I read Edmunds article about the recall and it didn't say much. Here is a quote from the NHTSA recall page:
"Toyota Motor Company, Ltd.
Models: Toyota 4Runner Years: 1996-1998
Number Involved: 273,743
Dates of Manufacture: November 1995 – February 1998
Defect: A combination of heavy loading (simultaneous loading to rear gross axle weight rating and gross vehicle weight rating) and severe steering maneuvers could cause the 2WD 4Runner to lose directional stability. Although the 4WD 4Runners do not exhibit the handling condition, Toyota will recall these vehicles to avoid any public confusion as to which vehicles should receive the replacement parts.
Remedy: Dealers will replace rear suspension parts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during February 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
I have a 2001 Toyota 4Runner and I live in central NJ i was wondering where i could buy the switches to the left of the steering wheel i know they come on other models and iw as looking to install some lights and hook them up to switches so i was looking at where i can buy the switches that fit directly into that space tot he left of the steering wheel Thanks
I have a few comments on the neat Japanese sites. I kept clicking till I saw all the pictures. Comments: 1.) The HiluxSurf is definitely our 4Runner. 2.) The 2 way mirror on the front of the hood is super cool. 3.) Both the Prado and the HiluxSurf have the 2.7, 3.4 liter gas engine and also a 3.0 liter diesel Turbo. It is good to see they still make the 2.7 four. 4.) I liked the 3 spoke wood wheel on the SSR-G model. 5.) I loved the white dials on one of the models. 6.) I didn't like the light blue color, but it is different. 7.) I noticed the spare wheel is not under the car, but attached to the back. ------------------------------------ 8.) (This is not about the 4Runner.) I like the grill on the Japanese Highlander better than the US Highlander.
Cliffy, my information is derived from conversations with other Toyota companies. The most recent one was with someone at a West coast port. I was providing employee information for a relative who lives on the West coast and was wanting a new RAV4. Local dealerships wouldn't discount it because of its popularity, so I arranged to order one for them.
In the course of the conversation I asked if this person knew about the status of the new 2003 4Runners, and they provided the information in the previous post. (buildout in June, SOP in July, at the dealerships in August, sale in September.) I figure that if anyone would know, it would be the port that they are to arrive at.
Inside at Toyota it is VERY difficult to get any information, as it is with most car companies I'm sure. It is a very competive business, and all of them play their cards close to their vest. The people I work with were surprised at the amount of information I could ferret out on my own. But I really just happened to luck into it, probably because of my own personal interest. (I'm really getting tired of my pickup.)
Dealerships will get "official" word long before most of us would. Most importantly, you guys get the pricing information, catalogs, and the 'glitz'.
Anybody used the Bosch Platinum +4 spark plugs in their 5VZ-FE engine? Particularly on the 01 Runner? Any inputs or comments? Noticed any difference in performance?
Also, anyone found a hood bra that would fit the 01 sport packaged front end? I need one for a 1100 mile drive next month.
Peter78, Thanks. I'd like to get one of the front end mirrors too. I'm not sure though if they make them for our left hand drive models. Also the different colored dash gages would be great. Back in Japan, you can even pick the color of the dash display lights.. green, magenta or red.
We have a 2000 4-runner. In Dec '01, our daughter, who drives the car found that her lights wouldn't go out. We had to resort to pulling the battery cable off. The car was checked at our local Toyota dealer and nothing was found. The problem appeared to resolve itself, only to reoccur in Feb '02. The dealer had the car an entire week, "testing." Their only solution was it was our daughter who was doing something wrong. Any thoughts would be appreciated. fjs08
Anyone out there know how to disable the 4runners DRL's. ( 2000 models ) Or create a switch for such action. While I appreciate Toyota's/government concern for my safety, there are many times when I want them off. ( campgrounds at night, drive-in movies , just to name a few.)
I'd have to drive at least an hour and a half to go to a drive-in (in nearby Pennsylvania).
And I agree: I don't want daytime running lights. Even though I often drive in the daytime with my lights on these days. It's my choice, and I like it that way.
