I just bought a '01 SR5 2WD. I was curious how I could add a little more torque and HP. Also, does anyone make a cargo net that goes across the between the back seat and the cargo area. I don't want stuff in back to fall on my kids if I have to make a quick stop or hit a large bump.
TRD sells a supercharger kit. They have a picture of in the '01 Tacoma catalog. You might have to check with TRD to see if fits on the 4Runner. I believe it's the same motor in both trucks. This will increase your Horse power & Torque significantly. HP is in the 260 range. But it is expensive, somewher in the 3-4k range.
The supercharger does fit on the 4Runner and does not affect your warranty as long as you have a Toyota dealer install it. But, as mrwhipple said, it costs $3-4k installed (and then you have to run premium gas).
Your post has a valid question but the way that it is stated drives me nuts. When one participant has a problem with his vehicle and posts it here, too many people think that this is a widespread problem. To the best of my information, there is no "gas tank problem" per se. This doesn't mean that some people don't have a problem but I honestly don't think you can call it a problem in general.
In answer to your question, I don't know. If I read the problems of the other participants here, they ran the tank dry and were unable to put more than 15 gallons in it. That is a problem and if you have this, get it to your dealer.
I can only speak from my experience. My problem was the fuel GAUGE. It was inaccurate. After driving for 40 miles it indicated a half a tank, and at 100 miles was on E. The light, however came on when it was supposed to (approx. 3 gallons remaining.) I simply used the trip odometer to keep track of my approximate fuel use. Once I discovered that there was a fix available, I called Toyota headquarters in Torracne, they asked me which dealer I wanted to go to and within two days someone contacted me and set an appointment up. The fix was a l8ittle more complicated in that the 1999 unit evidently requires the replacement of a sender in the tank and the gauge unit in the dashboard (which included the odometer, which was set at the factory to my existing mileage) The mechanic told me that the connection at the dash was burned. The new unit seems to work perfectly, and the capacity of my fuel tank is still 18.5 gallons, near as I can tell.
I want to say 4 channel because that is what I was told in training a few years ago but I don't have any documentation to back that up.
I have not heard anything official on the next generation of Runners. Shockingly, I haven't even heard any rumors about it either. I'll keep my ear to the ground on this but I don't have anything yet.
This is a question I can't get answered from the Toyota web site, Edmunds, or a couple of dealers I e-mailed. The U.S. government has mandated child seat anchor brackets be in all passenger vehicles by 2003. The new Toyota Sequoia and Rav 4 have them. Does anyone with a 2001 4 Runner have these brackets. They are compatible with the new style of child safety seat that anchors to the car without using the seatbelt. It's a lot safer than the belt and less chance of you hooking the seat up wrong. Gotta protect the young ones.. Your help would be appreciated
The LATCH system is what you are talking about and the 4Runner does not have them this year. The Sequoia, Prius and ECHO do and our other vehicles will have them in the future. The Runner did get the tether hooks this year but not the LATCH system.
I have a 2000 4runner sr5 4wd. I have had the vehicle for 3 months now. Like others, I was only able to get 13-14 gallons of gas into a 18.5 gallon tank. ( with the gage on empty with the light illuminated.)I figured there was a problem with the sending unit in the tank and or gauge,since I seemed to have no indication for the bottom 1/3 of the tank. I took the vehicle into the my local Toyota dealer. They checked the the gauge out and said it worked okay. I knew the gauge worked, just that is wasn't very ACCURATE.) Their basic response was that (1) They were not sure if my vehicle had an 18.5 gallon tank. (2) I should run my vehicle out of gas, then fill it up to determine the actual volume of my tank. (3) Just use my odometer and keep track of my mileage. All Total B.S.!!! Here's what I have figured out on my own since then and what I believe to be the problem. I think the problem isn't with the gage,..but in GETTING THE LAST 4-5 GALLONS IN THE TANK. On the last two fill ups ( I ran it down on E with the low fuel light on ) again I was able to get maybe 13.5-14.0 gallons in before the pump clicked off. Then stand there and NURSE THE NEXT 4 OR SO GALLONS IN. The pump will continuely click off and you have to be patient waiting for the gas to drain from the filler neck to the tank,..but on both occasions I was able to get 4 more gallons in the tank. This is much more closer to the 18.5 gallons this tank supposedly holds. So,...I think the problems lies with getting the last few gallons in the tank, not the gauge. My next more is to complain to Toyota directly.. Cheers..
