Toyota Sienna Maintenance and Repair (2003 earlier)

deepan · April 2006

wayne,

actually nothing. we had the van a few yrs before i actually noticed it while standing behind the van and doing something else. Hasnt caused any wandering or anything like that.

thanks for reminding me. I still have a few months left on the warranty and i might as well go get it chked!

bpendergast · April 2006

Did you see my posts on the rubber bush problem in the front suspension units? Certainly if these are failing they would cause noise and problems with steering. Very easy to miss if you do not look carefully.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/barrypendergast/sienna/sienna_problem.html

hwolfe · April 2006

Thanks for the reply. Is this something I can inspected easily myself, or would I need to take it in?

The sound that I'm hearing seems to be coming from closer to the steering wheel (maybe even in the steering wheel -something like a defective return spring or clockspring), but maybe it is a suspension problem.

bpendergast · April 2006

hi - I've updated the photos showing new units - look just behind front wheel. I've marked the rubber bush area. interesting the metal around the bushes is already showing signs of rusting. Its easy to check state of the bushes.

bpendergast · April 2006

Sorry I left photo reference out- here it is again. You may need to refresh your browser to see new additions.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/barrypendergast/sienna/sienna_problem.html

surfhawaii · April 2006

I noticed it couple years back but didn't do anything about it. I would think that if the van sits lower on one side than the other, it would tend to want to go in that direction (as more weight is on that tire). It wandered much more with the original Dunlop AS40 tires. Tire wear appeareed normal, but have now replace them with Michelins HydroEdge. The tire ride much better and wander far less. Alignment is good.

I wonder if other Sienna suffer from the same type of leaning.
What year is your Sienna?

chacago · April 2006

Need some responses from 2003/02 sienna owners who have pulled boats. I'm going to be pulling between 2500-3000 lbs. Yes I know I should have an SUV but I have a van please only replies from expierences, help would be appreciated.

deepan · April 2006

mine is a 00 MY. it has 94K kms. I changed tires (BG Goodrich M80) in late 2003 at 60Km and there is no uneven wear. Thats reminds me that i need another tire rotation.

brosh · April 2006

Wandering- yes a good term. I have a new 2006 Sienna. Only about 500mi. It first pulled (wandered) to the right, dealer switched the tires and now wanders to the left. Gotta be the tires, Dunlop. I have a another appointment on Monday to get a new one. Hope it works.
But I gotta say, the car has a REAL rough ride. Not sure what causes this but I've had trucks with a smoother ride than this car.

user777 · April 2006

is the vehicle an AWD with runflats?

in general, i don't see people complaining about harsh rides in the Sienna.

it's possible your tires are WAY over-inflated. Did you check this possibility?

andrews777 · April 2006

We have had a very loud 2000 Sienna for several years. My wife drives it all the time and "got used to the noise." I have been driving it the last week and a half, and the noise is driving me batty.

It sounds almost like a Mack truck anytime it is going faster than 30-40 MPH. I may need wheel alignment, since I felt a little vibration today, but I know that is not all of it.

I remember it being loud when we got it, and the dealer said it was "normal". (Not the place we bought it (used).

Is this normal? The noise occurs even if I take my foot completely off the accelerator, as long as I am going fast enough.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

My wife is going into a dealer today.

We do have tires from Firestone on it, though I don't think that is the sole problem.

Brad

user777 · April 2006

nice user handle.

look very carefully at the condition of the tires. if there is evidence of tread cupping (google it) your tire(s) could be literally bouncing down the road. this can be the result of bearing problems, tire or rim balance / shape issues, suspension problems, etc. it will result in very loud tire noise.

can you specifically determine if it is the tires or the engine contributing to your noise?

andrews777 · April 2006

We found out today that it is probably a combination of things. We do have some repairs that need done on suspension stuff (IIRC), but we also found the transmission needs rebuilt. The Toyota repair guy said that noise was VERY loud if you took pressure off the wheels/suspension.