Check out this link. http://webm3233.ntx.net/putnam/ttora/disable_page_1.htm The relay is located under the dash behind the stereo. If you lay on your back under the steering wheel, you will see it. It's a little black box that sits in a metal clip. You need to pull the relay box out of the clip and find the #2 pin as noted in the link. The #2 notation on the relay is hard to see and you need really good light to find it. I didn't have the right tools so I just cut the wire and taped it off with electrical tape. You could install a toggle switch if you were so inclined. I figure that I'll turn the headlights on manually if I really want to drive around with them on. The only benefit I can see with the DRL's is that your tailights aren't on. It seems like the intensity is about the same with the DRLs on as with the headlamps. Also, for the first three or four days after cutting the wire, my high beam indicator (just the indicator, not the lights) would come on even with the headlamps off when starting the truck. After that, I saw no negative affects of cutting the wire.
I did take the time to scroll-back and read the ongoing 2003 Re-design info battle. I also called my local dealer,OC CA. they indicated this Fall (2002). Time will tell.......
what's happened to Buzz? He seems rather quiet of late. There are only 12 days left to see if his prediction will come true. If not, he'll be an April Fool...
My sources (at the highest executive level) confirm just what I have previously stated. The 2003 4 Runner will be a complete re-design and will be available this December.
You must be sitting at your computer laughing your butt off. Did you ever actually have any info on the 4Runner or do you just take pleasure on throwing out a line and watching the suckers bite? I'm not saying that to start a fight. I just have to chuckle at the havoc created by people who are only looking to jerk people around. You are good at what you do.
You didn't previously post messages here at Edmunds under the name "wimsy" did you? That guy had a whole bunch of people going on a couple of forums here. I just wish I could recall which forums they were. Cliffy, did you participate in any of those? The guy basically B.S.'d about buying a used Benz and almost killing himself. A lot of people send best wishes only to find out that he was jerking people around. Sound familiar?
so, somebody else also remembers the scamming shadow of wimsey...multiple topics, I believe, and the fake wreck...one would like to think he/she is gone...
If I recall correctly, his/her undoing was when he posted pictures of his new ride, a 300ZX if I'm not mistaken, that was actually stolen (the pictures, that is) off of the web somewhere. Someone came across the pictures on another web page and called him on it. Ah, the good old days. What forums was that on? Are they still around?
It is rather sad that I remember most of the details.
I went to a local Toyota service mid last year to ask on how I can disable the system. One of their guys jump in and handed me the TSB(Technical Service Bulletin) for it. The TSB they gave me was for 2000 4runner and i have an 01. It has the procedure on how to cut the no. 2 wire from the relay connector, which I followed. Just like Brian124 said, the high beam warning kept going on(plus i heard a faint humming sound with the light but both disapperas after a few seconds). I installed a switch on mine so I could use the feature during winter time. 3 months ago, it doesn't want to work at all. I took it back to them and they diagnosed it as the relay gave in. They won't replace it 'cause they said that I used a 00 TSB vice 01. They wanted $198 for a new one. But they matched I price of $143 I found on the internet. Even though this relay is made in New Jersey, it took 2 full months to get. Final analysis.. If you'll need it again for state annual inspection or want to use it during snow season, make sure you have the right TSB.
Let's ignore any further comments from Buzz, who proved once anf for all that he is a bald-faced, well... troll. And ditto with his "highest executive level" sources.
Okay guys -- I apologize! -- now you don't have to and we can get back to discussing 4Runners! I am sure everyone wants to get back on topic and drop the personal insults!
Okay, I know we should be on topic, but I am confused. Buzz has been telling us for several months that the new 4Runners would be here in March, no wait a minute, April, and now says December.
And he wants Cliffy to apologize? Did I miss something here?
Could someone explain this to me, and I promise to not ask about it anymore. This is almost as interesting as some of Muckabees stories in the Inconsiderate Buyers thread.
How about that new Lexus GX450?
Still wandering around Tennessee in my new MDX....
My post was a tongue in cheek reference to an earlier post from Buzz. He had said that he was expecting an apology from me when the 2003 Runner arrived in March, as he predicted. I asked what was I to apologize for and he responded that I was giving bad information and was in need of contrition. I'm sorry the humor of my post was lost.
I have a good friend of mine who works at a competing Toyota dealership. His nickname is Buzzlightyear, because he looks just like the character from the movie. He is also a practical joker and had a demented sense of humor. Further, he knows about the Town Hall and thinks I am weird for spending time here.
About 4 weeks ago, I asked him if he was Buzzlight. He looked at me like I was crazy. He claimed to know nothing of this forum. He did get a good laugh and lamented not cooking up the idea himself. He thought it would be great fun to torment me like that, but insisted that it was not him.
After his last post, I am nearly certain that Buzz is actually my buddy Jim, but I have no way to prove that. Now Buzz, if you want to prove otherwise, perhaps you could send me an e-mail, and not one of those web based ones. I promise not to spam you.
