Toyota Tacoma 2005+

pb2themax · July 2005

Yeah, it has been done. There is info on how to do it somewhere in this forum. Use the search button.

outlaw704 · July 2005

I just got my '05 PreRunner Crew Cab -- without an owner's manual. Does anyone out there know what the little red button, immediately to the left of the steering wheel, does? :confuse:

mtnman2 · July 2005

This is my first post here and somewhat of a superficial question. After searching for a good vehicle, I have finally decided on an 05 Tacoma doublecab longbed TRD sport; however, I am having a hard time deciding what color to get. I like the radiant red color first and foremost, but am worried that the paint will oxidize and look badly after 7-8 years. Should I instead get white, which will also oxidize, but look better longer? Does anyone have advice or maybe an older red truck to base this decision on? Thanks!

mtnman2 · July 2005

I am considering purchasing a TRD front skid plate for my 05 Tacoma TRD Sport. I have not yet seen or inspected one in person, can anyone tell me if the TRD plate is actually an effective protective device or simply built for looks? If it is not worth its salt on the trail, I would not be interested. Thanks!

boone88rr · July 2005

I bought a skid plate for my truck. They redesigned it due to vibration problems. I have the fixed model. It looks very nice but I also found it to be functional as well. I don't do a ton of off-roading but I took it out on the beach a few times and I could feel the front of the truck hitting a few of the sand dunes. I'm sure the standard black plate would be enough protection but I like the looks of the silver plate and the added protection of a solid piece of aluminum gives me a little more confidence off-road. It's very solid, weighs about 20 pounds.

pb2themax · July 2005

Does your truck have the security system? I don't have a Toyota security system, so I don't really know for sure, but that red button might have something to do with the security system. Roll down the window, Arm the alarm, reach through the window and unlock the door then open the door. The siren should start going crazy. Get in the truck, put the key in the ignition, turn to Run, and then press that red button. If it is like most security systems the siren will stop.

I have an aftermarket security system (CompuStar) and to disarm my security system I can use the remote control or put the key in the ignition and turn it from 'Off' to 'Run' five times real fast.

pb2themax · July 2005

Or you could just wax the truck at least once a year and you don't have to worry about oxidation, no matter what color you get. But if you don't like taking care of your paint, don't get black.

I have an 85 GMC 2500 with 250k miles that still has the original black and silver two tone paint, and it looks almost as good as when I bought it. I just polish and wax it two or three times a year.

exqsamwa · July 2005

As the rest of you people, I had to wait a few months for my Taco also. It finally arrived and enjoyed the week of driving I did get out of it. My wife and I went out for dinner, got into the truck, started it up and with a few loud knocks and bang the engine started spraying oil everywhere. I lifted the hood immediately and my heart dropped. I am not a mechanic and didnt have a clue what i was looking at but it was not pretty. I just payed over $40,000 cdn and am totally heart broken. The dealership has had it for 6 days now and still cant provide me with a return date for my truck.
I need your help please. Can anyone inform me on my rights with a new vehicle. I had the truck exactly 10 days when it broke down. I just payed thousands of dollars and I am not too excited about getting a rebuilt truck back in a couple of weeks. Can i ask for my money back or at least for an exchange for a new one? Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
I am located in Canada, i guess I should have mentioned that earlier. I really enjoyed driving the truck while it was running. Maybe i just got a lemon.

KCRam · July 2005

Not gonna pretend I know Canadian law... in the US, there is no right of recission (no implied money-back guarantee). Your best recourse would be to sit down and calmly express your concerns with the dealership management. Most dealerships would be willing to work with a cooperative customer in regards to an equal-value exchange. If you rant and rave, you will get your current truck back, and you wil be treated similarly in return.

kcram - Pickups Host

exqsamwa · July 2005

thanks for the input, I hope your wrong. Maybe when it is all said and done, it actually was not a big problem after all. I will keep everyone posted on what went wrong so it does not happen to anyone else. I will also provide what recourse thay took in fixing the problem.

backforty · July 2005

No such luck. Lots of info on the fog lamps but can't seem to find out about the 12 volt plug in. Maybe I'm not looking in the right places. I think that I read somewhere that someone had some problems when they disconnected the battery to do the fog lamp change. Also, I hate to get too brave in that relay box. Maybe I'll look for a wiring diagram to figure it out. Thanks for your help. Joe

miniviper · July 2005

Part of the alarm system. If depressed it goes into valet mode which turns off your alarm as far as I know. Also, when its not depressed and your truck tells you that it has been tampered with (by honking or flashing the lights 4 times) it will show you what exactly was tampered with (by flashing a set pattern per item, ie 3 short blinks for left door, 2 short 1 long for right door). Those aren't the right blinks (just to give an idea), however, don't currently have the alarm manual on me.