He will be checking with Toyota to see if we can get some further coverage. They offer it to 8 yr/ 100K miles, but we are at 122K miles, though under the 8 year limit. We are one of the "trouble" vin numbers.

I suspect this was the ongoing noise problem we always had, though the service department didn't catch it before since we didn't have the other common "not starting when accellerating" problem.

Hopefully the Toyota rep is reasonable (or more) on Monday when the repair guy talks with him. I do not want to pay $3000-3600 to rebuild the transmission itself. I bought a (used) Sienna because of Toyota's good repair record.

We are going to call the customer service line Monday as well to see if they can help get us good coverage. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Brad

hwolfe · April 2006

Hi again,

A follow up to my previous posting. The steering noise ended up being what the dealership service dept. called "a faulty cable reel" in the air bag system, which they replaced under the certified warranty (pretty scary - makes me wonder why the airbag system would have problems that would show up on a used car about a week after I bought it - an unreported accident that didn't make the Carfax report?)

That leaves unresolved the window noise. Anyone else have problems with noisy power windows on the driver side going down only (quiet going up?) The dealership claims nothing is wrong and keeps spraying silicone lubricant on the windows which does nothing for the noise, but does make a big mess.

01siennaja · April 2006

Anyone else have this problem? I have already replaced the condenser in my 2001 Sienna LE due to a hole in it allegedly from some road debris, now 2 years later the same problem?? What is going on here? The 1st time my insurance paid for part of it, I'm kind of afraid to submit it this time! Why do I keep getting holes in it? It's not like I'm driving offroad or anything!
Thanks

klen · April 2006

I have had 2 gearshift breaks in a 2 year period. Does anyone know of a recall for this part? My family had me thinking I had a bionic arm, this part is cast iron.

deepan · April 2006

do you park your van on an incline without the parking brake engaged.

klen · April 2006

I avoid incline parking and the 2 times that I have, yes, I did use the parking brakes. Thanks for responding.

rustbelt · April 2006

I've removed the liftgate trim before to replace brake lamps, and it's not too hard.. but can the trim panels be removed with the liftgate closed? My latch handle broke without unlatching!

bpendergast · April 2006

Just wanted to report that our Toyota dealer and Toyota Canada has dealt very satisfactorily with our concerns over the rubber bush failure. It reinforces our faith in Toyota products and their committment - the 2002 Sienna is our 3rd Toyota and the most enjoyable to drive so far. Perhaps reinforces the idea that getting your vehicle serviced at a good Toyota dealer is the best solution in long run.

payson · April 2006

This also happened to our 00 Sienna. I can't post the links here, but do a google search for "sienna hatch broken", and a number of sites will come up with detailed instructions. Replacing the latch was easy, and only cost about $70.

mathews99 · May 2006

We have encountered a similar problem with our 2000 Sienna. Bought van used at 45K miles and really liked it for first three years. At 85K miles, lost AC and had to have evaporator replaced ($$$). Then at 88K miles, started hearing front-end noise when car was in motion. Had already replaced wheel bearings on both right and left front due to previous noise problems, and dealership now says we need a transmission rebuild (est $3,300 - $3,500). I never expected this after having no problems with my '93 Camry or my '88 Camry before that. Dealership called this morning and suggested we try Toyota Customer Care for post warranty assistance. Anyone had success with that route? :confuse:

andrews777 · May 2006

We were told that there was an offer to fix it up to 100K now and 8 years. It is under the years, but I don't know your current mileage.

They paid for all the parts on mine, so it "only" cost about $1000.

The wheel stuff I replaced came out of my own pocket. That was another $1500 or so.