It looks like I'll be attending a meeting in April where the Chicago Region will be deciding how to order their 03 Runners. We usually fight over colors, configurations etc.
Hopefully after that meeting I should have some juicy tidbits to share.
To Brian 124, thanks for the help and the link. I cut the #2 pin and it works just fine. I didn't get any high beam light's ( on the dash )when starting,..no problems so far,..works great. Mine was a "grey" box ( vice black ) and it was located under the dash between the steering column and the radio console. And yes, that #2 pin marking was extremely difficult to see. Thanks again....
Predictions of the 2003, wow, that was fun. Actually, I would like to make a guess about the new 4Runners. When I visited those Japanese sites, I noticed no chrome bumpers. My prediction, or guess, is that chrome bumpers will be history. I kind of like them, but I think they are toast. Now the real question is, what about the rear roll up window? I really like it and I hope they design it in the new one. OK, I can't help it. Here is another prediction. In the April car issue of Consumer Reports, they said the new 2003 4Runner will be out this fall. But you didn't hear that from me.
has anyone encountered a no start after driving their truck for 1/2 to 1 hour, letting it sit for say 15-30 minutes. I have had this problem 2X now, but the truck will start if I stop cranking and immediately try again. It's like the old vapor lock condition. I do not have the security key, and the battery cables are tight.
Has anyone had this happen to their 01 or 02? I only have 300 miles on this thing, and it has only been driven 6X.
BTW- The oil does not smell of gas. I doubt I'm dumping fuel, but it's too early to tell just yet.
I noticed what you're referring to on my 01 when I first purchased it. It happed a few times before 3000 miles. As you break the engine in, it should stop occuring. By the way, there's no reason to crank the starter for more more than a couple of seconds. Let off and try again. Mine always fired right up.
Dennis0747, the location and color of the DRL relay box sounds about right. It's been six months or so since I cut mine and I haven't had any problems either.
Brian124, Thanks for the info. I haven't cranked it for more than a few seconds because I don't want to burn up the starter or worse yet...dump too much fuel. Of course, at this point, I'm not sure if the fuel is even being dumped because the problem may be related to the pump. Needless to say, I won't take any chances.
Seems sort of odd that your problem went away by 3K. Break-in should have jack to do with not starting. This problem could be a simple cold solder joint on the ECM or ??. I friggin hope not because I can see me and the dealer having problems.
Any 4R folks out there have to replace a heater core?
A friend recently had to replace one on a '96. Of course, the problem revealed itself with an overheat-and-tow situation, and the carpets got soaked with smelly coolant.
Is this a common malfunction item with the 4Runners? And is there any way to check a heater core before it goes totally bad and leaves you stranded?
I have a 97 4 Runnner, SR-5 (v-6), 2 WD. I have 83,000 and have been very pleased.
I've changed the engine oil and filter, transmission fluid and filter, air cleaner, and the PCV valve. Oh, and new tires at 73,xxx. That's it. BTW, I put Michelin Cross Terrains on it and it makes it ride sooooo much better than the original Michelin LTX M/S. But, it's still a truck (that's good).
I feel that the seats are narrow, but give decent support. I drive lots of 200 - 500 mile days and I find it more comfortable than my previous Acura Legend.
I get 22 - 23 MPG on the road, 17 - 18 in town. I generally get 20 - 21 mixed. This is all with regular unleaded. I do get better mileage with Shell. Don't know why and they don't pay me to say this.
Hello, I am new to posting in this group, but have been reading it for a while.
Anyways, I have a question, when is the new 4runner coming out?? kidding!!
Has anyone heard if the new 4runner will have a more spacious front seat layout? I am a bit taller then the average guy ( 6'4" ) and find the current model a little "tight". I personnaly think the 4runner is the best in the class but if I cannot "fit" in it, I will not get it. I currently do not own one, but I want too.
I understand that this is a rather odd question since it isnt out yet, but some of you hear quite a bit of insider info.
I certainly hope it will be larger in the driver's area. That has cost us quite a few sales. I think Toyota is aware of this and hopefully, it will accommodate taller people.
I also hope that Toyota doesnt jack the price up. I can afford it where it is currently priced, but if it is raised much higher I DONT want to afford it. Even though 4Runner retains its value more then most other SUV's, I cannot justify paying THAT much for a vehicle. I wish the manufactures would cut the profit they make on the trucks and SUV's to make it more in line with the profit they make on the cars.
