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Toyota Sienna Care & Maintenance

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Comments

  • 69flh69flh Member Posts: 10
    How do you remove the front rotors on a 2002 Sienna?
    I need to replace the brake pads.
    Thanks.
  • georgecorkgeorgecork Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Sienna. The dealer told me today that I need to have the rear brakes cleaned & adjusted. He was vague on what "cleaning" meant. I thought the rear brakes were discs. Has anyone had this done, or have any info? The van is getting old enough that I'm afraid the dealer will be dinging me for something every time I go in. Any info would be appreciated
  • deepandeepan Member Posts: 342
    i think it depends onm the model.the CE definitely has drums.

    cleaning might be removing everything and spraying some brake cleaner or something similar.
  • dexadriadexadria Member Posts: 1
    How did you replace the rear shocks in 5 minutes. I was looking on line and saw a complicated involved procedure to change them.
  • fatfishbluefatfishblue Member Posts: 1
    I was out test driving the 2006 Honda Odyssey today and the saleman told me that the Toyota Sienna required 91 octane. I test drove the Sienna last week but the salesman never said anything about this. Does anyone own the 2006 Sienna and/or know if 91 is required vs. 87 octane??
  • vanshoppervanshopper Member Posts: 7
    We just bought a Sienna at the end of June. Almost all the Honda dealers told us that too...it must be in their training manual. The Sienna owner's manual says that it takes 87, but that you might consider using higher octane for better performance. Some people on these forums have reported some engine knocking with the lower octane, while others have had no problems. My father-in-law successfully uses 87 octane in his Lexus SUV, which supposedly has the same engine as the Sienna.

    We did a quick calculation to compare the difference in gas cost over 100,000 miles. We were comparing 89 to 87 octane, at a price difference of $0.10/gallon. Using 89 octane only equated to $300-400 additional cost, spread over 100,000 miles. This was no where near the additional $1500-2000 that we would have spend to get an Odyssey EX (instead of a Sienna LE, package 3). We decided to take our chances with the Sienna since it had a lot to offer at a great price.
  • avery1avery1 Member Posts: 373
    Have had my Sienna for several months and have only used 87. Never heard one knock or hesitation. It has plenty of power.
  • beernutbeernut Member Posts: 329
    Read the manual. Believe what it says. Tell those Honda salesmen to get a life.

    Consider the following: I can't say what the Honda will do because I try ignore them as best I can, but I can tell you that the Toyota, given a consistent supply of fuel over multiple tanks, will not knock with lower octane fuels. In lay terms, it senses knock and adjusts to eliminate it (understanding that all cars have a very small, usually imperceptible, knock all the time). If you change from 91 to 87, you will likely have some knock for a while, but it will go away - that's normal. If you stay with your grade and try to stay with the same supplier as best as you can, you should not have a problem.

    PS... I found Honda salesmen to largely be full of it.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    I have used 87 octane for 17,000 miles on my 2006 - runs great. I use 85 octane in the mountains - runs like a charm.
  • dan bitmandan bitman Member Posts: 158
    if anyone can tell me, please.
    I am planning to buy a 2003 Sienna LE in the next few days,
    2-nd row captain seats
    3-rd row 50/50 split bench
    Question:
    if I remove the captain seats, does the bench anchoring gears fits in the 2-nd row?
    also, the captain seats in the 2-nd row fits in the 3-rd row location?
    Thanks in advance,
    Dan
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    No the seats cannot move to a different row.
  • njcanucknjcanuck Member Posts: 3
    I have recently purchased a 2004 Sienna that is due for its 60,000 major servicing...The dealership also strongly suggested throttle body service, power steering flush, fuel injection cleaning and cabin filter replacement...Does this seem reasonable? and if so , why is it not part of the mandatory Toyota maintenance schedule? Just discovered this site and quite like it.
    Regards,
    Geoffrey
  • hypnosis44hypnosis44 Member Posts: 483
    My friend ran into this scam with her Corolla. I started looking at her dealer invoices and found she had spent around $1500.00 over three years in dealer BS costs.

    The cabin filter is the only one I know of that might be remotely legit - but check the manual. You can buy the filter on line and change it yourself, if necessary, in about four minutes.

    Find a reputable independent Toyota Specialist and follow the owners manual is always the best advice with very rare and compelling exceptions.

    Consumers Reports did an expose on this dealer BS sometime within the past 18 months.

    Best wishes.
  • wheels13wheels13 Member Posts: 51
    I don't know where "Problems & Solutions 2004+" went but my problem is the car is only 3 weeks old and when I went to see how easy it was to change the air conditioner filter I found many seeds and a mouse nest on top of the filter. How do the mice get into that area? Thanks for any help.
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    I know there are many seeds and leaves on my filter but a mouse nest? that's something you may want to keep an eye on. since the filter is located inside the glove box, my guess is that the mouse maybe coming from other part of the air filter system? near the engine?
    You should double check the car and hopefully the mouse is gone by now :)
  • wheels13wheels13 Member Posts: 51
    Who makes the OEM oil filters for the Sienna 2006? Looks like it may be Bosch or Denso ? Which filter do you use?
  • sdsanisdsani Member Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I recently bought a used toyota siana 99 model. I want to know that how often (miles) i suppose to change the transmission oil. Is this really naccessary to flush it? My understanding is that just changing the oil and filter would be sufficient.

