Toyota Sequoia

cliffy1 · October 2002

What was posted is NOT a VSC problem but a traction control problem. I understand the frustration. I think Toyota did change the threshold for when this kicks in on the 2002. As I have posted on many occasions, there is a simple cure. Leave it in 4WD. When you do this, the TRAC system does not use the "throttle down" mode. The vehicle is safe to drive in this mode and those who have posted here claim little to no difference in fuel economy.

tedplano · October 2002

I purchased these tires about 6 weeks ago and am very pleased with them. They are rated for very long wear and superb traction in wet conditions. There look is semi-aggressive. They are fairly pricey but should last a long time with a wear rating of 700.

kraus1 · October 2002

The reason I thought the VSC system was part of the problem was that the VSC light comes on when this occurs.

cliffy1 -- I have no idea whether it's good to have 4WD on all the time or not. From your other posts, I expect that you have the technical background/knowledge to know and that you're right.

But, shouldn't the TRAC (or VSC) system work right in 2WD? It seems that the type of quality vehicle that Toyota has always made (and this is my sixth Toyota/Lexus product) shouldn't have a lag when pulling out into traffic, whether I'm in 2WD or 4WD.

Am I wrong in seeing this problem as a defect/problem that Toyota should correct on my Sequoia?

cliffy1 · October 2002

TRAC does work in 2WD, but sometimes, it works too well. The idea of the rev limiter is that if you are on ice, you will creep forward under complete control instead of spinning in place. It actually works VERY well. It does seem that the 2001s too easily mistook gravel for ice as seems to be your issue.

I think some others had posted here that there was a "fix" for this. I don't know that for sure. I do know that the vehicle is not only safe, but actually a safer to drive in 4WD at all times. It will prevent the situation you describe, plus it can help in panic cornering by providing power to the wheels that need it most.

xyz71 · October 2002

It has been over a year since I test drove a Sequoia so I could be wrong - but - I thought the Sequoia used the part time system from the compact Tacoma. Which is not designed to be used on dry concrete. Did Toy change their system in 2003 or has it always been a full time system?

pschreck · October 2002

We have a 2001 Limited and it is driven in 4WD 90% of the time. In fact my brother and I drove from the GA/FL border to south central PA in 4WD last February in the rain. We drove that at 75 to 90 MPH straight through (we really wanted to get home).

Trust me, it's ok to drive in 4WD 24/7, rain, snow or dry. cliffy1 knows exactly what he is talking about. No doubt about that.

triple_b · October 2002

I have posted this in the Problems/Solutions board already, but just wanted to throw it out to the Main board for an FYI.

Have had my '02 Sequoia for 14 months now, 25k miles on it. AC compressor froze at 16,500 miles, 5 months ago. Dealership had my truck for 32 days waiting for parts. Meanwhile I worked with Toyota Corp. to get in a Sequoia loaner instead of the Trooper that had given me. Was able to get a 6yr/75k extended warranty for my trouble. Rotor vibration/warping at 19k, around 3 to 4 months ago. Dealer resurfaced without an issue, and haven't had any problems since. Now at 25k, AC compressor completely froze, AGAIN! Working with Toyota Corp. and dealer Customer Care rep., before bringing truck in to determine timing, loaner, etc.

This is not meant to complain about all Sequoia's or to say that I think that they all have these problems. I really do enjoy my truck and actually would have quite a few positives to point out if asked, but this is getting frustrating. Granted, this is just an AC unit and not the engine, tranny, etc. My concern is that is wasn't fixed (obviously) and won't be fixed correctly this time. Unfortunately I am having to seriously considering my options at this point.

raddboy41 · October 2002

Cliffy definitely knows what he's talking about when it comes to Toyota's 4WD systems. Read his summary title "Toyota 4WD Sytems Explained" to see why it's okay to leave your Sequoia in 4WD 24/7.

raddboy41 · October 2002

It sounds like one of two things may have happened to your replaced AC unit. Some metal filings from the previous compressor may have been left(inadvertantly) in the system which has finalling found it's way back to your new compressor, thus causing it to seize. Another thought is that because these TSB parts were so hard to find a few months ago, you may have received a new compressor but NOT the new suction tube which is really the HEART of the AC TSB. You can identify this by looking at this picture http://www.kevinhawk.com/toytsb.jpg and comparing it to your Sequoia.

