate it from road noise, would also help a little with corrosion if you where in a costal area
  • gr8blue1gr8blue1 Member Posts: 33
    I drive an 05 DBL cab 6M SB w/ TRD off-rd pkg2 w/c I got in Nov. Read posts requesting for comments so here's my input. Regarding real problems mentioned (leak, engine knock etc), so far none. Got 'discoloration' on the dash w/c is no big deal. I also noticed that 'boing' sound below during starts w/c someone explained as having to do with the ABS (thanks for the info!). I recently took it on a weekend trip (1600 miles ttl) and started logging gas consumption (used 91+). The results were surprising. In two legs of the trip, it would average less than 15 miles a gallon (212mi/14.6g and 227mi/15.4gal). This was all on hi-way and cruising 75mph @ 2700 RPM. I first suspect the locking gas cap (I replaced w/ Stant) for a leak but ruled it out due to vacuum pressure that exists when removing cap at the next gas. Tire pressure was okay (cool after hrs of driving). Why gas mileage was so low? The temperature? Maybe as it was below freezing but still it doesn't conform w/ lowest rating. I followed the recommended break-in period. It had about 15 miles in it when I drove it off the dealer's lot. Was it the result of how it was 'abused' during those dealer test drives? I'm hoping it's not. Not satisfied, I ran another short test drive on a warmer day last Saturday and it gave me a different result (approx. 9mi / 0.45 gal). Also this time, I took notice of the RPMs and kept it low. I'm quite relieved I got those results but the mileage I got on the long drive bothers me. Seems like if I'm to save gas, I'd have to cruise at 65 (2300 RPM) but it'd help on extended drives to get that same gas mileage cruising at 75mph. Regardless, this new Toy is a truck-ful of fun!
  • geogeckogeogecko Member Posts: 225
    I noticed the same thing. Seems like the city/low speed highway driving yeilded better MPG. Not sure why. Will be taking a trip up north this weekend, and will report MPG.
  • bjw1bjw1 Member Posts: 152
    well I filled up today and got 18.875 mpg, 302 miles at even 16 gal thats about 125 highway and the rest city, i am going on a 400 mile round trip this weekend so I will report back with numbers.
  • buffalonickelbuffalonickel Member Posts: 113
    Let us know if you have to return down there and spray that again. I will expect to take delivery soon and will have to listen for this.

    B
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    Thanks for all the info you provided. You were very helpful. I ended up test driving a Colorado and Tacoma over the weekend. The Tacoma definitely has a nicely styled Camry-like interior. However, the higher instrument pod and raised hood gave the impression of reduced visibility and a too short windshield. The deal breaker for me was the bench seat. I couldn't comfortably drive the truck without my friend's knees touching the dash and the seatback felt a bit too upright. The only way around this problem was to look at the extended cab which was way too expensive.

    So, I ended up buying an extended cab Colorado for $16k out the door (all fees and 7.5% tax included) with alloy wheels, fog lamps, body colored bumpers, leather wrapped steering wheel, and plastic bed liner. This worked out to the same price as a regular cab Tacoma with no options and the extended cab should prove to have better resale as ecotrklvr mentioned. This was my first American brand car so I took a huge leap of faith, but honestly, the truck's build quality is perfect. I can't find anything blatantly wrong with it yet and I've been looking. I will say that the Tacoma's interior is way ahead of it in material quality and the structure seems more resistant to shaking. To me, the Colorado's 4 cyl feels a little peppier and the shifter a bit tighter. Both trucks were equally refined and quiet. The split bench seat is a godsend. Toyota really should rethink that seat!
  • imin2mximin2mx Member Posts: 27
    I've read about some problems people are having and thought I would put my two cents in. I have a DC Prerunner long bed with a TRD package. The truck was built 11/04 in CA. I have had zero problems (4000 miles so far)... no leaks, squeaks or rattles. I'm averaging 21-22 mpg with mid-grade fuel. My speedo matches the police radar displays within 1-2 mph. If you want to test your speedo and don't have GPS, simply reset your odometer, set cruise on 60 mph and drive. Five miles should take exactly five minutes. This is a great truck!
  • griffith_dgriffith_d Member Posts: 23
    Here is the best place anywhere to get a Toyota warranty.

    http://www.toyotapartsworld.com/toyota_vsa-price-tacoma4x2.htm
  • walterswalters Member Posts: 22
    I've got 500 miles on my truck and already have a paint chip and a windshield ding to go with it. I guess a rock hit my hood and then the windshield. I wouldn't think the chip was anything unusual considering it obviously was hit by a rock, if it hadn't been for the posts on this forum. Now I'm wondering if this is something that I will continue to see.

