Toyota Sequoia

acworth

Has anyone put in an aftermarket video system? With two small kids this seems like a no brainer but wanted to get some input on how easy it was and if it detracts from the interior.

Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.

marksue1

Ok, My SR5 4x4, which is driven 75% of the time on the interstate, 25% back roads here in WV, has turned 31,000 miles after 10 months. It will need new tires very soon (next month).

Has anyone replaced tires yet? Any suggestions? 265/70 R16, is the size if you have not yet looked.

I want quiet highway all weather tread, not off road.

Thanks.

And, oh yeah, we love the Sequoia. The 31,000 miles were put on because we enjoy it so much.

cpintucson

I'm curious to know what brand of tires came with your Sequoia? It seems unusual to wear out a set of new car tires after 35,000 miles.

frednvicky

Thanks you two for the info. I plan on buying one this week. You gave me a few more avenues to use.

Thanks again and Happy Holidays

PS. I should pick up the wine anyway!!

hockeymom5

Hi, Cliffy. To answer your question, you having been so nice to answer all of mine, I am the mom of two boys who play amateur hockey. We do quite a bit of winter travelling- so the Sequoia is so perfect for this. I sometimes take along an extra boy or two, so I wanted a vehicle where that smelly equipment and those stinky boys could be as far away from me and still be in the same vehicle!

Best wishes for a nice holiday with lots of snow and great 4 wheeling. Hockey mom.

cliffy1

As a die hard Washington Capitals fan, I had to ask. You're actually the second participant in this topic who bought the Sequoia for that exact reason. I can't remember the guy's name right now, but he also had two boys in hockey programs and lives in the North East.

mulligan2

This morning, my parking brake light was on and would not go out even though the brake was not on. A few hours later, the light was off but comes on briefly under hard braking. Anyone have any ideas?

cpintucson

Check your brake fluid level.

Often times low brake fluid will cause the parking brake light to remain lit, especially after taking off with the parking brake depressed.

hlltd

While our HL is not nearly as heavy as the Sequoia, we have the relatively new Michelin Cross Terrain tires designed excessively for SUVs.

These tires are really the "Cats Meow", and are light years ahead of the Goodyear gumballs that Toyota put on our new Highlander.

Go to the Tirerack website and read as much or as little as you like on tires, and be sure to check out the Michelins designed for SUVs.

HTHs.

Happy Holidays.

388

autos3

Picked up my 02 SR5 on Thursday (12/19) and made our first long distance trip this weekend to NH, (about 500 roundtrip) and noticed what I would consider a loud clicking noise from the engine bay coming into the center dash stack. I want to say it sounds like the valves knocking. Very noticiable when accelating from all points. Has anyone else noticed this? or is it me and perhaps I have come to expect "too much" from Toyota products, any comments would be appreciated.

714cut

Doesn't sound normal at all. Does it only happen when cold (seems to be fairly common) or any time? If any time definitely not normal.

rozubo1

Trying to decide between a Limited vs. SR5 with PM package or aftermarket leather. Does the PM package have heated seats or will I need the Limited in order to get this feature? Anyone have a good purchasing experience or dealer recommendation in the Phoenix area? Thanks in advance!!

sbell4

Heated seats are not in the Preferred Package. Leather door trim is not in the Preferred Package. Last year in some (if not all) brochures stated that heated seats are part of the PM package but they never were.

eman5

Any rumors or news about TRD tweeking the Sequoia?

marksue1

Brigestone 265/70 R16 were the original set. Yes, I too thought 31K seemed early for a new set of tires.

hlltd, thanks for the info on the Michelin Cross Terrain tires. So far they are the only ones I priced, at $147. Seems high, but I am not accustomed to buying tires that large.

Anyone have comments on the "Michelin Cross Terrain tires"?

Thanks,

Mark

cliffy1

I don't know who you are or where you came from, but posts like your's have gotten people banned from Edmunds. The hosts have not been as diligent lately about policing solicitations, but expect to get a nastygram in your e-mail for this one.

