Toyota 4Runner

cliffy1 · June 2001

I don't know if there will be a 2002 in this body style or not. I do know that we will have a completely re designed Runner by this winter, but I don't know if that will be released as a 2002, a 2002 1/2 or a 2003. Further, I have no details on the changes at all.

tclub · June 2001

Do you think the new design will come out in late 2001? Any word or best guess if HP will finally be raised to something in the 220 range? I'd hope it'll still be a truck and not a Highlander.

cliffy1 · June 2001

All I know is that it will still be a frame based vehicle and that it will be out between January and March of 2002. When I get more, I'll be posting it here. I would be shocked if it didn't get a little larger and get more juice under the hood.

bravocharlie1 · June 2001

I sent you an e-mail but don't know if it went thru so posted here as a backup. I found the relay under the dash but now I'm not sure of which wire it is in the connector.

I took the wire in "2" position on bottom out but didn't shut them off. I thought that's what the TSB said but guess I misunderstood. Any help??

rocketlady · June 2001

Help! I have a 2000 4Runner SR5 with an annoying squeak in the dash. It sounds like two pieces of plastic rubbing together and is emanating from the passenger side of the dash near the airbag - at least that's where I think it's coming from. It squeaks independent of speed and whether or not the car is hot or cold. It started about six months ago and has been getting progressively worse. I can drown it out with the stereo, but the point is that I spent $30K+ on this vehicle and for that kind of money I don't want to put up with an irritating squeak. I have taken my truck to the dealer 3 times now, each time they told me that they had found and fixed the squeak. Has anyone else had similar problems, and if so, what was the remedy? What are my options if the dealer can't track down the offending parts and quelch the noise? Will they replace the whole dash? Is that even a viable option, or is that overkill for the problem? It's driving me nuts!!!! HELP!

gunga64 · June 2001

Hi,

Anyone else notice that the Toyota 4runner is considered a midsize suv, yet the Hyundia Sante Fe is consider a compact suv. Both the length and width of the Sante fe is bigger then the 4runner.

stankius · June 2001

This weekend I pushed the limit of the VSC as I was approaching an on ramp to a highway in the rain. I was going pretty fast and couldnt take the tight right and I hydroplaned straight into the curb. I braked hard and rubbed off some speed but I hit pretty hard and scratched the right front wheel pretty bad and threw it slightly out of alignment.

Any one have any idea what a new aluminum wheel goes for?

Regards,

Joe

stankius · June 2001

I picked mine up three weeks ago and have a ticking from under the dash and and a squeak from one of the rear seats. I made an appointment for next week to take it in and have asked to have a mechanic take a ride with me so I can point out the noises. I won't sign anything until the noises are gone. I never had a problem like this with my 98, perhaps the quality has dropped.

Joe

jq3 · June 2001

Can I expect a '01 4-Runner to have a better ride that my '97? Nothing was changed suspension-wise during this time...was it?

Thanxs!

man408 · June 2001

Has anyone else had this problem?
I have a 2000 SR5 and there is a black plastic U bushing
that is located where clutch pedal arm and spring meet.
It wore out and broke off at 8k miles. I had it replaced under warranty.
It just broke again at 16,500 miles. I have to take it in again.
After the this bushing breaks, the clutch pedal becomes harder
to press, and squeaks A Lot. Anyone got any solutions or
suggestions?
As far as Toyota quality, I haven't been really impressed.

drew_ · June 2001

I feel your pain! Well, VSC doesn't give you a license to speed, especially in poor weather conditions, as you found out. There is only so much it (and the tires) can do. Fortunately, you don't necessarily have to replace the wheel (which can be very expensive). There are wheel repair stores that can fix the wheel and restore it back into its original condition so well that you would never have know that it was damaged at all. I've seen the work of one of these stores in my area and it was unbelievable! You may want to check your yellow pages or the search engines. I know that there is one that you can actually ship your wheel to and have them fix it and courier it back to you.

You may want to visit your dealership to get them to check the alignment and the other suspension components. I smacked a curb quite hard a few years ago (40 km/hr, downhill, black ice + snow...nothing that I could do) and managed to slightly bend back the lower control arm of my minivan, ruin the wheel bearing, as well as break a 2" chunk off the aluminum rim. Was an expensive mistake...just a few months ago when I went to get new tires, the tire shop could not align the front wheels properly + centre the steering wheel. I brought it back to the dealership and they in turn took it to a frame specialist shop. Apparently there was some very minor frame damage and they had to straighten it out a tad. No charge though, to my shock! The service guys at my Chrysler dealership are great.

