Toyota 4Runner

onyeiii · February 2004

And I have the H4 - L4 switch. Pat84 is correct, you have to switch the transmission to neutral, and you have to come to a complete stop; THEN switch. Otherwise, it will beep, flash, and probably scold you too, but it won't switch from H4 to L4.

Have fun with your new 4runner!

pat84 · February 2004

I found a web site that may help ith your under hood light.

See http://myweb.cableone.net/bcanderson/trooper/Hood/Hood.htm

Actually if you can find the under hood light from a 1962 Pontiac Bonneville in a junk yard get it. It was a round light about 3 inches in diameter. it had an insulated wire real inside that permitted the light to be taken out of its bracket and walked with almost to the trunk. The wire was reeled back in by turning the plastic covered light. It could be used to provide light to change a tire.
I had a 62 Bonneville. it was one really useful feature. It got worse gas mileage than the 4 Runner. The Pontiac used leaded 91 Octane, too.

sacstate1 · February 2004

You don't need an underhood light in your Toyota. It never breaks!

robster · February 2004

I'm in the market for a 2004 4Runner with 3rd row seating and would be interested in getting feedback from any owners out there that have 3rd row seating or any other forum readers. I've looked at an SR5 model with the 3rd row seats and there is no way in my opinion that a full size adult could comfortably sit in it. That shouldn't be an issue as these seats would be taken out of the vehicle most of the time and will only be used by children. The specific configuration that I'm looking for (Limited, V6, 4x4, 3rd row seats, dorado gold or millenium silver) appears to be impossible to locate. Also, the literature that I've seen indicates that this vehicle is not being made with a sun roof, the explanation has something to do with obstructing the view of the 3rd row passengers (is this true?). It also appears that it does not come with the tonneau cover, I'd like to have the ability to cover valuables in the cargo area when the 3rd row seats are removed (can the tonneau cover be special ordered?).

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Robster

oldnavycdr · February 2004

Thanks 69mach1 and pat84. Amazing. $30K for this buggy and I have to make a trip to the junk yard to acessorize it!

alfster1 · February 2004

If it's any consolation, the Limited 4Runners don't have an under hood light either....Maybe in the Lexus GX 470??

brestle · February 2004

I have a '03 V6 Limited 4WD that was having a problem with the AC/Heat system. After about 5 minutes of driving, it would begin to have a high-pitched squeal. It was so loud that I had my radio on volume 45 and I could still hear it.

I finally got my dealer to replicate the problem and they ordered me a new blower motor. I've been waiting 2 weeks and found out yesterday that the blower motors are on backorder and they are now expecting it March 1.

I noticed there is 1 TSB about ice build-up on the blower motors...is this why there is a backorder? Are they redesigning the blower motor? Has anyone else had this problem?
Chris

69mach1 · February 2004

True Toyota's are known for their reliability and nothing much needs to be done under the hood, but I'd still like to see the dipstick when I check the oil at night.

alfster1 · February 2004

I guess Toyota's reply to checking the oil would be to "Check the engine oil during daylight hours." LOL

tangman · February 2004

The forum input was correct. However, the dealer today looked at my truck with 50 miles on it and determined that the actuator was not connected. Once they fixed that, it worked per the manual. Another symptom it did have was a grinding gear sound when you went from neutral to drive in L4. But all is well now. Hopefully I did not grind metal into the transfer case fluid. Thanks so much to everyone.

Tangman

yabedude · February 2004

My replacement "Premium 10 Speaker JBL Audio" HU is on order by the dealer. The model number on the front of the HU is 16837. Once it's installed, I'll post back.

kheintz, if you have a different model that I, then I'm betting that a replacement alone will not solve anything. I've said all along that it's a computer problem more than a radio problem. A wiring problem seems like a better candidate.

Do you also have the wireless WiFi transmitter in the ceiling? That's another possibility for interference.

At any length, I'll post when the HU is replaced and about 2 weeks after with a status report. My fingers are crossed, but I don't think this is going to be as straight forward as Toyota thinks.