I'm not sure what you are doing is such a good idea. By milking it like this, you may end up screwing up the vapor recovery system and setting off your check engine light. I have said it before, the Toyotas have a habit of turning the light on with 3 to 4 gallons left in the tank. The only way to drive this is to run it dry. I know this sucks but it is the only way to be sure. Fill it up normally and don't milk those last few drops in. You should come up pretty close to 18.5 gallons.
Once you know what the tank will actually hold, you can figure that when the check engine light somes on, you have another 45 to 60 miles to go until dry.
I have a new (MY 2000) 4Runner, which exhibited the same problems reported by others. The gage would read 3/4-full after only 40 miles, and at empty I could only get about 13.5 gallons in the tank. I used to be a gas jockey, so I figure I know how to fill up a gas tank.
I took my rig into the dealership, along with printouts from this site and from NHTSA, and they said they'd fix it. They, too, had to replace the sending unit in the tank, and pull the instrument head. Had to get the a new instrument head from the factory, calibrated to the correct mileage. I just got it back a week ago, and yesterday drove it around until it was on empty (several miles after the little light comes on). I was able to get 16.5 gallons in it. It works just fine, now.
I don't know that all 4Runners of this vintage have this problem. However, between this topic and 1303, I've seen quite a few postings, so I don't think it's rare, either. In my case, I live out west and take trips out into the boonies. Given that an 18.5-gallon tank is on the small side for a vehicle of this type (and mileage), I think an accurate gage is important. Now I have one. Otherwise, I think my 4Runner is one fine vehicle.
I have been postponing my purchase of a new 4runner hoping that Toyota will come out with an engine that outperforms that of other companies such as Nissan, Jeep, and GMC. GMC is getting over 260 hp out of their new Vortec v-6 and I hope Toyota steps up a notch and gives it a new engine or uses the I-FOrce V-8, but even the Sequoia is lacking too compared to the Tahoe new 330 Hp for 2001 or 2002. If anyone has any info please let me know and post it ASAP. I want the best SUV under $40,000 and I firmly believe that the 4Runner is the one. 2002 info wanted
Hey cliffy, I see your still haunting the Message boards hehe. My 4Runner running awesome. Going to come see you in spring about a possible trade-in on my tercel for a new celica. Also, you guys doing the Gas Gauge fix yet? Would like to come up and see the new facility and get mine fixed.
Good to hear from you! I've actually moved dealerships and am now closer to you in Springfield. The new place is verynice but it changed the atmosphere. It just stopped being fun. Come on up. The number here is 703-451-0300.
bought 1996 4rn sr5 new in 1996. around town in Pa. hills i am avering15 mpg. towing 5x10 mcycle loaded h-d softail classic and 500#of gear to Fla. 4 times average 15mpg. In Fla on flat land w/o trialer am getting 20mpg. have erattic (not linnear) gauge which was changed but did not help. check miles every fillup. only 25k, but had to have rotors changed out ofwarrenty but toyota paid. also had toyota electric converter box 5X again toyota paid. v6 is a little anemic so another dealer gave me 001 260 h.p.pathfinder overnight,what a difference.does not moan just goes. i am concerned about no frame, struts up front,mileage, and resale. any comments
I've been reading a lot of post about the lack of power in the 4 runner- if I don't anticipate towing a boat, house..., is there enough horsepower for a quick acceleration onto the interstate or to carry 5 adults with camping luggage, etc.? The 2001 Qx4/Pathfinder have me looking a bit more than I had anticipated, but I want to get something that I will be happy with for MANY years. Any insight? Thanks
Is 4WD safer than 2WD on highway? by barrnet Dec 25, 2000 (12:27 pm) Thanks to the members of this forum for the great info. We are debating between 4WD and 2WD on a new Limited. We will be doing little off-road driving. Is 4WD a benefit in highway dry weather swerve-to-avoid-collision situations? Do those with 4Runner "Multi-Mode" 4WD leave it on all the time? Why or why not? Is there a speed "limit" for 4WD? Thanks in advance for any responses.
