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3rd Generation Toyota 4Runners 1996 to 2002

2

Comments

  • jpac811jpac811 Member Posts: 1
    Im into off roading. I used to do it a lot with my '02 Tacoma. I recently got a 2WD SR5 4Runner. Could any body tell me the strong points about this truck and what i should be aware of.
  • nonunionnonunion Member Posts: 11
    My wife's '99 4 Runner has had to have the "mass air flow sensor" cleaned twice in three years to fix the "check engine" light. My almost identical '99 4 Runner has never had a problem like this.
  • nonunionnonunion Member Posts: 11
    Make sure that each time a wheel is removed that each lugnut is torqued to 83 lb. Rotors are easily warped by over-tightening the lugnuts.
  • nonunionnonunion Member Posts: 11
    My local Toyota dealer no longer sells the OEM part that suppies juice to the trailer hitch light hookup. I had to take mine to a local hitch specialist. It wasn't expensive but now I'm using a new hookup cable separate from the original outlight that is at the hich itself.
  • autohound1autohound1 Member Posts: 45
    I'm planning to buy a used 4-Runner of this generation, but would like to get one with traction control on it. I know they started offering it standard in 2001, but I was wondering if it was ever available as an option before that model year? I've seen an "ECT" button on the dash of some pre-2001 models, and wondered if that might be the traction control. For those of you who have it, do you feel it makes a significant difference in wet-weather traction on pavement? That is my biggest reason for wanting it. Ice is sometimes a concern for me, but not often, and snow is never a concern where I live. Also, aside from traction control, does anybody feel any particular years between '96 and '02 are more desirable than others? Thanks for any insight you can offer.
  • supersupergregsupersupergreg Member Posts: 5
    I have a 1999 4Runner SR5 4x4 with the hilander pkg(sports pkg with the key colored bumper's, hood scoop, 4.10 dif and what not) I have the ETC button, but it is not traction control. It is 'Electronic Controlled Transmission' which moves the shift points to a higher rpm for more gusto.(its a nice thing to have :) )

    I have used my truck mainly in Minnesota. I've been through 8 winters, travled to Big Sky montana a couple times in the middle of winter, started the thing in -35F temperature, been through blizzards, some back-country roads of Idaho and Texas tropical storms. I currently have Michelin LTX M/S tires on there and have had no problems. They ride great, quiet, and feel rock solid on the road. No flats either, the Dunlop tires the truck came with sucked and had numerous flats(pop'd sidewalls) and lost control all the time in wet weather. I feel traction control is more of a mind safety thing. How cautious you are driving is your best bet. Don't count on 'traction control' to save you if you are spinning out at 70mph. :surprise: If you hit black ice you're screwed no matter what. Best advice is to have a good set of tires(Michelin LTX MS) and use the 4high accordingly. For the times I am on wet ground and its in spring or fall with potential of ice formation I will run on 4High if I feel the truck may slip and disengage it when I make slow sharp turns. Not having traction control for me hasn't been a problem. I have driven both versions and various other 4runner setups since I used to be a New/Used Sales rep for Fred Haas Toyota World in Texas. Traction control should't be a determining point in your purchase. Engine, transmission, 2 vs 4x4, milage, truck history, price and cosmetics would be more of a concern I should think :D

    I do recommend getting a 1999 or newer 4Runner. There were some suppension changes after the 1998 model to solve the 'sagging' butt end of the truck and made it a lot smoother of a ride.

    Good luck in 4runner hunting and lemmie know how it goes!
  • chiefjojochiefjojo Member Posts: 39
    Traction control was first available in 2001, and continued on the 3rd gen until the last model, 2002. I happen to own a 2002 SR5 4WD, and I can tell you that the TRAC along with vehicle skid control (VSC) are quite handly when dealing with the slippery stuff. I live in NC, so we don't get much snow, but it performs flawlessly in either heavy rain or snow, although certainly quality tires play a big role as well.

    BTW, VSC-equipped 4Runners (on other Toyotas too) have sensors that measure yaw rates (sideways movement) at each tire and brakes the wheel(s) that are in danger of sliding, helping prevent the driver from losing control.