Perhaps in the future, you can make contributions to the discussion before asking for the sale.

heatwave3

marksue1: I have a Denali XL which comes standard with Michelin Cross Terrains (265's) on 17" rims. I have owned various other large suvs with different tire makes (Goodyear, BR Goodrich and Firestone) for a total of over 350,000 miles. IMO these new Cross Terrains are the quietest, best looking SUV tire around with the best traction I have experienced. I had these tires in heavy wet snow this past winter and they had remarkable traction under the worst of conditions.

Unfortunately they do not have some of the higher load ratings available from Goodyear and Goodrich, however unless you were considering very heavy loads or very heavy towing, the sidewall ratings on the Michelins will be more than enough for any application you are likely to encounter with the Sequoia.

These tires are abit on the pricey side but in my experience they are worth the investment. Even more so in this day and age of tire tread separation and unexpected blow outs. Another data point is that I have 13,000 miles on these tires (with one rotation) and there is almost no noticeable wear at this point.

Good luck in your tire hunt, I don't think you would be disappointed in the Michelin X-Terrains.

714cut

I'm assuming part of your premature tire wear is due to the 25% back roads you drive on which can really destroy the tread. I spend a fair amount of time on back roads myself.
I can't speak to the Michelin cross terrain tires. I'm sure they're good.
What I can tell you is that my Explorer (previous vehicle) had recalled tires and they put Michelin LTX AT tires on. They were outstanding. They are a "tougher" tire- a little more aggressive and they may be noisier than cross terrains (although I found them quiet) but I think they would fit the bill for your circumstances and terrain. Plus they will be better in mud and snow. They may be even more expensive than cross terrains, but they are good value and a premium tire.
When my Dunlops go, that's what I'll be getting.

autobroker

I am new to all of this as I indicated in my original message. It appears I have barged into your area - you seem to be an active participant. I thought I was making a contribution to the discussion but you obviously did not think so.

No offense nor solicitation was intended.

tidester

Please feel free to participate though we cannot permit solicitation. We do have several other members who are dealers and who contribute to these discussions without promoting their own business.

tidester
Host
SUVs

dsl_ufo

Sorry it took so long to get back to the board. It appears that the noise problem I'm having with the rear window down is a common one. I have a meeting on the 9th of Jan with the Toyota area rep. I guess the biggest thing that pees me off is that this is a known problem but no one wants to face up to it. I've contacted my lawyer just to give him a heads up and will post after I speak with Toyota.
From what I can see from the post no one has been able to get Toyota to make a real acknowledgment of the problem, as a problem, and not an annoyance.

Thanks again for the feedback and have a safe New Year.

Mitch

drumbold

I had the same problem with an Isuzu Trooper. When the rear passenger side window was lowered the pressure fluctuations in the ear where almost unbearable. My Land Cruiser does the same but to a lesser degree. The phenomena is not isolated to just the Sequoia.

714cut

Wow, you're really upset about this aren't you!
You know, it is not unique to your Sequoia and it is not unique to Sequoias as noted in previous post. It can easily be solved with the selective opening of windows just a little. It is hardly a defect.

fanman8

As stated countless times and in many forums this is not a problem that is limited to the Sequoia. If you are just becoming aware of this phenomena get use to it. If you read further about it you will find much information regarding this issue. If opening another window a bit to equalize the air pressure in the cabin is too much of a bother for you then that is unfortunate. Your statement that no one wants to face up to it is not only inaccurate but suggests that you think there is some sort of conspiricy to hide the obvious. Get over it and enjoy your ride. Oh and by the way is your lawyer going to take on your case?

3lakeswi

Correct, the wind problem in the Sequoia is not unique. However, it is FAR more pronounced than in any other SUV I have ever driven or owned. Just remember that the pounding bass from the Sequoia stereo can cover up any and all bad noises - engine ticks and knocks, wind reverberation, VSC pumps grinding, dashboard rattles, etc.

pschreck

Just wondering what happened with the Toyota rep a few weeks ago. Hope things worked out well for you. I also have the buffeting noise, however it isn't that pronounced. My K1500 pickup was much worse. I HAD to open the rear glass for that.

