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Toyota Sequoia Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • mroehemroehe Member Posts: 2
    My 2001 is now doing this at 79,000 so did yours ever get fixed ????
  • harboharbo Member Posts: 136
    This technique does work on Toyota's and Honda's as well. The devil is in the detail's of course. Believe a full moon with all the planets of the Cosmos moving at 100M times the speed of light in reverse was critical.
    Hope this helps ......... <(-;
  • thtranlawthtranlaw Member Posts: 2
    yes... fill up the brake fluid and disconnect the battery cable...

    the toyota dealer wanted a lot of money to fix. when i called the customer service number and complained that the computer only needed to be reset, the delearship called me back and sait it was a temporary fix and that the light would come back on w/in 25 starts. to date, hundreds of starts later, no light....

    i think it's programmed to come on so you can get cheated by toyota's repair shop.
  • abbylouabbylou Member Posts: 33
    I am sorry but do not have an answer, but I had the shop foreman at my dealer show me once, but it was like 6 mos ago and he did say that it was quirky how you performed this? Just call the dealer and tell them that you need more concise instructions? I am trying to remember, but here goes:

    Turn ignition to "ON" position. Make sure odometer is on trip setting not on total vehicle mileage setting.

    Turn ignition OFF

    Push and hold odometer button while turning ignition to "ON" position. HOld for about 4-5 seconds until maintenance light goes off. Turn ignition OFF. Start up vehicle. There should be no more maintanence light.

    Apparently the maintenance light only comes on for USA Sequoia's. It is to remind you to change your oil. But it has nothing to do with mileage because I only put on 1000 miles since last oil change and light still came on. I suspect it's to do with # of days...
  • 2tired4kids2tired4kids Member Posts: 4
    Well I just kept trying different things and this is what worked. With the odometer in the total mileage position, and the key in the off position. Push the odo. reset button in and hold for 10 sec, then while still holding the button in I started my Sequoia and it started and the light went off. Happy Days! :)
  • kattoy2003kattoy2003 Member Posts: 3
    It is the sending unit/float. I had the same problem. The fix is about $100, but luckily, I had an extended warranty that covered it. One it was replaced, it works like a charm.
  • blkrobblkrob Member Posts: 3
    My tsc light come on and stays on and I dont know why, I have hooked the obd2 and checked for any codes but the only code that it pulls is for an o2 sensor. If anyone can give me any advise I would appreciate it.
  • suq03suq03 Member Posts: 3
    My 03 back latch handle just broke for the 2nd time. Did you ever receive any feedback on a DIY job? My rear window want work because the window motor froze up so there is no way to access the rear without climbing over the middle and rear seats. Any suggestions?
  • blkrobblkrob Member Posts: 3
    well I cant give you any feedback on the door handle but I did have the same problem with my back window and it wasnt that the motor froze up it was that the connectors after a while came loose a little and they just had to be reconnected when I took my back door apart it didnt even look like the connector was out but I just disconnected all the connectors and then put them all back on and it has been working fine ever since. You might want to try that to try and fix your back window. sorry I could give any advice on the door handle.
  • arslanarslan Member Posts: 36
    My 03 SR5 is approaching the 90K mile mark. At that juncture, I'll have both the timing and serpentine belts replaced, even though the latter belt was replaced at 60K miles.

    The dealership recommended that I replace the water pump as well, I assume based on their prior repair experience with the Sequoia. I'm ok with this. But the dealership also recommended that the engine seals be replaced.

    At 85K, my Sequoia has not experienced any oil leaks. So I'm somewhat surprised that the dealer would recommend this. As a general rule, the seals don't get replaced unless it experiences failure.

