The "LF" fog lamp option is a factory install, ie. not a PPO. Means it ought to be a lot like Tundra models with their workings and switch, I imagine, sir!
could you give me some info on fog lights,I was thinking of putting them in my Sr5,Did you buy Seq factory fog lights from dealer or some other brand that fits openings in bumper?I see you used a Tundra fog light switch that fits the dash-good move, What was total of everything?Also is it a nitemare to install??
I understand that you are taking on the big challenge of putting in a video entertainment system. Well my husband has the audiovox system sitting here waiting to have the time to start installing it. I was wondering if you could send me your e-mail address so he can ask you a few question. Are e-mail is Waltrop@home.com Where did you purchase your manuals? I called toyota and they wanted hundred dollars for both manuals. Any help would be really appreciated. Thanks
I have a "ticker" Sequoia. At first dealership knew nothing about problem or any service bulletins. I got a call today saying Toyota "is aware of some problems" and is investigating. Sounds consistent with other posts. I will reserve judgement on Toyota until I see what their solution is. I am disappointed however that this problem exists at all from a company famous for its smooth engines with outstanding longevity. You can tell by my other posts that I am a huge Toyota fan (we have a Camry as well), but Toyota has to resolve this for sure.
I would look in tundrasolutions.com in the Sequoia Soltions forum. A user there has written up detailed instructions on how to install the fog lights - includes parts list and pictures!
My noises started at about 200 miles. I switched to Mobil 1 at ~4000 miles. The noise its still there when cold but I noticed that now when the engine warms up and the outside temperature is above ~55 degrees, the sound is not as loud. It used to have to be ~65 degrees for "quiet" engine operation. If it's 80 degrees and sunny it is quiet right from startup.
I know that one of the problems that Toyota is looking in to is piston related. I don't think this noise is from the pistons. I have an appointment with my Toyota District service rep today. I'll post if I learn anything new.
Does the ticking affect longevity or performance in any way or is it just annoying until warm-up? Does the ticking occur while in park at idle while cold as well? I've been told by mechanics not to run engines 'cold'--its bad for the engine and tranny. One mechanic stated, that running cold is the worse thing someone can do to an engine. On my trooper, the tranny has a different sound if it is in gear while cold for example.
I am glad to hear that Toyota is listening to us on the engine noise. I have an Sequoia Limited with 3K miles and only a very slight tick. I guess that since my other cars have been fords and olds my tolerance level is higher. I would be very interested in hearing what toyota says to mmcgregor.
Does anyone have trouble getting 26 gallons of gas in their tank. No matter what I do 20 is the most I can get in.....
Beantown3: Go to tundrasolutions.com and look at the "message forum" for Sequoia. There is a thread on foglamps for SR-5s there that will give all the info you need to install factory Limited fog lamps on your SR-5 including use of the Tundra fog lamp switch. I purchased Limited factory fog lamps and the factory Tundra fog lamp switch from toyotaparts4u.com. Total price $280. You will also need a relay (about $10-$30). I had an aftermarket installer put everything in for me ($80) but if your are a do-it-yourselfer and want to spend the time then go for it. This same aftermarket installer put in heated seats in my SR-5 ($430) using the Limited factory seat heater switches ($80) from toyotaparts4u.com. Everything works great and looks just like factory install! Good luck on your install.
"I think lexus should get a version of the sequoia and get rid of those ugly tail lights."
I think Lexus will build a SUV based on the Sequoia in order to compete with larger luxury SUVs like the Navigator and the Escalade. Like the void that existed in the Toyota SUV line-up for a true full-size SUV, I think there is a need for an ultra-luxury, true full-size SUV in the Lexus SUV line-up. My guess is that the 2003 model year will include a Lexus Sequoia when a larger i-force engine is available. I am sure that they would change both the front end and tail lights for a different look but I personally don't think the Sequoia's tail lights are ugly as is. They are certainly distinctive. Like I have mentioned before, I think the Sequoia is the SUV equivalent of the Avalon in styling. The styling cues are similar on these vehicles.
lcd1.....I ran it down until it was on the bottom line and the computer said I had 10 miles to go until I was out of gas. I went to fill it up and I could "squeeze" just over 20 gallons in. The pump kept tripping off.
