I just purchased a 1998 4Runner with the 2.7. I have never owned such a fantastic vehicle. But, does anybody know of anything to boost the power? I was considering a K & N air system. I do not want to race the thing but would like a bit more power.
I replaced the factory speakers in both the rear and front doors with two phoenix gold two way speakers and what a difference. I also put a 10" tube sub woofer in the rear with a simple 100 watt amp bridged to 1 ohm. What a difference the system makes. I can remove the sub in about five seconds if needed and absolutly love the sound. The total cost was @ 600 bucks.
I have owned 97 Toyota 4runner SR5, now it has 64k miles on it.
Since it reaces pretty high miles recently, I have been thinking about "Replacing Timing belt and Valve adjustment" service in local Toyota dealer as they recommended.
Then, I found pretty interesting thing regarding T-belt service interval. Clearly, it is stated that my 97 4runner needs T-belt replacement service in every 60000miles. Then, I found that 98 4runner need T-belt service in every 90000miles....
What makes this T-belt service increase for additional 30000miles in One year? As far as I know, 4runner 3.4L V6 engine has been same even for the very latest 2001 4runner. Then, did Toyota start using some kind of re-inforced T-belt since 1998?
2questions,
1. Does any one have any idea? Was I misinformed?
2. Does any one have experience about T-belt service in Toyota dealer? Since the local Toyota Service center in my local area gave me pretty-BAD impression, when I had some Brake-Rotor pulsation problem, when it reached only 20000miles. They insisted it is NOT covered under warranty because it is due to the habit of Driver.....what a excuse.... I had to pay about 120buck for resurfacing after another 20000miles it came back, so I replaced rotor by myself... it came back again around 60000miles..... Anyhow, it was not a good impression that I didn't expect from such good car maker......
I have a 1997 4runner and the ABS seems to be activating at the most peculiar times. Mostly when softly braking on dry pavement, but it' not predictable nor repeatable. I've even had an accident (went into a ditch) and the dealer says there is nothing wrong. Toyota Canada of course also denies there is a problem. I set up a web page to try and find others who may have had similar experiences.
I just bought a '97 4Runner & went to fill it up for b/c the gas light went on. It filled up with only 13 gallons! I have put about 156mi onto the car & have a 1/4 tank left 'till the warning light pops on again. What is going on? The tank is supposed to hold 18 gallons! Is this normal? Do people usually keep driving with the orange light on?
I'm thinking of looking for a used 4-Runner with the 2.7 4-cyl. engine. I know I'm definitely not looking for speed here, but for longevity of the vehicle. Can anyone tell me if these 2.7L engines have the same head gasket problems as the 6cyl. engine problems I've seen in earlier posts. Any other problems that anyone knows of these engines? Also, would anyone know what a '96 4-Runner (which I'm considering) would go for in decent shape? Much appreciated!
Your are not alone with the gas fill up problem on your 97 4Runner. You may want to read messages # 5, 7, 12, 41, 44, 48, 138, 158, 159 on this site. The gas gauge does seem to read low. My 2001 4Runner does not seem to have this problem. Hope this helps.
Has anyone noticed that the engine gets very loud, kind of like its laboring, when the A/C activates while your driving? It sounds like a ticking sound, then it rides quietly; starts again for a short time while the A/C starts again, so on and so on. This is a 2000 SR-5 model. Otherwise, no noises noticed. My 97 SR-5 didn't seem to have this sound, unless is was quieter than this or maybe the radio was always loud. Any comments?
I have a 2000 4Runner Limited with 16000 miles. I took it in for 15000 mile maintenance and when I got it back the brakes would shudder at highway speeds. I took it back and they said the brake drums where warped. The service advisor said that the mechanic may have put the brake pads on too tight. These are covered under warranty of course but I was just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience?