Are you looking at a new 2001 or a used '99 or '00? If you are looking at the 2001 models, they all have the "Active-Trac" which is a very cool and all new 4WD system. You can leave it on in any conditions but mileage may suffer a bit. This year, there is no distinction in 4WD systems between the Limited and SR5.
Thank you for your reply. We are looking at the 2001 model. The 2WD model also has the "Trac" system; only on the rear wheels, of course. I've probably read too many articles about the roll-over tendencies of suvs in this class and it's made me a bit wary.
I don't know if this will help you at all, but I recently wrote an explanation of the 4WD systems we have. This was written as an in-house training text and covers more than you need but I'll post it anyway. I hope it helps.
How the Sequoia, 4Runner and Land Cruiser 4WD systems work:
These systems operate in essentially the same way with a few exceptions. When engaged, you have three open differentials working for you (front, rear and center). Open differentials are extremely reliable and require very little maintenance. If you have equal traction at all 4 wheels, power is evenly divided between them all. If one wheel begins to slip, the open differentials begin to send all available power to that one wheel. Normally, this would be very bad. This is when a traction control system (TRACS) takes over. TRACS, applies brakes selectively to a slipping wheel. This braking action literally fools the differentials into sending power everywhere except the slipping wheel.
When you are in 2WD (in the Sequoia and Runner), you still have traction control working for you. Obviously, this only will send power left to right but this is better than nothing. If neither wheel can gain traction and you are heavy on the throttle, you may end up tripping the second part of TRACS. If the wheels continue to slip, there is a rev limiter that takes over. This slows your engine down to about 2200 RPM. This reduced engine speed, combined with the selective braking will normally allow you to move forward at a reduced rate of speed.
On all three vehicle, you have the option of locking the center differential. It is rare that anybody would ever need to do this. On the Land Cruiser and 4Runner, this is accomplished by bushing a button on your dash. This turns off the TRACS computer and the VSC system. The vehicle is now in a conventional 4WD mode. All 4x4 Toyota trucks have operated in this condition. You should not ever use this mode on dry pavement as you will damage the drive system and tires.
The other part of this system is the VSC or vehicle skid control. VSC will selectively apply brakes and throttle to prevent understeer or oversteer. It works in both 2 and 4 wheel drive. This is a rather amazing system and does an incredible job of giving the driver control of the vehicle. Understeer is responsible for a large number of SUV rollovers and oversteer is very common on icy surfaces. The Sequoia will allow you to turn off the VSC but I see no reason to ever do this.
Cliffy, it sounds like you are at Springfield Toyota (bought a 93 Camry there that just got handed down to our daughter). My question is, do you know of a knowledgeable and fair dealer in the St. Louis area? I know a couple by their service, but don't know their sales. Oh, thanks a bunch for explaining the new 4WD systems. That really helps!
Thanks for the good words. I don't have any contacts in MO but I've got a funny story. Last week I took a sales call from a very sweet older lady. She asked me several questions about the Camry. I answered them all and gave her a great price on the phone. She asked where I was at and I told her Amherst Ave in Springfield. I then asked her where she was coming from so I could give her directions. "Ashcroft" was her answer. Now, I have no idea where Ashcroft VA is so I said, "Ashcroft? Is that in Maryland?" "No sweetie, Ashcroft Missouri. Isn't this Springfield Toyota in Springfield MO?" (that's pronounced Missoura)
We both laughed at the mix up. I did tell her Washington DC is beautiful at Christmas if she wanted to make the trip but she declined. I was really bummed because she sounded like a very nice person and I would have loved to sell her a car.
