4 months and 7000+ miles later, I also love my SEQ. Like you I find the arm rest skinny, like many things Toyota skimped on (to supposedly keep the price down, I guess). Now slickrock's suggestion is interesting, if not outright funny :-)
problem: skinny armrest
solution: winter-thick socks
practical solution, I must confess...
I have a platinum-colored leather interior on SS ext., but live in SoCal where there is no winter, hence no need for sinter-thick socks. I may have to go out and buy me some, a la slickrock... Another idea: Maybe I should simply wear clothes with thickly padded elbows, that way I would be insulated against the skinny arm rest...
I have a 20'6" boat that I tow. It is just over 5000 lbs.(probably 5500 with full gear and fuel). Haven't done a lot of towing yet, too early in the season but I have towed and it is a dream. Lots of power, lots of braking and very stable and smooth. Keep in mind I maybe overly positive here as I was towing the same boat with a 1995 Explorer for 4 years previous to the Sequoia. Simply night and day between the two. For info on towing you should check out Trailer Boats Magazine- I can't remember whether it was March or April issue (check out their website). It did a comparison towing test Sequoia vs.Expedition vs.Tahoe. Sequois won the majority of categories such as towing, handling,braking etc. and was awarded their Tow Vehicle of the Year Award. I think the Sequoia is a good choice for towing vehicles in this weight range.
as i mentioned, i love my sequoia. there are few stereo complaints i have, however and i am wondering if any one agrees:
1. why didnt they put audio controls in the steering wheel? vehicles half the price of the seq have this feature.
2. the stereo is definitely not up to par (i have the so called 10 speaker 6 cd changer) - my old pathfinder had a bose system that puts this one away.
I should be taking delivery of my Sequoia in the next couple of weeks. I'm already thinking about some aftermarket wheels. I'm OK with the factory wheels but I prefer to have a vehicle that is at least different than the one everyone else is driving.
The factory wheel size is 16x7 and the bolt pattern is 6 x 139.7mm. However, can one of you owners out there be so kind as to tell me the offset of the stock wheel? Likely, you will have to remove a wheel to do this... but if you are at all interested in helping me and potentially others, it is imperative to have accurate offset information.
If you can remove one of your wheels, simply lie it face down and place a straightedge across the rim. (The tire bulges out from the rim so it is important to have the straightedge only touching the rim on each side.) Then, simply measure the distance from the wheel mounting surface the straightedge. If it is 3.5" then it is a zero offset wheel. If the measurement is less than 3.5" (2", for example) then the wheel has a 1.5" positive offset.
The offset of a wheel is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. The offset can be one of three types.
Zero Offset The hub mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel.
Positive The hub mounting surface is toward the front or "face" side of the wheel. Positive offset wheels are generally found on front wheel drive cars and newer rear drive cars.
Negative The hub mounting surface is toward the back or brake side of the wheels centerline. "Deep dish" wheels are typically a negative offset.
Anyway, if anyone has done this already or can do it, I would really appreciate it.
Is anyone experiencing a wobble, shutter, or vibration while driving on smooth roads between 25-50 mph? My dealership has tried new tires, balancing, etc. and the problem persists. The dealership thinks it might be the VCS/ABS systems causing the problem. The Toyota factory rep feels nothing (surprise, surprise). I am filing for arbitration, but I was hoping someone might be aware of the problem and a solution.
Posts about 12 mpg in the Seq vs what the trip computer says makes me feel almost giddy. Having gotten rid of a 10 year old 2500 2wd Sub with 454 cid and 10 mpg, I was hoping for 11 in the new Excursion with V10. Trip computer made me feel good at a reading of 11.6 but not trusting that I did a three tank fill total mileage check and got 12.1, wow! Enjoy the Seq's, they are looking good.
As quiet as the Sequoia is, has anyone tried to noise-proof the thang? I think having a liner under the hood would help. Also, coating the wheel wells probably would reduce noise too.
Incidently, I inspected the undercoating in the wheel wells of my Seq. and noticed that the rubberized undercoating applied was spotty. Some areas were not completely covered. I am thinking of applying a coating on the missed spots.
My 6 CD changer radio also has very boom bass, even with the bass level turned down. Anyone with suggestion to fix this problem? I'm afraid that it would be useless to mention it to the dealer to get it fixed. I've read many complaints about the bass problem but don't recall seeing any result-effective solution.