The compressor on my 95 runner developed a knock and after finding out what the problem was and that I needed a new compressor I took it to a toyota dealer near me who quoted a low price. They told me they would have to order the compressor and that it wouldn't be in until the next weekend. Since I needed it that weekend I went to NAPA and got a rebuilt compressor. The dealer installed it and it worked fine for about an hour or so and then it blew a fuse. It then would blow any fuse I installed after that when I turned the A/C on. I don't understand what would have happened. Why would it have worked and then started blowing fuses? Napa said that the compressor cluth spacing needed to be just right, but I don't see why that would matter. The other thing is that it could be a short. Basically I want this compressor to work, I don't want to have to pay to have them take it out and then install a new one. Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks
My speedometer seems to register faster than the actual speed. I have a 2001 SR5 with the standard 15 inch steel rims. Since 90 % of 4Runners have 16 in.alloy rims is it possible that the rim size difference is causing the speedo to be inaccurate, e.g. the speedo is calibrated for 16's ?
Help! I have a 2000 4Runner SR5 with an annoying squeak in the dash. It sounds like two pieces of plastic rubbing together and is emanating from the passenger side of the dash near the airbag - at least that's where I think it's coming from. It squeaks independent of speed and whether or not the car is hot or cold. It started about six months ago and has been getting progressively worse. I can drown it out with the stereo, but the point is that I will end up spending $30K+ on this vehicle and for that kind of money I don't want to put up with an irritating squeak. I have taken my truck to the dealer 3 times now, each time they told me that they had found and fixed the squeak. Has anyone else had similar problems, and if so, what was the remedy? What are my options if the dealer can't track down the offending parts and quelch the noise? Will they replace the whole dash? Is that even a viable option, or is that overkill for the problem? It's driving me nuts!!!! HELP!
I have a 2001 4Runner and have experienced the same after taking my foot off the brake from a semi hard stop.It's a condition called Axle Wrap.You can read more about this at www.tacomaterritory.com/~faqsection/. Find second generation (2001 to present)and find section 4.3/Tranny/drivetrain/rearend.Hope this helps
I have the same problem. Thought about the things mentioned, however I took key out of ignition and turned it around and it worked! Nothing else..no cranking of wheel, etc. Ideas??
I am looking at purchasing a 92 (5 speed)4 runner SR-5. The car has leather interior, moon roof, C/D player, 75,000 miles, and one owner with good auto records on the truck. Is there anything I should be aware of with this year and model. I agreed on $11,700. with the dealer but have not confirmed anything yet. I am not sure if I should purchase an extended year service agreement for an additional $850.00. The service agreement is through Toyota and would cover All engine components, the manual transmission, and the 4 wheel axle assembly components. Who has any answers for me ? I would appreciate any help on this matter. THANKS
I am looking into purchasing a 94 4runner with 140000 miles, well maintained, new timing belt and well taken care of. I own a 96 4wd Tacoma V6 and have had good luck. Is there anything I should be weary of and is it too many miles. I know the older V6 is a bit slow but thats ok. If anyone has suggestions I would appreciate it.
I have a 93 V6 4WD auto trans w/ <165000 miles on it. It's in the shop right now having the transmission (clutch, transfer case, and all) replaced. Has anybody had this problem? The mechanic claimed this a common w/ these type of vehicle year model. I bought a Toyota for durability but this sucks. I can't accept the fact that a friend's 92 Chewy Lamina mini van w/ >174000 miles is running better. Any thoughts?
I have exactly the same problem as #217.The sqeek is on the passenger side of the dashboard and is very annoying.I have a 97 4runner,so my warranty already expired.The dealer cannot fide the source of the sqeek.
This is not peculiar to 4Runner only but for all American cars. Gentlemen, is there any reason why the 4runners are constructed with the front end higher than the rear, making the entire vehicle slant backwards?
Has anyone had a failure in the Solenoid Assembly in the Transmission? I have a 2001 4 Runner, which I bought new and have had for only 7 months. The check engine light came on one morning when I started the car and the dealership found that the solenoid needed to be replaced. I asked if this has been a problem with other 4 Runners and just got an insulting, bull [non-permissible content removed] answer that all cars have problems from time to time. I agree with other posters--the service at some Toyota dealers can be really bad. I love Toyotas and have bought 3 new ones over the years. When I purchased the last 2, I was pressured to fill out a customer satisfaction questionaire and the dealers wanted to tell me what answers to make. The last dealership wanted me to sign another paper saying that I gave them only the very highest marks. I refused! I have loved all my Toyota's, but I was offended at being strong-armed to fill out the surveys!
Have a 95 4 runner with factory radio/cd player. Bought it new from dealer.
The stereo has a security sytem. The 4runner has stickers on the windows that say: "stereo will not work if removed from the vehicle".
