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Toyota Tacoma: Problems & Solutions
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looking at a lightly used (10k miles) 2003 BASE Tacoma with automatic. i know i know, it is slow as Christmas with the 4 cylinder.
any issues or problems with that vintage? are the auto trannies in those trucks fairly durable? not a lot of torque to harm the engine, thats for sure.
it is a base model, no power windows even!
looking at the 03 Tacoma, and a brand new 04 Mazda/Ranger 2.3 automatic. they both seem to be the same truck, engine wise. though the Ford/Mazda has a 5 speed auto vs. Tacomas 4 speed auto.
thoughts?
thanks!
can any of them tow a light jetski (under 1 thousand pounds) in and out of a boat ramp?
'99 4x4 V6 ExtCab Auto TRD, 59K miles, all the bells and whistles except CD player. I bought it for $13,7 plus. I think I got a pretty good deal. I've had it for 2 weeks and love it!
Todd Huestis
At times, it will only pump out cool air (regardless if temperature adjustment is set all the way to hot). Conversely, when set all the way to cold, sometimes all I will get is hot air.
Strangely enough, sometimes if I move the temperature setting even slightly to the left or right, the heat will change dramatically...why would that be?
The linkage under the hood appears to be turning everything properly, and moving the knobs feels just like it did when the truck was new. My coolant levels and temperature are all fine, but personally I am getting a little hot headed about all of this...I appreciate any suggestions
thanks
i'll keep everyone posted
My 2001 Tacoma X-cab has what appears to be a continuous rubber weatherstrip around the driver's door. A small (about 2-inch) part has become torn (shredded really) at the bottom, apparently due to a shoe or boot scraping over it entering or leaving the truck. How big a problem is this, and has anyone tried to replace one of these?
I still have one month on warranty, but hesitate to ask Toyota to replace it since it is obviously owner-caused "damage."
I now have 4700 miles on my truck. I am averaging about 18MPG city and 22MPG highway. This is better than the combined 17MPG I was getting when the truck was new, however it is still way less than the window sticker rating (22/25). I think that with 4700 miles, I should be seeing better mileage but this is not the case. Is this normal for the mileage to be so bad? What could be causing it? My truck is only a few months old. I've checked the tire pressure, I tried using different brands of gasoline, and no matter what the mileage really sucks!
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With my '94 Suzuki Sidekick, I used to get 2 to 3 mpg OVER the EPA estimates, so I don't think it's my driving style. I'm hoping that the mileage climbs w/ break in and "learning" by the engine/trans control system, though the latter should be long completed by now.
Anybody else got some good news?
Look carefully at it. Try one of the other positions.
On will, obviously, turn it on, regardless of door or key.
Off will disable it from lighting when a door opens.
Auto will allow it to come on when the door opens.
If it is in Auto, but still won't light when the door is opened, you may have a bad door switch (or broken conductor in that wire). Try one of the other doors. Does it come on? If so, then the problem is likely a switch. (I haven't looked into the circuit on the Taco, but in most vehicles, this switch merely grounds the conductor, completing the circuit, whereas the + supply is already directly connected to the lamp.) If opening any/all of the doors will not light the lamp with the switch in the auto position, you may have a broken conductor in the wire (or a loose connector). This will require tracing the line back until you reach the bad wire/connection or the lamp itself. Can be very frustrating, so check the earlier items I mentioned first, and several times.
I would have thought someone on this forum could have told me that. Maybe I'm in the wrong part of the forum. There should be a "Do it yourself maintenance" section clearly visible. This forum resembles my Haynes manual.
Thanks anyway!
Been a multiple Toyota owner for 20yrs and
2003 Tacoma 2dr 2wd stnd cab is the First
Real Complaint I've had with Toyota Quality.
Bought it NEW Oct 2003, here's my complaints:
1) Dash creaking sound
2) leaf springs sqeek
3) bed liner coming away from tail gate (glue?)
4) windows loose/rattle 2 in. play (regulators?)
5) paint bubbled up along both side doors along
the whole length of the door about when the door
curves with the rest of the body (6 in from btm)
(noticed this is the first one I've bought that
was built in TENN not in Japan and imported)
SO, being under warranty, took back to dealer
for issues 1-4 and didnt get resolved.
issue #5 goes back to dealer mngr next week.
Your truck sounds like it's still under warranty so your dealer should fix everything you listed. If they don't, a simple telephone call and written letter to Toyota should help.