I just bought a 2001 Limited last week, and I love it. My wife and I fight over who gets to drive it. I am interested in purchasing a rubber mat for the cargo area as well as heavy duty floor mats for the driver and passenger sides (too much snow and slush in Cleveland for carpeted floor mats). I know Toyota sells these, but I think I found better prices on http://store.yahoo.com/floormats4less/index.html
This site claims to have mats that are custom fitted for the 4Runner just like the mats Toyota sells. Has anyone else purchased these elsewhere or have any useful information? Thanks.
Steve, have you or anyone noticed problems with Tacoma and 'Runner windshields fracturing badly after "stars". Just wondering, I'll be putting in my third on this one, so I can sell it to get an ELANTRA!! HAHAHAHA. That sounds so stupid, but we don't need two SUV's, just one Sequoia! I wish you or Dianne were closer to Shreveport, because I actually have alot of respect for the two of you just based on the last 2 mos. postings. You both seem like standup folks. A rarity these days.
I am starting to look for my dream vehicle, the Toyota 4Runner Limited... and I have read some disturbing things about glitches that don't seem to be fixed "like new". What really gripes me is that the Tacoma (holds 2 comfortably) has a V8 but the Limited (holds 4) only has a V6 what gives? I refuse to buy until it has a V8. Am I just dreaming or will I ever get to have a 4Runner of my own with a V8 of course? Thanks for any info.
I just logged on for the first time, and I read with interest the comments regarding the problems with the gas gauge. I average about 13.5 before the low fuel light comes on, and while I know there's the better part of five gallons left in the tank, I can't stand looking at that light. I have mentioned the problem to my dealer, who had no clue how to fix it. Does anyone know if Toyota has put out a maintenance bulletin on this problem that I might be able to reference. I'm coming up on 31K miles, and I'd like to try to get it fixed before the warranty expires.
She's gone now, the 'Runner I mean. So next is the Trooper, which will be much harder to sell, since they don't sell a heckuvalotta new ones to begin with. But it's been a great vehicle, just not available with a third seat...
I just bought a 2001 SR5 4Runner. Can anyone recommend a good make/model of a grille guard (?brush guard) for the truck? What makes one better than the next?
A co-worker and myself have 98' and 97' SR5 4runners respectively, and have both noticed the same type of problem when braking. While applying the brakes on a dirt road or a wet asphalt covered road, you hear a loud clicking noise from the front end and the entire front end, steering wheel and brake pedal vibrate excessively until you come to a complete stop. This also occurs when you apply the brake and hit a bump on dry pavement. Other vehicles would have stopped, where the 4runner has ended up in the middle of intersections or just barely missed other vehicles. We both have driven many other vehicles with AS, and have not experienced anything even close to this type of vibration. The dealers say there is nothing wrong! Has anyone else had this type of experience?
I have a 2000 4runner SR5 4WD.. I have had the same gas gauge problems as others posted here from the last month or so. ( Low fuel light on with 5 gals in tank.)
Toyota has a Technical Service Bulletin ( TB- ELO10-00 ) for this problem. This fix is to remove and replace the fuel tank sender. Another part of this Bulletin is to replace part of a printed circuit board in the dash if necessary. ( wasn't in my case.) I just had this done by Toyota and I haven't tested it out yet ( ran it low) The dealer told me they are thinking about re designing the tank. I have been able to nurse 3-4 gallons of gas in the tank after its full. (So have others posted here.) Hopefully this fixes your ( and mine) problem. I really have my doubts though. I think the tank is of bad design and as such its hard to get the last few gallons in.... Cheers
Below is the text for the latter, regarding the fuel gage:
Service Bulletin Number: EL01099 Bulletin Sequence Number: 100 Date of Bulletin: 9912 NHTSA Item Number: SB610059 Make: TOYOTA TRUCK Model: 4 RUNNER Year: 2000 Component: INTERIOR SYSTEMS:INSTRUMENT PANEL:GAUGE:INDICATOR:GAS Summary: SUBJECT REGARDING FUEL GAUGE HORIZONTAL CALIBRATION PROCEDURE. *TT
As has been posted previously (by Cliffy1??) spending several minutes filling the tank to the brim may screw up the vapor recovery system. See my previous posting (#114) for my experience in getting it fixed. Since the repair/replacement, if it gets down to "empty" and I fill it, it takes on over 16 gallons before the pump clicks off. I put the nozzle on the middle notch when I fill it, so the pump runs slightly slower, but otherwise do nothing special. Hope this helps.
