Toyota Sequoia

cliffy1

I know what the manual says. I will quote here what one of our Master Technicians told me a few years ago. "Cliffy, a monkey could drive that thing when it is new and not screw it up. Oh, but go easy on the brakes for the first couple hundred miles. You just need to seat the pads and rotors correctly." It is his opinion that the manual was written by bean counters with a paranoia of product liability lawyers. Take it for what it is worth.

tidester

The timestamps are (now) set up for the eastern time zone. Steve and I are both on mountain time. Still, we're staying up way too late!

tidester
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somakandan

In my 2002 Sequoia (10K miles), when I drive, I have my center differential lock light blinking. This started to happen just last weekend. Its still blinking when I drive. In the past 5 months of use this never happened. The operation was normal - that is, the light blinks for few seconds during the shifting(2WD -> 4WD) process, and then it goes away - expected behavoir.
Now, it blinks ALWAYS regardless of whether I am in 2WD or 4WD. It starts to blink as soon as I turn on the ignition and stays blinking until I turn off the ignition.

I am going to take it to the dealer to check it out.

Any ideas of what this could be?
Anybody seen/heard about this before?

paisan

Does the manual say anything about a blinking diff lock light? I know on my Trooper there is a check TOD light and if the "auto" is blinking on ours it indicates a problem with the system. On mine it happened to be a faulty speed sensor.

-mike

somakandan

Yes, the manual says that if you have a blinking light always, then take to the dealer. That is why I will be taking to the dealer this Thursday.
However, I would like to know whether anyone has experienced this situation before?

nodefect

Well I pulled the trigger on a new Sequoia Limited Saturday 7/22. I was able to get it for $5,199 under list,$40,272 which is invoice. List was $45,371,no dealer add ons. They gave me 4.75% for 5 years through Chase bank and $19,000 for my 99 4Runner SR5 with 40,000 miles on it. I think I did pretty well, does anybody have an opinion on how I did ? I am curious ! I purchased this in the Chicago area at a place called Libertyville Toyota. They had an invoice sale on many vehicles including 5 to 7 Sequoia's. I puchased a Silver Sky color. This is the second Toyota I have purchased from this dealer, they were great !!!!!!

quesera1

With 23000 miles on our 2001 black limited I'd been thinking about mechanical and cosmetic to-dos, whether it'd be beneficial to switch over to synthetic motor & gear oils at his point and what comprehensive washing and waxing I should do while I have this week off.

Well, today all that's on hold, as a few hours ago we had a head-on with a pickup. He turned in front of us and that's all she wrote. Tomorrow I'll see what kind of time it'll take to get back on the road. The bumper, grill, hood, radiator and fenders look pretty ugly. It appeared as if transmission fluid was pouring out, but we were all fine.

It really didn't seem much of an impact from the cabin. I'm curious as to how severe an impact would have been neccessary to deploy the airbags (neither front nor side curtain went off).

Any thoughts on this or any other things I should look out for as we go through the repair process?

We had just spent an annoying three weeks without our Sequoia while the Toyota service process failed to repair our air conditioning three times before finally getting it right. Still I'm mostly happy with the vehicle. As I send in my payment tomorrow I'll be thankful that we didn't buy a teeny tiny car as we had considered. We're all okay as was the other driver. God bless seatbelts and child car seats.

stever

Bummer Quesera1 - glad to hear everyone is ok. (I think the airbag sensors generally trigger from G forces so maybe that's why they didn't go off).

Steve
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stever

Please, no soliciting on Town Hall.

Steve
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stever

lol, you can always delete your own posts at any time, Doudoudid. Just check out the blue buttons next to your post. You can also edit them within 30 minutes of postings. Check out the Help for more tricks!

Steve
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nodefect

Heres the pics that appeared in the 4runner chat.

http://community.webshots.com/album/44356383oArXaQ

I am soooo glad I did not wait for that !!!!

Very happy with my 02 Sequoia ! It blows away my 99 4Runner.

beachace

I'm in the market for new Sequoia and I just started watching this site. Does anyone know when the 2003 will hit the market. I've gotten prices of $37,775 for a 2002 2wd limited loaded White with Oak leather. Just looking for a little pro's and con's. Thanks in advance.

nodefect

The next paragraph is a post I put on this site a week ago. This deal is not bs, this is what I actually paid.