I wouldn't mind rattles and squeaks if my gas mileage was anything close to what's quoted on the window sticker! I was planning on keeping my tacoma for a long time, however I'm seriously considering a trade for a full size Ford (which gets 1 MPG less than my Tacoma is currently getting but has a whole lot more room and power).
reason I thought I saw in the paperwork Tennesee.
Oh well, my point is I love and rave about Toyotas;
I've always had 2 in my driveway. 4rnr, P/U, Camry,Corolla, Celica....
currently a '94 4Rnr
and the '03 Tacoma, just a little disappointed,
and frustrated. Yes, the BIG GUY at my dealer is
on vacation this week, so my appointment is next
week to see him on my complaints.
I also noticed others complained of the Dash
and leaf springs "squeeks" -H.
PS: I agree about the MPG, I have a 5-sp stick
and nothing fancy, and still the Gas Mileage is "bad"
1. Dash creaking can be fixed manually by using some foam/ruber tape, just slide it between the dash and windshield. Dealer will NOT fix this problem. For more detailed solution, look here or on www.tacomaterritory.com forums, I know this has been discussed multiple times.
2. I guess I did have this problem as well before I lifted (with an AAL) my truck. AAL came with plastic inserts on teh ends of the leaf, right where the squeak comes from. Since you don't want to lift to solve this, I suggest taking a crowbar, gently separating the leafs and spraying some WD40 there. It'll solve the squeak for a while. You could also try to put some plastic inserts between leafs, although I don't know how it'll hold up, I don't think there are any holes in the leafs for them.
3. Ditch the plastic bedliner alltogether. If you don't want to scratch teh bed, get it spray-lined.
4. I had a problem just like this, there was a bolt loose inside my door that was holding the window mechanism in place. Easily fixed by the dealer.
5. Paint bubbleup is NOT a problem. The paint is not bubbling up and coming off of your truck. It's painted that way for a reason, to help prevent chipping.
Does any one else have a similar prolbem with the Tacoma? I also don't drive it in overdrive because there is a jerking motion like it is not getting enough gas. My recourse is to write a letter to Toyota higher ups and trade it in for something else. If someone has a better idea, I am really open to it. Thanks for the advice in advance.
FWIW, I've not been pleased w/ my mileage, but with my double cab 2.7l 4cyl, I've been getting around 16mpg in town (started at 15mpg until the 2.5k mile mark), and about 16mpg when towing my 1500 sailboat and trailer on the interstate at up to 65mph. If you're only getting 13 or 14 with a std cab, you're either driving in some real bad city driving, are an agressive driver, or there's something seriously wrong. The overdrive thing may be a hint. Mine works fine, though I usually turn it off when towing on the highway, because it'll cycle on and off on each overpass, and sometimes with windgusts, etc. while towing that big billboard of a sailboat.
My mileage increased gradually until the truck was about 3.5 years old.
June 21, 2002: Took delivery of vehicle.
July 23, 2003: Took vehicle to service, strong mildew smell coming from the doors when window are rolled down. Service tech dispensed spray deodorizer in the doors. Mileage 12,106
November 12, 2003: Took vehicle to service. Mildew smell coming from doors again and worsening. Informed the service dept. that simple deodorizer was used previous, the problem had returned and that I wanted the issue resolved. Mileage: 15,004
Summer of 2004: Mildew smell in doors returned and is intolerable. Called dealer, spoke with Asst. Service Manager and explained the history of my problem. I expressed that I wished to bring the vehicle in to have the problem resolved, he set an appointment for later in the week.
June 10, 2004: Took vehicle for said appointment. Once again I expressed that the problem be resolved permanently. When I arrived to pick up the vehicle I was informed there was no problem with the vehicle. After a brief (heated) discussion the asst. service manager admitted there was an odor emitting from the door but there was nothing that could be done to remedy the problem. I explained that this was not acceptable and was informed of my option to contact Toyota Consumer Relations. I was given a contact phone number. Mileage 21,858
I promptly contacted Consumer Relations were I was assigned a reference number for my case.
Several Toyota representatives contact me over the next several weeks regarding my case. To each of them I must explain my issue in detail. These include but are not limited to: Regional Toyota Representative (a), Dealership Warranty Manager and Dealership Service Manager).
July, 2004: The dealership service manager contacts me and explains that the regional representative (b) would be coming to the dealership in early August. At that time he wishes to meet with me and to inspect the vehicle. The service manager agreed to call with the date and time of this appointment.