"emptier" means emptier than what petro33 thought was empty. I agree with you that once the tank is empty, it couldn't get emptier.
About gas mileage computer, I think the general rule is not to trust computers. I've owned two cars with a trip computer, and none of them ever gave a decently accurate reading. My Seq. has a useless trip computer because it was bundled with some other option that I wanted.
With respect to the Seq., does anyone know how to reset the gas mileage/trip computer? I can reset the trip computer on my Volvo 850 because there is a reset button. However, I can find a way to do that on the Seq. If it can be reset, it might give a more accurate reading.
It's in the manual but I think you hold down the I/I button and the button on the very right down for 3 seconds. You have to have the AVE MPG visible on the screen when you do it.
Can you add the Toyota hitch later on to a Seqouia? I really like the look of the hitch vs the really ugly aftermarket ones available. If I don't get the hitch as part of the AH or HQ options, then am I missing additional wiring or cooling or something as well? jb
My ticking seemed to start after I had it for a couple of weeks but maybe I was so enamored with the vehicle and quietness(warmed up) that I didn't notice it. We are in an extreme cold climate, ticks until warmed up. Anything below 50 degrees when engine cold will cause ticking. Ticking goes away when engine warm. No way of knowing if damage being done, but truck sounds like a diesel when first starting off when cold. Consequently I take it easy until warmed up.
Trip computer reset instructions correct.
I had factory fog lights installed by my dealer. Used Tundra switch in blank spot on dash. Looks very good. Cost an arm and a leg though (Canadian dollars don't forget).
The Tow hitch on SEQ = a hitch receiver + wiring harness itself. That's all you'd have to have an aftermarket installer do. You are not missing any engine additions or components when you have no hitch from Indiana. :>
Somwhere in the manual, it indicates that there are 4-5 gal of fuel left in reserve when the fill light comes on. I have managed to put in max 21.5 gal, after driving several days with the refuel light on. As I recall, the DTE indicator was below 15 mi at that point. I wasn't willing to go much further... it takes a little while to learn the limits of a new car, and running dry is a pain, even if your only a couple miles from home.
I have a friend that says: "If you keep the top half full, the bottom half takes care of itself." I don't take it quite to that extreme, but get real nervous driving in the wide open spaces out here (UT) if the tank gets too low!
In what model year will a navigation system be factory installed in the Sequoia? 2002 or 2003? I know that it exist in the Land Cruiser and some Lexus models but I wonder when will it trickle down to the Sequoia? I recently saw a couple of postings regarding this topic. Most notably someone who was skilled enough to install an after market unit along with an entertainment system and someone who had looked into the price that Toyota had itemized what the unit and its accessories would cost. If there other information out there I would appreciate it. Thanks.
Thanx rruck1 & decodog for the info,I will check out tundrasolutions ,I,m for putting in factory equipment and paying someone to it,I,m not 17 anymore! total price is high for fog lights but look what we paid for the suv, Haa Whats a couple hundred more...........Just think in about 2 yrs when we are all having new lifters put in our engines(because the oil doesn,t get upto the top of the engine for about the 1st minute of start-up in my opinion our car loans will be more then the value of the car:ooh brother.....
That is a very important question. In my case, my SR-5 did not have side airbags and thus this was not an issue. I researched this anyway at the time. If your vehicle does have side airbags, most seat heater manufacturers will not recommmend installing after market seat heaters and will not be held responsible if the air bags fail. However, it may still be possible to add the seat heater if you use a highly qualified and reputable aftermarket installer. Personally, if I paid for the side airbag option, I would not mess around with aftermarket seat heaters. Heated buns are not worth defeating a safety feature.
Thirdsuv: I am guessing from your question that you have side airbags and I believe that you also have the PM package. Boy, I bet this really makes your blood boil that Toyota left out the seat heaters in the PM package for the SR-5. And since you have side airbags, adding the seat heaters is tricky proposition at best. I feel for you.