My sequoia's SR5 front courtesy/map reading lights do not automatically go on when its door is open. The dome light does go on, however. The dome light as a switch that indicates "door", whereas the front light don't. The front lights simply has an on/off switch. It is too dimly lit without the front lights. Since there is a sun roof, I don't know that changed the seq.'s lighting configuration. Maybe because it's not a Limited. Any suggestions anyone?
Has anyone found one that can complement the factory roof rack? It seems that both thule and yakima don't yet have racks that can be used in combination with the factory rack.
I have a Yakima loadwarrior rack with the extension. It fits fine, but I am not sure if this is what you are looking for. You can get separate attachments for bikes, kayaks etc that hook onto the loadwarrior but you would have to be godzilla to get up that high. I also have a receiver type bike rack from Yakima that works well on both our Odyssey and the Seq.
Do you drive in overdrive a lot between 25 - 40 mph? Is your commute hilly? Is so, then take it out of overdrive, since the engine is laboring. Before getting my Sep Limited, I had a M C280 and the issue with a rumble sound in the mph range. Yes, it does occur with Sep, but not as amplified with the MB. The cause is that the engine is laboring in high gear (4 speed). MB had 5 Speed Automatic, I normally left it in 4 Speed when travelling in 25 - 40 mph zones. If you stomp on the gas in high gear, the problem goes away, because transmission down shifted to the proper gear for the travel.
If this is not the issue you are facing, than you have a more serious issue.
I have experienced the same thing, and I believe Slickrock is right...it is because the 4wd is not completely engaged. When I pressed the button and tried backing up, there was resistance like backing against an obstacle. When the 4wd was already engaged, backing up was no different feeling from going forward. Nothing to worry about, I've decided, just put in 4wd going forward.
Has anyone driven with the parking brake on? I took off and accidently left it on. I terrible noise started coming from the rear tires and it sounded like I had a flat. I took the parking brake off and it went away. Is this normal?
The following things are absolutely normal in my opinion: forgetting to turn parking brakes off before driving away, brakes making horrible noises trying to stop the car while you try to move it at the same time, feeling like an idiot for forgetting that you shouldn't have done that, and feeling relieved knowing that probabably no real no was done except for extra wear on brake pads and rotor. I think the worst thing that could happen is that the rotors get overheated and warped. You can tell if the rotors are warped if you experience lots of vibration when you apply the brakes. If this actually resulted from the incident, I hope Toyota's warranty will cover it for you.
Yakima does make a rack. Their web site isn't updated yet to include the Sequoia. But if you go to the store and look at the new catalog you will see that the Doublecross mounts will fit the Sequoia. I bought a set myself.
thanks for your advice 714cut. Were you able to use the existing plugin or did you have to rewire for the round type used on trailers? How about trailer brakes? Did you have a trailer brake installed in your SEQ? What kind?
Most boats of this size use surge brakes which activate by the weight of the boat pushing against a "plunger" which in turn activates brakes. Due to this most don't require electric brakes so the electrical uses a flat plug. My trailer plugged directly into the factory outlet provided. I was surprised that nothing else had to be done, unlike other vehicles I have had. I know other trailers etc. use electric brakes but have no experience with them. I have seen a simple adapter though that you plug into the flat plug and the other end is a round plug. Please forgive my lack of technical explanation as I am not mechanically inclined!
I have a 21 foot travel trailer. I have been towing it with my Ford Van (5.8L V8) and it worked fine -not great, just fine - I am not an expert at the issue myself but I think the added plugs revolve around the electric brakes and the tow rigs ability to charge the trailer batteries when hooked up.
Gauntlet1, Thanks for the response. Unfortuneatly, it's not just a sound, but a real sensation. Toyota appears to be aware of some sort of problem. They are full of excuses. My favorite is that the vehicle is learning how I drive and it could take several thousand miles to correct itself!
I have been doing some research on how the custom settings are programmed by the dealer for things like the back window down with two presses of the button or the door locks automatically locking when you start forward, etc.
It seems they use a hand-held programmer made by Vetronics for OEMs only. The OBDII is the On-board diagnostic firmware that is accessed through the port under the dashboard. The EPA made it standard for carmakers to provide somewhat standard emissions control information through this type of port so any service shop could make sure the car was running optimally to ensure the best pollution performance.
