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Toyota Sienna 2004+
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Comments
In practice, there are some problems with this approach. It seems as though the RFTs as fitted to the Sienna have a substantially shorter life expectancy than standard tires. Tire availability and cost are also problems. Tire repair is iffy on run-flats (many garages won't even attempt to repair a run-flat). And, some folks just don't like the idea of not having a spare for emergencies, RFTs or not.
There is a fairly involved discussion on RFTs and minivans here on the minivan board if you want more info.
Re flats, there's nothing wrong with driving on run flats as long as you treat them as you would a donut.
As an aside, posters have complained that the pressure sensors don't work well with run flats because fo the way run-flats are designed. This could cause some of the shorter life-expectancies of those tires, b/c if people drive with underinflated tires, you have more treadwear.
All this means is that if you have the runflats, there's no need for a donut, but in order to protect your investment, you'll need to check the tires once in awhile and not rely on the pressure sensor.
I just have some inside info that is really pretty minor but could cause me "issues" if I posted it. Some of it has already been posted on this board and the other stuff is basically cosmetic stuff on the van.
I don't believe it has anything to do with fradulent lawsuits. Airbags use a computer with advanced software code to determine when and how much force to use when they deploy.
Much of the data in terms of speed, deceleration, throttle position, etc. is recorded and theoretically may be used by a lawyer but it's doubtful it would be.
Pretty much all new vehicles will have some form of data recording so I wouldn't let it affect your decision.
A space saver spare is an option you can buy. All Sienna FWD vans come from the factory with a space saver spare. There is no option for a full size spare unless you bought a rim and tire from the dealer separately.
Actually, this is being a bit optimistic. I have an AWD and have invested in the "optional" (and expensive) dealer installed "donut" spare that sits behind the third row driver's side seat and is covered by a very clean looking carpet coated box. The reason I went this route is that many road hazards can shread a tire to a degree that it isn't usable, run flat or not. If you run shread a tire on someone's "lost" exhaust pipe, run flat or not, you are not going anywhere on the tire. It boils down to playing the odds and for me, the spare was the way to go.
PS. It DOES prevent folding the third row driver's side seat into the well since that is where the donut resides.
From my own personal experience, the only issue I would have would be the apparent poor tread life for the RFTs on the Sienna. The last actual flat tire I had was due to some inappropriate offroading with my dads 4wd Toyota PU more than 20 years ago (although, I've picked up my share of screws, they've always resulted in just a slow leak).
Some new cars these days have neither RFT's nor a spare. The Mazda RX8, for example, simply includes a can of fix-a-flat (although a donut is available as an accessory, it eats up a fair amount of trunk space).
I know it will take a fair amount of time, but it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to read through some of the "Run-flat, self-sealing, PAX tires for minivans" thread here in the minivan forum. You also might want to read through some of the "Sienna problems and solutions" thread for more specific info on the RFTs for the Sienna.
Ken
The vehicle cannot "learn" and therefore continuously adapt to your driving style without keeping a 3 minute running record of same.
I also don't believe it would be the manufacturer who would provide it. Once they sell the car, the manufacturer doesn't have access to the data with the possible exception of Onstar equipped vehicles.
There is possibly the situation where an Onstar equipped vehicle could be "polled" but I don't believe it is sophisticated enough to dig that deep to get anything other than check engine light codes. Maybe it is.
It hadn't actually failed it had over "bailed" temporarily to keep the ABS pumpmotor from overheating.
Yes, the dealer can hook up their diagnostic tester and determine those values.
I happen to use both Chrysler DRBs and the Toyota diagnostic tester on a semi-regular basis.
My point is that an attorney cannot "force" a manufacturer to hook up a tester to get any information.
I'm also pretty sure that your mechanic was giving you real time information on those values with a tester hooked up while driving your car and not hunting for "stored" data months after a crash occurred and the vehicle is either totalled or repaired and the data no longer exists or has been overwritten.
Also, you haven't disproved my original point. The data exists on ALL new cars; not just Toyota Siennas. Buy the car you like and don't worry about it.
Force..?
Can you really see a manufacturer appealing a subpoena to produce the memorized contents of any of the ECU's in today's vehicles?
Even if they did I can't see them prevailing on appeal.