For your front rotors, there is another TSB (BR005-02)which addresses this problem. Rumor has it that this will soon become a full blown recall, but it includes new calipers, rotors and miscellaneous parts. This TSB is applicable to VIN numbers higher than 5TD*T##A#2S136792. Since your rotors have already been grinded once, you would receive new rotors.
I know it's frustrating to have these problems with ancillary systems (thank god it's not the drivetrain!) but Toyota has indeed acknowledged these problems and produced fixes!

raddboy41 · October 2002

For those who only have 2WD and would like squeal the tires when pulling into traffic without the TRAC system interceding, simply push the "TRAC Off" button before you hit the accelerator. It will re-enable itself automatically at around 20 MPH. By that time the tires should have "hooked up"!! :^)

gold49 · October 2002

Ok- I need some advice. Looking at purchasing a 2002 Sequoia- new. A local dealer has several left on his lot, and my guess is they are itching to move them since the '03's are already here. I am looking at a silver SR5, Preffered and convenience pkg's, sunroof, MSRP I believe is $41,300+. Offer was $37,250, which is about $1000 over invoice and probably $1500+ over his cost. Is this correct? I think I should be able to do better for an '02, but want to know if anyone has very recent experiences here...Thanks.

cliffy1 · October 2002

There is nothing in common between the Sequoia and Tacoma 4WD systems. Read the first 4 posts in this topic.

physiochem · October 2002

Just wanted to say thanks to raddboy41, navigator3740 and mechengr1 for your advice regarding my oil pressure problem. As required by my state's lemon laws, I will give toyota another chance to correct this problem. If this fails, I will have a lawyer in waiting.

triple_b · October 2002

Thanks raddboy, I just took a look at the suction tube and the scary thing is that it is the new style suction tube. So at this point in time, my concern is that the new tube didn't function as required, metal fillings were left in the system, or I'm just unlucky. As far as the Rotors TSB, I'm gonna wait to see if the recall is issued. Thanks again and I will update as this goes along.

kraus1 · October 2002

I appreciate all of the responses about the VSC/TRAC issues I raised. But, I'm still stumped by the basic question -- if the system makes the car lag or hesitate when pulling out into traffic (and not squealing out or doing anything out of the ordinary) or when driving straight down a highway, isn't there a problem that Toyota should fix?

I finally received a call from the regional office today. "If it doesn't show up on the computer, how can you expect us to know what's wrong?" and "we've never had anyone raise any issue like this before". From these discussions and the ones on tundrasolutions.com, it's pretty obvious that some people are aware of this behavior/function/operation of the VSC or TRAC system.

Again, I appreciate everyone's input (since it does help to know that I'm not imagining things!) I'm just not sure that turning off the TRAC or turning on the 4WD is the answer. They certainly seem to be good ideas from knowledgeable people, but at the end of the day, the TRAC system "throttles down" when it shouldn't and Toyota says they shouldn't have to fix it. Very frustrating for a long-time Toyota/Lexus driver.

gas_guzzler · October 2002

This is the first time I am posting here. I own a 2002 Sequoia 4WD. After I browsed through all the posts here, I found out that my front brake was shimmying was a common problem. I also noticed the booming bass with my JBL audio.

I sent my rig in for the repair before but was told that everything is within factory specification. But all the posts here indeed confirmed my observation. So I called my dealer and set up an appointment for today to check out the front brake and audio.

In the morning when I dropped my truck in, the service manager still insisted that audio sounds good to him. I showed some of the printout from this board and he said something like " Internet doesn't fix my car, toyota does.". SO the experience in the morning was not a very pleasant one. I just insisted to let the technician take a look of the audio system. He didn't mention anything for the front brake repairs.

I received the call that my vehicle was ready. I was completely astonished by my pleasnat experiences. First the service manager apologized to me that he didn't know there was indeed a TSB for Audio. So they ordered the amplifiers for me per TSB AU001-02. I will be notified once the parts arrive. The 355 toyota changed both the front brake pads and rotors. THey even vacuumed my floor and cleaned the car for me. I am fully satified customer now even though I was unhappy about the premature wear in the front pads.