I have read that you should not install aftermarket leather to SR5s with airbags. How does the factory install leather in the Limiteds and PM package vehicles with airbags differently than aftermarket?
I bought a 2001 Sequoia back in March and I have to say I'm disappointed with Toyota. This is the first Toyota I have owned. We had an 1997 Explorer but wanted more room. Given we had a few problems with the Explorer, we decided to go with a Toyota this time. Much to our surprise, the Sequoia has been to the shop 3 times now. We still have the engine click that I read about. In addition, the engine light came on last month and the we discovered the rear window was stuck shut when we brought the truck home.
This was a very expensive vehicle and given Toyotas quality claims, we expected better. Perhaps I have been duped into thinking there was something better than a Ford truck out there. I realize now, I paid a premium for a Sequoia that is no more reliable an Expedition would have been.
Anyone have an idea when there will be a fix for the "click"?
No ticking on my Seq at 90 miles on the truck. Its been cool temps recently..
Does the tow package on the truck (which I have) include a transmission cooler. I see a small cooler type unit in front of the radiator but not sure of what it is. I have not taken time to look that carefully. Thanks.
I'm sure that the truck has the transmission cooler in the front that you talked about. It also has a transmission temp warning light on the dash if temp gets too high. I think coolers are pretty standard on big trucks like this with high towing capacities.
I can appreciate your concerns based on what you've experienced so far, but to compare to the Ford--I dunno! You should read the expedition forum if you want to see problems. It does make you wonder whether we should have waited for next year model. The first year of any new vehicle is often avoided.
Yes, I have to agree with Dan165 about the quality of the Sequoia but I don't think that it is representative of Toyota quality overall. I owned a 2000 4Runner before my Sequoia and had absolutely no problems with the vehicle. I never had one warranty issue with the vehicle and not one squeak or rattle. That vehicle was built like a tank. One factor is where the vehicle is built. 4Runners and LandCruisers are built in Japan whereas the Tundra and Sequoia are built in the US. The Japanese manufactured vehicles just seem to be better built. Of course, most Camrys are built in the US and they have a high reputation for quality. Also, like 714cut stated, the Sequoia is a first year vehicle.
" have read that you should not install aftermarket leather to SR5s with airbags. How does the factory install leather in the Limiteds and PM package vehicles with airbags differently than aftermarket? "
Well the toyota party line is that heaters and side airbags are possible but only to be installed at factory. However, you can be sure if somebodies heater broke on a Limited, the local service guy is going to replace just the heater, not the whole seat as a package. I'd bet $100 there is nothing unique about a Limited/side airbag seat then an SR5/side airbag seat. Therefore REPLACING a heater in a Limited would be no different then ADDING a heater to a SR5. However Toyota has taken the position that they would rather *iss people off then do the go the extra yard. So be it, but I'm gonna make em pay for my loss.
I have read alot of posts about the PM package and the misprinted(?) brochure. I dont have the PM package but if I did and had not heard or was not informed that the heated seats were not included would make me *issed too! Especially, and I think you or somebody else pointed this out, because they have not changed the brochure! I bought my truck about two weeks ago and they were still handing out brochures that stated heated seats come in the package - no sticker or anything that indicated a change had been made or that it was a printing mistake. I would be joining you if I had paid for the PM package. I think the PM package is too expensive even with heated seats! This situation does not affect me but I will say that I think Toyota should step up and take care of those customers who paid for an expensive upgrade and got less than they expected. What compensation can or should be made I do not know but the fact that Toyota is avoiding the issue is disturbing.
I guess I am either the gutsiest or the most foolish owner who actually ran my SEQ almost empty. I mean, I filled up with 25.9 gallons! I realized then that I just had enough gas to get to the gas station.
Yes, I believe that when the fuel light goes on there is still 4-5 gallons of gas actually left (70-85 highway miles). But you don't really want to find out the latter.