Well I pulled the trigger on a new Sequoia Limited Saturday 7/22. I was able to get it for $5,199 under list,$40,272 which is invoice. List was $45,371,no dealer add ons. They gave me 4.75% for 5 years through Chase bank and $19,000 for my 99 4Runner SR5 with 40,000 miles on it. I think I did pretty well, does anybody have an opinion on how I did ? I am curious ! I purchased this in the Chicago area at a place called Libertyville Toyota. They had an invoice sale on many vehicles including 5 to 7 Sequoia's. I puchased a Silver Sky color. This is the second Toyota I have purchased from this dealer, they were great !!!!!!

The Sequoia is great! I could not be happier with it. I loved my 4Runner and I like the Sequoia even more. It's a different type of vehicle thats for sure! The 4Runner was more nimble, but the Sequoia seems to ride much better. Gotta love those Toyota's , NO DEFECTS !

dratnol

Don't buy this defective piece of junk. I have had my new, "reliable Toyota" into the dealer five times now and it still isn't fixed. The four wheel drive is about useless up here in Michigan as well. This was the biggest mistake I have made by purchasing another Toyota.

norwesterner

Reviewing your postings here, Sequoia vs Chevy and Sequoia vs Cad/Lincoln, you seem to have a vendetta against Toyota. What specifically are the problems you have with the Sequoia.

raddboy41

Looks like dratnol likes to bash the Sequioa without any specifics. The fact that he mentions that the 4 wheel drive is useless shows that his lack of knowledge in the system. Since I've purchased mine, I couldn't be happier with nearly all aspects of the vehicles performance. The weakness in the design of the AC system for pre-2002 models has been well documented and a TSB has been issued, but other than that the vehicle has proven to be 100% Toyota reliable.

conrad007

I am curious as to what you mean by a TSB has been issued. Has Toyota issued a recall or will the dealership fix my AC even if nothing is wrong with it. Please let me know so I can get mine looked at and repaired properly.

Thanks in advance

WB

norwesterner

I believe the term stands for "Technical Service Bulletin". There was quit a discussion a while back with diagrams concerning the replacement parts. If I remember correctly the "fix when not broken" answer was a dealer by dealer decision.

pemarsh

It was raining today, so I turned on my lights (as required). I noticed that after doing so, I had a very difficult time reading the uppper LCD panel; also, I literally could not tell which buttons were illuminated on the AC panel.

The dimmer switch did not make any difference...

Just a little annoyance I have found.

conrad007

Thanks, I will talk to my dealer.

raddboy41

I couln't get the rear window to go up or down the other day using the button on the left side of the dash. I could control it using the key in the tailgate or the remote, but the panel switch wouldn't work! I checked all the fuses and scratched my..uh..head. Guess what I discovered? The window control lockout button on the driver's door will also lockout the REAR WINDOW panel switch! I thought it only kept passengers from operating their own windows! Live and learn....

cliffy1

As I read your post, I almost replied before reading that you found the solution. That's a common "problem."

pemarsh

Does anyone know anytyhing regarding the quality of the tires (dunlop grandtek) on the Sequoia?

cliffy1

Most OEM tires from most manufacturers are not the best in the world. I've had Grantek's on a T-100 and found that they were pretty good on wet pavement, terrible in mud but excellent on ice. Don't ask how I found that out but I did. If I were not leasing, I'd have Michelin LTX tires on my Tundra. As it is, my tread will still barely be passable when I turn it in and I'm not inclined to spend the money to replace them.

nvc

What are people doing regarding service schedule, every 5000, or every 7500 miles? I drive about 30 mile a day, no towing, mixed freeway and side streets. I was thinking of doing the 7500 schedule and perhaps an oil change every 3750, midway. Thoughts?

pemarsh

I plan on keeping my truck till the thing literally falls apart in little pieces on the road while Im pushing it! So, Im doing my oil change every 3000 miles. Just my opinion. Its probably over kill...but the oil change is not that much $$.