    I'd definitely pick a '99 or later model. The dash was restyled, fenders redesigned, and some suspension tweaks made.

    The '99 & '00 SR5 models are only part time 4WD, which means you can only use 4WD off-road; these models don't have TRAC or VSC. Some of these SR5 models came with a manual tranny, although its quite rare.

    The '99-'00 Limited models had a first for the 4R model, a multimode 4WD system. In normal driving, select 2wd, in wet or snow, there is a selectable "full-time" 4WD mode (with a center differential) where you can drive on pavement. Fiunally, there are the traditional 4WD part-time settings for high and low-gear ranges (center diff locked), only for off-road use. Some of these models came with a rear diferential locker, which is only for serious off-road use IMO. The Limited models also are more luxurious with a leather int, auto climate ctrl, rear heater, and painted fenders.

    The '01 & '02 4WD models (SR5 & Limited) all came standard with the same mutlimode transfer case, 2WD, "full-time" 4WD mode, and part-time 4WD for high and low ranges. The added bonus of VSC and TRAC makes the '01 & '02 models a bit more safe IMO. Toyota eliminated the 5-speed tranny option and rear locker for these years, much to the chagrin of the hard-core off-road set, although the off-road version of TRAC, ATRAC, actually is a nice traction goodie for off-road use as well.
  • brian124brian124 Member Posts: 38
    According to the Insurance Insititue for Highway Safety which studied 199 models, the 2001 4runner had fewer fatalities per million registered vehicles than any car manufactured between 1999 and 2002 except for the Mercedes E-Class sedan. The 01 4Runner had a death rate of 12 per million vehicles. Compare that to the similiarly sized Chevy Blazer which had a rate of 308 driver deaths per million. Most of these deaths were due to rollovers. Stagering.

    The 2001 4Runner was one of the first moderately priced SUVs to make stability control standard. I would not buy a SUV without VSC unless safety is not a concern.
  • autohound1autohound1 Member Posts: 45
    Thanks to the great info I received from my questions on this forum, I finally made a decision and ended up buying an '02 4Runner Sport Edition, 2wd. I think the color is Thundercloud (dark silver metallic looking). I was torn on the whole 2wd vs 4wd and the tc/vsc or not issues. What ended up swaying me the most was the deal I was able to get and knowing I won't ever take it 4-wheeling anyway. I was most concerned about handling in the rain. It does have fairly high mileage for the year, but for $9k w/ a good service history and in excellent condition, I couldn't walk away from the deal. Plus no sales tax in my state, since it was from a private party. This truck seems so well-built and absolutely rock solid and very tight driving/handling for a truck.

    I was surprised how nice the cloth is on the sport seats. Very durable and breathable. It uses two different types of cloth material. It's different than the cloth in all the internet pictures I saw while looking at various models. Maybe it was a new material for 2002 or maybe it comes on the sport? I don't know, but I do like it (even though I originally had wanted leather). Also, I found that insurance is very affordable on this vehicle, even with generous coverage -- cheapest I've ever been able to get on any vehicle I've ever owned. That was a pleasant surprise. Anyhow, time to enjoy her now. Thanks again to all on this forum for the great info provided.
  • rzkibizrzkibiz Member Posts: 2
    My throttle respnse isnt what it should be and i have a sneaky suspicion that it might be the fuel filter. Any recommendations on how easy to replace or where exactly the fuel filter is?!?('98 limited edition 4x4)
  • rzkibizrzkibiz Member Posts: 2
    My '98 4runner is in desperate need of new differential fluid but the last idiot who had the the truck stripped the drain plug and now it is truly a pest to try and get the drain plug out. Im afraid of stripping it more or possibly cracking the transfer case. Yike$$! so any advice on my situation??
  • supersupergregsupersupergreg Member Posts: 5
    I had a similar problem when i had my fluids changed out at some Jon-Smith shop vs. a dealership. The dealership was able to order a new screw as well as air-impact out the old one which solved the problem.
  • avoidspamavoidspam Member Posts: 2
    Hi there! I have just bought a 99 4runner, 2.7 liters, manual gear, at 50k miles. Great car! I have just made my first trip and took 110 miles of very cold weather. The engine runned "cold" all that mileage. Also "drunk" a lot of gas ... does s'o knows why? That happened?
    In time...there is another car been sold. It is 2.001 model, has a 3.4 liters engine and automatic transmition. Same mileage. In your opinion s it worthy to spend U$ 12k and trade in my 99?
    Thanks a lot. In time... I`m writing from Brazil, Sao Paulo.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Your '99 4Runner is a very low mileage car! Unless you're having serious mechanical problems with it, I don't see why you would want to trade it in for the additional expense.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • cloydecloyde Member Posts: 2
    I hit the button to engage the 4-wheel drive on my 99 4Runner Limited, but the dash indicator wouldn’t lock-in green. When I realized I had a problem I hit the button to turn it off, but dash indicator continued to flash and now it won’t stop with button in the ON or OFF position. The truck drives / feels like 4-wheel drive is engaged, but now I can’t turn it off. Fluid levels in the differential and transfer case are full. I’m afraid to drive it, don’t want to cause any damage. I’m equally afraid to take it to the shop without same idea of what the problem might be…….. Help…..Please.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I suspect one of the front differential sensors is bad. That seems to be a fairly common problem with the '99 4Runner. Anyone here have direct experience with this?