By the way, in case you missed my earlier posts, changing the amp (a known TSC) didn't have any effect on the radio freezes.

woodyr1 · February 2004

I have such a vehicle, and the seats are designed for children, due to the low head room and lack of leg room. I have temporarily removed mine, and therefore get full access to the rear for storage. I use an old blanket to cover goods in the rear, but the tinted glass also serves to make goods less visible.

I read that the lack of a sunroof was due to its effect on structural rigidity of the body, presumably a safety feature? I never used the tonneau cover on my previous Pathfinder and without the sunroof, you get a bit more headroom.

Hope this helps

kheintz1 · February 2004

Yabedude: My 4Runner Ltd. does indeed have the WiFi unit in the ceiling, but so far I've not used it, and its remote control just sits in my glove compartment. That said, I can't yet recall a single incident in which my truck has displayed this problem other than within my garage or a short time after leaving my house, which makes me wonder if the garage door opener might be involved. My door opener has a random access code that's generated each time it's opened/closed, and I use my truck's Homelink feature to remotely control my garage door. What if certain frequency bands generated by the door opener caused the audio system to remain OFF until reset by turning the truck off, then back on? Just a thought.

rogers12 · February 2004

You can check the oil level on the dipstick in the dark by running your tongue down it. When it tastes bad, that's where the oil level is...

yabedude · February 2004

That's another interesting thought about the garage door opener. I've never used mine though, as I have a car port. However, speaking about interference, I also have a radar detector and of course, a cell phone. It sure is frustrating whatever the cause.

sacstate1 · February 2004

'You can check the oil level on the dipstick in the dark by running your tongue down it. When it tastes bad, that's where the oil level is...

'

hahah, how true!

cdnbazza · February 2004

I'm curious if anybody else has noticed this.

Firstly, I live in Vancouver, Canada where it rains for the most part during the winter. Therefore the roads I drive on are for the most part relatively clean. I have a V6 '03 4Runner which I purchased in July '03 and it has about 23,000 km (14,000 miles) on it. I've done almost no off road driving so far.

This past weekend I removed my front bumper to install a front rack. When it was removed I noticed that the black inverted cone shape thing located under the front right hand corner of the bumper, which is part of the inside wheel arch cover, was 3/4 full of road grit and completely full of water. The drain hole was completely plugged. I checked the left (drivers) side and it was completely clean. I then looked at the backside (inside) of the bumper and noticed that the area around the right hand fog/indicator light assembly was completely covered in dirt whilst the left hand was almost completely clean.

Upon investigation I came to the conclusion that the dirt was entering this area via the slotted louvers that are located inside the front right hand wheel well, at the bottom front area on the plastic wheel arch cover. It would appear that the wheel picks up the dirt and throws' it into this area.

So what you say! Well, this is the same area that the air is drawn from for the engine air intake. If it can collect his much road dirt on wet roads, I asked myself, where is all the dust going to go when I drive off road? (The air intake is about 6" above this area). Into the air cleaner? Sure, it has an air filter but it would appear that when driving off road, it will be drawing air from a very, very dusty environment, leading to premature clogged air filters and who knows what else.

I was wondering if these louvers' could be covered up to prevent dirt/dust from entering this area (seems like there's plenty of other areas where air can be drawn from.

Any comments anybody?

rentschl · February 2004

I posted a while back about a "wobble" I was getting on my '03 V8 Limited. The dealer wasn't a huge help and to make a long story short, our local Discount Tire store fanagled a deal with Dunlop to give me a $58/tire credit (on all 4 tires) toward new tires.

Despite taking a while for me to get to this troubleshot to this point, I'm pretty happy considering I already have 24,000 miles on the tires/vehicle!

Kudos to Discount Tire!

The only catch is I have a choice of ONLY the following tires:

Goodyear Wrangler SRA ($141/tire)
Dunlop Grand Trek AT20 ($117/tire)

I understand that Dunlop and Goodyear are the same company; hence the limited choice. The Dunlops are the same as what I had so that's one strike against betting on them again. I seem to recall good things being said about the Goodyears, therefore I'm leaning toward the Goodyears.

I care alot about ice/snow performance.

What would you recommend?

All comments appreciated.