THe following are the part numbers showed up on my receipt.

Pad kits, Disc BRA 04465-0C012
Disc. FR 43512-0C010

Maybe these are the updated toyota brake pad since I feel the brake is so much stronger , even stronger than the vechile was brandnew.

I did have a few more questions. Is there any TSB issue with air conditioner? SO far my air conditioner has been great. SO should I call my dealer to check this out to have some stuffs changed?

norwesterner · October 2002

gold49..you should be able to do better on price. I recently purchased via the inter net, never talked to or saw the salesman (my wife picked up the vehicle) $300 over invoice, everything went very smooth.

Kraus1...my suggestion would be to find the spot that reproduces the problem and get the service manager in the vehicle and show him what is going on.

cliffy1 · October 2002

I don't want to disparage you, but your system is doing exactly what it is intended to do, albeit a bit more often than one would like. I am curious as to why you think that turning on the 4WD system is not the answer? Have you tried it?

movan · October 2002

Cliffy,

Let me start off by saying I've always respected your contributions since I bought my 01 LTD in Nov '00.

I've only yesterday visited this Town Hall (after a long time away) and came to realize that others such as Kraus1 have this same problem as I.

I'm scheduled to meet with a third party arbitrator next week because I feel so strongly that this is a serious safety issue involving a very common driving maneuver--turning right into traffic!

If the system is acting as intended, why did they change it for '02? Even if one accepts it's acting as intended, that doesn't absolve it from performing "safely". I've used Toyota's traction control and VSC on my Lexus GS400 since Oct 97 and absolutley love this safety feature. It's the opposite of safe however on my wife's 01 LTD.

cliffy1 · October 2002

First, let me apologize in advance if the following sounds insulting. I don't mean it that way. I have a serious question that no body has been able to answer. This issue comes up about once ever 4 or 5 months so it isn't new to me. The question is this: Why, in the face of information available, will you not engage your 4WD system to prevent the situation you are describing? To me, it would seem that if you are aware of how to prevent an unsafe situation but do not act upon it, you are culpable for any accidents.

When I asked this question before, all I got back was, "why should I do that?" and "it just shouldn't be." Never has anybody directly answered the question which causes me to question to validity of the complaint in the first place.

sk123 · October 2002

I paid $800 plus invoice for a 2003 SR5 with PM package

raddboy41 · October 2002

You're are both correct! Movan is correct in that the '01 TRAC system is, at times, too sensitive and may be creating a safety hazard during need of hard acceleration while turning. Cliffy is correct in stating that Movan should certainly hold some personal responsibility since he KNOWS how to make the vehicle safer, in fact, eliminate the condition all together....but this certainly doesn't draw into question Movan's validity of complaint. The complaint is valid, and it is dangerous. Movan should keep the vehicle in 4WD all the time for now to eliminate the safety issue and pursue a permanent remedy which could simply be replacement of the VSC/TRAC ECU(brains).

kraus1 · October 2002

raddboy41's last post really gets to the heart of the issue.

I'm perfectly willing to use 4WD for the time being so there's no risk. I don't want my family hurt when the VSC\TRAC system decides that pulling out into traffic is the same as slipping on ice or gravel.

On the other hand, I guess I just don't agree with cliffy1 that the "system is doing exactly what it is intended to do, albeit a bit more often than one would like." It's hard to believe that Toyota intends for the system to kick in under normal driving conditions on dry roads -- their engineers have always produced very good cars and having a momentary loss of power when pulling into traffic or coming out of a turn cannot be an intended design feature.

When I said that I didn't think 4WD was the answer, I didn't mean that it wouldn't work. A work-around lets you get something done, but it doesn't fix the problem that requires the work-around. I very much appreciate cliffy1's suggestion about using 4WD -- it's far more than Toyota has been able to do so far.

Thanks for everyone's contribution on this topic.

movan · October 2002

Cliffy wrote "Why, in the face of information available, will you not engage your 4WD system to prevent the situation you are describing?"