While this basic info is relatively open if you have a compatible scan tool, there is also what is called "enhanced mode" parameters. This is where the optional information for the lights on settings, door lock settings, etc is located. This data is not supposed to be accessible with aftermarket scan tools and it may even require passwords to edit.
Toyota's hand-held uses a firmware cartridge with CBEST software on it. CBEST stands for Customized Body Electrical System for Toyota vehicles. I don't think you can buy the scan tool and CBEST cartridge, but if you could, it would set you back about $3K.
I think there are up to 256 variables that are possible to access. This means there is a lot of info available that is not documented for any of us to see.
I am extremely interested in this topic. If anyone has any additional or corrected info, please email or post.
I GOT IT BACK!!!!! I finally have my SEQ back & can get detailed on all of the other little things you guys mention.
First of all, there isn't oil leaking all over my driveway anymore....which is a plus!! They did extend to us an extended bumper to bumper warranty for our almost 3 week inconvenience. I of course graciously accepted. I only have 620 miles on it now, but the computer is saying anywhere from 14.6 to 15 mpg avg. When I got it back from the dealer of course it was empty (we hadn't filled it before I dropped it off)the gas light was on so I went to fill it & it took 22.6 gallons, so I assume there is about a 4 gal. reserve when the light goes on.
I do hear the couple clicks when starting out. No ticking yet, & keeping my fingers crossed. The bass is tolerable for me, except it is pretty bad depending on the song, but better with adjustment. Cracking the back window stops the helicopter noise when the moonroof is open (even if you open the back window so slightly that you almost can't tell that it's open) I'll have to get back to you about driving with the parking brake on. I'm pretty little so the skinny arm rest doesn't bother me. I won't know about the towing capabilities until the weather gets warmer or our new snowmobile comes in....whichever comes first. Most of all I love driving it!! It is SO smooth. I also love being bigger than most people on the road!!!
I only know one thing--the interior of the Sequoia, like all Toyotas, is rather spartan for a $40,000 plus vehicle. And the difference between the limited and the SR5 doesn't justify roughly six to eight thousand dollars. As usual, Toyota packages the options so that the customer must buy everything to get what they want!! I love Toyotas, but I'm really tired of this. I'm can't really afford a Sequoia, but I looked at a regular-cab Tacoma and it was $21,000!! For pickup with NO deluxe CD player(Toyota stereos generally suck), NO ABS, and of course, the four cylinder, the only engine available with the standard cab. Little trim options on the Sequoia amount to hundreds of dollars for plastic!!!! The seats are comfy but anyone who sees the interior must think the person paid less than an Expedition. Ha ! That I'd have to see! My point is , Toyota reliability no longer justifies the high price. Period.
I assume suznjones is asking why the parking brake doesn't automatically disengage/give a warning when you put it in gear and start heading down the highway, rather than just burn itself up. I haven't had a problem like this since I burned up the brakes on my then-boyfriend's 1974 TR6 - literally smoking by the time I got to his townhouse. In retrospect, its hard to believe he married me anyway!
Count, I am not certain of where you reside or are looking at cars, but in USA, the regular cab trucks are $13300 to $14300. That's a stick or automatic (auto being higher priced at the 14300 total MSRP) with air, bumper, stereo, chrome, sport wheels.
I can't figure out what truck you refer to that's $21000. Even my regular cab Tundras in V6'es with lots of extras are $17200 to $18000 at MSRP.
Dunno about the Boyfriend but woohoo, had you decimated the brakes on MY British Racing Green 1976 TR6 (was my pride and joy!) I'd have choked ya! LOL!!
Misse, you must have something a lot more precious than your then-boyfirend's 1974 TR6 for him to marry you!
Changing the subject, I have daytime running light on my Seq. The disappointing thing is that, during the day, the exterior headlamps go dimmer but the interior displays would also go dimmer. This makes it difficult to read interior displays during daytime. For example, the trip computer display would go dimmer because the headlights are on DAYTIME RUNNING MODE! This makes reading the compass extra difficult in bright light.
In another example, the green indicator light on the AC buttons become dimmer with the headlights on daytime running. It's hard to tell whether certain functions are on or off.
Having read a post about programming the electronics, I wonder if this problem could be corrected.