Thanks,
Eric

kullenberg · February 2004

Shop around for the Michelin Cross Terrains. They are a great tire for winter conditions, and they wear pretty well. I've been thru 2 winters with them, and they go anywhere. I have a 04 4Runner sport on order, and as soon as the OEM Dunlops start to wear, I'm going to replace them with the Michelins. They ain't cheap!! But like most things in life - you get what you pay for - that's why we buy Toyotas.
Cheers
Pat

terrafirma · February 2004

I have not looked at that area carefully but it seems like that is a good area to try to deflect debris somehow.

I have done alot of off road and it never gets into the air filter.
If you look at your air filter, it is very very thick. There are actually two seperate filters that dirt has to pass through.
I have gone off road, mud, dust, etc and the filters are not even dirty yet.

But good idea trying to redirect the splash! I'll look into it too!

teridemn · February 2004

Well.....it's been a week with my new V8 Limited 4R....I like it. I have had a Grand Jeep Cherokee for the past 6 years...the Jeep's seats are a little more "cushie"...but the 4R drives like a dream. The more I drive it the more I like it. I think I will keep this vehicle for awhile!!

nedzel · February 2004

My 2003 4Runner V8 4WD came with the Dunlops. I have not been very impressed with them in the snow. I haven't had any trouble going up hills or accelerating from a stop, but they don't seem to do well braking or turning in the snow. YMMV.

kheintz1 · February 2004

You might be interested in the following consumer comments about the Wrangler SR-A: http://www.tirerack.com/survey/SurveyComments.jsp

I too would highly recommend the Michelin Cross Terrains.

As you may know, among the better automotive service shops, there are often technicians who specialize in troubleshooting problems with front/rear suspensions, alignment, wheel/tire balancing, abnormal tire wear, troublesome riding sensations and characteristics, etc.

In my experience with previous vehicles, I've heard more than a few of these honest and competent technicians say that when they encounter a vehicle (that's not already riding on Michelins) with persistent "bad riding" characteristics even after all other preliminary measures have failed to correct the problem, they will often recommend a set of new Michelin tires before taking any further measures. One such specialized technician previously said to me that in his experience there really is no better tire than a Michelin, and that he sees the fewest problems with this brand. He also said that I might be amazed at how many other brands of otherwise expensive tires are actually little more than overpriced and over-rated junk. Indeed, this technician further opined that quite often, he can often spot bad or inferior tires as being a root cause of many "bad riding" complaints, but that many customers simply don't want to hear this, especially if the tires are relatively new.

mrwhipple · February 2004

Bridgestone & Yokohama make MUCH better tires at very competitive prices. Some of these are under $100 ea.

Dunlop does make some good tires. The new Rover RVxt . (very good in wet/snow)

Don't skimp when it comes to tires. Go for the better made tire.

kennynmd · February 2004

I was building a SR5 and I notice yuo can't get a sunroof if you decide to get the 3rd row seat. Is this true?

sacstate1 · February 2004

'Bridgestone & Yokohama make MUCH better tires at very competitive prices. Some of these are under $100 ea. '

The stock 265/65 17 size is very unusual and hard to find replacements outside of Dunlop AT20, Michelin Cross Terrain, Bridgestone HT-?.

I want a tire with more lug, like the Michelin LTX M/S. But that tire only comes in a 265/70 17 size, same with the other beefier lug tires.

No 265/65 17 is made with off roading and mud slinging inmind.

glb2 · February 2004

I shopped for the same thing. I was told the engineering is different for 3rd row seating and that it could contribute to a rollover. This makes it unsafe for a sunroof. My question is, who wants to rollover, sunroof or not?

kennynmd · February 2004

thanks for the info. I guess that I'll b shopping for an MDX.

mrwhipple · February 2004

Have you looked at the BFG Rugged Trail T/A? They fit the stock 265/65/17 size.

They ride smooth, have good bite and aren't quite as knobby as the All-Terrains.

I agree, the 17's are tougher to find options for.