Changed the battery last week and now the stereo does not work. Apparently the stereo believes it was stolen. The owner's manual shows how to reset the stereo but I need to have an initial/existing three digit code. I don't remember ever getting or installing a code when the vehicle was bought.
Called the dealer and they insist in taking the car to them.
The instructions are in the owner's manual....but that won't help if you don't have the 3 digit code. Twelve years ago I changed my code from the factory code to one of two numbers that I can't forget...atleast I only have to try twice. You can only hope the dealer has a way to get the original code, buy a new stereo, or sue the idiot that installed a battery without keeping power to the system.
There is a TSB that Toyota wrote that addresses 1999-2000 4runner fuel gauge problems. The TSB is "EL010". Tell your dealership that you are aware of this TSB and you want the fix done asap.
Most likely you'll have to make 2 appointments. One for the dealership to verify that you have the problem and the 2nd appointment to actually fix it. Many dealerships don't have to parts in stock so they have to order them.
The fix involves (depending on your year) replacing a chip behind the instrument cluster and some type of fuel tube assembly. I had both done and now my gauge is accurate and I can put 18.5 gallons into my tank.
I will probably be real wordy with this, but I want to provide as much info as possible with my problem. I have a 1994 4-runner with 92k miles. The speedo has been acting up for a few months now...works most of the time, but fluctuates from spped to 0 back to speed. Twice the sppedo has shut off....one time, the Check engine light went on. After a few minutes, the speedo started to wkr again, and the Ckeck engine light went off. The mechanic stated there was a code on the computer, but the code was inconclusive...he stated that it could be a number of things, speedo cable, speed sensor, etc. Yesterday, I was driving to work. After 30 minutes, the speedo shut down. No MPH, no miles were logged. The condition lasted for nearly 4 miles. Once I stopped, the transmission WOULD NOT shift out of first. The speedo was fluctuating, up to 60, down to 10, up to 50 down to 10, etc. When I came to the next stop sign, the speedo was still fluctuating even though I was standing still. The tranny was staying in first gear for a couple of blocks. I had to make several stops at stop lights and stop signs. All of the sudden, the speedo was working again, and the tranny was shifting normally. I took the truck to the dealer, and there was no code to detect any problem. The mechanic test drove the vehicle for approximately 20 miles, without any fluctuation. Has anyone else experienced speedo problems with the 4-runner? Does anyone have any idea what the problem could be? I appreciate your response.
I have a 2001 4Runner that has been at the dealership for 3 weeks now. The car developed a fuel leak in the fuel line near where the line inserts into the tank. I have been getting the run around from the dealership that the part is back ordered and they don't know when it will arrive. I had the car for only a week before realizing the problem.
My concern is not the problem itself, but Toyota's resolution(lack thereof). They don't seem to be too resolute about getting my car back on the road. Although they are giving me a rental to drive, I'm fed up with the fact I'm paying for a 4Runner yet driving a car worth half as much.
In Virginia the lemon law states that if your car is out of service 30 days or more during the first 12 months of ownership, the manufacturer is responsible for replacing your car with a new one. Has anyone had these problems with a Toyota service department? Has anyone out there had to invoke lemon laws? I have spoken to several people at Toyota USA and haven't gotten any help. Suggestions??
I just bought a 99 4runner Limited from Carmax this weekend. On the third time I drove, the "check engine" warning light was on. According to the manual, it says it is malfunction and take to the dealer. I also checked the fuel cap and it is tight and the tank is still full.
Is this a potentially big problem or routine one?
Carmax has a 5 day return policy, should I return it or give it another chance? Thanks Charles
I would go ahead and take your 4Runner back to Carmax and ask them to fix the problem. Also tell them that you want an additional 5 days after they fix the problem to be sure it is resolved.
There's a good chance that a sensor is bad or something minor. Now days, check engine lights have more to do with the fuel injection/fuel system than something with the engine itself. Don't worry about driving back to the dealer. If it runs, drive it.
Comments
Since it reaces pretty high miles recently, I have been thinking about "Replacing Timing belt and Valve adjustment" service in local Toyota dealer as they recommended.
Then, I found pretty interesting thing regarding T-belt service interval.
Clearly, it is stated that my 97 4runner needs T-belt replacement service in every 60000miles.