You set a check engine light. Yes, the system probably did record a "freeze frame" data point when the code was set.
This is not what happens in normal every day driving. Again, there was a failure that occurred to cause that particular data set to be recorded.
I also agree with cccompson that any data that exists can be "read" by anyone with a diagnostic tool. It certainly doesn't have to be the manufacturer of the vehicle.
Oh yeah, I have two engineering degrees myself. Who really cares?
I want to be sure the Sienna handles safely in the snow and rain. I'd get the AWD but already am spending thousands more for the Toyota vs a Chrysler...I can not afford the AWD model.
THANK YOU!!!!!
Hope this helps.
Ken
So, everyone else, what has been your experience with 2004 - 2005 FWD Siennas in the snow and rain.
Thanks!
Optitron gauges are great.
Power folding 3rd row is wonderfol.
But what about the NAV screen?
Is it now like the Avalon & Lexus' Voice-activated 7" or 8" that controls the stereo, A/C, DVD player? I heard it has Bluetooth like the Lexus NAV.
Is the dvd player still on the ceiling or is it in the front?
Will it have 6-disc changer?
Are the woodtrims any better looking?
Sienna updates start on the fourth paragraph.
It did say something about voice recognition so I presume that the Navi is gonna have it.
DVD Player is going to be still on the roof
No word on the CD Changer.
Hope I helped.
The best you could hope for is for them to screw with the molding to see if they can get it to fit better. That's a hit or miss proposal though.
If it was me, I'd probably try to live with it to prevent them from possibly damaging some other part of the van but if it really bothers you, try to get them to give it another shot.
PS. I installed the HiddenHitch 70639 - It's a Class III Round Tube Receiver Hitch
As for the "No spare", this is too true. I' never imagined there would be no spare and assumed they were normal tires until just recently when I complained about needing new tires (after only 22,000 miles) and was told about the tire type. I have seen several postings from others complaining about their expense and short wear time.
You should "welcome" the noise the ABS makes when it activates as the noise indicates it is helping you.
One of these days soon the manufacturers will learn to couple ABS to VSC such that it doesn't activate until needed but until then all anti-lock systems will sometimes elongate your stopping distance un-necessarily.
However, I may consider conventional tires to replace the original Dunlops. I don't mind spending a lot of money on tires, but for big cash I expect excellent performance and decent longevity. I may try the the Perrelli P6 Four Seasons, which are highly rated. I may or may not buy the limited spare Toyota offers. If I do, it will stay in the garage unless I'm taking an extended road trip, as there is no good place to store it in the van.
I'm a big believer in snow tires. I have a set (mounted on separate rims for easy changing) for every vehicle I own.
I haven't bought snowtires before, but this year I am going to. I have a '05 Sienna XLE. Do I need snow tires on all 4 wheels, or can I get by on just the fronts? I also have a 4wd Explorer that is used for when the weather is really bad (I'm in upstate NY) so awd on my van wasn't critical. How much does a pair of 16" Blizzaks cost? Is it cheaper to order them at tirerack.com or through a local dealer? Thanks in advance.
I would definitely buy four tires. They should last you three to four winters. Using only two snow tires on the front will get you get moving, but having four snow tires will dramatically improve your braking ability--even more important in bad weather, IMO.
Thanks!
I discovered an absolute wonder yesterday with Sienna's factory Navigation & Rear DVD Player. DVD's will play through BOTH rear drop-down screen, as well as FRONT Navigation LCD when van's parking brake is applied!!! I would never have discovered this if we hadn't parked on a hill & put on a DVD for our daughter!
I've seen a few posts regarding whether 2006 Sienna will incorporate DVD Player in front. Technically, this functionality has been there since at least late 2004 models (as ours was one of the last 2004's to leave the factory - 2005's came within a month of ours). Just have to play a DVD in Rear as normal, and apply Parking Brake in front & voila, front-display too! You can do this in any gear except "R" (because of rear camera) - so at long stoplights, simply use left foot to temporarily engage parking brake - and release it when you need to move! If DVD Player isn't already playing in back when Parking Brake is applied, you may have to press "DVD" button to start playing on front LCD screen. Pretty neat!
Hope this is news to many Sienna owners - it certainly surprised the heck out of my wife & I.
Cheers,
CmptrGuy74