What you are feeling is the ABS system. As you go over a bump with your brakes applied, the wheel begins to lock up. This trips the antilock brake system and it rapidly pumps your brake to prevent lock up. The noise and vibrations are a normal part of the ABS system. All vehicles with ABS behave this way and you need to know what is happening in order to use it correctly.
I guess I missed your post because of the Message Board reorganization. I had the same problem (intermittently). I finally convinced the dealer that I wasn't crazy (driving to them right after a root canal while the unit was buzzing). They agreed to replace the stereo. I never asked what caused the buzz, but its fixed! It was really annoying. So if you still have the problem, get your dealer to replace the unit. (By the way, as usual, they denied ever having seen this problem before.)
I'm selling my 4Runner for $32,750--it has every option except leather. Does this sound like a reasonable price--it is 4 month's old with 8k. It also has a 5spd which you can no longer buy. I live in the Settle area. Any input would be appreciated.
Last night I did an interesting experiment. We got a little over an inch of snow (which is enough to send the DC area into a panic) and then it froze up. Our back lot was a sheet of hard packed snow and ice. I took a 4Runner out to play.
First, I put it into 4WD high. From a standing start, I mashed the pedal to the floor. The terms "shot out of a cannon" and "like a bat out of hell" are how I would describe it. It was like I was on dry pavement. The TRACS light came on and the brakes did their job at moving power from wheel to wheel. The rev limiter never kicked in.
I then tried it again with the center differential locked. You can't do this in the high gear range in the Sequoia but it also simulated what a conventional 4WD would do. In this mode, the TRACS and VSC are off. I still moved but could really feel the wheels spinning. Control was not great and I had a fair amount of side slipping. I did it again without mashing the pedal. This worked much better.
Next, I put it into 2WD and mashed the pedal. Now here is where it got interesting. The TRACS system quickly took over with both the brakes and the throttle. My RPMs were reduced to between 1500 and 2500. The brakes were clicking constantly but I was moving steadily forward. The throttle would cut in and out with my forward progress. If I eased up on the pedal, control improved even more but even with the pedal on the floor, I was able to move forward and turn with ease.
This was a stunning display of the TRACS/VSC. Even I was amazed at how well this 2WD vehicle was handling extremely slippery conditions. Obviously, the 4WD worked much better but the 2WD got me moving and in control.
I was told that all of the new 4Runners (all states) 2001 have FE Federal Emissions. Does anyone know if this means they have the exact same emission controls ? Also....is there any difference in factory weatherization of the vehicles between Cal and other states ? Thanks
I now have 600 miles on my 2001 4Runner SR5. I have noticed at highway speeds, the gear shifter on my automatic transmission 4Runner will jiggle as I go over slightly uneven pavement (like expansion joints). Although it never moves violently enough to come out of gear, I was wondering a small amount of jiggle is normal. Any similar experiences? It is best felt by just gently placing your hand on the shifter as you are driving. I haven't experienced anything like this in any other CARS I have driven.
I have a 2000 4Runner LTD, and my shifter wobbles as well. I've heard that on manuals, the vibrations travel through the chassis to the shifter (the Edmund's 2000 Midsize SUV comparison), so I'm assuming the same thing happens on automatics, or something similar. It jiggles, but I've never experienced any accidental shifting because of it, although I leave mine in Drive all the time, so maybe on Low or 2nd Gear its possible since only normal shifting is required for those two gears. If anyone has ever had this lead to a problem, I would like to know as well. Also, if someone who has had their gas gauge adjusted/replaced could tell me how long it took for their dealer to perform the repair I would appreciate it as I would like to have mine corrected but would like to know how much time the dealer will have my truck. Also, has anyone ever driven or parked in the rain and heard dripping inside the passenger cabin? It almost sounded like rain was dripping into a pool inside the door. Thanks for any response.
