Toyota Sequoia

ibmindless

Good info on the leather & the extended warranty. If I keep my Seq, I'll most likely go for the Platinum program --- seems like I'll need it. BTW, the leather quote I got was from the Miramar shop. Thanks to you, I can make a better deal.

I had the A/C looked at today. They claim the A/C control panel on the dashboard is defective! They're ordering the part & hope to have it done tomorrow. I mentioned the TSB - they said they'd look into it. More later...

ibmindless

And I see that the SEQ took "Editors Most Wanted" as well. I chose it for the same reasons expressed by the editors; however, I'm losing faith in the "impeccable build quality" and "Toyota reliability" pronouncements. Hopefully I'll have my faith renewed in the near future.

stever

Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2002

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nighter50

has anybody bought a toyota extended warranty from http://www.toyotawarranty.com? Looks like a 72month/100K is about $1,065 with $0 deductible for a SEQ 4X4. Just wondering if anyone has any more info on this.

thanks

gregfocker

First off I don't do any offroading. I also live in SoCal and my last vehicle was a 4WD Expedition. I used it about 4-5 times over a period of 3.5 years. I really needed it only twice. I could have easily saved the money and bought nice snow chains and pocketed the cash savings.

I now drive around town in a 2wd Sequoia and don't regret getting the 4wd what-so-ever. In fact, I like the idea that there is one less thing to be concerned about maintaining on this huge vehicle.

If you plan on moving outside of SoCal into a region where there is more weather I would not even consider a 2wd vehicle. I have lived in SoCal all my life and don't think I will be moving so I made the right decision for me.

paisan

Is not only for wet/wintery weather. AWD helps even in dry So-Cal weather. Ask anyone who has driven an AWD vehicle and they'll tell you that the dynamics of the vehicle are drastically different. Of course on an Expedition the 4wd system doesn't put any power to the front axle until there is slippage so that is not AWD it's auto-4wd. The Sequoia puts some power to both axles all the time.

-mike

lbimike1

As a follow to th folks asking about AC failure scenario, when mine died back in April, I had both the front and rear units on full, with temp setting at 70. According to Toyota Regional rep the problem is under full load or extreme temperatures, the compressor will not get enough lubrication thus seize (AC light blinking). I also smell rubber burning at the time, which was the fan belt trying to turn compressor. Truck has been working fine since fix was put in. Very happy with Sequoia.

thirdsuv

Hey Greg, can you please tell the group
where you got your warranty at?

petro33

Just my 2 cents. I opted for the 2 wheel drive because of the very limited potential for using 4 WD. Would it be nice to have, sure, do I want to pay the extra cost of purchase and O&M, no. I have never had a handling problem with my Seq for the 26K miles I have had it. But I have never owner a 4WD vehicle, so I can only relate to how I precieve I do not need one. I live in Northern CA (Sacramento) and my son takes the Seq sking. I have chaines for it but he has not driven it when chaines have been required. Maby if I every drove one with 4WD I would be sold, but right now I feel the benefit to me would be minimal. Money was an issue when purchasing the vehicle.

denali856

Just my .02 too, AWD makes a HUGE difference in the handling of the vehicle. I've only ever driven one AWD car (a friend's Subaru a loong time ago), but I wouldn't be surprised if, as you say, the difference in performance due to AWD is even greater in big vehicles like these.

When I was shopping, I test drove a GMC Yukon 5.3 4x4 and a Denali. The Yukon has the GM AutoTrac on-demand 4WD system while the Denali as an AWD system. The difference, in my opinion, was dramatic, even in dry road conditions, to such an extent that I ponied up the extra $$ for the Denali.

csd2

I have a 02' Seq. SR5 4WD. Let me know if I have this right.

Is the AWD always ingaged? I thought that the VSC was always active. And you could turn it off if needed.

Do you have to put the vehicle into 4WD or is there an Auto 4WD (the Explorer has auto 4WD). And if you put it into 4WD high isn't there more noise and more tire wear? Please give me some guidance.

paisan

I think the Sequoia has:

Auto-4wd
4wd-High
4wd-Low
2wd

as the modes available for it.

Auto-4wd = can be used on dry pavement, provides some torque to the front axle at all times, can vary power between front and rear
4wd-high = locked 50/50 torque split and high-range gearset only for off-road/slippery conditions
4wd-low = same as 4wd-high except low-range gears
2wd = no power to the front axle all power is sent to rear axle

-mike

csd2

So even if I don't hit the 4WD button I will still be in 4 WD on a as needed basis. When I go into 4wd (hitting the button) the lights on the dash go on is that correct?

It sounds like I should hit the 4wd button and put it into 4WD High and drive, unless it is for an extended period of open road driving. Will I feel a big difference in the handling. Thanks for the help.

paisan

I don't think is usable on dry pavement. Only in off-road or snowy conditions.