    On my first tank of fuel I got 18.1 MPG (V6 Prerunner Access Cab) in mixed driving. Hoping for better this tank.

    image
  • ecotrklvrecotrklvr Member Posts: 519
    lngtonge18 - Glad you like the Colorado! Sounds like you got a great deal, too. I had driven one when they first came out, and thought it was pretty nice. Enjoy. I'm driving a Highlander now, due to work requirements, but miss driving a truck. I'm looking forward to my next one.
  • rlwprofrlwprof Member Posts: 1
    I have the exact same problems. I have a 05 Tacoma, access cab, 4x4, 4 cylinder, 5-speed manual, SR5 package. About a month after I bought it I noticed when I was actually driving 60 mph the speedometer showed 65 and what should have been a 115 mile trip the trip odometer showed about 121 miles. I haven't had it back to the dealer to ask them but I'm curious as to what they do to fix yours.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,754
    That looks like one heck of a rock! Based on that photo, it appears that the hood was actually dented (arc across the top of the photo) by it. Not to say that it should or should not have chipped as significantly as it did...
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • walterswalters Member Posts: 22
    xwesx -- the arc is a reflection of the camera lens. There isn't a dent and the photo might make the chip look larger than it really is. It's 1/8 inch wide by 1/4 inch long, max, though you can see scratches that cover a larger area, so it must have been a decent sized rock. Still, my 21 year old Nissan PU, which is parked right next to the Taco, has no chips in the hood paint.
  • bjw1bjw1 Member Posts: 152
    when i bought my 04 taco back in july I had two paint chips and and chip in windshield by the time I had 5000 miles, so i quesit is wrong place wrong time, so far with my 05 taco no problems.
  • griffith_dgriffith_d Member Posts: 23
    My Tacoma 2x4 Double Cab was made in Freemont Ca. on 12/05. I would not want one made in Mexico
  • leob1leob1 Member Posts: 153
    Griffith,

    Thanks for the warranty info. You guys have saved me lots of $ with your advice on this forum.

    I have the Certified Used on my 05 Tacoma TACO and am looking into a Platinum again, but for a cheaper price than the $1800 the first time! Now they are offering me a 6/100 or 7/75 the second time for $900. I see the prices at that site are even cheaper.

    I have really enjoyed my 05 PreRunner V6. However, the 6 speed has taken some getting used to. My shifting is not very smooth, especially under hard acceleration from 1st to 2nd. I am unsure exactly why. I like the very low 1st gear; the thing can crawl without riding the clutch and is a rocket from a dead stop.

    FYI on mpg..a Toyota mechanic told me to wait until after 5000 miles to get better reading on the mpg. Sounds like the breakin is important.
  • leob1leob1 Member Posts: 153
    I am sorry to see that rock chip, where exactly is it on the hood? Maybe a bug and rock deflector on the hood wouldn't be such a bad idea for this truck. Rocks come out of nowhere and are able to hit in the strangest places. I had one above the windshield on my last truck and it was a good one.
  • jaysfbayjaysfbay Member Posts: 2
    Hobo,

    Imagine your car on a turn. Each of the four wheels will have a different "path" in this turn; each "path" is different in length from the others (i.e. each wheel "travels" a different amount of "distance" on a turn, and therefore, rotates a different amount from the other wheels). A differential allows the wheels to rotate at different speed.

    Locking the differential would force the wheels (typically the rear) to rotate the exact same amount. On a slippery surface, this would force all the wheels to "work" hard. On the other hand, on a smooth and "grippable" surface, this would cause unnecessary tire wear at best; damage the drive-train at worst.

    Hope my explanation makes sense.

    Jay of SF Bay
  • jaysfbayjaysfbay Member Posts: 2
    FYI,

    I contacted "Fold-A-Cover", a manufacturer of a folding, alulminum and stainless steel tonneau for truck beds. In their response, they mentioned that there has been quite a number of inquiries to them regarding a folding metallic tonneau that would fit a 2005 Tacoma shortbed. They also mentioned that they estimate the model to become available in April. Stay tuned.....

    Jay of SF Bay
  • chiefman1chiefman1 Member Posts: 22
    I had the dealer put a 3M clear bra on the front half of my hood and part of front end. May add more plus running boards. So far it works and I have seen older cars with the 3M protection that are chip free with the protector basically sand blasted. Should put protector on all forward facing surfaces.
  • gr8blue1gr8blue1 Member Posts: 33
    Leob1, it's probably just timing on your footwork and the manner you hold/release the pedals. The shoe worn matters (heavy work boots vs loafers). So from time to time, there's a need to adjust.

    The truck can almost crawl on 2nd gear. You need to compensate for this during hard accelerations.
    Match gear shifts with the speed/RPMs.

    Fancy Footwork. Try by not completely releasing the gas pedal (don't burn that clutch!) while shifting 1-2 then 3 if it needs that extra push. I hate clutch riding but a little clutch play also helps. The engine won't shudder if done right (but it will scream so watch that RPM). If anyone has a better way of explaining this, please comment.