Sometimes I wonder if Toyota deliberately left out the smart designs, such as backup sensors, stereo controls on the steering wheel, heated seats on SR5, etc., so that they can roll out the 2002 with "improvements."
To be honest, I sometimes feel idiotic to have paid $40k for the thang that lack so many basics thoughful touches that European cars seem to have. If I were running Toyota, I'd send some people there to work in Siberia!
Daytime running lights are mandatory in Canada. The lights are always on in a "dimmed mode". However, they have no impact on interior lighting. The interior lights do not dim until lights are turned on. Are you talking about daytime running lights or automatic on headlamps. If automatic on (I think standard with Limited- I have SR5)it sounds like your sensor on front dashboard needs to be adjusted. Hope we're talking about the same thing
Glad to hear you have your truck back. A note on fill-ups. I ran approx 30 miles after the light came on just to see how far I could actually go. The DTE was at 30 when the light came on so I figured I was safe. I got just over 400 miles on the tank and DTE had just passed 0. Anyway, when I filled up, the pump kicked off at about 22.5 gallons. I wanted to see just how much gas I could fit and was surprised to find that I was able to squeeze another 3 gallons in. If my math is right, that means I had about 1/2 gallon left. You might not want to rely on having 3 of 4 gallons of reserve because I don't think that much is there. I'm not sure why it causes the pump to shut off so early but if you want to top it off you will have to be very patient and hope nobody else is waiting in line. I plan to post some mileage info at some point. I have been reading that the computer is a little off with mpg calculations.
BTW, did they tell you what went wrong in the first place?
You mean if I have daytime running light, the headlamps would turn on automatically even when the the switch is in the off position (position 1 according to the manual)? I'll have to check. I hope that I was wrong. The manual doesn't seem to cover the daytime running light feature very clearly.
I'm interested in making the Seq. quieter. Does any one know if there is a hood liner that I could purchase? JCWhitney sells about 4 different types of heat/noise insulation for use under the hood. The price range varies drastically, and I presume that the effectiveness also varies among different insulation types. Does anyone have experience with hood insulation? Any suggestions on what else I could do? Thanks.
Now the truth about the parking brake, it was actually my husband that did it. I was trying to protect his delicate ego but I'm over that now : ) We only went a couple of blocks before we heard this horrible sound that sounded like a flat. I got out and checked the tires and they were fine. I asked him about the brake and he realized it was on. I'm just wondering about the noise, is it a warning type thing or not?
Deb... glad you got your Seq back. Your "helicopter noise" is probably an air pressure flutter...caused by the windstream on a moving car with a single window partially open. Do you only get it with the moon roof open, and all other windows closed? I find that I am very sensitive to such flutter... as you discovered, you can often eliminate it by cracking another window somewhere. When driving with my (driver) window open, I usually have to crack the front passenger window, as well. You would probably be better off cracking one of the front windows (if it controls the flutter), rather than the rear, to avoid pulling exhaust/dust into the passenger compartment.
Diane, I was looking at a 4wd Tacoma. I live in Virginia , and the dealer is in Tennessee. Most of the vehicles are pretty well loaded, as I assume no one except me likes base models in anything. Yes, they did have one 4wd Tacoma with absoulutely no options for 15 and change. Only maybe one in eight or ten Toyota trucks sold around here is a 2wd. Also, there are no Sequoias under 38 thousand on the lot.The Tacoma is in need of a redesign badly, but it's still a very good truck. Diane , I think you said you were a dealer. Have you received any info on a redesign for 2002 or 2003? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!
As a dealer here in VA, I know exactly what you are talking about. The 4x4, extended cab with the 4 cylinder engine and manual transmission, runs about $21500 on the sticker. Real world pricing is closer to $19000. For that kind of money, it is a pretty good value. The Tacoma is due for a body style change soon, but I don't think it will be this year.
They JUST changed the darn thing for 2001... the new wide-mouth bass grill, the interior upgrades and dashes...and gauges. I wouldn't wait for a change in Taco at all for 4 more years. But, they have come full circle from what I used to sell 20 + years ago! They are indeed still truck-useful but far more genteel and comfortable. Classy!
SEQ changes for 2002 will be minimal. I mean, the car just made its debut... but, I betcha there will be a cure (we call it a countermeasure) for the hammertone. They will most likely come up with a different colored hammertone trim to match the oak interior. The current silvery hammertone will most likely be used on the charcoal interior.