pemarsh

I went to a Honda dealer to just take a look at the Pilot that Ive heard so much about. No offense to Honda lovers, but the Pilot looks like something the Sequoia would burp up. There was a lot of debate here earlier about the Pilot vs Sequoia, but there is no comparison. How they call the Pilot an 8 psgr vehilce is beyond me. We actually had to ask where do you put the 3rd seat!! I can not believe there is room back there for one. However, it is receiving great reviews. Its just in my opinion, there is no comparison with the Sequoia...its just in a different clas of SUV's.

kinnman

nvc - I was thinking the exact same schedule. I too fit more the profile of the 7500 schedule, but I prefer a more frequent oil change. Also, with the 7500 schedule, the differential fluid changes are suggested every 15k vs 5k. I spoke with my Toyota service department and he said the 15k is sufficient unless your doing alot of towing. I went ahead and purchased the 4yr 55k prepaid maintenance plan for $795. List is $995. I should be covered except for paying for a few extra oil changes.

doudoudid

can anyone tell me why a truck base vehicle must have a rougher ride than a car base vehicle? i was getting this kind of impression from most of the reviews, except landcrusier and LX reviews. is it because they are so untouchable or they really tuned their suspension to make it so called car like ride and not compromise their off road ability? i know ride can be very subjective especially it depends on road conditions (driving style?) consumer report said sequoia's ride is not as comfortable as landcrusier, do you guys agree? i was very surprised that a vehicle that built at 98-99 will have better suspension than the one that built by the same company like 3 to 4 years later.....

paisan

Think about it. TLC = $55K+ Sequoia = $35Kish?

You do the math.

-mike

mcmatt

Sorry if this is old news, but I don't remember seeing it anywhere.

There is finally a TSB that addresses the stereo system. It is AU001-02.

It covers these issues

1. stereo popping when key turned
2. excessive/boomy bass
3. low volume with rear speakers

The problem has been repaired in production. The TSB applies to vehicles BEFORE the VIN numbers listed

Front amp before VIN 5TD######2S067029
Rear amp before VIN 5TD######2S077332

Hope this helps.

There is also a TSB for the hole rubbed in the seat by the seat controls.

doudoudid

>> Think about it. TLC = $55K+ Sequoia = $35Kish?

took me a while to figure out what is it, i thought the whole line is an equation

i see what you saying about the cost, but i thought part of it is because TLC is imported, the costs of the labors and import tax will add up. also taking out the more sophisticated off road ability of TLC, you don't think the price we paid for sequoia can get the same urban road manner of the TLC? i thought this is what they are trying to emphasize for this new baby?

Think about it, for the fully load 4wd sequoia = 45K (without discount)
TLC = 55k (without discount, i witness $10000 off msrp twice in my life of a TLC)

homwork done: 55k - 45k = 10k = (import tax, labor cost, more sophisticated off road ability) do i need to add a rough ride to balance this part, sir?

paisan

How does it cost more for the TLC to offroad? I think (and Cliffy can verify) that they use the same 4wd systems in both.

Also a loaded TLC I've seen is $57K (2K different but none the less a difference)

labor cost? I'm pretty sure the US workers get paid a pretty penny. The import tax is a big difference but 5K/vehicle goes a long way for R&D.

-mike

cliffy1

You are correct about the Sequoia and LC off road. They are virtually identical except that the LC has a shorter wheel base and therefore can handle tighter situation. That also makes for better entry and exit from steep hills.

IMHO, the Sequoia and LC ride just about the same on the road. The LC does have a certain feel to it, but I don't think that feel is in smoothness. Its more an esoteric thing that and extra $10K to $20K worth of price tends to buy.

ibmindless

mcmatt:
So what's the fix for the booming & low rear volume? Do they replace the amplifier? THANKS for posting the update.

mcmatt

Yep. They replace the front amp for the boomy bass and the rear amp for the rear volume problem.

JBL has an exchange program...dealers only I'm sure.

minuteman26

I had asked for a new amp or whatever it took several months ago. The dealer ordered one, and it turned out to be wrong somehow. Next they ordered an entire new radio/player assembly, and that was installed last week. It fixed the booming bass problem. I didn't happen to have the rear volume problem. The dealer didn't mention TSB.