    Has anyone come across this maintenance proposal or seal failure?
  • wilnerwilner Member Posts: 34
    i have a 2001 sequoia limited 4x2 and the mileage is almost 92,000 miles. right now i have no problem with my sequoia i only replaced the brake pads both front and rear, gear oil, and the battery recently. do i need to replace the timing belt already? thank you very much.
  • arslanarslan Member Posts: 36
    Toyota strongly recommends that the timing belt be changed at 90K miles. The process of replacing the timing belt requires the removal of the serpentine belt. So that belt is usually replaced as well, but at no additional labor cost to you -- a good deal.
  • wilnerwilner Member Posts: 34
    thank you.
  • abbylouabbylou Member Posts: 33
    I have about 8500 miles on my new Sequoia, but something does not feel quite right with both the front seats as far as heat in them?? When I have set them in high, they don't even feel like they are on low and when I set them on low they feel lukewarm? Has anyone out there noticed if there seats seem cool for being heated? I traded in my 2002 4-Runner with factory seat heaters and they get alot warmer. The dealer wants to take the seats out and check the wiring? I am not so comfortable with that.
  • harboharbo Member Posts: 136
    My 02 Sequoia will toast you on high. Low is comfy. Assuming it's warranty I would let the dealer have at it. It should not be rocket science.
  • abbylouabbylou Member Posts: 33
    I took it to the dealer and they had it all day and they took the seat out and checked all the wiring and they thought maybe some connections were not solid? It seems warmer, but not burning me out. I thought my 02 4runner was much warmer...I guess that i could ask to replace heater? They said it ready 90-100 degrees were testing?
  • mikey13170mikey13170 Member Posts: 26
    My 04 Limited (70K miles) started have strange electrical issues last week.

    1st. My cruise control light came on and started blinking (banged on the dash to make it go out).

    2nd. All my passenger windows and the rear window stopped working. Doesn't matter if drivers lock is on or not. Didn't do anything and it started working again on it's own.

    It's been a week and now the windows stopped working again.....what I did find out is that it's tied to the drivers door somehow because I was trying to open the other windows and they wouldn't work so I got out and looked at the fuses (all-fine) while I had the drivers door open I hit the switches and all the windows worked.......the minute I closed the door..they stopped again. I got in the truck and held the rear window switch and opened the drivers door.....it went down and while it was going down I closed the door.....it stopped in it's tracks.

    I'M BUMFUZZLED!!! :confuse:

    Any advice...aside from getting rid of it.
  • sb55sb55 Member Posts: 616
    When I shift into "D", the shift indicator light does not light anymore. Is there a fix or is it something that I live with?

    2021 Toyota Venza Limited Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT

  • c650c650 Member Posts: 8
    We have a 2003 Sequoia Limited. The Homelink has started opening and closing our garage doors without pressing the buttons. When you open or close the doors, of the CAR, the garage doors go up or down. If you hit the manhole cover 1/2 block up the street, the garage doors activate. Zeroed out the Homelink, same result--no way that should happen. Called Homelink, no cure. Had the dealer disconnect the plug, takes out moonroof/compass/temp gauge as well. Any toughts????
  • reaureau Member Posts: 18
    The rear door handle on my Sequoia also broke at the base, the plastic broke. My dealer told me that the they find that the cables have been "stretching" and that if I did not replace the whole mechanism for $400+ it would keep happening. So, to fiix a broken plastic handle it wound up costing me $400. I had it done recently and it has been working fine so far.
  • reaureau Member Posts: 18
    I have an 03 Sequoia that needs a 60,000 checkup. I have been faithful on oil changes, etc. My Toyota dealership has recently moved into a new multimilliion dollar building and my quote has risen from around $700 to $1,300. I have been told I need: 60,000 mile service $585.00, replace battery $146.00, flush hydrolic brake system $109.00, replace drive belt $105.00, throttle body service $54.95, pressurized fuel injection service $124.00, replace air filter $35.00, replace rear differential fluid $70.00 and minor tune-up $105.00. I am a soccer mom and basically just drive the kids around with the occasional long trip (4 hours) to visit relatives. Please tell me should I have all of this work done??? I am suspicious because at first I was told my maintenance was going to run around $700 and now its $1,336. The car runs great! and with the exception of replacing the rear door handle mechanism and some air induction service done I have been very happy. Also, at 55,000 I did have a complete trans service, coolant flush, 8 cyl tune up, air induction service and new tires, (my current dealer did not know this because we just recently moved here from out of state).
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    It sounds like you did most of the 60k mile items at 55k miles. I think it is time to find a high quality independent Toyota mechanic. If you have receipts on all that was done at 55k miles you should just get the items missed taken care of.
  • arslanarslan Member Posts: 36
    The service maintenance guide recommends the following services at 60,000 miles:

    (1) Replace engine air filter;
    (2) Replace engine coolant;
    (3) Replace engine oil and oil filter;
    (4) Rotate tires;
    (5) Lubricate propeller shaft, if 4WD, and re-torque propeller shaft bolt;
    (6) Replace non-platinum spark plugs;
    (7) Inspect:
    (a) transmission fluid;
    (b) ball joints/dust covers;
    (c) brake system;
    (d) drive belts;
    (e) drive shaft boots, if 4WD;
    (f) engine valve clearance;
    (g) exhaust pipes/mountings;
    (h) front/rear differential fluid;
    (i) fuel lines/connections;
    (j) fuel tank gasket;
    (k) fuel tank band/fuel tank vapor vent system hoses;
    (l) steering gear box;
    (m) steering linkage/boots;
    (n) transfer case oil.
  • harlieharlie Member Posts: 1
    We have a Sequoia 2002 and the sunroof is sticking when you close it and will not close. Even if you try to help by pulling it along it will not close.
  • sbroomesbroome Member Posts: 4
    My 2002 Toyota Sequoia SR5 is doing the same thing - no "D" indicator light. Did you find out how to fix it? or is it just something that we're going to have to live with?
  • sb55sb55 Member Posts: 616
    No answer from this forum, and I haven't taken it to a garage or dealer. It's not such a big deal now as long as the N and 2 don't go out! My 60k service is due and I will go to an independent shop and will bring it up.

    2021 Toyota Venza Limited Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT

  • roger69roger69 Member Posts: 1
    CAN ANYONE HELP WITH THIS. I CANNOT GET THE REAR DOOR OPEN TO EVEN FIGURE OUT HOW TO REPLACE THE DOOR HANDLE AND WHATEVER MECHANISM MAY BE DAMAGED. THE DEALER PRICED IT AT $550, WHICH I BELIEVE IS RIDICULOUS. JUST NEED A LITTLE GUIDANCE,SINCE NO TOYOTA DEALER IS WILLING TO HELP. THE PLASTIC HANDLE IS GONE WITH NO WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR.
    THANKS,
    ROGER
  • hdfatboyhdfatboy Member Posts: 324
    Is anyone familiar with Toyota's Maintenance Plans?

    I'm considering purchasing the Toyota Auto Care Plan (this is not the extended warranty). I've recently purchased a 2008 Platinum Sequoia and was curious if the Auto Care Plan makes sense at the right price.

    I can purchase the Premium 4 yr / 55,000 mile plan w/ 5000 mile service intervals for $875.00. The list price for this plan is $1355. Here's the price schedule http://www.toyotafinancial.com/consumer/tfs.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pg_comp- arisonpage
    This plan would cover all scheduled maintenance every 5000 miles including the 3 major scheduled services during the first 55,000 miles. Here's a link to what's included in the 15K, 30K & 45K major services http://www.toyotafinancial.com/consumer/tfs.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pg_prem- iumCoverage

    The non-major services at 5K intervals would include
    Oil and filter changes
    Lubrication of key chassis parts
    Tire rotations
    19-point inspection http://www.toyotafinancial.com/consumer/tfs.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pg_19po- intInspection

    At first blush it would appear to be a pretty good investment based on my guess that the 3 major services alone must be around $1200 - 1500. Combined with a total of 10 oil changes at about $30/ea.