    Shah din sani
  • chicooochicooo Member Posts: 1
    The dealer said that the difficult startup and low idle on my 2002 Sienna was do to a dirty throttle body. I found this site: http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/30_V6/throttle_body/

    with instructions on cleaning a 3.0 liter V6. Will this work on my Sienna? Anybody DIY to clean the throttle body?

    I want to avoid the $200+ cost they quoted.
  • zizithzizith Member Posts: 11
    I just bought a 2006 Sienna, and the manual says I can change the settings so the vehicle does not automatically lock when put in gear, but I have tried their method several times, and cannot make them stop locking. Has anyone done it and exactly how did you do it? ;)
  • zizithzizith Member Posts: 11
    The manual says go see my Toyota dealer to make the illuminated entry lights change from staying on for 15 seconds to another time. I want 30 seconds. Is it possible to do it myself? Has anyone tried it yet? :confuse:
  • wayneperrywayneperry Member Posts: 1
    Detailed instructions for this can be found in the owner's manual and it seems quite simple.
  • zizithzizith Member Posts: 11
    Thanks for your reply, but I was using the manual to set it and the manual was missing a step. After setting the brake, then you MUST put the shifter into neutral, then continue on with directions. I had to go to the dealer, watch him read the manual, and add the extra step that it didn't explain clearly.

    Thanks for your post. :)
  • maxwell10maxwell10 Member Posts: 29
    I plan to take my van in at 90,000 for timing belt replacement. I ask the dealer service rep if we need to replace the sparkplugs and wires while the car was in for service. She said the van had some special plugs that did not need to be changed unitl 100,000 miles.

    Is that true?

    Looks like from a labor standpoint, it would be cheaper to replace plugs and wires while we are replaceing timing belt.
  • maxwell10maxwell10 Member Posts: 29
    My 2002 van is due for the 90,000 service which includes timing belt replacement. The dealer said not to replace spark plugs at this time.

    Should I insist the plugs and plug wires be replaced at this time? It appears to me it would cost less to have them do the work now while they have the engine covers off.

    Any suggestions on this repair???

    Sincerely,
  • caravan2caravan2 Member Posts: 198
    It is passed warranty, correct?

    If so, what would be the damage if you let the timing belt wear out let it break? I know in the old engines, it used to damage valves. I newer engines there is no damage when the belt breaks.

    I think it will cost quite a bit to replace timing belt. What is the quote you have?
  • maxwell10maxwell10 Member Posts: 29
    Caravan2

    I think the timing belt change estimate was $285-300 plus they have a 25 point check, this also includes new drive belts.

    Another dealer told me the plugs in this van were designed to go 100,000 miles. They cost $10 each and have a coil per plug so there are no wires to replace.

    I may still have the plugs replaced when I do the timing belt change.

    Note: It's my wifes van, if the belt broke on her and left her in no mans land, she would trade the van asap. It is cheaper for me to take good care of van and hope it runs great for many more miles.

    Just changed battery today, battery was 5 years old and did not want to get stuck out somewhere in the cold.
  • coranj1coranj1 Member Posts: 2
    I just bought 2007 LE to replace my 99 LE that was totaled by a texting teenager. I read through the maintenance schedule and did not find anything about the timing belt needing replacement. I know the 2007 uses a new engine (3.5L), does this new engine need the timing belt replaced? Does it have a timing belt?
  • jjoseph2jjoseph2 Member Posts: 18
    I am looking for a service manual for My 2002 sienna. If any one have it on a'Cd', I would like to buy a copy.please post a message. thank you.
    Jemini
  • tome_colnagotome_colnago Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 LE AWD with about 37K miles. The struts that hold up the rear hatch have failed. The hatch is very heavy and the door slams very hard. Scared the heck out of us. If my son (7 year old) would have been standing near the back it would have crushed him.

    The service manager at toyota dealer hinted that this is not the first time they've seen this. Given the serious hazard I am guessing that toyota will do a recall. But in the meantime, please be aware of the risk. Do NOT let your kids hover around the rear access with the hatch up.
  • jyoung77jyoung77 Member Posts: 13
    Hi,

    I have a 2000 Sienna with 95K miles on it. When replacing my timing belt, my local mechanic also suggested to look into the water pump. He said the same labor can be used to fix the pump as well if it is also worn out, and hence I can save money in labor. Is it common practice replacing a water pump when replacing a timing belt? Please share your experience. Any help is appreciated.

    Tony
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    It is fairly common to replace both. The water pump should last, but it is not too expensive for the extra insurance.
  • aadokuaadoku Member Posts: 1
    Could someone help me out with my Sienna 2002.The engine wont stay after starting. Some suggested my altinator was bad.
    Has anyone had this kind of problem before.
  • steeltagsteeltag Member Posts: 2
    GoodDay all! I"m a new owner of a '04 Sienna LE w/36,069 miles. It was back-n-forth over the Odyssey and Sienna but the Toyota won due to the transmission problems of '00-04 Ody's ( motor mounts and electric doors too).