-good luck

ohello · February 2004

Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo Tires are now available in 265/65-17, which is the stock size for the 17" wheels. These have gotten very good reviews and are likely the only competition for the Michelin Cross-Terrains. If I understand correctly, Revos have a bit more traction and the Cross-Terrains are a bit more highway.

arouth · February 2004

I just got my 4runner like a week ago and I filled it up with 87 octane the other day, and it seems to not run as smooth with that. I think the dealer put premium in there since thats what Toyota recomends. On the other hand it might just be a figmant of my imagination. Are there any advantages to using premium gas???

kheintz1 · February 2004

From the outset, I've been feeding my '03 V8 4Runner a premium grade of fuel (preferably Shell, Sunoco, or Chevron) and so far my truck (with ~12,500 miles logged so far) has never run roughly, nor has it been plagued with any sulfur exhaust stench. On the other hand, many folks at this forum report excellent results using 87 or 89 octane fuels, and suggest that unless one is experiencing knocking, pinging, or rough running with lower octane fuels, then these lower grades of fuel should be OK. Obviously, I prefer to follow the owner's manual and use premium fuel. But regardless of which grade of fuel one uses, I believe that using Chevron Techron concentrate http://www.chevron.com/prodserv/fuels/gas_qanda/tech_con.shtml (according to the directions on the label) every 3000 miles is a wise idea.

carguy46 · February 2004

I own a '96 4Runner SR5, equipped with the keyless entry system (do not have the alarm). It took me 8 years to find the the keyless entry manual, where I remember seeing that you could deactivate the feature where the doors lock automatically every time the car is turned on. However, just as soon as I found it, I have lost the manual. Does anyone know have to deactivate the annoying auto lock feature?

sung1park · February 2004

Hi, This is my first time posting a message here... I live in MD and bought my v6 4x4 limited 4runner last september (love this truck!!!).

I was surprised to find out how expensive it is to insure this vehicle. The premium is almost $2400/yr and I haven't had an accident in more than 7 yrs.

My agent tells me that SUV's have a higher premium than a sedan. Is this true and is what I'm paying reasonable?

Thanks,

stever · February 2004

I like my current carrier, but I still shop around at least once a year. Try getting some internet quotes if nothing else.

Steve, Host

alfster1 · February 2004

I am paying only $1350/year with Liberty Mutual with a $500 deductible for my fully loaded Limited V8. I also haven't had an accident in about 10 years. Be sure to see if you qualify for various discounts (ie. college graduate, vehicle is parked in a garage, classes that can reduce insurance, etc). I am in the NYC suburbs.

bankeizen · February 2004

Comparative is interesting. The 4R was the cheapest to insure with the X-5 4.4 and Volvo suv slightly higher. The highest was the V8 Cad SRX (almost 80%) and slightly less the Cayanne S. Besides your record the insurance companies look at track record of vehicles, including safety and repair costs.

sivi · February 2004

i would like to buy 04 limited v6 without all bells & whistles, rear rubber shocks xres ,3rd row seat,are any available

hlron · February 2004

Sung1park, I agree with Steve our host to get some quotes. There are a lot of variables related to car insurance. I do not remember the dollar amount, but I do remember that when I went from a 1997 Honda Accord to a 2001 Toyota Highlander in 2001 there was so little difference in insurance cost that I was surprised. I just (January 31) traded in my 2001 Highlander for a 4x2 2004 SR5 4Runner; my insurance went up a bit from the Highlander, from $430.83 every six months (so, $862 a year) to $478.05 for the new 4Runner ($956 a year), with a $250 deductible and higher than minimum coverage. And, just to show how much variance there can be, as of January 2004 it has been five years since I had an accident (guard rail jumped in front of me in Jan 1999); that "clean" five years put me back in to a discount rate that has now dropped my 2004 4Runner insurance to $432 for six months ($864 a year). I happen to live in a relatively rural area in California (which can be another cost factor, lower in my case), and I get other discounts for having other insurance policies(homeowners, earthquake, and personal umbrella)with this national company (I'm in "good hands"), and, as with many insurance companies, for renewing with the same company. However, point being, there are a lot of variables - including number of miles driven a year (18,000 for me), so shopping around is indeed a good idea.

stever · February 2004

Check out the Toyota 4Runner: Prices Paid & Buying Experience discussion.