With regards to quality, for a first year model I am still impressed that the problems are not "that bad." Lemons are always expected, no matter what brand. For those who can wait, it might be smarter to do so. Fortunately, my SEQ is SMOOOOTH.
I have been checking this forum for a couple weeks now, and have found it rather interesting. Amazing how many things are discussed here. It helped me to decide to buy the Sequoia for my wife. (or maybe she pushed the decision along). Anyway, I drive a Tundra LTD., and have been quite pleased with the product coming out of Indiana. Also have the MR2 Spyder, from Japan. Sure, some are going to have issues, but overall, you can't beat Toyota for quality and value. I have purchased 12+ Toyota's (some for sales people in my company) in the past 9 years, and they have been great. I spend alot of time in the Toyota plants, and I can tell you first hand, this automaker puts pride in building fine products. The Sequoia is an excellent vehicle, and all the comments have helped with the purchase. Thanks again.
I realize this is a new model and problems do arise. Problem is, I still have a truck with an engine that clicks. It's most annoying and doesn't have a chance to go away as my ride to work is only 10 minutes (tops). Basically I hear it all the time (unless I have the radio on). The service manager at my dealer seem to think they will have a fix soon. Does anyone have any info? I just feel like I made a mistake buying this truck. We had 2 or 3 problems with our Explorer, but at least they were always fixed same day.
I haven't posted here for a while but I was reading that the Chestnut color is going to be dropped. I own one and I've gotta tell ya, I will be even happier when they drop this color and I'm left with one of 5 ever made!! Can you imagine the looks on peoples faces, 6 years from now when I'm selling it, when they see it and exclaim, "WOW, I've never seen one like that before...how unique, I'll buy it"!
Well I got the party line from the Toyota rep - "It's characteristic of this engine." I figured as much but apparently there are people complaining. It appears that enough trucks make the noise that it must be "normal". I don't know where it's going to go from here but I figure with solid lifters it's only a matter of time before more Sequioa's/Tundra's start to tick. I'm going to go ahead and check the valve clearance when I get a chance. If they're within tolerance my guess is that they're at the limit. The closer to the limit, the louder the tick. And if they're in spec, the noise must be normal.
I have the same thing when filling my tank. They claim 26 gallons but you can't use 4 of them. I'm already over this one.
I've been reading these post for about 2 months since I got my new Sequoia. I've never seen a bunch of nit-picking old ladies in My life. One person thinks the tires are to small, one wants to take apart a brand new 40K plus SUV and try and improve on the sound insulation. And this just go's on and on. First off all, I think half of you don't even own a Sequoia,and second for the ones that do, why don't you do what the car was meant for DRIVE IT AND ENJOY IT. For the few little problems that this SUV has as compared to the US competition,We have a JEWEL, Lets be real about this. I also own a '99 Avalon and between the 2 cars have a large investment. Believe me there the too best cars I have and most probably will ever own.
Tires too small is definitely off the wall. Insulating to stop noise from an already quiet truck is odd, if it goes past hood insulation. The ticking is something I just can't comment on because I'm not sure how loud it is. If for example a louder exhaust system (the sequoia is extremely quiet--I can't hear it pull up when I'm in the house) would make the noise imperceptable, then I think worrying about this tick may be overkill. Its not unusual, for a cold vehicle sitting outside let's say at 30 degrees to need a 5 minute warm-up before you put it in gear.
Why is this comment off the wall? Do you really think the Sequoia's wheels and tires are proportional to the vehicle size? The Sequoia is a larger vehicle than the Land Cruiser yet has smaller tires. The Sequoia is the same size as the Ford Expedition but yet has both smaller wheels and tires. The Sequoia is much larger than the 4Runner but has the same size of wheels and tires. The Sequoia has the largest wheel well flares of any of these SUVs but has the smallest wheels and tires. So tell me why I am off the wall? Just because I offer complaints on this column does not mean I don't like the truck. I did buy one afterall because I thought it was the best full size SUV in the 35-45 K price range. But I will point out the problems and annoyances and, if within reason, I will correct these problems.