    On MPG, I'm nearing 5000 miles. Hope that tank gives a better cruising range. Last time I checked, the dealer didn't include the afterburner option. :D
  • ss580ss580 Member Posts: 4
    There was an article in the newspaper about the difficulty of using a clutch with the "fly by wire" throttle being used in todays vehicles. There appears to be a lag between actuation of the throttle and the reaction of the engine. It may be new technology that is the problem and not your driving skills.
  • gymbogymbo Member Posts: 37
    Has anyone else noticed that the instrument panel lights are on whenever the ignition is on regardless if you have headlights on or not.Or do I just have a one of a kind.
    Also,what happened to the dipstick for the 5 speed automatic?
    This paint chipping problem has me puzzled,what does it have to do with the fact that 05 tacoma is a new design.Did that change the way it is painted?Is this isolated to the tacamo?
  • bjw1bjw1 Member Posts: 152
    I think all 05 tacos have the all time dash lights on don't know why but the are led i do believe and i think the dip stick is on the pass side of the engine block, but i would have to take a closer look, just remember when i bought my taco, them showing me before i drove off from the dealer.
  • carolinatlccarolinatlc Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone know how to turn off the horn from beeping when you lock and unlock the doors when locking from the keyfob?
  • gymbogymbo Member Posts: 37
    bjw1,I dont think there is a dipstick for the 5 speed auto like we are used to.I was told that a mechanic had to check it.Fine with me,thats one maintenance item I didn't enjoy anyway.
    Also thanks for responding about the instrument lights.
  • walterswalters Member Posts: 22
    Yes, I think the dash lights are 'always on', and I hope the LEDs last forever. Burned out dash lights are no fun, been there with that. Someone mentioned earlier that the trans is a sealed unit with no dipstick. My Prerunner is an automatic, but I did drive a stick shift 4 cyl when looking at Tacos. I found it very hard to start from a stop without stalling. I'm sure I would get better if I drove it a while, but I've never had trouble driving a stick before. In fact my driver for the past 20 years or so has been a stick. So it did seem tricky to me.

    On the locking with or without horn. Mine does not sound and others have said the same thing, though the manual, I guess, says it should. If yours is sounding, it would seem to be the odd one. On most cars that can be adjusted at the dealership with their scan tool, and I think that should be free for the first checkup. Just tell them I said so.
  • stnickstnick Member Posts: 177
    Sounds like you may have the VIP add on alarm system. The factory door locks have no audible signal. I saw the wiring diagrams, and there was no provision for that feature, something I thought should have been included like virtually all other Toyotas. I told Toyota on their survey about the lack of that feature and no power seat option. Nick.
  • bjw1bjw1 Member Posts: 152
    well leds last a long time led flashlight say the last up 100,000 hours don't know if anybody will actuall test this theory but thats what the package says.
  • leob1leob1 Member Posts: 153
    Sounds like I should shift out of 1st a little sooner, because second gear is so low...almost like another 1st. So winding out 1st causes 2nd to not start out at the ideal rpm...basically like downshifting from 2nd to first at 30 mph!

    In response to the other reply about the "fly by wire" issue...it makes complete sense. There is a tiny lag at the top. I used to drive semi's and it's not like I am an inexperienced driver, except with this "fly by wire" throttle. I prefer an immediate reaction to the slightest pressure on the pedal myself. There is no guess work or adjustment needed when that happens.
  • clumpclump Member Posts: 2
    Hi All,

    This is a great discussion, but it sure took a while to get through it all! I have had my Impulse Red '05 4x4 Access Cab 6 speed with TRD Off Road (not Sport), convenience group and alarm system for about a week now. I love this truck! I was so smitten with these when I finally saw some '05s on the road and talked to a few owners that I actually traded a 1 year old '04 Tacoma with 15K miles on this 1. So far, I have not had any problems in 400 miles. I got 16.6 MPG on the first tank. The truck was made 01/05 in California.

    Last night I got to wash it for the first time. I noticed that underneath the front fenders there is some putty like material along a pretty large area. It's got a circular pattern, like the way wax would be applied and is quite thick. It looks like it was applied before the truck was painted, since there is some red on it in places. It's not even noticeable unless you look under the fenders. I was wondering if anybody else has noticed a similar situation?

    Thanks!

    Also, my dash lights are on whenver the igniion is on an there is no sound when locking/unlocking, so I would say these are normal at least with the alarm system.
  • jackhammerjackhammer Member Posts: 92
    I tested my truck on the HWY last night using my GPS as a guide. At 60mph on the dash I was doing 58mph on the GPS. 2mph isn't that big of deal at least I am actually going slower than what the speedo says in case the boys in blue pull me over ! The sad part is a few weeks back I tested my snowmobile and the accuracy of it's speedo and it was nearly bang on, only out 0.3 of a mile. I guess Arctic Cat should show Toyota how to properly set up speedometers !
  • volleyvolley Member Posts: 298
    My truck has the same thing. I have had it since Nov. It looks like it covers the seem. I believe it is normal. BTW I have the same truck...4x4 TRD Off Road except it is a doublecab.
  • chiefman1chiefman1 Member Posts: 22
    I too have the putty under the front fenders and notice some under the rocker panels under the doors- truck was made 01/05 in California is a double cab with Off Raod package. Wonder if this is a response to the water leak problem?
  • gearhead1gearhead1 Member Posts: 408
    Yeah, the speedo error thing may work to my benefit. Less likely to get tickets. As far as the trip meter actually putting on more miles than you actually drove, it looks like we discovered why Toyotas can have so many miles on them with so few problems. :)
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