Good luck,

ovide · June 2001

Just purchased my first Toyota, a 2001 4Runner. It just turned 1000 miles and tomorrow at 7 AM I'm bringing it back to the dealer for the fourth time for the same problem. These 3 lights simultaneously come on and stay on until re-set by the dealer. Once on the highway, once at a stop light, twice on city main streets. All in 2WD. First I was told the gas cap was loose. Next it was a hose from the gas tank. Then a filter/canister that captures vapors from the fuel system. Error code PO440. The Service Manager felt 90%+ that the canister would fix it. Wrong! Any clues? I've checked all previous posts and see no prior reports of this problem. What recourse do I have? What steps should I take at the dealership tomorrow?

cliffy1 · June 2001

The most common cause of those lights coming on is a leak somewhere in the vapor recovery system. It isn't always the same thing, but I'd bet there is a loose fitting somewhere in your fuel tank or the canister. I also had a Land Cruiser that was delivered with a cracked spark plug which caused the same indicator lights.

johndoe6 · June 2001

I have a '98 4Runner. I took it to a shop to have Rancho 9000 shocks put on to tone down the street ride. They could not put them on the front. Apparently the suspension changed in '99 or later. Check your local Rancho shock dealer to see if the Rancho 9000 will fit front and rear on your '97.
These shocks have 5 settings, with 1 being a softer street ride.
HP

ovide · June 2001

Cliff - Thank you for replying so quickly to my post #518. I dropped the car off this morning and took the courtesy shuttle(all around town) and back to work. I got a voice mail from my service re that they were going to replace the canister (again) which they are ordering express overnight. Hopefully this saga will have a happy ending soon!

jf01 · June 2001

Do you mean that the shop couldn't put it on a '98 suspension or that it couldn't put it on a '99-'00 suspension? It sounds like you mean '98, does that mean it can be put on a '00? Does the change in just rear do much for the ride? How do you like the shocks? Thanks.

johndoe6 · June 2001

I didn't get the shocks put on because they told me at the dealer that they could only put the Rancho 9000's on the rear suspension of my '98. I've only been told that the Rancho shocks will give you a softer street ride, I've never experienced the ride myself. hiluxsurf has posted messages about these shocks on this board about a week ago.
Good luck
HP

tclub · June 2001

I know you get tired of answering 2002 4Runner questions, but to keep up with MDX a QX4, would you assume we'd see not only more HP, but NAV and an updated dashboard & soundsystem? I'd like to hold out for the new model, but I'm also someone that doesn't want a vehicle any BIGGER (smile).

thanks,tclub

akg · June 2001

I am curious if the new 2002 4Runner will possibly have better gas mileage, as I know that is a consumer concern? You rock...... Cliffy1!!

cliffy1 · July 2001

First, keep in mind that the Runner does not compete with the MDX, nor the QX4. Those are both built on car bodies and the Highlander is more suited to go up against those. The Runner is much more appropriate for off roading and towing than any of those models because it is truck based.

Again, I don't have any real information on the new Runner but I would be absolutely shocked if it didn't get a power upgrade. I will post any rumors I hear as soon as I hear them. I want ya'll up to date just as much as you do.

brennert · July 2001

I was looking at a 1996 4-Runner SR5 that seemed to be in outstanding condition. After the test ride, the vehicle made a puff/buzz noise every 10 to 15 seconds. The owner said it has done this since he bought it, anyone know what this could be?

vtec2 · July 2001

The MDX is based on the Odyssey platform which is not a car. The QX4 is a unibody, but it is not based on a car either.

cliffy1 · July 2001

Cars are built on "unibody" platforms. Trucks are built with actual frames. SUVs without frames are therefore built on car platforms. They ride very nice and usually handle well, but they are not well suited for towing or serious off road driving.

vtec2 · July 2001

I appreciate you letting me know that without jumping down my throat. That happens all to often in these forums.

cliffy1 · July 2001

I genuinely appreciate your last comment. Civility is often lost here and I've had things thrown pretty hard at me in the past. This particular topic seems to have a more polite class of participants.

dan169 · July 2001

The sound you heard is normal for a 1996 4Runner. It is the anti-lock brake system. Mine has always done that. If you are looking to buy a 96' I would recommend it. Mine is wonderful. I would recommend the following options:Tow package, Roof rack, Rear heat, Running boards, Cruise control & a/c. I am pretty sure that all SR5's have cruise & air. The rear heat is a must on really cold nights. I didn't think I would ever use the roof rack or trailer hitch. Now I wonder what I would do without them. As far as m.p.g. goes I average 16 in town & 20 on the highway.