Yes the forum is slowing down and so are sales. Sales for February 2002 took a dip. Excluding the slow selling Land Cruiser, the 4Runner was behind all other Toyota SUV sales. That is the first time I can remember that. Chevrolet Blazer out sold the 4Runner about 2 to 1, (this is not the TrailBlazer but the old out dated Blazer).
At least it is not as bad as the Isuzu Rodeo and Trooper whose sales are down 1/2 from last year. Maybe bringing out the new 4Runner in March was not such a bad idea. Just kidding.
Comments
"Toyota Motor Company, Ltd.
Models: Toyota 4Runner Years: 1996-1998
Number Involved: 273,743
Dates of Manufacture: November 1995 – February 1998
Defect: A combination of heavy loading (simultaneous loading to rear gross axle weight rating and gross vehicle weight rating) and severe steering maneuvers could cause the 2WD 4Runner to lose directional stability. Although the 4WD 4Runners do not exhibit the handling condition, Toyota will recall these vehicles to avoid any public confusion as to which vehicles should receive the replacement parts.
Remedy: Dealers will replace rear suspension parts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during February 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V021]"
----------------------------------------------
Or if you wish go to this web site:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa/announce/press/pressdisplay.cfm?year=2002&filename=pr15-02.htm
GX470 http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/LandCruiserPrado/
Highlander http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/KlugerV/
4Runner http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/HiluxSurf/
1.) The HiluxSurf is definitely our 4Runner.
2.) The 2 way mirror on the front of the hood is super cool.
3.) Both the Prado and the HiluxSurf have the 2.7, 3.4 liter gas engine and also a 3.0 liter diesel Turbo. It is good to see they still make the 2.7 four.
4.) I liked the 3 spoke wood wheel on the SSR-G model.
5.) I loved the white dials on one of the models.
6.) I didn't like the light blue color, but it is different.
7.) I noticed the spare wheel is not under the car, but attached to the back.
------------------------------------
8.) (This is not about the 4Runner.) I like the grill on the Japanese Highlander better than the US Highlander.
"hiluxsurf" thanks for the neat web sites.
In the course of the conversation I asked if this person knew about the status of the new 2003 4Runners, and they provided the information in the previous post. (buildout in June, SOP in July, at the dealerships in August, sale in September.) I figure that if anyone would know, it would be the port that they are to arrive at.
Inside at Toyota it is VERY difficult to get any information, as it is with most car companies I'm sure. It is a very competive business, and all of them play their cards close to their vest. The people I work with were surprised at the amount of information I could ferret out on my own. But I really just happened to luck into it, probably because of my own personal interest. (I'm really getting tired of my pickup.)
Dealerships will get "official" word long before most of us would. Most importantly, you guys get the pricing information, catalogs, and the 'glitz'.
:-)
Also, anyone found a hood bra that would fit the 01 sport packaged front end? I need one for a 1100 mile drive next month.
Peter78, Thanks. I'd like to get one of the front end mirrors too. I'm not sure though if they make them for our left hand drive models. Also the different colored dash gages would be great. Back in Japan, you can even pick the color of the dash display lights.. green, magenta or red.
Thanks
Mike
Tight lipped on this next version...
Engine Upgrade ??
Waiting for some indication before making a purchase..
DRL's. ( 2000 models ) Or create a switch for such action. While I appreciate Toyota's/government concern for my safety, there are many times when I want them off. ( campgrounds
at night, drive-in movies , just to name a few.)
Thanks,
Dennis
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I'd have to drive at least an hour and a half to go to a drive-in (in nearby Pennsylvania).
And I agree: I don't want daytime running lights. Even though I often drive in the daytime with my lights on these days.
It's my choice, and I like it that way.
Time will tell.......
Bob
You must be sitting at your computer laughing your butt off. Did you ever actually have any info on the 4Runner or do you just take pleasure on throwing out a line and watching the suckers bite? I'm not saying that to start a fight. I just have to chuckle at the havoc created by people who are only looking to jerk people around. You are good at what you do.
You didn't previously post messages here at Edmunds under the name "wimsy" did you? That guy had a whole bunch of people going on a couple of forums here. I just wish I could recall which forums they were. Cliffy, did you participate in any of those? The guy basically B.S.'d about buying a used Benz and almost killing himself. A lot of people send best wishes only to find out that he was jerking people around. Sound familiar?
Buzz, you got any other bait to throw out?