Okay, this is sappy, and you may cry. I just want to tell the world (well, this forum) how well my 4runner has performed for the past six years. I purchased new a 94 SR5 V6 and have logged 91,xxx on it. One recall, headgasket replacement, was performed, AND my dealer, Central City Toyota (Phila,PA) replaced my water pump at the same time under warranty even though my warranty had expired 12,000 miles previously. All this truck does is start and run flawlessly. Aside from the above recall and regularly scheduled service, I have only replaced the front brake pads (originals still on rear). I drive rough roads (Philly) and occasionally take it on the beach. The oil comes out every 3,000, and I get decent gas mileage (17/21). The finish still looks great, the interior has held up very well, and there isn't a speck of rust (one beach trip led to water over the hood - YIKES - truck never stalled). While this vehicle only has its name in common with the ones you are discussing, its proven to be my most reliable vehicle ever. A special nod of appreciation to the great service guys at CC Toyota for keeping it going. Blot your eyes and blow your nose, I'm finished.
I have seen this on my 90' 4runner and my 97' 4runner. Easily explained by the chassis/body/drivetrain are all isoalted from one another by rubber mounts that isolate from road/mechanical vibrations. The shifter just moves as the drivetrain moves 2ry to torque and suspension movement. Do not be concerned it will never lead to an Automatic "shifting" into another gear.
It rained in Southern California today, and YES I also heard the sound of dripping water as if it came from within the door panel. I am not sure what to make of it. Some possibilities I thought of were: 1) Water dropping onto the running boards from the door and body, making it sound like it is dripping inside 2) Water actually dripping inside the body or door panels.
I can't think of anything else? Any ideas? For some reason I can't imagine that we are the only two who have heard this.
Has anyone heard of the 2001 4Runner Limiteds having HEATED front leather seats? I think I read this on Edmund's under the new vehicle section. I looked through a 2001 brochure and did not see anything anywhere about heated leather seats. Heated seats would be great for those leather seats on cold days. I really wish I had held out for a 2001 4Runner, Toyota added a few options and accessories this year that I wish I had on my truck. If I had known that there would be new features, I definitely would have waited (I hope that explains my wish to know about the heated seats). Thanks.
Sorry, forgot about this message. I can't think of any other explanation for those drips other than dripping into the door or onto the running boards. My first thought was that it was the running boards, so I tried getting rid of some of the water on them but the dripping continued. That also made me wonder why it was only on one side (my dripping was on the right side, passenger side, by the way). My dripping sounded as though drops were falling into water, not just onto a hard surface. Ironically, I also live in California but did not have my truck today, as it is being serviced for the well-known gas gauge problem; so I did not have a chance to see if this was a common problem or if it was just by chance that I heard the dripping. Who knows? Like you said, if both of us heard the dripping then we are probably not the only ones who have. Anyone else?
Comments
Thanks
-good luck
In answer to your question, I don't know. If I read the problems of the other participants here, they ran the tank dry and were unable to put more than 15 gallons in it. That is a problem and if you have this, get it to your dealer.
Do the MY'01 4Runners have 4 channel or 2 channel, 4 wheel ABS brakes?
Also, is there supposed to be a re-design for the MY'02 4Runners. Possibly a change in the motor as well?
-thanks
I have not heard anything official on the next generation of Runners. Shockingly, I haven't even heard any rumors about it either. I'll keep my ear to the ground on this but I don't have anything yet.
-thanks again
with the sending unit in the tank and or gauge,since I seemed to have no indication for the bottom 1/3 of the tank. I took the vehicle into the my local Toyota dealer. They checked the
the gauge out and said it worked okay. I knew the gauge worked, just that is wasn't very ACCURATE.)
Their basic response was that (1) They were not sure if my vehicle had an 18.5 gallon tank. (2)
I should run my vehicle out of gas, then fill it up to determine the actual volume of my tank. (3)
Just use my odometer and keep track of my mileage.