    There is a unpleasant odor coming from the vent ( not a/c usage) and I suspect it might be the cabin filter. I hear from others that its behind the glovebox, but how does one back there? I couldn't figure out how to take the glove box out/down. Could someone give me some insight on this procedure?

    :confuse:
  • zizithzizith Member Posts: 11
    I just learned that if you drive your van around 5000 miles without changing oil, the "req'd maintenance" light goes on and stays on at the dashboard, I googled for help to learn how to turn it off, and my husband found the answer in the manual. (Oh, those computerized cars!) :surprise:

    TURN THE CAR ON AND MAKE SURE THAT THE MILES READ ON THE ODOMETER, NOT ON TRIP A OR B. TURN THE CAR OFF. TURN THE KEY TO LOCK THEN HOLD DOWN THE ODOMETER BUTTON AND TURN THE KEY TO ON. RELEASE THE ODOMETER BUTTON AFTER LIKE 3 SECONDS AND THEN THE GAUGE SHOULD START TO COUNT DOWN. THEN IT WILL BE CLEARED. :)
  • pathfinder1pathfinder1 Member Posts: 1
    Hi:

    I have a 2004 XLE with a problem with the rear lift gate that I have been trying to get Toyota Canada to fix for 3 years. Mine only happens in the cold weather which we have a lot of up here in the 'frozen north'. I have had my struts replaced 3 times and it only gets worse.
    The NHTSA has an on going investigation into this problem. Here is their site:
    www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/results.cfm
    Just drill down to the 2004/2005 Sienna.

    Lorne in Ottawa Canada
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Nice find.

    If you do change the oil before the light comes on, do you still need to reset it using that procedure?
  • mnrep2mnrep2 Member Posts: 200
    Yes the light comes on every 5K.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Cool, thanks for the tips.

    I bookmarked that one. :shades:

    Follow-up question - how do you reset the Trip Computer again? Someone told me the outer two buttons, left most and right most, but that didn't work for me. Any help? :confuse:
  • practicalpractical Member Posts: 53
    Just got XLE w/ DVD last month. Today, while I was listening to my radio at front, kids turned on the DVD.

    Then, I just pushed the PWR/VOL knob to kill my radio, they shouted. It apparently turned off the DVD as well. After reading the manual and tested a few times, the "RES DVD Lock" on/off is to respond/ignore the remote.

    Now, how can I just turn off my radio meanwhile keeping the rear DVD alive?

    I guess to turn down the vol to 0 might be a workaround. Isn't it dumb?! :confuse:
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    I don't think you can turn the radio off, but you can listen to a different program up front while the kids watch a DVD - with headphones.
  • pjksrpjksr Member Posts: 111
    Hopefully, you've fixed this by now...

    My 2002 Sienna intermittently had this problem. The cause may be your Idle Air Control Valve (IAC). It's common, if you Google.

    I used some Seafoam "Deep Creep" to clean, loosen and lube my IAC valve, and the problem has disappeared (it's going on about 2 months now)... Let me know if you need more info.

    Pete
  • mikebalmikebal Member Posts: 8
    Hi, Can anyone suggest where I can order a repair manual for my 2005 Sienna? Thanks in advance, Mike
  • snavasnava Member Posts: 1
    2002 Sienna Symphony. Tire Pressure check light was up. Took it to a gas station and adjusted the tire pressure and reset the "tire pressure" warning button.

    I started the car but it stops right away when I take my leg off the gas pedal (idling??). Towed the car to the Toyota Dealer. They called me after 5 hours and said they could not reproduce the problem and computer diags do not show any issues.

    I am afraid to drive this on the HWY just in case it stalls on me while I break or something. Have anyone experienced this problem before? Should the Toyota mechanic look into this more rather than relying on the computer diags?
  • nananomnananom Member Posts: 11
    On my 04 Sienna,which I hadly drive,is it ok to change oil after about seven months,the time it takes to drive 3000 miles?
  • lxpatellxpatel Member Posts: 34
    i have 07 sienna XLE Limited FWD with all options, the NEW 3.5L engine, a friend of mine has 06 XLE with similar option, with the old 3.3L engine, I for some reason seem to hear more grunt or noisier engine compared to my friends 3.3L, has anyone heard this?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's fine, the normal interval is actually 5000 miles, but due to the length of time I'd stick with your plan.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It's not just your impression, the new engine is louder. For starters, it uses a timing chain instead of a timing belt.

    However, Toyota added more sound insulation in the firewall and under the doors. I have a PDF that even shows where they did this.
  • hum3hum3 Member Posts: 19
    Just bought an 07 LE, the hatch seems very hard to open and close for my wife and kids, it is just us, and is there anything to do about it?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Keep in mind the LE models have an electric close-assist latch, so press the button to release the lock and wait a second before you lift it so it can let go.

    To close, just drop the hatch. The electric latch will close it, so you don't have to slam it.

    CE models do not have this, those have regular manual latches.
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