I think they fit the truck well. The wheel well flares doesn't change that. The tires on the suburban and the biggest FORD trucks with the high lift look small, but the tires look good to me on this truck. My wife suggested they looked big before seeing this discussion. I guess its in the perspective. The Land Cruiser is supposed to be more of an offroad truck, so I suppose that's the reason for the larger tires.
BTW, mine are the P265/70R16 Dunlop AT21. Is this what you have on your truck? I was relieved that they were NOT firestone/deathstone tires.
The Dunlops are good tires. The sequoia tires are larger than on my trooper 245/70R16 and of the size that would be as large as I could go on the trooper. I'm not sure how much larger the tire can be on the sequoia and still have appropriate wheel well clearance. Does anyone have an answer to that?
The ticking is not a "minor problem". There are many posts here and on tundrasolutions. It really is a loud, disconcerting noise, much like a diesel sounds. It sure is a worry with a brand new expensive SUV...
I think that's why they have these forums so people can share their issues and hopefully get a solution. I agree some are petty, but hey, if you paid for a $40k car, you expect less problems then say a $20k car however small and petty they are.
I am not at all satisfied with what is going on. Some people are saying it's no big deal, but I spent a lot of money on this truck and to have anything but a smooth running engine is unacceptable to me. I don't even want to take co-workers for a ride in it because it's embarrassing. My best friend told me to buy a Tahoe. I kind of wished I did. At least I know GM power trains are proven even though they aren't as quite as smooth.
I think what bothers me the most is not so much the problem itself, but the not knowing if/when this will be fixed. Toyota better do something soon or this will be my last.
Okay with about 120 miles on my truck, on starting this morning temp at 50 deg, I heard a metallic clang for about 0.5 seconds. It immediately went away, not even lasting for a second. Sounded like a valve noise. Now if this is the noise that continues for 5 to 10 minutes on some of these trucks, I would agree that it would be very disconcerting. I'm glad to see the posts on it and to keep my eye out for it.
Comments
-Ret
I know that one of the problems that Toyota is looking in to is piston related. I don't think this noise is from the pistons. I have an appointment with my Toyota District service rep today. I'll post if I learn anything new.
Does anyone have trouble getting 26 gallons of gas in their tank. No matter what I do 20 is the most I can get in.....
IS there any emptier state than "empty"?
-Ret
I think Lexus will build a SUV based on the Sequoia in order to compete with larger luxury SUVs like the Navigator and the Escalade. Like the void that existed in the Toyota SUV line-up for a true full-size SUV, I think there is a need for an ultra-luxury, true full-size SUV in the Lexus SUV line-up. My guess is that the 2003 model year will include a Lexus Sequoia when a larger i-force engine is available. I am sure that they would change both the front end and tail lights for a different look but I personally don't think the Sequoia's tail lights are ugly as is. They are certainly distinctive. Like I have mentioned before, I think the Sequoia is the SUV equivalent of the Avalon in styling. The styling cues are similar on these vehicles.
About gas mileage computer, I think the general rule is not to trust computers. I've owned two cars with a trip computer, and none of them ever gave a decently accurate reading. My Seq. has a useless trip computer because it was bundled with some other option that I wanted.
With respect to the Seq., does anyone know how to reset the gas mileage/trip computer? I can reset the trip computer on my Volvo 850 because there is a reset button. However, I can find a way to do that on the Seq. If it can be reset, it might give a more accurate reading.
Did your SR5 have side airbags?
If I don't get the hitch as part of the AH or HQ options, then am I missing additional wiring or cooling or something as well?
jb
Trip computer reset instructions correct.
I had factory fog lights installed by my dealer. Used Tundra switch in blank spot on dash. Looks very good. Cost an arm and a leg though (Canadian dollars don't forget).
-Ret
Somwhere in the manual, it indicates that there are 4-5 gal of fuel left in reserve when the fill light comes on. I have managed to put in max 21.5 gal, after driving several days with the refuel light on. As I recall, the DTE indicator was below 15 mi at that point. I wasn't willing to go much further... it takes a little while to learn the limits of a new car, and running dry is a pain, even if your only a couple miles from home.