:::Dianne, peering into crystal ball, using her mom logic:::
I also expect Limited slip available in Tundras. And, certain less popular colors to drop.
FISHCAR, I will try the driver &/or passenger window next time....right now it's too nice out. I have all 6 windows open as often as possible!
MMCGREGOR, well, I hope I never run out of gas again. I was notorious for doing that in my Blazer. There was no "idiot" light to tell me 'hey, stop at a gas station before you need to replace your fuel pump'. When the Blazer hit the red area there was absolutely NO way of knowing if you had 1 mile left or 20. So it's a good thing I have my handy cell phone.......which brings me to my next observation. The cigarette lighter outlets do not charge your phone if the car is off. This is a slight bummer for me because I usually keep my phone in my purse then charge it in my car over night. There will be no more of that!!! (maybe I should just stay off the phone!!! ) Does anyone know if there is a way to change that???
Well, I have been informed and shown by drawing what was wrong with the cam shaft, but I don't know that I could explain it here and have ANYONE know what I was trying to say. But, so far it seems to be fixed. They don't seem to know what caused it in the first place other than I just got the lucky cam shaft I guess......one in a million!
Now that I have it back my husband wants me to haul some 6 ft lamps over to one of our stores. I'll get to test how it'll work for our needs.
No, no blue marlin. It's rumored that we'll see a new darker blue like the indigo ink on HLs but that isn't confirmed. It's also rumored we'll see the sunfire red we see on all Limited Tundras in a Limited SEQ but again, just a rumor. You know I post things when I get the info! Just watch.
Topping off the tank is a no-no as per your manual and other things I've read. You stand a chance of screwing up your vapor recovery unit and causing check engine lights and so forth. Don't know how valid the info is, but thats what I've read.
Has anyone used a Sony Playstation 2 for their DVD/Games source for the video system in a car?
I want to know if the Playstation is capable of being used in a vehicle, with all the vibration, dust, humidity, heat etc. Can it withstand the condition if mounted in a car?
I am looking at an Alpine display ( M680 model ) and want to use the Sony PS 2 since it can be used for DVD, CD and Games etc. Estimated cost given is $1600 to install the Alpine display unit and other parts, wiring etc, and the PS2 unit is an extra $300 at Best Buy.
Just got my Sequoia 2 weeks ago. Have been reading the messages on two main items. 1st ticking. Mine ticks when first started and the weather is cool.50 degrees. I live in California and 50 is cool. After it runs and reaches normal running temp ticking seems to go away. Is this normal? 2nd radio. The rear speakers have very little volume, in order to get some- what of a balance between the front and the back I have to leave the fade control on rear 5.Also sometime when I turn the radio off I get a loud poping noise. Any remarks would be appericated. Thanks Other than these small problems which I feel Toyota will eventually fix. I love It. Oh! by the way I also own a '99 Avalon Platinum Edition. So you see I'm a Toyota person
I hesitate to ask this, because of discussions here a few months back, but I'm still a little confused about what is needed to tow with the Sequoia. I see that the receiver hitch is (apparently) built in to the frame, and should be very strong. However, the manual says that if you want to tow at full weight you should install sway bars-if I have the terminology right. I'm new to owning a truck and have never towed anything, so this is an information need only. What is required to tow safely?
a lot of people at this site give out great information and I have learned a lot, but in this case a good heart to heart discussion at an NV place, (Camping World, comes to mind first), will head light on the subject. This will allow for a quicken feed back on basics of towing. Once you are armed with this info may someone familiar with Sequoias can give you their expierence with this vehicle and towing with IT. Good luck
I got a great book. "New Car Features" for Sequoia. It is from the service publication department NCF196U, $35.
This book gives a description and a decent amount of theory and diagrams about how the Sequoia subsystems are designed to work. There is everything from trim style differences between SR5 and Limited to transmission gear ratios, suspension and transfer design and illustrations to a very detailed chapter on VSC/TRAC and electronic brake force distribution. I think it will answer some of the questions bouncing around the forum.
One topic I wanted to post relates to the custom programming features that are available to the Sequoia owners. This info is similar to other posts, but this is the only complete list I have seen.