Hope everybody here had good holidays and will have a Happy New Year. Be safe.

714cut

Good to see that you like your Sequoia so much!
Why don't you sell it? Maybe have 2 Yukons then.
That way you will hopefully always have one working to drive

ducatista

'96 Maxima did it, '01 Volvo V70 does it, '88 Honda Accord did it. Common sense says you can't change the laws of nature. Maybe you should drive 2-door autos or keep the windows closed if you can figure out how to modulate the air flow. GET A LIFE -- BEFORE YOU CALL YOUR LAWER!

cpintucson

Your SUV is a box with fluid (ie. air) flowing over it. Have you ever seen pictures of objects being tested in a wind tunnel? Of course opening the rear windows will cause an annoying sound.

dsl_ufo - did you or your lawyer think Toyota should have been able to defy the laws of physics?

And most people with common sense know not to drive around with the tailgate window open. Remember that air tunnel picture? Do you know what happens when you start to breath in too much car exhaust?

Another frivolous lawsuit. God, I love America!

3lakeswi

714cut - I really don't have that many beefs with our Sequoia (other than VSC). I just love to get all of the people in this forum all rattled and stirred up. Which is amusingly easy to do. In fact, it's easier to rattle this forum than create a rattle in our Sequoia.

As far as our meeting with the Toyota rep goes we got a "Yep, that's normal. But boy that is loud isn't it?" I could not duplicate the engine governing problem quite to the extent on which it happens with dry pavement (we have snow now) but he confirmed that the way the system works that it could happen. I guess live with it was the final answer.

Get rid of the Toyota? Already working on it. Unfortunately to turn it around after less than a year of ownership means swallowing all of the initial depreciation. Not something I am keen on no matter how poor a vehicle. The Toyota is no where near 20% worth of depreciation poor. In fact, it's just pretty average - I was hoping for excellent.

We are waiting for the new VW MAX (formerly Colorado) to see what it looks like. Perhaps an X5 will be considered as well. My wife won't drive an American SUV (cue: 2heeldrive comments on how smart my wife is). I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who might have an X5 and a Sequoia.

BTW - just to give the diehard Toyota people some new fuel and prove that I am not TOTALLY biased. The stereo in my Yukon recently decided to randomly reset the time and not play to the back speakers on occasion. GM is looking at it tonight and will most likely order me a new head unit. This will be the first time the GMC has been in for something other than a L/O/F after 22,000 miles of satisfied ownership.

espinaldo

The wind noise happened in our Montero, Sentra, Sequoia and now in our new Prius. These are all just flutes of different shapes and sizes. I,m just glad that the noise is low-pitched rather than high-pitched like a dog whistle.

snsn

On Monday, 12/17, I filed a complaint through the National Customer Svc Ctr (NCSC) and was told to immediately call the dealer to expedite matters (I had been told the previous Fri that my car was ready but when my husband and I looked at it on Sat we found some problems). The dealer was not very responsive - tried to say she had a day before she got my case from NCSC and 3 business days to respond. When I pressed the point, she told me she would check into it and call me back. On 12/20, I picked my car up from the dealership. The issues noticed by my husband and me previously were fixed; however, upon my return home, new problems were found: 1) The clear coat is mottled in areas all over my Sequoia - front, back, top, sides. Almost like tape marks. It's not noticeable until the light hits it a certain way; 2) big scratch on front right fender - where it starts to curve under so not noticeable until you bend down at eye level - which my husband was doing when he was seeing where all the mottled areas were; and, 3) Behind the right brake light there is rust! My husband took off the whole brake unit to see how well they repaired the damage. By 12/26, still no phone call from dealer. I had to get the NCSC involved to get the dealer to call me back. When I explained the new issues, she said she would have the body shop manager call me. Guess what? As of 12/28, still no call...A co-worker of mine just bought a Chevy Avalanche. The day he took it in for a part he ordered, they detailed his car and filled it up with gas. Unfortunately, the part didn't come in as scheduled and he had to go back. Guess what? They are detailing his car again and filling it up with gas again just for his trouble!! What does one have to do to get service from Toyota? Southeast Toyota Distributors referred me to this dealer since they were #1 in service AND body repair. They are also the only Toyota Certified Collision Repair Center in my city. Toyota has already lost one sale from someone I know that was considering a Highlander due to such shoddy service.