We need one of the Yoda Gurus to get the nomeclature for the sequoia to say which mode is "dry-road drivable" It may be 4wd w/o the diffy lock engaged gives you the dry-road driveable mode.

-mike

stlgasman

When you email dealers for pricing do you ask what $ over invoice or deal with a specific vehicle?

stever

I have a feeling most folks don't target a certain price in their email, but let the dealer give them a quote on the kind of car they are looking for (not a specific one on the lot).

That's how our editor did it last year (substitute "email" for "fax"):

Blast Fax Car Buying

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pschreck

The Sequoia has:

2WD
4WD High
4WD Low
4WD Low and Locked Center Differential

When in 4WD High it functions as a Full Time 4WD system. It can be run in any conditions.

To be in 4WD you must push the 4WD button. Otherwise you are in 2WD.

VSC is always engaged unless you turn it off.

pschreck

This explanation was posted by cliffy on the Toyota 4WD Systems Explained forum. I hope he doesn't object to me posting it here. This post is one of the main reasons that we bought the Sequoia.

#3 of 499  Sequoia, Land Cruiser and 4Runner by cliffy1  May 16, 2001 (03:59 pm)

Beginning with the 2000 model year Land Cruiser, Toyota began using a new 4WD system called ActiveTrac. This same system was incorporated into all 2001 4Runners and the new 2001 Sequoias. The same basic system has also been used in the Mercedes M Class as well as Humvees.

These systems operate in essentially the same way with a few exceptions. When engaged, you have three open differentials working for you (front, rear and center). Open differentials are extremely reliable and require very little maintenance. If you have equal traction at all 4 wheels, power is evenly divided between them all. If one wheel begins to slip, the open differentials begin to send all available power to that one wheel. Normally, this would be very bad. This is when a traction control system (TRACS) takes over. TRACS, applies brakes selectively to a slipping wheel. This braking action literally fools the differentials into sending power everywhere except the slipping wheel.

When you are in 2WD (in the Sequoia and Runner), you still have traction control working for you. Obviously, this only will send power left to right but this is better than nothing. There is one thing to be careful of in this condition. When you are in 2-wheel drive, there is a second part of the TRACS that can be hazardous if you are not paying attention. This is the engine speed limiter. This combines the braking action of TRACS with a rev limiter. Your engine speed will be cut back to 1500 to 2400 RPM. This allows for controlled forward movement but it will be slow. The danger with this is if it engages when you are trying to pull into fast moving traffic. This rev limiter only operates in the 2WD mode, so if you know you have any reduced traction, make sure you are in 4WD.

On all three vehicles, you have the option of locking the center differential. It is rare that anybody would ever need to do this. On the Land Cruiser and 4Runner, this is accomplished by pushing a button on your dash. On the Sequoia, you shift into 4 wheel low and shift the transmission into L. This turns off the TRACS computer and the VSC system. The vehicle is now in a conventional 4WD mode. All 4x4 Toyota trucks have operated in this condition. You should not ever use this mode on dry pavement as you will damage the drive system and tires.

The other part of this system is the VSC or vehicle skid control. VSC will selectively apply brakes and throttle to prevent understeer or oversteer. It works in both 2 and 4 wheel drive. This is a rather amazing system and does an incredible job of giving the driver control of the vehicle. Understeer is responsible for a large number of SUV rollovers and oversteer is very common on icy surfaces. The Sequoia will allow you to turn off the VSC but only when you are in 4WD. The only reason to turn this off is if you are off road and want to be able to slide sideways. On the Runner and Land Cruiser, the VSC and TRACS are disabled when you lock the center differential.

The Land Cruiser is always in the 4WD mode. The 4Runner and Sequoia can be used in either 4WD or 2WD. It is safe to leave either in the 4WD mode at all times. You will lose a bit of fuel economy, but will handle better. Unexpected loose gravel and slippery surfaces will not be a problem.

To engage the 4WD system on the Runner and Sequoia, press the button. The green and amber lights will flash on you dash. While it is flashing, the system has not fully engaged and you should avoid sharp corners at this time. If you are accelerating up a hill, these lights will continue to flash. If this happens, take your foot off the gas for a moment and tap the brake. This gives the differential a chance to engage fully into the 4WD mode. The same procedure applies to disengaging the system.

To get into 4WD low, you must first be in 4WD. Stop the truck and place the transmission in neutral. Now, move the floor shifter forward to the low range. This takes a firm hand. This mode is only to be used to remove yourself from a very difficult situation. Once you are unstuck, shift back into the high gear range.

pemarsh

I too was wondering when the very first oil change should be done????

paisan

So the Toyota system is similar to the TOD in the Trooper in that in 4wd High it can't be locked in 50/50 split?