All Total B.S.!!!
Here's what I have figured out on my own since then and what I believe to be the problem. I think the problem isn't with the gage,..but in GETTING THE LAST 4-5 GALLONS IN THE TANK. On the last two fill ups ( I ran it down on E with the low fuel light on ) again I was able to get maybe
13.5-14.0 gallons in before the pump clicked off.
Then stand there and NURSE THE NEXT 4 OR SO GALLONS IN. The pump will continuely click off and you have to be patient waiting for the gas to drain from the filler neck to the tank,..but on both occasions I was able to get 4 more gallons in the tank. This is much more closer to the 18.5 gallons this tank supposedly holds.
So,...I think the problems lies with getting the last few gallons in the tank, not the gauge.
My next more is to complain to Toyota directly..
Cheers..
Once you know what the tank will actually hold, you can figure that when the check engine light somes on, you have another 45 to 60 miles to go until dry.
I took my rig into the dealership, along with printouts from this site and from NHTSA, and they said they'd fix it. They, too, had to replace the sending unit in the tank, and pull the instrument head. Had to get the a new instrument head from the factory, calibrated to the correct mileage. I just got it back a week ago, and yesterday drove it around until it was on empty (several miles after the little light comes on). I was able to get 16.5 gallons in it. It works just fine, now.
I don't know that all 4Runners of this vintage have this problem. However, between this topic and 1303, I've seen quite a few postings, so I don't think it's rare, either. In my case, I live out west and take trips out into the boonies. Given that an 18.5-gallon tank is on the small side for a vehicle of this type (and mileage), I think an accurate gage is important. Now I have one. Otherwise, I think my 4Runner is one fine vehicle.
Claude
Thanks to the members of this forum for the great info. We are debating between 4WD and 2WD on a new Limited. We will be doing little off-road driving. Is 4WD a benefit in highway dry weather swerve-to-avoid-collision situations? Do those with 4Runner "Multi-Mode" 4WD leave it on all the time? Why or why not? Is there a speed "limit" for 4WD? Thanks in advance for any responses.
Happy Holidays!
Barry
How the Sequoia, 4Runner and Land Cruiser 4WD systems work:
These systems operate in essentially the same way with a few exceptions. When engaged, you have three open differentials working for you (front, rear and center). Open differentials are extremely reliable and require very little maintenance. If you have equal traction at all 4 wheels, power is evenly divided between them all. If one wheel begins to slip, the open differentials begin to send all available power to that one wheel. Normally, this would be very bad. This is when a traction control system (TRACS) takes over. TRACS, applies brakes selectively to a slipping wheel. This braking action literally fools the differentials into sending power everywhere except the slipping wheel.
When you are in 2WD (in the Sequoia and Runner), you still have traction control working for you. Obviously, this only will send power left to right but this is better than nothing. If neither wheel can gain traction and you are heavy on the throttle, you may end up tripping the second part of TRACS. If the wheels continue to slip, there is a rev limiter that takes over. This slows your engine down to about 2200 RPM. This reduced engine speed, combined with the selective braking will normally allow you to move forward at a reduced rate of speed.
On all three vehicle, you have the option of locking the center differential. It is rare that anybody would ever need to do this. On the Land Cruiser and 4Runner, this is accomplished by bushing a button on your dash. This turns off the TRACS computer and the VSC system. The vehicle is now in a conventional 4WD mode. All 4x4 Toyota trucks have operated in this condition. You should not ever use this mode on dry pavement as you will damage the drive system and tires.
The other part of this system is the VSC or vehicle skid control. VSC will selectively apply brakes and throttle to prevent understeer or oversteer. It works in both 2 and 4 wheel drive. This is a rather amazing system and does an incredible job of giving the driver control of the vehicle. Understeer is responsible for a large number of SUV rollovers and oversteer is very common on icy surfaces. The Sequoia will allow you to turn off the VSC but I see no reason to ever do this.