jmaitland

Minuteman26, do you know the part number for the repair of the booming bass problem? My dealer won't fix the problem without a repair notice from Toyota. Also, do you have a problem with the rear speaker voulme not matching the front volume? When I fade the speakers to the rear the speakers are barely audible. Dealer waiting on fixit notice from Toyota. Took the Sequioa to local audio shop - they said the amp or deck itself was bad, but without taking everything out they did not know which one was bad. Appreciate any information - thanks.

jmaitland

sandman14

Does anyone out there own a 2002 Sequoia Limited 4wd with no sunroof. Just curious to availability.

autos3

You both seem quite knowledgeable about Toyotas. First, I love my 02 Sequoia, and would not even consider buying anything else. Previously I posted concerns over the engine making strange noises when the gas pedal was pressed. I took it back to the dealer (Northway Toyota in Latham NY) and they said it was the valves and during cold weather they tend to be loud. Well they don't know from loud! On the highway at 65 MPH I can press on the gas and hear these valves ping. My question is again, is this normal? I am going to stop by the dealer again and ask to drive another Seaguoia. Your comments as alway are greatly appreciated.

also, does anyone know of any good internet sites to order aftermarket accessories...grill guards, fog lights and racking systems?

714cut

Thanks for the kind words. I am on my second Sequoia. I have had an 01 and now an 02. Both of them have been "tickers" when the engine is cold. This ticking goes away when the engine is warm. At first, when cold the engine sounds a little "diesel like". Keep in mind I am in a very cold climate and the sound goes away after a few minutes. When warm it makes nothing but quiet smooth sweet sounds. My guess is you've got a problem. Be persistent.
I know others have tried aftermarket fog lamps, but I have seen pictures and Toyota ones are the way to go. Nothing else seems to fit or look just right.
I know there have been previous posts about roof racks and grill guards but don't remember the details.
Try google to search. There's also a great discussion forum similar to Edmunds that I am not allowed to mention that would really help you with your Sequoia solutions

pschreck

Try www.performanceproducts.com. They have a Toyota catalog. Of course the number of products for the Sequoia are limited since it is a new truck, but I think you'll find something to spend your Christmas money on. Good luck.

tlmurdock

Excuse the long title (and post) but I just did a lot of tire investigation and have found:

1) Bridgestone Dueler HT 689's (275/70R16) that came with my 2001 SR5 4x4 are generally lousy tires (at best).
Evidence: Tirerack has them rated low in just about every category, they are rated "B" for traction (just about every other one is "A") and have a 180 treadwear rating (very low - others are typically in 300+ range). [marksue1 - with this rating I am not surprised that they wore by 31k miles]. And the best things Bridgestone finds to say about them on its web site is that they look good and are quiet!

Aside - I could kick myself for not checking them before buying. They did look good in the big 275/60 size and I had a decent pair of Duelers a few years before. If I'd known I would have demanded a switch - I hear that Dunlop Grandtek's were on some Sequoias and they were rated significantly better.

2) For the people that complained about how often the VSC/traction kicks in and how annoying it is when it is working - How many of you have the Duelers? From #1 they have lousy dry and wet traction so it only makes sense that they will force a traction control system to kick in more and work harder. [So the workaround of 4 wheel drive is trying to spread that poor traction around to all 4 corners].

3) I am going for the Cross Terrains (on order)even though I have 2200 miles on the Duelers. [Anyone interested in them for cheap! - probably store them for trade-in time]. I was glad to see the positives post on them above -that seems to confirm the very positive tirerack rating of them and from the specs,.. looks they will be an improvement in every way to the Duelers [better dry and snow traction (which is really what started me checking/looking into this in the first place], and better wear (520 index). To marksue1's question on cost - $147 is about right - tirerack is $133 plus ~$15 in shipping. You are paying for the premium tire. I did also see some good deals on Dunlop GrandTek's and BFGoodrich Rugged Trail (~$80 range) that were still an improvement from Duelers but the only down sides to the cross Terrains seem to be cost and off-road ability.