-mike

ibmindless

Today the dealer advised that the A/C problem is a dead compressor, not the dash panel. Just what I had suspected all along. The compressor is on back order. It will take 4-5 days to find out when they can get one - YES - 4-5 days to find out when they can get one.

Meanwhile, the dealer has put me in a loaner (Sienna) for free.

ibmindless

I reviewed the listing of covered items for the Platinum warranty, but it fails to make any mention of labor costs. Are they covered (for the listed items) as well? As an example, it lists the timing chain/belt as being a covered item. Does that mean they'll relace the belt for free on a zero deductible policy?

low_ball_88

Great info on how the VSC and 4WD works. One thing that was not mentioned was at what speed can you engage the 4WD. I was told by the dealer that you could engage the 4WD system up to 55MPH. Is this true?

Also, the dealer said to always have the VSC activated and don't mess with the floor shifter because it should always be in high range. Use it in low range when you are traveling under 15MPH in snow or muddy conditions.

Please provide your input.

Thanks

paisan

That is about right. Low range is really for the nasty stuff deep mud deep snow, offroading. 55mph sounds right for the 4wd engagement, Trooper cutoff is 62mph.

-mike

ronstoy

I have the understanding that the 4WD will not engage unless it is safe to do so. If you are at 70 and press the 4WD button it will only blink until the vehicle drops below the safe speed of 55 or whatever it is, a "safety" (idiot light) feature.

snsn

I posted previously about the tail gate failing on my 2001 Sequoia. Fluid had leaked all over the left brake light. When taking it back to the dealer, the service mgr. said he had not seen this problem before. However, the rear end of my Sequoia had been hit by a moving van (18 wheeler) 3 mos. prior. Since I received poor service from the body repair shop, I chalked it up as part of their "shoddy" work. While the service mgr. skirted around the issue, I felt he tended to agree that it was something that the body shop missed. Either way, it was covered under warranty.

pemarsh

If anyone is intersted, according to two Toyota dealers, the first oil change should not wait past 3000 miles.

cliffy1

I was off yesterday and missed all the fun. Thanks to Pschreck for posting the quote from the 4WD topic. One more point that I would add here is that while you must be traveling under 62 (actually 100 KPH), to engage the 4WD, once engaged, you can go as fast as you want. You just have to slow down to engage it.

cliffy1

I actually almost lost a warranty sale one time because I couldn't find where it is written that labor is covered. I found it on the back of the sales contract. Labor is covered without question on the Toyota plans.

Somebody else asked about pricing. The price that was quoted is very good, although any dealer could match that if you ask. Just make sure you are looking apples to apples.

pschreck

Sorry I couldn't get back sooner. We had a storm from Hades last night and lost power. I gotta get a Honda generator.

You are correct in that the Sequoia cannot lock the center diff in 4WD High.

paisan

We had tons of rain too. We can't lock our center diffys in Hi-range either on the Trooper. Only in low-range is it locked. Which is fine since if you need it locked you aren't gonna be barrelling down the road at high speeds!

-mike

marksue1

Cliffy,
I thought I read in my 2001 manual that the Sequoia should not exceed 65 in 4wd. Thanks for the info.

Next winter, (#3 for the Sequoia) I'll just leave it in 4wd, snow or not!

Now up to 45k on the odo. Only have had one problem, (except that mail box of my neighbor that jumped out in the road...) Catalytic Converter replaced. Some folks have suggested it was because I drive the vehicle till the gas warniing light comes on. They have suggested that this extreme low fuel level consistently over time causes damage.

Thoughts?

Mark

conrad007

The VSC and Trac off light, in my 2001 Sequoia came on yesterday and will not turn off. I took it to the dealer and they are clueless. They want me to come back on Monday. Has this happened to anyone, and how was it resolved. I have 27k on the odometer.

Thanks,
Conrad007...

cliffy1

The VSC and TRAC off light are actually tied into your check engine light, so it may have nothing to do with the TRAC system. Diagnosing it should be as easy as hooking up the computer. Your dealer's shop may only be staffed with oil change guys on a Saturday (or Friday afternoon).

I had this happen on a Land Cruiser a couple of years ago. The problem? A broken spark plug. I'm not kidding. It came like that from the factory.

mulligan2

Mine came on because of low brake fluid. More fluid = no light.
Anyone with a 2001 have the VSC replaced with the less sensitive 2002 version?

ibmindless

My VSC & TRAC lights came on 2 weeks ago, according to the spousal unit. She also said the Check Engine light came on. Since she was running on fumes, I filled the tank, and tightly closed the gas cap - A-OK.

conrad007

Thanks for all the helpful hints, I am going to check my fluids, and see if anything is abnormal. As far as the dealership is concered, I stick to what I said earlier, they are clueles. I need to find a more knowledgeable dealership. I live in Marietta GA, if anyone has had a better experience with any other dealerships in the area, please pass it on.