    Any one see a downside?
  • mtufenkmtufenk Member Posts: 14
    The only downside is they have your money up front. I purchased the same plan when I bought my 07 but I paid $1,200. My truck is a 4x4 and the major services are quite expensive. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me especially if you factor in inflation.
  • navyguy1990navyguy1990 Member Posts: 71
    I'm a US Naval Officer stationed in South Korea and I'm about to purchase a 2003 Sequoia Limited 4X4 from another US military officer. The car looks great with only 41K miles, but the VSC, Trac, and ABS lights are locked on. The seller claims that he had that light on for a while, but the vehicle was unaffected by the warning lights, claiming that he felt the ABS and traction control kicking when he was driving in snow. He stated that he wanted to get the dianostic code reset, but there's nobody in South Korea who could do it. He seems honest enough, but I've read too many complaints about this problem in this forum.
    Paying $22K for a used car, I want to make sure I can trust it, especially with no Toyota maintenance support available in this country.

    Please help. Thanks
  • arslanarslan Member Posts: 36
    I purchased the dealer's maintenance plan in 03 for $800. The package included one-time rust proofing, oil and filter changes, lubrication, topping off of fluids, tire rotations, general vehicle inspection and two hand car washes per year for as long as I remain the owner of the vehicle. I pay only a $7 environmental fee every time I bring in my Sequoia for an oil change. I've got 92,000 miles and generally get the oil changed every 3,000 miles.

    I also get discounts on the major service plans (15, 30, 45, etc.), which, btw, includes transmission fluid, engine coolant and transfer case drain and refills every 30k.
  • arslanarslan Member Posts: 36
    All you have to do is type "VSC" in the search for messages space to notice that this is common problem with the first generation Sequoia.

    In my situation, the VSC TRAC, TRAC Off, and parking brake lights have turned on intermittantly since I purchased my Sequoia brand new in July 03.

    When on, it indicates that there's a problem somewhere in the traction control system or the skid control system. So neither system should work when both lights turn on.

    Toyota's solution has been to replace the system, but at a substantial cost to the owner. I believe some owners here have complained that this solution is only temporary. Eventually, the lights will turn on again.

    One person here suggested that the system requires "rebooting," like you do to a computer that's frozen or acting abnormally. This requires you to disconnect the battery. In so doing, the "bad" memory is erased. This solution has worked for me!

    But even though the system is now working without problems (parking brake light remains an issue), there's always the possibility that the system could fail again. I only hope the lights don't turn on when I'm driving on a highway, as some here have reported. Fortunately for me, the lights turn on time and again at 5 mph.

    How long has the vehicle overseas? It was the subject of a recall in 2006-2007, due to defective ball joints, which Toyota replaced free of charge. You should look into it.
  • navyguy1990navyguy1990 Member Posts: 71
    Arslan,
    Thank you for taking the time to answer my question in a such thorough manner. I've checked the NHTSA website for recalls, and the seller indicated that he had the ball joint recall done. He had this car in South Korea for one year and this VSC Trac problem came to "light" shortly after his arrival here. I've actually recommended to him that he should try the "reboot" method. If I had the expensive Toyota dealer even as an option, I think I would go ahead with the purchase, but I'm not so sure anymore. I can get genuine Toyota parts online and have them shipped here, but finding a Korean mechanic who can work on Toyota is a pure gamble.
    I may opt to wait, since our 2004 Sienna seems to be holding up well after being here for a year.
    Thank you again for your response.

    Sincerely,
    US Naval Officer in South Korea
  • boslaw71boslaw71 Member Posts: 7
    I have a 2002 Sequoia Ltd. It has 107k miles on it. We've had lots of annoying problems with the car (rear door handle broke twice, power antenna motor broke twice, cd changer broke, major leak in rear door twice (the carpet soaks up water and does not dry out), etc. The latest is that the catalytic converter may need replacement. I don't know enough about cars and maintenance to know if this is premature. Can anyone offer any advice? Our service tech reset the engine light but it came back on after a week.

    Is there anything else that could cause this indicator to appear on the computer? We've been considering getting a minivan (3 small kids) but I've been resisting because I don't want to take on another major car payment (just paid the Sequoia off last year). Is it worth it to spend the $1500 to replace the catalytic converter (is it typical of this age/mileage car), or is this just a sign of more trouble to come? I know I'm looking for generalizations but I just need an idea of what to expect.