Here are the programming items: 1. For Wireless door locks a. wireless operation - YES/NO b. Door Ajar Beeper - ON/OFF c. Time until Auto Lock - 30sec/60sec d. 2-step unlocking - ON/OFF e. Interior light function - ON/OFF f. Panic alarm - ON/OFF g. Back window - Push 1x/Push 1x(0.8sec min)/Push twice/OFF
2. Door Locks a. Speed sensitive locking - ON/OFF b. Shift and brake release Linked autolock - ON/OFF c. 2-step unlock - ON/OFF
3. Illuminated Entry a. Interior lights when doors unlocked - ON/OFF b. Interior light time - 7.5/15/30 sec
4. Automatic light control a. Sensitivity - -40/-20/0/20/40 % b. Light OFF delay - 0/30/60/90 sec
5. Power windows a. Key-linked Open operation - ON/OFF b. Key-linked Close operation - ON/OFF
6. Moon Roof a. Key-linked open - ON/OFF b. Key-linked close - ON/OFF c. Key-linked function - slide/tilt
7. Back window a. Key-linked open - ON/OFF b. Key-linked close - ON/OFF
Hope this is interesting and useful for someone.
If your service writer doesn't know what you are talking about, tell them to see page 144 of "New Car Features".
mcmatt, what a great piece of research you did in coming up with that book! Suggestion for Toyota: why don't you make this $35 manual available online in PDF form for those who want access to this level of information? I can understand you not wanting to burden the owner's manual with too much detail, but the Sequoia is a complex, fabulous piece of machinery and the manual just doesn't have enough technical meat in it, especially regarding 4wd and VSC/TRAC and the *complex* interaction between those two subsystems. (Kudos to Cliffy again for his update information on those topics; I keep my Sequoia in permanent 4wd high mode now and let the computers squabble among themselves
Comments
problem: skinny armrest
solution: winter-thick socks
practical solution, I must confess...
I have a platinum-colored leather interior on SS ext., but live in SoCal where there is no winter, hence no need for sinter-thick socks. I may have to go out and buy me some, a la slickrock... Another idea: Maybe I should simply wear clothes with thickly padded elbows, that way I would be insulated against the skinny arm rest...
Nah....not worth the trouble, for me, that is
Keep in mind I maybe overly positive here as I was towing the same boat with a 1995 Explorer for 4 years previous to the Sequoia. Simply night and day between the two.
For info on towing you should check out Trailer Boats Magazine- I can't remember whether it was March or April issue (check out their website).
It did a comparison towing test Sequoia vs.Expedition vs.Tahoe. Sequois won the majority of categories such as towing, handling,braking etc. and was awarded their Tow Vehicle of the Year Award.
I think the Sequoia is a good choice for towing vehicles in this weight range.
1. why didnt they put audio controls in the steering wheel? vehicles half the price of the seq have this feature.
2. the stereo is definitely not up to par (i have the so called 10 speaker 6 cd changer) - my old pathfinder had a bose system that puts this one away.
The factory wheel size is 16x7 and the bolt pattern is 6 x 139.7mm. However, can one of you owners out there be so kind as to tell me the offset of the stock wheel? Likely, you will have to remove a wheel to do this... but if you are at all interested in helping me and potentially others, it is imperative to have accurate offset information.
If you can remove one of your wheels, simply lie it face down and place a straightedge across the rim. (The tire bulges out from the rim so it is important to have the straightedge only touching the rim on each side.) Then, simply measure the distance from the wheel mounting surface the straightedge. If it is 3.5" then it is a zero offset wheel. If the measurement is less than 3.5" (2", for example) then the wheel has a 1.5" positive offset.
The offset of a wheel is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. The offset can be one of three types.
Zero Offset
The hub mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel.
Positive
The hub mounting surface is toward the front or "face" side of the wheel. Positive offset wheels are generally found on front wheel drive cars and newer rear drive cars.
Negative
The hub mounting surface is toward the back or brake side of the wheels centerline. "Deep dish" wheels are typically a negative offset.
Anyway, if anyone has done this already or can do it, I would really appreciate it.
Incidently, I inspected the undercoating in the wheel wells of my Seq. and noticed that the rubberized undercoating applied was spotty. Some areas were not completely covered. I am thinking of applying a coating on the missed spots.