Thanks in advance.

dbacksfan1

I'm looking for alternatives for applying leather trim to steering wheels since the AM Classic leather install shop does not do this work. Has anyone tried Wheelskins? Does it slip? How does it feel?

Has anyone have success with one of those shops that custom fit leather wrap? I did a search on google and found several shops whose results "looked similar" to factory for around $400.

Any other reasonably priced options?

Lastly I'm concerned about the cost of having someone pull the wheel and reinstall it given the airbag and so forth.

Thanks for your input.

couper

We have had our 02 Sequoia for about two Months now, all has been fine. Tonight after we pulled in the garage I heard a little creaking like sound
in the garage and couldn't figure out where it was coming from. It almost sounded like a cricket quietly chirping somewhere once a second or so. I finally tracked it down to the gas cap on the Sequoia, air was leaking in or out due to the pressure differential. The cap was on plenty tight, and removing it released the pressure (I think vapors came out) and that was the end of the noise. The gas tank is about 2/3 full. The wife says "Oh ya I've been hearing that a lot in the garage, I thought it was the garage door opener" Anyone else ever experience this? Is the gas cap bad, or do I have a fuel system problem?

crapgame

hey couper - does it sound kinda like a frog croaking not too far away? My wife's Seq makes that sound frequently after we've pulled in the garage and shut it off, but it hasn't altered performance or anything. I would like to know what it really is, though.

cliffy1

I can almost guarantee that it has something to do with the emissions system. It is probably normal, but if you are concerned, have your dealer look at it.

espinaldo

I'm used to that noise now. I know that if you remove the gas cap for a moment, tha noise stops. I think that this topic was discussed long ago and I believe that the pressure differential was voted the source. I don't know if it is because gas has been used so the tank is at a lower pressure or if it is because the gas has expanded so the tank is at higher pressure. If you want to know, remove the cap and take a wiff--if the tank is at higher pressure, there should be an instant odor several inches from the tank. Safety tip--Don't try to see if the wooosh that happens when the cap is removed blows out a match.

quesera1

I've been following these forums since well before we bought our 2001 4wd Limited last August. I have mostly good things to say about our Sequoia with only a broken gas tank door and the odd rear storage and seatbelt anchor cover popoffs to complain about. As we approached the dreaded Texas "Century mark" summer days I kept thinking about the AC failure posts here. Today it happened: AC light blinking and vents blowing hot air. Our usage of the "dual" air had been frequent during the past two weeks so I wonder if that might have triggered it.

We have an appointment for tomorrow and will pick up a rental at our expense (Toyota won't pay until they determine what the problem is)

So far our dealer service has been fairly good, of course they've had to do very little beyond "free" oil changes and the decidedly not free 15,000 mile service. We'll see how they respond to this problem. I don't plan on mentioning the TSB or my readings in this forum until I hear what the service guy says. I'll let you know.

cole88

I was wondering if you thought that this was good pricing on this coverage:

6 year, 100,000 miles for $930

7 year, 100,000 miles for $1090

Thanks for your help.

stlgasman

Which dealership and salesman did you deal with?

slackers

Croaking: mine does it too. As mentioned, earlier forum responses put this to rest.
Platinum prices: The best I've come up with here in the Seattle area is $1180 for 7/100K with 0 deductible for an '01 Limited 4x4 with 11K miles on it.
Check this out fellow Sequoians: July/August edition of Truck Trend. Article on long term wrap-up of 2001 Sequoia. Very postitive as you would expect. Some interesting information on what they believe is in the works......quoted from the article,
"What's Next for Sequoia?
Although not scheduled for a freshening until '04 and a remodel in '06, the new HD Tundra 5.4L
V-8 could make its way into a bigger/longer Sequoia by next model. Look for GMC Yukon Denali-type Sequoia, as Toyota has been watching what GM has been doing with its own large SUV's. The possibility also exists that Lexus could get the version first."

ronstoy

Is this in addition to the 3 yr 36,000 mile or in place of?

mthomasdo

I'm wondering if anyone has experience towing with the Sequoia. I've got a 2002 4X4. I'm trying to decide between two trailers. One is 4,200 LBS with about 400 LBS tongue weight. The other is 3,800 LBS with about 500 LBS of tongue weight (different axle configuration). Both weights are unladen weights. Is this too much? I know the max is around 6,200 LBS, but I want to be realistic. I'm interested to know if anyone has had problems towing this kind of weight. Thanks!!!

gregfocker

I can't mention the dealership name since I was asked not to spread the word on the discount. It is a dealer in the Los Angeles metro area. I had to haggle to get down this low. I would try the same e:mail blaast approach and see what you get. I rec'd a few "tell me your lowest and I will beat it" reponses. This is how I got it down to $900 for $0 deductible 7 year / 100K Platinum warranty. Good luck!

mthomasdo

Check here:

http://www.toyotawarranty.com