Brad

hottmusic · May 2006

I recently took my 2000 xle to the dealer to have the a/c checked out because it's not cooling. They couldn't find anything wrong and recharged (added freon or whatever they use these days) the a/c and added some dye to check for leaks. So far, it's working fine, but the dealer is saying that unless they find a leak or a problem with something, I'll have to pay $189 for a/c service, even though I have the extended warranty (6 yr/100k). I have 70K on the van, and wondering if anyone has had a similar experience. Is it normal for the a/c to need recharged after a period of time , or would this only happen due to a leak?
Thanks for any feedback.

andrews777 · May 2006

I believe you need to recharge the system every so often, even if it is working correctly. A leak will make it "go bad" quicker, but I think "normal use" also requires replacement occassionally.

Brad

deepan · May 2006

I dont agree. Its a completely sealed unit. there shouldnt be any leaks. My older 96 avalon blows cold air!

01siennaja · May 2006

I posted earlier, my 2001 is now on its 3rd A/C condenser. The first two got holes in them. Very disturbing! Once there is a hole, it can't be fixed because it's such a high pressure system, and you need a new condenser. I think the most recent one is a manufacturer defect, so I am going to try to get some $$ back, I'm sure it's an uphill battle with Radiators Express.

andrews777 · May 2006

Maybe, but the "recharge" business would be a lot less if that was always true.

It shouldn't leak that quickly, but nothing in life is "completely airtight."

Brad

mathews99 · May 2006

We followed a similar path with our 2000 xle. When a/c first stopped cooling, mechanic could not find any leaks, so they recharged freon. W/in 3 mos, we were back in the shop for another recharge. They ran dye test but again found no leaks. Suspected problem was evaporator. Finally had evaporator replaced earlier this month, and a/c working fine again. They probably won't check that since it is labor intensive. Good luck.

yison · May 2006

I recently had four new tires replaced for my Sienna LE 2000 by NTB tire company a year a ago. Approximately two weeks later steering wheel started to shaking at 5-15 ml/hr. I returned to NTB and complained about the problem. They rechecked it. They told me there were no problems found with my tires. After I had two tire rotations (approx 10,000 miles), I returned to NTB and complained again, but I got same answer. They told me one of my tire rims was bended. So I went to a junk yard to get a used rim and went back NTB. I told them my shaking wheel was not a mechanical problem, but a problem tire coursing steering wheel is shakes.
It wasn't rim instead they found two bad tires and replaced them. Now I am satisfied because I don't have any problems and the new tire are covered by warranty.

firenut · May 2006

Hello,
I have 2000 Toyota Sienna Van. I have been using the seat belts to secure car seats in the middle bench seat. My van did not come equipped with the "LATCH" system. I was wondering, can I just switch out my seat with another seat from a later model Sienna with that is "LATCH" equipped? What is the latest model seat that will fit into a 2000 Sienna. I went to my dealer, and he told me that I could fit up to a 2002 seat into my Sienna, but none of them came equipped with the "LATCH" system until 2004. I think he is wrong. According to the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS), Toyota started putting the "LATCH" restraint system in 2001 Siennas. To put it in a nut shell, is there a middle bench seat that will fit into a 2000 Sienna that is "LATCH" equipped? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

scratch2006 · June 2006

Just got a 2001 Sienna CE with low mileage thru a dealer, supposedly Toyota certified. Driver side window scratched the very 1st time we used the window (within a week). Dealer replaced the glass. Now, passenger side getting EXACT same type of scratch, same place, same width. Have seen this reported on this board in earlier postings. Any resolution to this ? It has to be mechanical. Once I'm out of warranty I'll be stuck with scratched glass. Dealer doesnt seem to know (?) Does Toyota support any fix on this? Thanks

gunga64 · June 2006

At least you got a window. My driver window got it during my 36,000 warranty and they blamed sand. They supposedly blew it out. But I never got a replacement glass even though I stated I thought I needed one, and did not believe sand did it. Every Sienna that year has this scratch. This single issue is making me rethink purchasing another Toyota product by the way. Since the Service guy made it sound like he never seen this problem before. We all know he has.

I never had a problem with the passenger side. Although my window motor on the passenger side is dead. I have a feeling all of the Siennas have that problem by the way. I also think the problem is from a piece of metal that is in the door jam. I read that they bend it so it does'nt cause the problem.