First of all, to the thousands of Sequoia owners who haven't read your tome on 4wd nor subscribe to this Town Hall, who's responsibility (or culpability to use your term)is it they be made known of this condition? I checked my sun visor and sure enough, there wasn't a sign that said "Warning: To avoid possible rear end collision while turning right to merge into traffic in dry conditions, either place the vehicle in four wheel drive or wait until all traffic has disappeared.

Secondly, the owners manual states the active traction control system automatically helps control the spinning of 4 wheels (4WD mode) or rear wheels (2WD mode) which may occur when accelerating ON SLIPPERY ROAD SURFACES" (emphasis added). The crux of the issue is that I and others have described a problem that exists on NORMAL DRY ROAD SURFACES".

You wrote When you are in 2WD (in the Sequoia and Runner), you still have traction control working for you....There is one thing to be careful of in this condition. When you are in 2-wheel drive, there is a second part of the TRACS that can be hazardous if you are not paying attention. This is the engine speed limiter... if you know you have any reduced traction, make sure you are in 4WD. What kind of expectation should people have driving these vehicles? "Gee it's a sunny day, I better put it in 4WD"?.

Why sell a Sequoia at all that has a switchable 2 and 4 wheel drive? Why not sell just a 4 wheel drive Sequoia ala LandCruiser? Besides, the lower fuel mileage, Im sure the wear and tear of leaving it in four wheel drive will be greater, which is why many of us who have had 4 wheel drive for many years want to focus its use on non-dry conditions. The promise of four wheel drive is that when the conditions look like theyre going to become nasty, one can motor on with flexibility that rear and front wheel drive vehicles cant match. Turning right into traffic--a nasty condition?

I find it patently absurd that for the simplest of normal traffic maneuvers, it is recommended to place such a hurly burly and Lexus-priced vehicle into four wheel drive. I hope that other SUV brand owners arent reading this or theyd get a big hoot.

This reminds me of the joke about the guy who walks into the doctors office. Doctor asks whats wrong. Patient says it hurts when I raise my arm above my head. Doctor says dont raise your arm above your head. This is the same advice you're giving: Don't use 2wd. We'll see what the third party arbitrator says next week and I'll report to the the Town Hall the result.

rlugood · October 2002

I have a 2001 Sequoia with less than 2,000 miles. This vehicle has always had a ticking sound which seems to come out of the dashboard someplace. This ticking sound gets more pronounced when accelerating or going uphill. This is very irritating and I finally decided to take into the dealer. Eventually this problem was diagnosed as piston slap and the service manager advised me that this problem applies only to the early Sequoia's and has subsequently been corrected for later models. He further advised me that Toyota is not fixing this for the early SUVs that have this problem. He said that Toyota is not calling this a problem but merely a "characteristic" of this SUV. They did indicate they went thru my vehicle extensively and everything is in good working order and that piston slap does not adversely affect the vehicle. I'm not sure I believe this. We will probably be going to third party arbitration in 30 - 40 days. Does anyone have any idea if this is a serious problem and can it be fixed. If it can't be fixed I may have to think about trading it in for another SUV. This would be too bad since I like this car in every other aspect. Any insight into this problem would be greatly appreciated.

norwesterner · October 2002

movan, an excellent post, cliffy, you're starting to sound like a dealer again "why in the face of information available" would you not make repairs to a vehicle that 98% of the time performs perfectly well but 2% of the time leaves you dead in the water in front of an 18 wheeler or a Greyhound bus!!? Is it cheaper to pay for the lawsuit than make the necessary repairs?

movan · October 2002

Thanks Norwesterner. I otherwise love my Sequoia but am completely amazed that Toyota is putting me into a fight over something that's a very basic safety issue. Toyota recognized it internally and made adjustments to decrease the sensitivity in 02 and 03 Sequoias according to other Sequoia owners with whom I've corresponded. One of my two kids loves riding in the third row but I'm moving him up to the second row until this is resolved to my satisfaction. Audi had "unintended acceleration" in the 80s. If they keep to their current position and don't take steps to fix this problem for all 01 owners, I'm so committed to this issue that one can easily imagine future press reports about "unintended deceleration" catching their attention. I'm a Ford Cobra owner also, and Ford had a PR fiasco on their hands when they tried to ignore owners who pointed out repeatedly that they didn't get the horsepower promised by Ford. Wake up Toyota, learn from history, and do something proactively!

cliffy1 · October 2002

I want to point out a few things. First, I agree that Toyota should have made the Sequoia a full-time system like the Land Cruiser. I agree that Toyota needs to do a better job of explaining the proper use of the 4WD system. I agree that the rev limiter is a PITA.