sierrapk · July 2001

Aggiedog -

EXACTLY the same thing has just happened to me with my 2000 SR5 4WD at its 20,000 mile service. The brakes had always been absolutely silky smooth. As soon as I drove away from the dealership I noticed a very distinct pulsation or modulation that clearly felt like it was from the REAR brakes. I had asked the dealer to rotate the tires and verify the remaining brake lining thickness, so they definitely pulled ther drums. I suspect that the mechanic either did not properly torque the lug nuts, thereby distorting the drums, or did not "re-index" the drums on the axle flanges in their original orientation. I haven't taken it back yet, and the shuddering has diminished slightly, but its still quite distinct, especially at 50-70 MPH when the brakes are cold. Anyone else have additional insight?

vtec2 · July 2001

I just got off the phone with a local Toyota dealer and he said the only changes for the '02 4Runner are minor, like colors and such. In my experience the dealers are usually dead wrong when it comes to future vehicles. Can anyone confirm this for me. About the 4Runner, not the dealers.

stump21 · July 2001

My neighbor is a longtime salesmen at a local Toyota dealer and he has no idea about the 2002 4Runner. He said that I probably know more than him just because I am constantly searching the interned for any news. So far I haven't found anything definite on the redesign. Believe me, he will be sprinting over to my house with any info.

steveb84 · July 2001

I'm the Inventory Manager at a Toyota Dealer in the Chicago region. I have my 2002 spec book right here, and the only changes that I can see are colors and some enhancements to the Sport Package. I hope that helps.

peter78 · July 2001

I just went on a long trip from Georgia to Newfoundland, Canada in my new 4Runner. I had it loaded with a canoe on top and a 20" by 60" Hitch Packer added on the trailer hitch. Here are some of the things I found out.
1. I know every bump from here to Canada. This SUV is not very forgiving on rough roads.
2. The cruise control downshifted a lot on hills, sometimes getting near the red line. I turned it off after awhile.
3. After 5,900 miles, I got 19.889 miles to the gallon.
4. Gas is 75 cents a liter in New Brunswick and 89 cents a liter in Newfoundland. 40 to 50 dollar fill ups were common, (Canadian money).
5. Rest rooms are called Wash rooms and a soft drink is called a pop.

Overall the car performed beautifully. It went in a lot of out of the way places and it never had a problem. I was amazed how much it carried and how well it handled with all the weight.

vtec2 · July 2001

Thanks for the replies stump21 and steveb84. Surely if there was going to be a major redesign for 2002 there would be some info out there by now.

cliffy1 · July 2001

To the best of my information, there will be a total redesign of the Runner this winter. As to whether it will be a 2002, 2002.5 or a 2003 has not been discussed. There may be a 2002 which is largely identical to the 2001, but it will be short lived.

jf01 · July 2001

Has anyone put a HID system on their 4Runner? Are there any legal restrictions to something like this? What about compatability issues or problems? What about systems like the Catz Zeta 00? Thanks.

rbing · July 2001

Hi there,

I am 6'5" tall. Is the 4runner big enough for me? I have looked at the bucket seats inside the 4runner - they appear tight and narrow. Has anyone out there any information about whether or not these seats will flatten out?

BB

mobilmom · July 2001

My husband and I have been looking exclusively at the Highlander but have had a lot of trouble finding what we want for a reasonable price. We were told that the 4Runners are a really good value right now and wondered if anyone could give us a good comparison of the two. We're in the suburban Chicago area, had a great experience when we bought our Sienna a year and a half ago but were very disappointed when we returned to the same dealership for this purchase. (Change in management, etc.) If anyone can recommend a good dealership in the area, we'd appreciate that too. Thanks in advance!

cliffy1 · July 2001

First, let's define a good deal. A good deal means the vehicle's value to you exceeds its price. The HL may be a better value even if you have to pay the dealership a higher profit to get it.

Now, on to your actual question. The Runner is clearly superior if you plan of doing any off roading or towing. It has a (arguable) better 4WD system and more cargo area. There are much better deals relative to invoice and most regions have rebates on them. The HL is far more comfortable on the road. It is more refined and corners better. It has more back seat room.

Decide which one best suits your needs and which one is affordable to you. I'll bet there isn't much difference in overall cost when you get down to actual transaction costs.

akg · July 2001

Hi, I have been trying to find out when the Tacoma will be restyled and introduced. I know this is not the pickup forum, but you seem to know this stuff. Any informative web sites on that topic? Thanks!

madpapo2002 · July 2001

They give a lot of problem's for the price.
They rollover, they lose control too easily.
They ride like a big MACK truck or something.