I'll let you know how noticeable the difference is - in particular if they help keep the VSC system off when I get them next week. And shame on Toyota for inflicting these Duelers on us (and if my theory is right making there VSC system look bad)!

mrr60

My wife also says she wouldn't drive an American SUV. I just had to remind her that the '02 Seq Limited is made in Indiana and my X5 is assembled in South Carolina. They are both good cars and completely different from each other. I posted some time ago about my thoughts on each. I don't have any major trouble with either one, I just have a few annoyances with both and I love them both.

slackers

Hey....you've got to spill on that other forum. This is America dude ! And I too would love to pursue the fix on the booming bass issue........love this stuff !

714cut

I have had posts deleted for mentioning the other forums. Read my post carefully and it should give you all you need to know!

marksue1

OK Guys and gals, thanks for all the tire talk. I will be purchasing my new Michellin Cross Terrains this week. Now up to 32, 000 on the Sequoia. We have had snow every day since Christmas eve, wish I bought them last week.

I'll post after they are on and give a report.

BTW... Anybody out there with more miles on their Sequoia than we do?

slackers

Duh............I got it. Still surprised the hosts would delete anything that would help others...well....guess the almighty buck still rules.....always will. Hosts, correct me if I'm wrong.
marksue1: only have about 5K on mine. Those Michelins were one of the best features on the Denali when I was hunting........but I know we don't want this forum going back there ! Will be waiting for your review of those new shoes.

tidester

Edmund's Terms of Use, to which everyone agreed when they signed on, prohibit promoting other web sites specifically those that have their own chat and message boards.

That does not mean that you cannot mention other sites - only that you cannot promote them and this is standard practice at most sites.

The difficulty comes in determining what, exactly, does "promotion" mean. Oftentimes there is a very fine line between trying to be informative and promoting a site. We've been trying to cut a lot of slack to posters on this issue. 714cut is aware of that!

In the rare cases where the "no promotion" clause has been invoked, the matter has been explained to the "offender" and resolved.

I just thought you might like to know and hope that clarifies matters for you. Now let's get back to talking Sequoia!

tidester
Host
SUVs

slackers

So clarified. Appreciate the response.

3lakeswi

Well aware of both the X5 and Sequoia's American ties. However, I think it is important to remember that most of the profits from these vehicles return to the corporation responsible for producing them. Neither Toyota nor BMW are American corporations. Not saying that's a good or bad thing - just saying it's something I consider to be important. Obviously a vehicle assembled in America does more for the economy than one that has no ties at all. Also, the Japanese and German engineering and design still flavors the American assembled vehicles. Especially the German (or Bavarian) X5. Which I think is a GOOD thing.

cliffy1

714cut did good job of explaining what to look for. I agree that if you hear this noise after the engine warms up, you should have it looked at. When worming up, this engine does have a habit of making a loud noise that mimics valve or lifter noises. In most cases, it is simply an injector noise that can be cured by wrapping the injectors with insulating tape.

autos3

You both RULE! I thank you very much for the information, now I am "armed" when I go back to my Toyota dealer with some valuable input. THANKS

minuteman26

To All:

This may be entirely inappropriate for this forum, but just wanted to share with the board some feelings after watching the ball drop…we live in the most incredible nation the world has ever known. As you enjoy the spectacle of celebration, did you notice that there were no terrorist incidents? Of course, this observation may be premature, but think about it. If you were OBL, or one of the various members of obscure hate factions, wouldn’t you be discouraged that far from intimidating America, terrorist attacks have actually strengthened us? And that passengers and crew on American airlines are extremely aggressive about not putting up with anybody’s plans to down any plane…(love it!)

Your nation’s fighting men are on duty right now, doing courageous things that would bring tears to your eyes, if you knew the full facts.

God bless this beautiful and precious country.

Minuteman 26
(my call sign in RVN, 1970)