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • g2a79g2a79 Member Posts: 2
    If anyone could give some advice with this situation, I would greatly appreciate it! I have a 1999 4Runner Limited 4 wheel drive with 147,xxx miles on it. My problem occurs either while accelerating to or while in park and revving engine to about the 4200 RPM mark. The best way that I can explain it is it just feels like the engine stutters or how it would feel if hitting rev limiter or some sort of misfire. I have had a lot of work done to it this year, but what I have tried in regards to this problem is swapping out the ignition coils (bought one and basically swapped out each one, one at a time to see if one was bad), replaced the mass air flow sensor, replaced pcv valve, replaced plug wires, and it does have newer (new in spring of 2007) spark plugs. There are only a couple other things that I can think of: one is a bad ECU, but I have heard these usually don't go bad and I don't know where it is exactly in this vehicle to be able to replace it. Another thought is bad oxygen sensor(s), but am not sure if it could cause my problem.

    Any advice, again, would be greatly appreciated.
  • avoidspamavoidspam Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for your opinion! I also heard that the V6, here in brazil, has a very expansive maintenance (IF, and WHEN needed) so I´ll keep my 99 for another 50k miles.
    Please about the engine "running cold" do you have any clue about that? Nice to talk to you!
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Welcome back!

    It's possible that your engine is running cold because the thermostat is defective or its temperature rating is too high. I would check that out first.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • dtitzerdtitzer Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 with premium sound 3 in 1 combo system w/6 speakers (radio part# 56807).

    Can I pull this out and install into a 2002 4Runner with the lesser powered 3 in 1 system (part# AD6803)?

    Is the amp built in to this radio or is it separate and are the speakers the same type on both vehicles?
  • cloydecloyde Member Posts: 2
    First, Thank you for the info. I greatly appreciate it. I called a local Toyota service center to order a replacement A.D.D. sensor. They said they showed a #1, #2, or a #3 for the 99 4runner. Parts man thought I need a #3. Took it to the shop to have it installed ........it wouldn’t fit......wrong one. Shop said the dealer should have used trucks V.I.N. # to identify correct part. How many sensors on the 99. Any insight would be appreciated.
  • akinsintennakinsintenn Member Posts: 4
    my 96 runner has 224,000, i'm getting about 12 mpg. where should i start? air filter? plugs? tune-up?

    v-6 sr5 4x4
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    Sensors and thermostat! Is your check engine light on?