lamike · July 2005

It's about a 30-40% difference. Not only is it brighter, it's color temperature is better. It's a whiter, more penetrating beam. When looking at these and comparing to stock the stock bulbs look a dingy yellow. The fog lamps project out at least twice as far. I paid $130 total for the HB's and H4's.
:shades:

stephg · July 2005

i now have close to 5000 km on my 2005 Tacoma DC LB sport, and I love it. I still get a lot of looks. Just got it Liquid Glassed and getting it Rust Checked Friday.

the local dealer's service manager told me that someone had a problem with fender flares that shrunk after getting the Rust Check done. As anyone heard of this or something similar? I can see them blaming it on that to avoid fixing it under warranty, but I trust this service manager. perhaps i should tell the Rust Check guy to avoid the fender area. Please let me know what you think.

Now for the question I meant to ask: has anyone seen or installed aftermarket taillights? I'm not sure I want to change them, but I'm curious and I can't find any online for the 2005.

I will post pictures in the pictures section when I get the chance.

mtnman2 · July 2005

Does anyone have any idea when the 2006 Tacoma's will be out? I have finally decided what I want, but figure if the 2006s come out in september/october, then I would be better off to wait 2 months and get a brand new one with potentially some improvements or fixes over the 2005s. Any ideas?

dcab1 · July 2005

has anyone found good seat cover like the ones you get from toyota, to put in the back and anyone found good floor covers yet, any in put on the front bull bar, I see the westin comes in 3 inch and 2.5 inches any info on both sizes. thank you.

pb2themax · July 2005

Because the 05 Tacomas are bigger than they used to be Westin only makes the 3" tube Bull Bar for the Tacoma. My truck has one; look in the "Tacoma Pictures" forum.

pilot · July 2005

does anyone know if their is a lock for the talgate

realw5 · July 2005

Just got an email from Taco Tunes, for anyone intrested they are going to be selling painted International dash kits as well as a pre made sub box. There new site is also coming so check them out...http://www.tacotunes.com.

marty_in_mesa · July 2005

I just got my 2005 Tacoma Prerunner Dual Cab. I have noticed at speeds near 60mph I feel a small shimmy in the steering wheel on the freeway. I can see it in my hands on the wheel too. Anyone have this happen? Also, anyone else had good luck finding a better buy on the extended Platinum Warranty 7/100,000 $0 deductible. Seems like the best price is $875?

Thanks
Marty

bigandy · July 2005

That's normally a front wheel in need of balance, particularly if it happens in a narrow speed range, not below and not above.

KCRam · July 2005

Please email me as soon as possible.

kcram - Pickups Host

dpiper · July 2005

Well it is about time that i found someone with the same problem the dealership is telling me that it is gear rattle and they just changed the gear oil and added a additive which is not the way to fix it but they say they cant do anything else , it made it a little bit better but it is a bandaid to a bigger problem please let me have your email and we can discuss this more because my truck has 14000 miles and i am trying to get them to replace it under the lemon law thanks david piper

aztaco · July 2005

This being my first 4X4 vehicle, I was wondering about exterior protection accessories. I have noticed a lot of pictures here in the forum of 05 Tacos having the Westin Bull Bar with Skid Plate, it looks really nice. Does this really add protection for the front end or it just to make the truck look tough?

It seem to me that being mounted in only two places under the front end that if the skid plate were to do its job, i.e. coming down a steep hill, it would bend the bar upward causing damage to the front bumper/grill area. Would a Skid Plate without a Bull Bar be better protection? I like the idea of the Bull Bar adding protection to the front end seeing how there isnt a front bumper anymore.

I dont plan on rock crawling or anything extreme, mostly just desert trails (I live in AZ), but I dont want to mess-up my new truck. Right now the truck is totally stock, but before attacking any of the moderate trails I think I need some protection. Difficult trail are not even on my radar at this time.

Do Nerf Bars add any protection or are Rock Sliders better?

Any advice would be appreciated.
:confuse:

chacotaco · July 2005

does anyone know how to remove the instrument cluster? I already purchased the speaker kit from taco tunes, do they have the radio kit out? Is there a number they could be reached at?