Steve, Host

md4runnerman · February 2004

I just bought a 2004 Limited 4runner last monday. SO far I just love my new vehicle, esp. the automated climate control among many other things. The tires that came with the vehicle are the Bridgestone Dueler A/T. When I was at the dealership I noticed Dunlop on many of the new vehicles and figured that is what I would get. I was pleasantly surprised to see the Bridgestones.

sung1park · February 2004

Just switched to Geico from Nationwide. Went from $2500+ to slightly less than $1200, with a slightly better coverage. I guess they're right, you save more from switching to Geico...

Thanks guys!

richinraleigh · February 2004

I have had GEICO for almost 15 years. Every few years I do a comparison check but no one can ever beat their price. I do not know what their claims dept is like because I have never filed one. IMO they are the price to beat and definitely worth checking into.

carguy46 · February 2004

I own a '96 Toyota 4Runner SR5 (I posted a couple days ago regarding the 'Auto Lock', thankfully I found the manual and figured that one out) and plan to purchase a radar detector. (Still debating between buying a more entry level Cobra, or going all out with an Escort)However, because the car only has one cigarette outlet which is occupied by my cell phone charger, I was wondering if there is any way to hardwire the detector to the car. If so, how can this be done?

md4runnerman · February 2004

HarryO wrote:

"I just bought a 2001 millennium silver 4 Runner limited 4x4. I picked it up on Thursday and have 200 miles on it now. I really think this is a great SUV.I don't have any complaints except maybe the price. The sticker was 38,677.00 with(RH,SR,EJ,CB,C7,AL,GN.)less 4,111.00 (pres.day sale) total 34,566.00. I also bought 6yr 75000 extended platinum warranty for 735.00.
I was driving a 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee before I bought the 4 Runner. The Jeep is the WORST SUV I ever owned. I had to have the rotors machined 4 times and replaced twice.(I was told it was driver error,sudden stops etc.)I also would hear a loud THUMP or CLUNK when I put the car in reverse on if I was just sitting at a red light.I also had a HUM coming from the drive train area at speeds over 50 mph. I was told this was all normal for a jeep and that I was driving a truck not a Lexus. They also told me that if it really bothered me I should just turn up the radio.I turned up the radio and drove straight to the Toyota dealership and bought a 4 Runner.I still have 7 lease payments left on my Jeep,but its going to just sit in my driveway."

Funny we have similar car buying situations but different outcomes. I, too, own a 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee I6. Just last week, I bought a 2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited V8. I still have my Jeep though, like you. But I have mine because I enjoy it so much. I have not had any problems with it at all except I had to replace the fuel pump under warranty about 18 mos. after purchase. Other than that, everything about the Jeep has been fine and dandy and a pleasure to own and drive. Just goes to show you there are always good vehicles to be had out there no matter what. By the way, I am enjoying the 4Runner immensely. It is my new baby. I use the Jeep for commuting to work primarily and I have been using the 4runner the rest of the time.

bcmalibu99ls · February 2004

are known for lousy quality and horrible customer "service." I would love to get a Rubicon, but not with what I am hearing about the dealerships and assembly

bankeizen · February 2004

I have a 1993 Grand Cherokee with 74k on it. Only two warranty issues early on that were easily taken care of. Other than routine maintenance (batteries, tires, brake pads) it has cost me only about $1000.00 for repairs all these years.

That said, I would never consider current Jeep products because of safety and reliability issues.

baki44 · February 2004

(carguy46) Why don't you buy a cordless Escort radar detector...so you don't need 2nd outlet...
I bought from Best buy store $329 and works fine...good luck with your purchase...

mdpdretired · February 2004

I just took delivery of my 04 4Runner Limited with a Nav system. The software version is 3.01. How can you determine if that is the most current. The dealer and their parts department were unable to locate any information on version numbers.

baki44 · February 2004

I just got in the mail my "Money Magazine" March-04 issue and in mid-size SUV category their winner is 4RUNNER...I hope some 4Runner owners will feel little better...

Toyota 4Runner

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