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • bandit10bandit10 Member Posts: 28
    Hello, I had the same Electrical wiring harness problem on my 98 4Runner SR5. It made me crazy trying to figure what was wrong. It turned out the harness was defective and Toyota replaced the Tow hitch harness with a new one at no charge. The car was 4 years old and out of warranty, but they they replaced it free. You might want to check the chance of a TSB in relation to your wiring harness for your model year. Hope this was of some help. Ben.
  • bandit10bandit10 Member Posts: 28
    Can anyone please tell me the purpose of the ETC button on the right side of my console. Also when would I use it with the O/D in the off position. As it stands now I drive the car with the O/D on for better fuel economy. The car has 61,000 miles, and I had the Trans. fluid flushed and filled by Toyota at 47,000 miles. Am I doing damage to my Transmission driving in the city with O/D at all times? Any input would be of help, and better understanding for me. The car is perfect in all respects. And I'd like to keep it another 10 years. I also use synthetic engine oil. Ben.
  • bandit10bandit10 Member Posts: 28
    224,000 miles is terrific.. Have you considerd having your injectors cleaned, or even checked for bad ones? With that kind of mileage I would also the consider the Fuel Filter and pump. Even having the Fuel lines blown out and clean. With 224,000 miles you make me proud and secure in owning a 4Runner V-6. I don't know how often you tune your car, but I would also consider a complete tune-up, wires, plugs. filter. If finances allow I think my first choice would be a Toyota Diagnotsic. It's through, and for sure you you'll know your problem{s} Sometimes going thru the car yourself replacing everything, and there are many things to consider, you may still not find your problem. And it could cost you alot of money, and needless to say much frustration.
    Good luck. Ben
  • myns390myns390 Member Posts: 1
    just disconnect the battery and wait 10 seconds put back
  • mwohlfordmwohlford Member Posts: 1
    Get engine lite with trouble code says 1st bank sensor issue. Will a Bosh before and after cat. work? When accellerator pushed in car falters. Suggestions!! I was going to replace both front and rear sensors. Mike
  • biturboaudibiturboaudi Member Posts: 1
    All I need to know is what bellhousing will fit on my 96 2.7 4cyl with the 5 speed. Is it the same as on the V6? The Toyota dealership cant seem to tell me... So maybe someone with some real world knowledge on here might know?
    Id be willing to swap the whole trans if it'll fit. Im just having trouble finding a trans from a 4cly and I dont wana buy one from a V6 and have it not work...
    Any help?
    Thanks...
    Rick
  • dacarpenterdacarpenter Member Posts: 10
    just happened yesterday: turned on the engine, then after 10-15 sec. hear click and RPM jumps from 750 to 1000 and back to 750 and it keeps repeating itself. what that could be? 96 4R 3.4L 6-cyl.sr5 with 90k
  • dorfer81dorfer81 Member Posts: 2
    Can the OEM 15" steel wheels on a '96 4Runner be easily replaced with the OEM 16" alloy/steel wheels, or would any other modifications need to be made before doing so?

    Thanks.
  • supersupergregsupersupergreg Member Posts: 5
    The ETC button is the Electronic Transmission Control, when you push it, it changes the shift points for your truck so that they shift at a higher RPM point. I have found it helpful to use this button when i'm in need of more power to pass someone; when I pull a trailer and i'm going up a hill, sometimes the O/D is on and my truck feels sluggish and by turning it off it moves the RPM's higher so that i have more power to pass someone or keep the same speed without flooring it. Although yes running the ETC on or O/D off all the time it will use more gas in the long run, but then again it all depends on your driving style (highway/city or grandpa/speed racer). Hope this helps!

    Greg :)
  • supersupergregsupersupergreg Member Posts: 5
    rzkibiz,

    I had the same problem with my truck. It's what happens when someone takes it to a place that isn't Toyota certified cause somketimes they use tools that work on other cars/trucks but not on Toyota's; resulting in stripped nuts. A good toyota dealership can air impact the old one out and put a new one in. You may have to order the part as i had to, it was a few bucks at the time and then add labor. But it's worth it to not worry about losing your transfer case. Hope this helps!