My 6 CD changer radio also has very boom bass, even with the bass level turned down. Anyone with suggestion to fix this problem? I'm afraid that it would be useless to mention it to the dealer to get it fixed. I've read many complaints about the bass problem but don't recall seeing any result-effective solution.
If this is not the issue you are facing, than you have a more serious issue.
I think the worst thing that could happen is that the rotors get overheated and warped. You can tell if the rotors are warped if you experience lots of vibration when you apply the brakes. If this actually resulted from the incident, I hope Toyota's warranty will cover it for you.
I know other trailers etc. use electric brakes but have no experience with them. I have seen a simple adapter though that you plug into the flat plug and the other end is a round plug. Please forgive my lack of technical explanation as I am not mechanically inclined!
What are you thinking of towing?
It seems they use a hand-held programmer made by Vetronics for OEMs only. The OBDII is the On-board diagnostic firmware that is accessed through the port under the dashboard. The EPA made it standard for carmakers to provide somewhat standard emissions control information through this type of port so any service shop could make sure the car was running optimally to ensure the best pollution performance.
While this basic info is relatively open if you have a compatible scan tool, there is also what is called "enhanced mode" parameters. This is where the optional information for the lights on settings, door lock settings, etc is located. This data is not supposed to be accessible with aftermarket scan tools and it may even require passwords to edit.
Toyota's hand-held uses a firmware cartridge with CBEST software on it. CBEST stands for Customized Body Electrical System for Toyota vehicles. I don't think you can buy the scan tool and CBEST cartridge, but if you could, it would set you back about $3K.
I think there are up to 256 variables that are possible to access. This means there is a lot of info available that is not documented for any of us to see.
I am extremely interested in this topic. If anyone has any additional or corrected info, please email or post.
Thanks a lot.
I finally have my SEQ back & can get detailed on all of the other little things you guys mention.
First of all, there isn't oil leaking all over my driveway anymore....which is a plus!! They did extend to us an extended bumper to bumper warranty for our almost 3 week inconvenience. I of course graciously accepted.
I only have 620 miles on it now, but the computer is saying anywhere from 14.6 to 15 mpg avg. When I got it back from the dealer of course it was empty (we hadn't filled it before I dropped it off)the gas light was on so I went to fill it & it took 22.6 gallons, so I assume there is about a 4 gal. reserve when the light goes on.
I do hear the couple clicks when starting out. No ticking yet, & keeping my fingers crossed. The bass is tolerable for me, except it is pretty bad depending on the song, but better with adjustment.
Cracking the back window stops the helicopter noise when the moonroof is open (even if you open the back window so slightly that you almost can't tell that it's open)
I'll have to get back to you about driving with the parking brake on.
I'm pretty little so the skinny arm rest doesn't bother me.
I won't know about the towing capabilities until the weather gets warmer or our new snowmobile comes in....whichever comes first.
Most of all I love driving it!! It is SO smooth. I also love being bigger than most people on the road!!!
I can't figure out what truck you refer to that's $21000. Even my regular cab Tundras in V6'es with lots of extras are $17200 to $18000 at MSRP.
Dianne
;>
Dianne
Changing the subject, I have daytime running light on my Seq. The disappointing thing is that, during the day, the exterior headlamps go dimmer but the interior displays would also go dimmer. This makes it difficult to read interior displays during daytime. For example, the trip computer display would go dimmer because the headlights are on DAYTIME RUNNING MODE! This makes reading the compass extra difficult in bright light.
In another example, the green indicator light on the AC buttons become dimmer with the headlights on daytime running. It's hard to tell whether certain functions are on or off.
Having read a post about programming the electronics, I wonder if this problem could be corrected.
Sometimes I wonder if Toyota deliberately left out the smart designs, such as backup sensors, stereo controls on the steering wheel, heated seats on SR5, etc., so that they can roll out the 2002 with "improvements."
To be honest, I sometimes feel idiotic to have paid $40k for the thang that lack so many basics thoughful touches that European cars seem to have. If I were running Toyota, I'd send some people there to work in Siberia!
The lights are always on in a "dimmed mode". However, they have no impact on interior lighting.
The interior lights do not dim until lights are turned on. Are you talking about daytime running lights or automatic on headlamps. If automatic on (I think standard with Limited- I have SR5)it sounds like your sensor on front dashboard needs to be adjusted. Hope we're talking about the same thing
BTW, did they tell you what went wrong in the first place?