It's BAD [non-permissible content removed]

cliffy1 · July 2001

The Tacoma was just restyled for the 2001 model year. I don't know when the next one is due.

kupua · July 2001

I was talking with a Toyota Technical Center employee and he was able to shed some light. New version will be with an upgraded engine, bigger and rob even a 3rd row seating configuration. He did not say if '02 or '03 though... This all makes sense as the new Highlander currently fills the 4runner's spot.

jasan · July 2001

I recently bought a 2001 4Runner (16" tires), I noticed during the test drive that there was a slight shimmy (at all speeds) when hitting bumps. I was told by the salesman that this was a Toyota trait, unhappy with his answer I talked with the service department, I got the same answer. I traded in a 97 Blazer and I've owned several other 4X4's, never having this type of a problem. It would seem to me that a $34,000 SUV shouldn't come standard with a shimmy. Is this truly a Toyota trait?

gpvs · July 2001

Did you test drive another 4runner and had the same shimmy? I owned a 4runner before and don't think i had that problem.

countsmackula1 · July 2001

That's a very eloquent manner in which you desribe the Toyota 4Runner, not to mention the superb grammatical skills(sarcasm), but what are the specific gripes? It rides like a Mack truck? Hardly! Considering its off-road ability and characterisics (solid rear axle, real, solid frame, and rear leaf springs) it rides rather well. It's a truck , not a car. And a fully loaded Mack rides rather well, by the way. Also, they do not "lose control" any more than any other vehicle of this type. Enough said. Also,newsflash:-- bad-[non-permissible content removed] means "good".And the 4Runner is expensive and could stand a redesign, but it's worth it. To jasan: I don't know if this will help, but both of the Toyotas (truck and 4Runner) I have owned have had this shimmy that you speak of, although they both had 15" wheels/tires. I think maybe it could be an inherant Toy trait. One of the very few bad things about them, I might add. Good luck with your 'Runner.

peter78 · July 2001

I am glad someone wrote a response to the "BAD [non-permissible content removed]" comments. It turns out he had a 2000 4Runner and then bought a new Mitsubishi Montero. You know, the SUV that Consumer reports says is unsafe. Since Consumer Reports also says that the 4Runner is very reliable and rides well, he may as well attack that too. madpapo comments on the Mitsubishi Montero board "BUT: The 4-runner is more dangerous than the Montero. the montero may tip on 2 wheels at 40MPH HARD turn without losing completely control." These are his exact words, not mine. I cannot think how you feel being on two wheels is in control.
Consumer Reports that they also tested the 4Runner and it did not exhibit the roll over on two wheels found in the Montero. I am sure he is upset with Consumer Reports. Having said all that, I know I cannot treat my 4Runner like my sports car. Yes it does have a high center of gravity as all SUV's and should be driven with that in mind.

jasan · July 2001

I did test drive one prior, the one I test drove had the 15" tires and I didn't notice the shimmy (I don't think a small difference in tire size should cause this). I'm going to test drive another at a different dealership.

cliffy1 · July 2001

The wheels and tires are pretty difficult to balance. That is probably the source of the shimmy you describe. This isn't exclusive to Toyota wheels but is something inherent in large off road tires. Unfortunately, most car dealerships don't have the balancing skills of a tire shop so you may need to take it somewhere else to get them properly balanced.

jasan · July 2001

Cliffy,
I don't think it's the wheel balancing, normally when wheels are improperly balanced you feel the shimmy at highway speeds. My problem is strictly with bumps(large and small).
Countsmackula1,
Thanks for the input, I've talked with a couple of people at work who own Toyota trucks, they seem to have the same problem.

mikee5 · July 2001

This question is addressed to Cliffy and others who may have experienced the same problem.

Cliff,
I have noticed that when the engine is very hot, accelerating (usually after a complete stop) makes very loud engine noise before it shifts gear. My experience with SUVs I had owned is the opposite, the engine is usually louder when it is cold.

Is this normal for 4Runners? please let me know before I take it to the dealer this weekend. It is a 2000 SR5 2WD. Thanks

jf01 · July 2001

When I start my 4Runner up in the morning, there is a loud noise, almost like it has a bigger engine than it really has. After about a minute of warming up or driving around, that "roar" disappears. It does reappear usually after I shut off the engine after it has been running (usually hot) and then start it up again. Like going to a store, turning off the engine, then later leaving the store, the engine will have that roar again for another minute or so. During the "roar" period, it feels like the engine is sucking in more air but is have producing less power. I don't know if this is what you are talking about.

Toyota 4Runner

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