It is rather sad that I remember most of the details.
tidester
Host
SUVs
And he wants Cliffy to apologize? Did I miss something here?
Could someone explain this to me, and I promise to not ask about it anymore. This is almost as interesting as some of Muckabees stories in the Inconsiderate Buyers thread.
How about that new Lexus GX450?
Still wandering around Tennessee in my new MDX....
MIKEinTN
About 4 weeks ago, I asked him if he was Buzzlight. He looked at me like I was crazy. He claimed to know nothing of this forum. He did get a good laugh and lamented not cooking up the idea himself. He thought it would be great fun to torment me like that, but insisted that it was not him.
After his last post, I am nearly certain that Buzz is actually my buddy Jim, but I have no way to prove that. Now Buzz, if you want to prove otherwise, perhaps you could send me an e-mail, and not one of those web based ones. I promise not to spam you.
Hopefully after that meeting I should have some juicy tidbits to share.
get any high beam light's ( on the dash )when starting,..no problems so far,..works great.
Mine was a "grey" box ( vice black ) and it was located under the dash between the steering column
and the radio console. And yes, that #2 pin marking was extremely difficult to see. Thanks again....
Now the real question is, what about the rear roll up window? I really like it and I hope they design it in the new one.
OK, I can't help it. Here is another prediction. In the April car issue of Consumer Reports, they said the new 2003 4Runner will be out this fall. But you didn't hear that from me.
Has anyone had this happen to their 01 or 02? I only have 300 miles on this thing, and it has only been driven 6X.
BTW- The oil does not smell of gas. I doubt I'm dumping fuel, but it's too early to tell just yet.
Thanks..
Dennis0747, the location and color of the DRL relay box sounds about right. It's been six months or so since I cut mine and I haven't had any problems either.
Thanks for the info. I haven't cranked it for more than a few seconds because I don't want to burn up the starter or worse yet...dump too much fuel. Of course, at this point, I'm not sure if the fuel is even being dumped because the problem may be related to the pump. Needless to say, I won't take any chances.
Seems sort of odd that your problem went away by 3K. Break-in should have jack to do with not starting. This problem could be a simple cold solder joint on the ECM or ??. I friggin hope not because I can see me and the dealer having problems.
Thanks..
Have they been reliable with limited problems?
Gas mileage?
Comfort (Especially when driving long trips)
Offroad toughness... etc
I also am thinking of the Tundra as having another pickup would be nice.
Or should I wait and get an 03?
Looking forward to the feedback.
Thanks
A friend recently had to replace one on a '96. Of course, the problem revealed itself with an overheat-and-tow situation, and the carpets got soaked with smelly coolant.
Is this a common malfunction item with the 4Runners? And is there any way to check a heater core before it goes totally bad and leaves you stranded?
Thanks.
I've changed the engine oil and filter, transmission fluid and filter, air cleaner, and the PCV valve. Oh, and new tires at 73,xxx. That's it. BTW, I put Michelin Cross Terrains on it and it makes it ride sooooo much better than the original Michelin LTX M/S. But, it's still a truck (that's good).
I feel that the seats are narrow, but give decent support. I drive lots of 200 - 500 mile days and I find it more comfortable than my previous Acura Legend.
I get 22 - 23 MPG on the road, 17 - 18 in town. I generally get 20 - 21 mixed. This is all with regular unleaded. I do get better mileage with Shell. Don't know why and they don't pay me to say this.
Good luck,
Jack
Anyways, I have a question, when is the new 4runner coming out?? kidding!!
Has anyone heard if the new 4runner will have a more spacious front seat layout? I am a bit taller then the average guy ( 6'4" ) and find the current model a little "tight". I personnaly think the 4runner is the best in the class but if I cannot "fit" in it, I will not get it. I currently do not own one, but I want too.
I understand that this is a rather odd question since it isnt out yet, but some of you hear quite a bit of insider info.
Thanks.
I also hope that Toyota doesnt jack the price up. I can afford it where it is currently priced, but if it is raised much higher I DONT want to afford it. Even though 4Runner retains its value more then most other SUV's, I cannot justify paying THAT much for a vehicle. I wish the manufactures would cut the profit they make on the trucks and SUV's to make it more in line with the profit they make on the cars.
At least it is not as bad as the Isuzu Rodeo and Trooper whose sales are down 1/2 from last year. Maybe bringing out the new 4Runner in March was not such a bad idea. Just kidding.
http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svolsu.asp