I notice a little better FM selectivity now, also.

mrwhipple

Anyone hear about a possible larger V8 engine for the 2003 Sequoia? The Aug. issue of Truckin' magazine has a short section on the speculation of the possibility with a spy shot of Toyota testing the truck. Was just wondering if anyone else heard about the rumor. Cliffy maybe?

chevyhoe

Well, it seem Toyota is fighting a total recall
(And they most likely will win this one) on the Sequoia Air Cond. They are replacing them ONLY if You use the Lemon law, Make sure you document EVERYTHING!!! As for the brake pads burning out and the disc's warping anywhere from the first 5000 - 6500 miles, they are changing them at no cost, but not replacing them! This means after they cut the disc's your 40,000+ truck will be out of warranty the next time they need the pads changed and disc's re-cut again How much are new fromt disc's, ( appx 2000 with the required add parts)I think I read this in the NY Times or on Yahoo search, Toyota claims they only burn out if you drive in a "Hilly " area LOL. I sure hope they are not starting to build AMERICAN Autos'

cliffy1

There is a larger V8 coming, but I don't think it will be in the 2003. I believe it will be a 5.3 liter but I think it will not arrive until the 2004 model year. I could be wrong on that, but I know the larger one is coming.

mechengr1

Well, I just had my 01 Seq give me my first service issue (other than the trim piece not fitting quite right). The dreaded A/C flashing light/ cooling problem. Good thing there is a TSB out there for it. Good to hear (no pun intended) that they figured out the radio issue as well.

McMatt, where did you hear about the TSB ??

NL

quesera1

My flashing AC light was the beginning of a three week service nightmare. First they claimed to have fixed it by following a TSB for a "AC magnetic clutch" adjustment. It worked for an hour before it went out again. So back in it went. When I got it back it it lasted a day before conking out. Finally they decided to replace the compressor as well as follow the TSB discussed on this forum. They had to wait a week for parts and I was without my car for three weeks total. When I finally got it back it worked fine, until some kid turned in front of us and sent our Sequoia in for three weeks of crash repairs. It's been a long summer.

mcmatt

this TSB can be found at http://www.alldatadiy.com

sequoiasaurus

It's been some time since I've visited here but I've seen the mention of a TSB for a hole in the seat near the controls. I wondering if this is the same problem I've got?

I have a tear to the upper right of the seat control unit. If I stick my finger in the hole I can feel what appears to be a metal bracket holding the seat control unit. It seems to have happend while getting in and out of the truck the leather rubbing this part. Is this same as what others are having had happen?

ibmindless

What are they attributing the a/c problems to? My repair also lasted over 3 weeks. First they replaced the compressor after suspecting the control panel on the dashboard. The a/c failed 10 miles later. Then they replaced the control panel, the compressor again, and finally the evacuator. They blamed the entire situation on "metal filings." Anyone else getting the same story?

doudoudid

don't know whether it has been posted before, but looks like the root problem of the AC issue is the oiling system.
this is copied and pasted from the other forum...
--------------------------------------------------
Finally received a call today form NE Regional Toyota rep concerning AC failure problem.Turns out that their is a defect in the oiling system for the Sequoia. On very hot days the compressor will not receive enough oiling thus seize causing the belt to burn. There is a TSB out on this as mentioned. The fix is Toyota installs new oil lines and container to assist in better oiling of the compressor. Since my compressor seized the solution is still to replace the compressor and perform the TSB. Unfortuately the rep could not give me a date on when this would happen. I told him the May 24th date was unacceptable, but he wants me to work with him rather than go the legal route. His initial offer is to pay my months payment and give me a bumper to bumper 100000 mile warranty. I told him that despite that I am still not waiting a month for a repair and he needed to give me date. The truck only has 2500 miles. I will let you know what their feedback is.

mcmatt

The TSB for the driver seat is for exactly your problem of a metal bracket tearing a hole. The fix is to replace the seat cover and put some padding around the metal bracket.

mrwhipple

Thanks for the engine confirmation.

I understand that the new larger motor is going to be built in the U.S. Is this true?

cliffy1

That is my understanding.

dswanson3

Does anyone know if there are any major changes to the 2003 Sequoia Limited?