    Thanks
  • debluffeydebluffey Member Posts: 1
    Dear Roger,
    I have a 2005 with the same problem. I called dealer who acted as if he had never heard of the problem. I called two other owners immediately and they had same problem. I took car to dealer and they said I would have to have all new mechanisms for $450. Next, I took the car to a local independent mechanic who adjusted and lubricated it and since then, I have had no problem.
    Mine only acted up in cold weather and since adjustment,I have had it in up to 20 degree and still no problem. Good luck!
    I have learned, Toyota likes to replace, not repair!!
    Deb
  • henson9142henson9142 Member Posts: 1
    try to push your VSC botton for 3 second
  • 72heaven72heaven Member Posts: 17
    I paid 23K for an 02 back in 2004. No regrets. I've had issues with the same VCS, TRAC, and ABS lights. Whenever the appear......I keep driving. When I stop and restart the car they are gone and stay gone for sometimes weeks or months. Never had any type of issues from it. I've replaced the A/C (wow! $$$$), replaced the rear hatch latch, left door handle, Oxygen sensor....hmmm, I think that's it.
    Regardless, it's still one of the best cars I've driven and most :) importantly my wife likes it.
  • navyguy1990navyguy1990 Member Posts: 71
    72heaven,
    Thank you for your advice. My wife overruled me and we're buying a 2003 VW Passat. The Sequoia seller told me yesterday that he's getting a new Yaw Rate Sensor. Since there's no Toyota maintenance facility here, he's ordering the part online and having it installed at a Lexus maintenance shop. He told me that he need to get the car aligned or something.

    I'm sure the Passat has it's own short-comings, but there are 3 VW maintenance shops in Seoul area.
    Thanks again.
  • jim39tjim39t Member Posts: 11
    I am the original order of a 2001 SR5 with only 6,300 miles, and the only maintenance it has had is yearly change of oil and filter, and new tires (the originals had dry rot after 5 years). It's always been garaged, and there's no rust.

    When I got the new tires, I asked them if they'd replace the transmission fluid, as I thought it was about time. They refused! They said it made no sense with a car with such low miles.

    So I emailed a couple of local Toyota service departments, and asked them what service I should get on a 7-yr-old car with such low mileage, and they never responded.

    Does anyone know what would be prudent for me to do? New spark plugs? Change transmission oil? Any rubber seals or gaskets that might fail due to rot like the tires rotted?

    ANY suggestions would be most appreciated!

    Thanks much,

    Jim
  • mikey13170mikey13170 Member Posts: 26
    First off Jim......WOW.

    How did you come across this great find?

    Second, if it was me and I came across something like this then I would replace all the fluids, belts, gaskets, tires, and plugs. I can't believe a dealer would refuse to make some extra money off of you. I believe I would try it at another location and tell them it has 106,300 miles instead. It shouldn't matter to them.....and it's none of their business.

    My two cents...
    Mike
    2004 Seqouia Limited, 78,000 miles
  • harboharbo Member Posts: 136
    Jim that's a dandy ...... I WANT TO BUY IT >>>> >......... !!

    My 02 Sequoia just hit 100,000 and feels like it will go to 250,000 and I have a buyer.

    Enjoy some traveling .........

    <(-;
  • jim39tjim39t Member Posts: 11
    mikey and harbo,

    Thanks for replying. I'm the original owner (bought it in April, 2001) and I don't get out much, I guess.

    "I would replace all the fluids, belts, gaskets, tires, and plugs." That sounds about right to me. I was kind of surprised that one service location (a Goodyear dealer who replaced the tires about a year ago), refused to change the transmission fluid.