    Greg :)
  • steveknystevekny Member Posts: 6
    Hi all!
    Yesterday, after a 35 mile drive, I parked my 2000 4runner facing down on a steep hill and turned the engine off. About 15 minutes later I restarted the engine and backed up the hill (about 30 feet) and reparked on level ground.
    I noticed a significant spill of fresh transmission oil spill where the car had just been, and crawled under the car to see what was going on (the car was now turned off again, and parked on a flat surface).
    There was transmission oil literally pouring down both sides of the transmission - not leaking from the cooler lines or from seals at the end of the transmission, but apparently from the top of the transmission (I couldn't see back far enough under the firewall to see exactly where it was coming from - but it was pouring down BOTH sides, apparently from the top of the trans - I'm guessing maybe a quart or so.
    When the car cooled off, I started it again, and drove it to my home 1/4 mile away with no problems and no leaks. This morning I drove it a half mile, and again performance was normal and there were no leaks.
    Anyone know what's going on? Thanks!
  • point65point65 Member Posts: 5
    I have a 97 4Runner SR5 2WD Automatic. Loved it since day one (I'm the original owner), and it has over 144K miles on it. Here's my situation: I'm getting new tires. Can I replace the 15" tires it came with with 16" tires? What would I have to do to the car to make the speedometer work correctly, if I can change them?

    Also, about 6 or 7 years ago the CD decided not to work (it looks like a separate unit below the tape player). It takes in the disk, but doesn't play it, and sometimes doesn't spit it out. Is there a fuse I should be looking for to replace someplace?

    Let me know.
  • worldtourworldtour Member Posts: 2
    In case you didn't get an answer, here are my findings;

    2003 4Runner and 2005 Tacoma or later 16x7 wheels backspace at 135 mm is different and portrude inwards about half inch giving it a less robust stance, and that is not what the 4Runner is all about.

    The correct factory original 16" x 7" oem styled steel wheel for 1996-2002 Toyota 4runner is part# 42601 35740 at your local Toyota dealer, suggested dealer price is suposetly over $200 bucks but if you tell them that you can get the same wheel at an independent Toyota parts store at $130 ea. they'll probably reach an agreement with you. Said rims are exactly the same stock design as the 15 inchers and are rare.

    These “nice looking“ rims will lift the vehicle a little with out going to suspension mods and powder coated in black will give you a nice stealth factory look, i shod them with “expedition size” Dunlop 235/75 16 tires. Getting better gas mileage on the highway too.

    You could also opt for the standard steel wheel instead of the styled steel wheel.

    Cheers! JU alias WorldTour
  • worldtourworldtour Member Posts: 2
    Similar to answer above, going from a 225/75-15 to a 225/75-16 for example is adding 1 inch of additional wheel and tire diameter for a total difference of 3.5% in circumference, that means that when youre going 60 mph, you're actually going 62.1 mph which is insignificant, much less than the “5%“ police allowment for a ticket, ...the fix, just go a tad slower than what the speedo says.

    JU alias WorldTour
  • point65point65 Member Posts: 5
    I went with just replacing with the same size I had already. The next tire purchase I'll go bigger.

    Any ideas on the CD player problem?
  • point65point65 Member Posts: 5
    Hi all
    My CD Player looks like a separate unit from the tape player above it, although it occupies the same space. It takes in a CD, spins around a little, then nothing happens. Sometimes it ejects the CD, other times it won't. Is there a fuse I could be looking for to replace, or should I just replace the whole system?

    Also, I broke the the drink holder that slides out of the front console above the radio, and the kids broke the drink holder that flips down from the back of the center console. Are these easy replacements should I find a donor 4Runner, or should I just get them from the dealership parts department?

    Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
  • jumpoutaplanejumpoutaplane Member Posts: 2
    From what I know of stock cd players and age, I would say that your problem lies within the head unit itself. There is only one fuse that connects to your radio and it would not turn on at all if that was compromised. Id say go find yourself an aftermarket head unit of your liking. www.sonicelectronics.com is pretty decent. There are a few others just like this with similar pricing. Find one that is based close to you for quicker shipping. If youre looking for cheap and longevity, get one that has direct input for the cd, as opposed to a motorized face.
  • jumpoutaplanejumpoutaplane Member Posts: 2
    Check my post above, the exact same applies to you.