We both laughed at the mix up. I did tell her Washington DC is beautiful at Christmas if she wanted to make the trip but she declined. I was really bummed because she sounded like a very nice person and I would have loved to sell her a car.
I am interested in purchasing a rubber mat for the cargo area as well as heavy duty floor mats for the driver and passenger sides (too much snow and slush in Cleveland for carpeted floor mats). I know Toyota sells these, but I think I found better prices on http://store.yahoo.com/floormats4less/index.html
This site claims to have mats that are custom fitted for the 4Runner just like the mats Toyota sells. Has anyone else purchased these elsewhere or have any useful information? Thanks.
Check out http://www.accessconnect.com/huskylnr.htm
They are Husky Liners and custom fit to your 4Runner (I believe) and cost much less.
Bobby
Thanks in advance...
tan
I have had the same gas gauge problems as others posted here from the last month or so. ( Low fuel light on with 5 gals in tank.)
Toyota has a Technical Service Bulletin
( TB- ELO10-00 ) for this problem. This fix is to remove and replace the fuel tank sender. Another part of this Bulletin is to replace part
of a printed circuit board in the dash if necessary. ( wasn't in my case.) I just had this done by Toyota and I haven't tested it out yet ( ran it low) The dealer told me they are thinking about re designing the tank. I have been able to nurse 3-4 gallons of gas in the tank after its full. (So have others posted here.)
Hopefully this fixes your ( and mine) problem.
I really have my doubts though. I think the tank is of bad design and as such its hard to get the last few gallons in.... Cheers
and for services bulletins, the web address is:
http://www.nhtsa.org/cars/problems/tsb/Servicemmy5.cfm
Below is the text for the latter, regarding the fuel gage:
Service Bulletin Number: EL01099
Bulletin Sequence Number: 100
Date of Bulletin: 9912
NHTSA Item Number: SB610059
Make: TOYOTA TRUCK
Model: 4 RUNNER
Year: 2000
Component: INTERIOR SYSTEMS:INSTRUMENT PANEL:GAUGE:INDICATOR:GAS
Summary: SUBJECT REGARDING FUEL GAUGE HORIZONTAL CALIBRATION PROCEDURE. *TT
As has been posted previously (by Cliffy1??) spending several minutes filling the tank to the brim may screw up the vapor recovery system. See my previous posting (#114) for my experience in getting it fixed. Since the repair/replacement, if it gets down to "empty" and I fill it, it takes on over 16 gallons before the pump clicks off. I put the nozzle on the middle notch when I fill it, so the pump runs slightly slower, but otherwise do nothing special. Hope this helps.
I'm selling my 4Runner for $32,750--it has every option except leather. Does this sound like a reasonable price--it is 4 month's old with 8k. It also has a 5spd which you can no longer buy. I live in the Settle area. Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks
First, I put it into 4WD high. From a standing start, I mashed the pedal to the floor. The terms "shot out of a cannon" and "like a bat out of hell" are how I would describe it. It was like I was on dry pavement. The TRACS light came on and the brakes did their job at moving power from wheel to wheel. The rev limiter never kicked in.
I then tried it again with the center differential locked. You can't do this in the high gear range in the Sequoia but it also simulated what a conventional 4WD would do. In this mode, the TRACS and VSC are off. I still moved but could really feel the wheels spinning. Control was not great and I had a fair amount of side slipping. I did it again without mashing the pedal. This worked much better.
Next, I put it into 2WD and mashed the pedal. Now here is where it got interesting. The TRACS system quickly took over with both the brakes and the throttle. My RPMs were reduced to between 1500 and 2500. The brakes were clicking constantly but I was moving steadily forward. The throttle would cut in and out with my forward progress. If I eased up on the pedal, control improved even more but even with the pedal on the floor, I was able to move forward and turn with ease.
This was a stunning display of the TRACS/VSC. Even I was amazed at how well this 2WD vehicle was handling extremely slippery conditions. Obviously, the 4WD worked much better but the 2WD got me moving and in control.
Thanks
Any ideas?
mark
I can't think of anything else? Any ideas? For some reason I can't imagine that we are the only two who have heard this.