July 30, 2004: Regional Toyota Representative (a) contacts me to explain that "Toyota Regional has taken the position that there is no problem with the (my) vehicle". I express to her that the regional representative (a or b) has yet to examine my vehicle. I am told "the service manager and the regional rep (b) have discussed my case and concluded that no problem exists". I explain that the service manager has not inspected the vehicle either as he was absent on June 10th (the last time the vehicle was serviced). The Regional Toyota Representative (a) again expresses that the Region has concluded there is no problem and that the "vehicle is functioning as it was designed". I express that this is not acceptable and am informed of my option to open a National Arbitration Case.
I promptly call Toyota Consumer Relations and open national arbitration case number 2004007300076. Again I am asked to explain my issue in detail. I am informed that some papers and forms will be mailed to me.
I also contact the dealership service manager and the dealership warranty manager to voice concern that the process has failed and that I still wish for the regional representative (b) to inspect my vehicle. The service manager informs me he will setup an appointment with regional rep (b) and contact me with date and time. The warranty dept. manager informs me that the service manager overrides him and he is unable to help.
August 26, 2004: I have yet to receive the papers/ forms in the mail concerning my national arbitration case; furthermore, I have yet to hear from dealership service manager about my appointment with the regional rep (b), nor anyone from Toyota. Even worse, the regional rep has yet to inspect my vehicle.
I called Consumer Relations to explain that I have not received the forms in the mail and am informed that they were mailed out July 02, 2004. I asked them to confirm my mailing address, the correct address was on file. The dept. forms are faxed to me.
All four doors of the vehicle still emit a horrid smell of mildew anytime the windows are rolled down. This is not only disgusting and inconvenient, but is a health issue as well.
the paint on the doors is textured from the factory
i am looking for info on the following TSB's
TC002R-03 engine/tranny controls, ECM reset
Bo026R-00 body/ water leaks (is this my problem with smelly doors)
EG025-02 A/T engine control- shift soleniod
TC001-02 A/T fluid requirment
i ask about the auto tranny cause mine doesn't feel right, it's hard to explain but something isn't right.
It's annoying, but I have nearly 115,000 on it, and the drivetrain is still functioning perfectly.
If I might make a suggestion, I'd say "get over it", and focus on the many other positives of this vehicle. For example, the paint is still PERFECT, despite being in the Florida sunshine since 2000. I have no rattles, no parts falling off, and the interior looks good as new.
No vehicle is perfect, especially at this price point.
I discovered last weekend the bulkhead of the bed (front panel) was bowed in toward the cab. Removed the hard tonneau cover and pulled on the top of the bed and it bent back to very close to it's original shape.
I'm disappointed in the durability of the bed and it's ability to handle common uses of a truck on the current generation of the Tacoma. My 84 Toyota truck bed was much more durable until it rusted out:(
Overall this is a great truck, however, it is clear to me that the bed is one area that needs improvement.
Wonder if the 05 will be sturdier?
I've also had the ABS light coming on. Hasn't happened for a couple of weeks, so I haven't worried about it yet. But when I first noticed it, I was pulling up to a stop sign and I pushed in the clutch, disengaged the transmission and was braking when I heard what sounded like gears grinding. Don't quite understand that since my transmission was disengaged, but I could even feel something like a pulse coming through the brake pedal. And it was the brake pedal, not the clutch pedal. It happened a couple more times in the following days and I confirmed it was the brake pedal. But it hasn't happened since. Just a fluke or something worse???
Thanks in advance for any help.
It came with B.F. Goodrich tires and they leave something to be desired. Interested in another set of tires; maybe one size bigger?
Anyone recommend a good tire for my replacement?
Overall it is a great truck. Have done some pretty serious 4 wheeling and much off road here in Idaho. 17-19 mpg city and I get 20 on the road. I have the factory installed Snug Top shell and it fits and matches well. Pricey but worth the paint match and fit. (a previous experience with a B4000 and an Innovation shell which faded totally in 2 years and never really matched the truck prompted the investment)
Would appreciate recommendations on tire make and whether one size increase would be recommended. (not sure whether warranty is effected?) Burt
Good luck.
--Dan
I would first suspect that your front wheels have too much toe-out. I doubt camber is the immediate problem.
Dusty
Regards,
Dusty
Going up a size will not change your warranty, except that you really can't go to anything other than 32x11.5R15 (or the equivalent). Stock tires are 31s, and 32s will not fit very well without a lift. For on-road applications, you'll probably be ok.
You may also want to spend some $$ on R15 rims b/c last time I checked, R16 tires were like 20% more expensive than R15 tires.
on a good note i heard from the NCDS, they are setting up a time to view the vehicle and hear my case. hopefully they will feel my claim is valid and force toyota to resolve the issue permenantly.