    As for the cup holders, check out a local junk yard. Call and see if they have your part, theyll probably even pull it out and ship it to you, but if not, pick it up. Unless that drive would cost more than the part at a local dealer. Or try online www.car-parts.com or www.automotix.com may work.
  • oknavy3oknavy3 Member Posts: 1
    Just bought an 02 Limited 4WD w/102k. I replaced the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, hoses, tranny and all gear box fluids, seems good to go
    3 probs: The clock no work so I pulled the trim to find NO CONNECTOR anywhere, the clock was not connected and none to be found anywhere!
    The trans kicks into D fairly hard, from say R, and it sure rides "bouncy"
    my 48 year old wife no likey ride (we went from a minivan ouch). also wierd. The 4wd selector and trans gear selector "move" as I hit bumps.............
    Please advise!!!!!!!!!
    Thanks guys
    Rich
    U. S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, Retired
    22 years service to my country
  • benchmaster435benchmaster435 Member Posts: 6
    Greetings all. Can't believe it took me so long to find this forum. I have a 1997 4runner that I purchased new. I'm the only owner and I've put all the miles on it, which currently is 340,000 miles and running strong. No engine or transmission work and just had the rear brake drums replaced this past weekend for the first time. I live in Ohio and the Winters are tough on cars, but this vehicle just keeps on trucking. Best I've ever owned. I'm hoping to keep it for another couple of years and then pass it on to my son who is currently in college. He wants it for hauling his kayak around the country. Anyone currently have a higher mileage 4runner on this forum? Thanks. J
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    340,000 miles and running strong

    Wow! That works out to about 26,000 miles per year which is twice the average mileage of personal vehicles. You must have a long commute. :)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • point65point65 Member Posts: 5
    You shoulda bought a 97. Can't go wrong. Ever.

    ...Sheesh, Navy guys...
  • point65point65 Member Posts: 5
    Yeah, I got 340,001 miles on mine! Nah, just kiddin'. I only have 153K and counting. But now I have an idea how far I can go. I bought it because we had a baby coming, and last week I told her it'd be the car she takes to college with her since it's running so great and I don't need to get her anything new as long as this one was still going. How cool is that?

    Keep on pressing yours on down the road.
  • benchmaster435benchmaster435 Member Posts: 6
    Your right, I do have a long commute, about 72 miles a day. I've also taken it across the country twice - from Ohio to Taos New Mexico, South Dakota, Colorado, etc., Been the most reliable car I've ever owned. I just had a tune-up and all the fluids changed, rear brake drums replaced (first time) and emergency brake (all parts replaced). A small section of brake line and that's about it. Never had the engine or transmission cracked open, replaced two starter motors, two lifetime batteries, I'm on my 6th set of tires though, even though I've kept alignment up, it seems to chew tires up, I still have plenty of thread, but they cup badly. Oh well, small price to pay. I plan on keeping it until my youngest graduates college - in two years and then give it to him.
  • mfairclothmfaircloth Member Posts: 1
    I have a 97 4Runner and when sitting overnite when it is cold the front breaks seem to stick in the morning when I put the vehicle in drive. If I back up the system seems to release and I can then go forward but the colder it is the harder it is to go forward. Any idea what the problem may be?
  • jseegersjseegers Member Posts: 2
    I have 1998 4-runner and noticed the other morning that it sounded like I had a hole in my mullfer. I went under the truck and discoverd that it was the o2 sensor was not tighten to the exaust pipe because the 2 bolts were missing. I found this odd and when I looked closer the one bolt looks like it had melted and I would not be able to put a new nut on because there are no threads. In the meantime I used a wire hanger and tighted it around the sensor and the sensor is secure to the pipe and the noise is no more. What do I have to do to replace the unthreaded screw so I can install new nuts and tighten correctly ? And what size bolt threads and nut should be used? Thank You
  • pleeppleep Member Posts: 1
    I was considering buying a 1997 SR5 4WD 4runner soon. I have heard that this year has had lots of problems with the MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor and also the TPS (Throttle position sensor). Has anyone else experienced this problem too, or is it something I should not be very worried about? Thanks friends.
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