Then, I found that 98 4runner need T-belt service in every 90000miles....
What makes this T-belt service increase for additional 30000miles in One year? As far as I know, 4runner 3.4L V6 engine has been same even for the very latest 2001 4runner. Then, did Toyota start using some kind of re-inforced T-belt since 1998?
2questions,
1. Does any one have any idea? Was I misinformed?
2. Does any one have experience about T-belt service in Toyota dealer? Since the local Toyota Service center in my local area gave me pretty-BAD impression, when I had some Brake-Rotor pulsation problem, when it reached only 20000miles. They insisted it is NOT covered under warranty because it is due to the habit of Driver.....what a excuse.... I had to pay about 120buck for resurfacing after another 20000miles it came back, so I replaced rotor by myself... it came back again around 60000miles..... Anyhow, it was not a good impression that I didn't expect from such good car maker......
Any advice certainly appreciated.
http://www.geocities.com/mstoer2001/index.html
Please let me know what you think.
Marcell
Find second generation (2001 to present)and find section 4.3/Tranny/drivetrain/rearend.Hope this helps
The stereo has a security sytem. The 4runner has stickers on the windows that say: "stereo will not work if removed from the vehicle".
Changed the battery last week and now the stereo does not work. Apparently the stereo believes it was stolen. The owner's manual shows how to reset the stereo but I need to have an initial/existing three digit code. I don't remember ever getting or installing a code when the vehicle was bought.
Called the dealer and they insist in taking the car to them.
Anybody knows how to reset the stereo?.
There is a TSB that Toyota wrote that addresses 1999-2000 4runner fuel gauge problems. The TSB is "EL010". Tell your dealership that you are aware of this TSB and you want the fix done asap.
Most likely you'll have to make 2 appointments. One for the dealership to verify that you have the problem and the 2nd appointment to actually fix it. Many dealerships don't have to parts in stock so they have to order them.
The fix involves (depending on your year) replacing a chip behind the instrument cluster and some type of fuel tube assembly. I had both done and now my gauge is accurate and I can put 18.5 gallons into my tank.
Hope that helps,
Bob
bobykim@hotmail.com
I have a 1994 4-runner with 92k miles. The speedo has been acting up for a few months now...works most of the time, but fluctuates from spped to 0 back to speed. Twice the sppedo has shut off....one time, the Check engine light went on. After a few minutes, the speedo started to wkr again, and the Ckeck engine light went off. The mechanic stated there was a code on the computer, but the code was inconclusive...he stated that it could be a number of things, speedo cable, speed sensor, etc.
Yesterday, I was driving to work. After 30 minutes, the speedo shut down. No MPH, no miles were logged. The condition lasted for nearly 4 miles. Once I stopped, the transmission WOULD NOT shift out of first. The speedo was fluctuating, up to 60, down to 10, up to 50 down to 10, etc. When I came to the next stop sign, the speedo was still fluctuating even though I was standing still. The tranny was staying in first gear for a couple of blocks. I had to make several stops at stop lights and stop signs. All of the sudden, the speedo was working again, and the tranny was shifting normally. I took the truck to the dealer, and there was no code to detect any problem. The mechanic test drove the vehicle for approximately 20 miles, without any fluctuation.
Has anyone else experienced speedo problems with the 4-runner? Does anyone have any idea what the problem could be?
I appreciate your response.
My concern is not the problem itself, but Toyota's resolution(lack thereof). They don't seem to be too resolute about getting my car back on the road. Although they are giving me a rental to drive, I'm fed up with the fact I'm paying for a 4Runner yet driving a car worth half as much.
In Virginia the lemon law states that if your car is out of service 30 days or more during the first 12 months of ownership, the manufacturer is responsible for replacing your car with a new one. Has anyone had these problems with a Toyota service department? Has anyone out there had to invoke lemon laws? I have spoken to several people at Toyota USA and haven't gotten any help. Suggestions??
Is this a potentially big problem or routine one?
Carmax has a 5 day return policy, should I return it or give it another chance?
Thanks
Charles
There's a good chance that a sensor is bad or something minor. Now days, check engine lights have more to do with the fuel injection/fuel system than something with the engine itself. Don't worry about driving back to the dealer. If it runs, drive it.