I have a friend that says: "If you keep the top half full, the bottom half takes care of itself." I don't take it quite to that extreme, but get real nervous driving in the wide open spaces out here (UT) if the tank gets too low!
I recently saw a couple of postings regarding this topic. Most notably someone who was skilled enough to install an after market unit along with an entertainment system and someone who had looked into the price that Toyota had itemized what the unit and its accessories would cost. If there other information out there I would appreciate it. Thanks.
That is a very important question. In my case, my SR-5 did not have side airbags and thus this was not an issue. I researched this anyway at the time. If your vehicle does have side airbags, most seat heater manufacturers will not recommmend installing after market seat heaters and will not be held responsible if the air bags fail. However, it may still be possible to add the seat heater if you use a highly qualified and reputable aftermarket installer. Personally, if I paid for the side airbag option, I would not mess around with aftermarket seat heaters. Heated buns are not worth defeating a safety feature.
Thirdsuv: I am guessing from your question that you have side airbags and I believe that you also have the PM package. Boy, I bet this really makes your blood boil that Toyota left out the seat heaters in the PM package for the SR-5. And since you have side airbags, adding the seat heaters is tricky proposition at best. I feel for you.
Just curious.
This was a very expensive vehicle and given Toyotas quality claims, we expected better. Perhaps I have been duped into thinking there was something better than a Ford truck out there. I realize now, I paid a premium for a Sequoia that is no more reliable an Expedition would have been.
Anyone have an idea when there will be a fix for the "click"?
Does the tow package on the truck (which I have) include a transmission cooler. I see a small cooler type unit in front of the radiator but not sure of what it is. I have not taken time to look that carefully. Thanks.
Well the toyota party line is that heaters and side airbags are possible but only to be installed at factory. However, you can be sure if somebodies heater broke on a Limited, the local service guy is going to replace just the heater, not the whole seat as a package. I'd bet $100 there is nothing unique about a Limited/side airbag seat then an SR5/side airbag seat. Therefore REPLACING a heater in a Limited would be no different then ADDING a heater to a SR5.
However Toyota has taken the position that they would rather *iss people off then do the go the extra yard. So be it, but I'm gonna make em pay for my loss.
Yes, I believe that when the fuel light goes on there is still 4-5 gallons of gas actually left
(70-85 highway miles). But you don't really want to find out the latter.
With regards to quality, for a first year model I am still impressed that the problems are not "that bad." Lemons are always expected, no matter what brand. For those who can wait, it might be smarter to do so. Fortunately, my SEQ is SMOOOOTH.
The Sequoia is an excellent vehicle, and all the comments have helped with the purchase. Thanks again.
I realize this is a new model and problems do arise. Problem is, I still have a truck with an engine that clicks. It's most annoying and doesn't have a chance to go away as my ride to work is only 10 minutes (tops). Basically I hear it all the time (unless I have the radio on). The service manager at my dealer seem to think they will have a fix soon. Does anyone have any info? I just feel like I made a mistake buying this truck. We had 2 or 3 problems with our Explorer, but at least they were always fixed same day.
I have the same thing when filling my tank. They claim 26 gallons but you can't use 4 of them. I'm already over this one.
a bunch of nit-picking old ladies in My life. One person thinks the tires are to small, one
wants to take apart a brand new 40K plus SUV and try and improve on the sound insulation. And this just go's on and on. First off all, I think half of you don't even own a Sequoia,and second for the ones that do, why don't you do what the car was meant for DRIVE IT AND ENJOY IT. For the few little problems that this SUV has as compared to the US competition,We have a JEWEL, Lets be real about this. I also own a '99 Avalon and between the 2 cars have a large investment. Believe me there the too best cars I have and most probably will ever own.
BTW, mine are the P265/70R16 Dunlop AT21. Is this what you have on your truck? I was relieved that they were NOT firestone/deathstone tires.
Just my 2 centavos.
I think what bothers me the most is not so much the problem itself, but the not knowing if/when this will be fixed. Toyota better do something soon or this will be my last.