Be aware that my front windshield also has scratches that were not caused by me. I have never run bad wipers. Yet my front windshield has deep scratches. I think its because they never properly tempered the glass. Since I've seen this same problem on every sienna that model year I know its of no fault of mine.

You could have had those scratches since you owned the van. They could have used something to hide it from you.

All in all the van has been fine. With exception of the wiper motor and the glass. If your van has low mileage think of using syntetic oil like mobil 1.

Heres a thought. If they have some siennas on the lot that are used that year go look at the window. You want to bet they have those scratches?

gfial · June 2006

I have a 98 Sienna and the AC shuts off when I turn on the headlights. It works pefectly as long as the headlights are off. Has anyone had a similar problem?

rperezfranco · June 2006

HI everybody I have a Toyota Sienna 2000 CE, AC works great but I live in Imperial Valley, CA, temperature goes up to 120 in summer. AC works great and it is very cold,but suddenly the compressor goes off, AC switch remain on and blower works perfect but of course air is hot, after 2 minutes or so compressor turn on again. Does anybody knows what happens? or any ideas??

Thanks

therocks · June 2006

I have recently encountered 2 dashboard problems. The clock is no longer working and I believe it is a fuse problem. Question is, which fuse? I'd really like to replace it myself, but I don't know where to start. Seems like there are a lot of fuses. Second problem is with my top cigarette lighter. An i-pod charger piece is lodged inside it and I don't know how to remove it. Is there an easy fix or do I need to take this to the mechanic?

hawaiial · June 2006

I've got a 1999 Toyota Sienna CE, just got the following 3 codes P0125 - closed loop fuel control insufficient coolant temp, P0135 - 02 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 1) & P0155 02 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 1).

This minivan has been at the dealers and multiple mechanics to try to repair. These are the latest readings. The dealer said both 02 sensors were bad & I had them both replaced. A local mechanic was originally getting Solenoid Sensor Malfunction, which I replaced. Then the shift cable was replaced. Can anyone help?

Originally, when driving for a while up step hill, the car would suddenly lose power and overheat (the transmission?) After replacing both 02 sensors, out of the blue it acts as if it has no power then lurches into power - never no when and not regular. Any assistance is appreciated - you can email at bbabtrust@yahoo.com as well as resply - thanks.

user777 · June 2006

the solenoid sensor sounds like it was fixed. shift cable too - i guess both needed to be replaced.

anyway, now one of your problems sounds like perhaps a bad engine temp sensor (which might result in the unit running richer than necessary and also possibly retarding the transmission control module from shifting through all the gears).

but, latest codes seem to suggest you've still got O2 sensor issues (I presume right after replacement). perhaps something wasn't replaced or re-connected properly.

if your O2 sensors are still reporting bad, and if the car is loosing power going up hill, sounds to me that you might not be scheduling the correct amount of fuel to the engine, and in addition, based on them being a problem in the past, perhaps (emphasis) the Catalytic Convertor may be history soon.

you may need to have it diagnosed by a specialist on Toyotas (maybe an independant shop - perhaps someplace other than the dealership if their work is in question).

if you do, ask if the people that look it over again can determine if you actually got 2 new O2 sensors and if they are hooked up properly.

question, if the dealership just replaced 02 sensors and you're getting 02 related OBDII codes, why isn't the dealership taking care of you to re-diagnose and replace parts for free?

perhaps I'm misunderstanding your post.

deepan · June 2006

this is to protect the compressor fom over heating. If the refrigerant is low and the A/C is working not stop the compressor will cut off so it can take a breather. this is how its designed!

user777 · June 2006

and also, i believe refrigerant and lubricant must be in the system for lubrication / sealing of the bearings, otherwise the unit would surely fail.