KCRam · July 2005

...as stated right in the post box as well as the Rules of The Road (link at the top of the page), please DO NOT put email addresses in your posts. They will be deleted!

kcram - Pickups Host

boone88rr · July 2005

I have the silver skid plate from Toyota. I do most of my off-roading on sand trails near the beach here in RI and then there is also snow in the winter. The truck has a black skid plate already but the silver one adds a little more protection. When driving down some of the trails I occasionally hit the sand dunes and I can feel the truck hitting the sand. I don't know that the Bull Bar would have any adverse effects. My buddy had one on his Jeep and rear ended someone, I think it saved him from totaling the truck as only the Bull Bar, bumper and fenders were damaged and not the engine.

I just ordered the Westin Platinum side steps. I think it will stop some rocks from hitting the sides as well as a little parking lot protection from inconsiderate people. Good luck and enjoy.

badness · July 2005

hey pal let me tell you 1thing,white dosen't oxidize if you wax's it all the time same for any color,I had a 1993 Nissan and sold it in 2001 and never went dull or anything the color stays as nice as long as you take care of it,that means washing it waxing it and polishing it ,I use liquid Glass,the best stuff ever made.
so unless you don't do any of the above it dosen't matter becasue you truck will look like x%$^ in a few years.any one can tell you this.

pb2themax · July 2005

Check their website. www.tacotunes.com

Also check some info I posted on the "2005 Tacoma Stereo Upgrade" forum. Tacoma Stereo Forum

offroader3 · July 2005

Just curious is there any certain cleaning chemical to take off water spots on windows/windshields? Tried windex,commercial glass cleaners from auto zone and is not working.Any suggestions? Thanks...

offroader3 · July 2005

Dashkits are out,just got mine from American International,pretty nice.Go to www.install.com and check it out.Just installed my AVIC-N2...

toytruck · July 2005

>Just curious is there any certain cleaning chemical to take off water spots on windows/windshields? Tried windex,commercial glass cleaners from auto zone and is not working.Any suggestions? Thanks... <>

0000 steel wool

pb2themax · July 2005

Steel wool sounds too abrasive. Although I've never tried it.

Vinegar works good, and a detailing Clay Bar also works great. It's worth the $15 to just go to AutoZone and buy a Mother's Clay Bar. They are awesome for getting stuff of your paint as well.

Go to this link and scroll down on the menu on the left. Click on the "How to Video" Clay Bar Paint Saving System. It shows you what Clay Bar can do. I have personally used it to take off water spots, tree sap, tar, and paint overspray.

Whatever product you end up using, when you do it make sure the truck is in the shade and the glass is not hot.

pb2themax · July 2005

These dash kits only come in black from the factory. But If you wait a couple weeks you can get one from TacoTunes that is painted silver to match, or you can get it painted to match the outside paint color of your truck.

tjyoder · July 2005

I've been in a situation where the nerf bars offered a great deal of protection. A group of us were four wheeling (two tacomas and one 4-runner) on a pretty extreme 4 wheel drive trail. There was one section that had somewhat of a ravine in the road. You could take a bumpy trail to the left of the gully, or just straddle it. The four runner went to the left, the first tacoma straddled it, and the second tacoma straddled it and the wheels didn't grip so one side of the tacoma slipped into the gully. Serious damage could have occured to the body of the tacoma, but the nerf bar caught it and we were able to get him out of there with just minor scratches on the nerf bar.

I've also heard on this forum that they help prevent rocks from creating as many paint chips on the fenders and such.

aztaco · July 2005

I have read somewhere, probably in this forum, that baking soda and water works well to remove stubborn water spots. I haven't tried it, yet.

thistle · July 2005

Hello all,
Finally got my truck about a month ago (after a 2 month wait) but it was SO worth it! -Better than expected quality construction (my opinion)
However....
Was looking around the glove box in my 05 Double Cab LB Sport and noticed a part that seems to be "unfunctional/useless"

Has anyone seen the plastic cylindrical, spring-loaded "compression hinge" on the right side of the glove compartment insert? (the "box" that fits in to the dash)
This "part in question" is connected to the box-insert, but not connected to the dash housing...

... the glove box works just fine with out it connected on both ends, but can't figure out why/what it's for - Anyone know the answer?

Regards - enjoy reading all posts!
-Thistle

boone88rr · July 2005

It's a cheap device to serve as a damper. When connected correctly between the dash and glove box it's supposed to keep the glove compartment from slamming down or falling out when you open it. There isn't much else keeping the glove box in place. It is real easy to take out, like when replacing the cabin air filter nobody seems to know about.