    I'll email Toyota's service dept. and see how much $$ they want do what you suggested, Mike. Meanwhile, I stopped by a Toyota dealer yesterday and saw the new Sequoia and didn't like what I saw, unfortunately. The truck has now become too big for my needs, and I was disappointed with the interior. So I do want to do some preventative maintenance and hang onto my current Sequoia, which I've grown fond of, actually.
  • jim39tjim39t Member Posts: 11
    Heard back from Toyota's service dept. They suggested the regular 30,000 mile maintenance (change fluids, oil change, rotate tires, spark plugs, AC refresher, balance all tires, check the clean battery terminals, pkg brake, fuel induction) and want $564 for the work. That sounds like a lot to me; would an independent repair shop be much less expensive?
  • jd08limitedjd08limited Member Posts: 19
    I HAD(just traded it in for an 08 Limited Sequoia), 2001 SR5 Sequoia and I had the same thing happen with the rear hatch mechanism. Could not get it to open. Took it back to the dealer and the autobody dept fixed it(they had to replace the mechanism). They did not however charge me anything and I did not have any extended warranty, etc. It was never even a mention of me having to pay for it. The guy told me this had happened to quite a few of them as it seems like where the mechanism is located, it gets wet easily as water pools around it.

    I assume you are referring to the rear hatch door, not just a rear passenger door!
    Good luck, JD
  • luvdamusicluvdamusic Member Posts: 1
    There's' an interesting coincidence. Why do Toyota's need A/C refresher? Had a service writer tell me that Toyota A/C's don't have a dryer? I have a 06 Rav and the A/C has been smelling musty for over a year now.
  • vmallarivmallari Member Posts: 4
    Do a brake flush, this is recommended every 3 years regardless of the mileage and have the battery condition checked if it is still the original one then you might end up replacing this.
  • jim39tjim39t Member Posts: 11
    Thanks, vmallari; your recommendation's the kind of info I was looking for, and that won't require my truck being in the shop for 5 hours (that's how long Toyota said it would take for the 30,000 mile service).
  • gr8jpngr8jpn Member Posts: 3
    What my symptoms were, and how I fixed it.. in case it helps others.

    I have a 2001 Sequoia Limited 4x4 - My VSC off, and VSC trac lights were stuck on.. so was my emergency brake light (no the e-brake was not engaged) on rare occasions they were off when I started my car, but always came back on.

    I took it to the dealer on Friday, and the diagnosis was: that my rear brakes were bad (less than 10 to 20% left) and this is causing my light problems.. they wanted $280 for the rear brakes. (they also said my fronts had left than 40% left) I declined their offer and elected to repair myself. (I was stuck paying a $47.50 diagnostic fee)

    I went to a local auto parts store, and purchased semi-metallic pads for the rear for $40, and cermaic for the front for $40.

    I removed the wheels, and replaced the pads. Rotors appeared to be fine.

    I had also been reading online on these forums about a speed sensor on the axle that can get metal on the magnets cuasing improper reading and thus giving me the same errors. So I followed the advice, and carefully removed the 10mm bolt, and gently pryed out the sensor on each for the four.. and sure enough 3 of the 4 had some metal or goop stuck on the pickup. I wiped them cleaned, and reinstalled.

    So far my lights are off, and my brakes seem to be greatly improved..

    So for $85 in parts (2 sets of pads, and 1 can of spray brakecleaner) + the $50 for diagnostic.. I am VERY satisfied how inexpensive this was to correct.

    Hope this helps others.
  • gr8jpngr8jpn Member Posts: 3
    Just curious to see if anybody knows the answer?

    I replaced the brake pads on the front of my 2001 Sequoia Limited.

    I purchased the cermaic pads at O'Reilly automotive (pretty common here in Kansas City) The pads I originally purchased were incorrect, (they were smaller) and I returned them to the store. The clerk noted that the 2003 pads were a different model, so he pulled those off the shelf to compare to my old pad. Sure enough, the 2003 pads were a perfect match to what I had.. so we exchanged my original purchase for the 2003 (same price).

    I have read online that some 2001 had a front brake conversion? I bought my Sequoia used, so I am unaware if these are the orignal calipers, or some recall or conversion?

    Of course it is also possible that O'Reillys computer is just wrong..

    Does anybody know if there was a recall or conversion on front brakes?
  • gr8jpngr8jpn Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2001 Limited with 95k miles, and my tires are wearing unevenly (I need and alignmment)

    It is probably time to replace the original shocks and struts, and I want to do this before I put on the new tires and have it realigned.

    Any suggestions for shocks? struts?

    Thanks!
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