hawaiial · June 2006

Thanks for the reply. Here on the Big Island we have 1 Toyota Dealer. They charedg $150 just to read the codes, and wanted $600+ to change the sensors. I bought after market 02 sensors for $70 each and had a shop put them in for $100 - maybe I got ripped? My buddy thought the cat might be the problem just putting his hand behind the exhaust and feeling little pressure. Believe it or not, I've taken it 2 several shops to test the cat and no one seems to have the equipment to test emissions, since emissions is not required here. The closest, was Midas took a stethoscope up and listened and said everything sounds good. Big Island Toyota charges $1,500 for the catalytic coverter (part only) and Midas $100 - $300 for their after market. However, if that's part of the problem, I concerned with going after market now after my 02 experience. Anyways, I will check the temp engine sensor as well - really appreciated your suggestion.

buyer777 · June 2006

These 3 lights just came on my 2001 Sienna. Heading out on vacation...any ideas?????

hawaiial · June 2006

Need to find someone with a code reader - hopefully, a friend who won't charge you to much to see the codes. Check out http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t94312.html, they had same three lights. Good luck

dillydill · June 2006

Yes, it is a fuse. . .by the driver's left knee there is a fuse panel. When you take the cover off there is a grid to tell you which fuses are where. I believe it is on the bottom row of fuses.

I can't help you with the removal of the charger piece but you will need to get that removed or the fuse will keep blowing.

I took my wife's sienna to three different places and none of them could either "diagnose the problem" or had the correct fuses. .

You should have at least one extra fuse under the hood.
Check your manual if you have it. I used this one and then blew that fuse so i ended up searching on eBay for them. . .cost around 25 cents each.

You can remove the old fuse with a needle nose pliers and may be able to install the new fuse with your hands only.

Hope this helps. . .also if you have power mirrors they are probably not working either.

Dillydill

gunga64 · June 2006

Discount auto and other parts suppliers will check codes for free.

buyer777 · June 2006

Thanks..any "catch" to that? Or can I then just drive away??

penizzle · July 2006

Hi, my sienna runs good but there is no fuel pump prime. According to Haynes manual, there should be one. I changed fuses and relays. what is the prob?

If you own a sienna, do me a favor.... Turn the key on without turning all the way... Listen towards the rear of the vehicle for a 2 second or so whining noise as soon as the key is turned on. Does your car have a prime? The reason i want the prime is because if the van sits a while, it takes longer to start because there is no prime.

donb13 · July 2006

I am having a problem with the fuel access door lever being hard to open. The lever is bent now and I am afraid it might break off. Anyone else having this problem? What would be a good remedy for this problem?

rsbasu12 · July 2006

I took my 2001 Toyota Sienna to the Toyota Service center to fix a
brake-related problem ( brake light on dash board stayed on even when brakes were not on).
The service rep. informed me that they needed to change the front brake pads and adjust the rear brakes and suggested that I do the 30K mile service that was overdue, which would include the rear adjustment. I agreed.

When I picked up the car and turned the ignition on, a lot of white smoke came out of the exhaust. I immediately reported the problem to the service personnel who came out to take a look. They assured me that it would go away and was probably due to the throttles being cleaned out. On my way home, the car hesitated every time I :sick: applied the accelerator. Finally, on a turn, the car stalled and the check engine light came on. I turned the car back on, and returned home (about 1.5mi). There was still a lot of white smoke.

I called the service rep. the next day, and described the problem, and among other things, asked if perhaps there was sludge on the engine. He said that it was unlikely and that the technician would have mentioned this if he had seen any.

Next, I had the car towed back to the service center and some time later, was informed that indeed, the engine had sludge.

My questions to you are:
1. Could sludge cause the symptoms I described?
2. The car had been running very smoothly before I took in for service...how is it that these problems happened right after the service? Why would an oil change cause this problem to surface?
3. Are there any other explanations for these symptoms (aside from sludge?)

I would really appreciate any help on this matter.

Thanks,
RB

user777 · July 2006

seems like they may have grossly overfilled the oil. just a guess.

Toyota Sienna Maintenance and Repair (2003 earlier)

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