A nylon strap would have worked just as well. I leave it in there but it's pretty much useless whether it's attached or not.

streaks · July 2005

I am a professional window care technician.( residential only) I use steel wool everyday on my customers glass! It not only removes stubborn dirt & the like, but also removes water spots & blotches caused by screens.** Use 0000 steel wool ONLY!! Avoid using vinegar or harsh cleaners unless you can be sure they don't contact the paint.( could stain) Try some mild dish soap & work into a wet pad..wet the glass..Go to town!! Have a hose handy so you can rinse.. Hey, wash the truck while your at it!! Hope this helps you guys.

chacotaco · July 2005

I tried www.install.com nothing came up!! I also havent seen anything on tacotunes! Is there anyone looking to sell there factory alloy rims? has anyone removed the speedometer?

lonw · July 2005

On my new '05 Tacoma with the 2.7 engine, the cold start idle jumps immediately to 2200 rpm which holds for about 30 seconds and only then slowly descends to the normal idle (about 650 rpm) after about 3 minutes.

I'm used to cold start idles of about 13-1500 rpm or so on most other vehicles I've owned. It seems a that because most engine wear occurs during cold starts that this is a pretty high idle speed during that time.

Is this the normal cold start rpm pattern on new Taco's with the 2.7 engine or should I have the dealer check it out?

toyotaken · July 2005

That's pretty normal. It's part of keeping the emissions levels low. By having the higher idle early, it warms the engine up faster. It's only the first second or two after starting that is hardest on the engine as the oil hasn't distributed yet. Nothing to worry about.

Ken

outlaw704 · July 2005

My 05 has that shimmy between 58 and 62 mph. Less than 200 miles on the odometer. It is in the shop getting fixed. My salesman told me it is common and is a wheel balance problem. We'll see... :surprise:

outlaw704 · July 2005

I swear by Stoner's "Invisible Glass" -- about $3.50 at WalMart. I get outstanding results. Good Luck. :shades:

boesman1 · July 2005

I too have the same problem with my 05 DC, its quite annoying since this is a popular speed that I travel at on a daily basis. Please be sure and share with us what type of resolution your dealer came up with. I personally couldnt be bothered with the back to the dealer crap. I was even willing to pony up the $60 for a private tire/wheel shop to do it while I wait. The guy is very honest and has done lots of work for me in the past. Basically he told me that due to the high walls of the tire, (I have the 17"" wheels & tires) there was flex and he couldnt guarantee anything better. I figured I would simply just live with it, but it is quite annoying and I am re considering my options. Let me know how yours works out.

TIA

jtruck · July 2005

I've got the 27160 also and my hood won't close with it on. It went on easily and looks good, but it seems to interfere with something on the grill. I called Wade and they said there is an adjustment on the hood latch but I don't see it. Someone else on this forum had trouble with another brand keeping the hood from closing, so I think it has to do with the wrap-around design versus the bracket-mounted type. Other people seem to have no problem with them though, so I think there must be some variance in the hood or grill position. Good luck!

tucsonbrian · July 2005

My 05 vibrated and pulled to the left. Precision Toyota checked it out and said all of my tires were bad - less than 300 miles on them. The dealer said they had too much "road force". I did not understand, but all of my tires were replaced with new, same as stock tires, and now my 05 drives PERFECT.

pb2themax · July 2005

It won't remove water spots but as far as leaving a streak-free shine the best thing I have used is Meguiars NXT window cleaner. It's real thin like water and wipes up real fast. If you go to PepBoys pick some up.

wooddorker · July 2005

"I am a professional window care technician.( residential only) I use steel wool everyday on my customers glass! "

Last time I checked, most residential glazing didn't have the same soft plastic coating as automotive safety glass.

I'd carefully test steel wool in an out of the way area, if I used it at all on auto glazing. Nothing like a permanent cloud in the center of your windshield.

As a woodworker, I'd also like to point out that the correct way to use steel wool is with the fibers ACROSS the direction of rub. Rubbing with the fibers parallel to the direction of motion can result in deep scratches that are difficult to remove.

toyotaken · July 2005

You're correct in one area in that the windshield does have a plastic sheet in the sheet of glass. One thing to clarify though is that the plastic sheet is sandwiched between two sheets of glass. So the outside and inside surfaces of the windshield are glass surfaces. If you get to the point that you're at the plastic sheet, you've definately rubbed too hard as you're halfway through the windshield! *LOL* Just thought I'd give a bit of clarification for the last post though.

Ken

Toyota Tacoma 2005+

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