We only went a couple of blocks before we heard this horrible sound that sounded like a flat. I got out and checked the tires and they were fine. I asked him about the brake and he realized it was on. I'm just wondering about the noise, is it a warning type thing or not?
This is pretty much the same as before but with an enhanced explanation of traction control and its use.
Dianne
:::Dianne, peering into crystal ball, using her mom logic:::
I also expect Limited slip available in Tundras. And, certain less popular colors to drop.
MMCGREGOR, well, I hope I never run out of gas again. I was notorious for doing that in my Blazer. There was no "idiot" light to tell me 'hey, stop at a gas station before you need to replace your fuel pump'. When the Blazer hit the red area there was absolutely NO way of knowing if you had 1 mile left or 20. So it's a good thing I have my handy cell phone.......which brings me to my next observation. The cigarette lighter outlets do not charge your phone if the car is off. This is a slight bummer for me because I usually keep my phone in my purse then charge it in my car over night. There will be no more of that!!! (maybe I should just stay off the phone!!!
Well, I have been informed and shown by drawing what was wrong with the cam shaft, but I don't know that I could explain it here and have ANYONE know what I was trying to say. But, so far it seems to be fixed. They don't seem to know what caused it in the first place other than I just got the lucky cam shaft I guess......one in a million!
Now that I have it back my husband wants me to haul some 6 ft lamps over to one of our stores. I'll get to test how it'll work for our needs.
999
Dianne
Don't know how valid the info is, but thats what I've read.
I want to know if the Playstation is capable of being used in a vehicle, with all the vibration, dust, humidity, heat etc. Can it withstand the condition if mounted in a car?
I am looking at an Alpine display ( M680 model ) and want to use the Sony PS 2 since it can be used for DVD, CD and Games etc. Estimated cost given is $1600 to install the Alpine display unit and other parts, wiring etc, and the PS2 unit is an extra $300 at Best Buy.
1st ticking. Mine ticks when first started and the weather is cool.50 degrees. I live in California
and 50 is cool. After it runs and reaches normal running temp ticking seems to go away. Is
this normal?
2nd radio. The rear speakers have very little volume, in order to get some- what of a balance
between the front and the back I have to leave the fade control on rear 5.Also sometime
when I turn the radio off I get a loud poping noise. Any remarks would be appericated. Thanks
Other than these small problems which I feel Toyota will eventually fix. I love It.
Oh! by the way I also own a '99 Avalon Platinum Edition. So you see I'm a Toyota person
This book gives a description and a decent amount of theory and diagrams about how the Sequoia subsystems are designed to work. There is everything from trim style differences between SR5 and Limited to transmission gear ratios, suspension and transfer design and illustrations to a very detailed chapter on VSC/TRAC and electronic brake force distribution. I think it will answer some of the questions bouncing around the forum.
One topic I wanted to post relates to the custom programming features that are available to the Sequoia owners. This info is similar to other posts, but this is the only complete list I have seen.
Here are the programming items:
1. For Wireless door locks
a. wireless operation - YES/NO
b. Door Ajar Beeper - ON/OFF
c. Time until Auto Lock - 30sec/60sec
d. 2-step unlocking - ON/OFF
e. Interior light function - ON/OFF
f. Panic alarm - ON/OFF
g. Back window - Push 1x/Push 1x(0.8sec min)/Push twice/OFF
2. Door Locks
a. Speed sensitive locking - ON/OFF
b. Shift and brake release Linked autolock - ON/OFF
c. 2-step unlock - ON/OFF
3. Illuminated Entry
a. Interior lights when doors unlocked - ON/OFF
b. Interior light time - 7.5/15/30 sec
4. Automatic light control
a. Sensitivity - -40/-20/0/20/40 %
b. Light OFF delay - 0/30/60/90 sec
5. Power windows
a. Key-linked Open operation - ON/OFF
b. Key-linked Close operation - ON/OFF
6. Moon Roof
a. Key-linked open - ON/OFF
b. Key-linked close - ON/OFF
c. Key-linked function - slide/tilt
7. Back window
a. Key-linked open - ON/OFF
b. Key-linked close - ON/OFF
Hope this is interesting and useful for someone.
If your service writer doesn't know what you are talking about, tell them to see page 144 of "New Car Features".