Where you and I differ is in how we deal with the realities of this. I have offered a solution that works. I don't believe in tilting at windmills. It just causes frustration. If you are going to pursue this with an arbitration proceeding, you will only feed your anger. You'll walk away mad at Toyota, your dealership, the service department and the arbitrator. I've seen it before.

I wish you luck. Like I said, I don't disagree that the system is less than perfect. I just think there is a resolution that will keep your blood pressure down and will actually make the Sequoia perform better anyway. Your call.

pemarsh · October 2002

I am not sure if I have the same noise or not. But I have a "ticking noise" ever since I have had the truck. It seems to be coming from the extreme left (driver's) side of the dash board...right where the pillar comes down to meet the dash. It is worse over bumps...but sometimes you might not hear it for days. It usually occurs as a few ticks every few minutes or so. It does not seem at all related to acceleration/engine. Any ideas???????

jimb22 · October 2002

I have a 2001 Limited and also experienced the problem with the VSC light and lost of power during acceleration.

I took it to the dealer and they said the problem could be the YAW and Deceleration sensor. They checked the YAW sensor. I already had the new version. They did a zero point calibration on the VSC, YAW Rate Sensor, and Deceleration Sensor. They removed excessive rust from the ABS Sensor. After all of that, everything was working fine. No more hesitation when pulling out into traffic. and it drives great. I was worried that they removed the sensor because it did not kick in at all during dry pavement then it rained the other day and I saw that it was working just fine.

This proves that the problem can be fixed.

mentor34 · October 2002

What is the 1" square plastic tab above the driver's side window in the roof fabric??

pschreck · October 2002

Unless I'm mistaken, it's for the sunroof in case of failure.

ronstoy · October 2002

I have that tab too, but no sunroof. I was thinking some kind of temperature control but who knows?

gkatz1 · October 2002

That is the voice sensor. It's there if you need someone or something to talk to. You can yell into it also. It will not get mad. No need to make eye contact however, keep your eyes on the road.

pschreck · October 2002

Popped mine off this morning. It covers a Philips head screw/bolt. It turned easily but I didn't go too far for fear that it would disconnect from something that would then fall into some kind of void. Kind of like the approach I had to take when discussing the purchase of a new 4Runner with the wife to replace her Outback.

jeffreylevin · October 2002

Any recommendations for a hitch rack for skis? Greatly appreciate any insight what works well.

norwesterner · October 2002

Thanks for the laughs. Pschreck funny but how true it is!!!

movan · October 2002

James, I'm very happy that your dealer was proactive in diagnosing and fixing the unintended deceleration problem (something my dealer was not, hence this week's arbitration meeting). Could you tell me:
--You mentioned you had the new version of the YAW and Deceleration sensor. When and why was it replaced?
--When was your most recent problem fixed?
--Any other comments by the dealer?

Thanks!

jimb22 · October 2002

Hi Movan,

I had the service done on Friday 10/26. They test drove my car and obviously saw the VSC light come on. They knew exactly what my problem was when I explained it over the phone. They told me in some cases they replace the YAW and in other cases they re-calibrate. They told me they have done many of them. Call 301-902-2141 and ask for Shawn. The phone rings a long time so be patient.

I hope that helps. Good luck.

jraut · October 2002

Anyone install their own spoiler on an SR5? I thought I remembered reading that someone here did it. My local dealer wouldn't sell me one.

cliffy1 · October 2002

You might want to start by looking back over the last few days posts. I'm sure you'll find plenty of questions to answer.

raddboy41 · October 2002

Check out http://www.spoilerdepot.com for a nice product at a good price. $115 unpainted, $200 w/ factory paint match. I was able to get a free OEM spoiler out of the dealer for my Sequoia (the deal hinged on it... :^). Needless to say, I paid for it somewhere.

cliffy1 · October 2002

That is incorrect information. I hope you have not told that to your customers. How do you explain the little button on the dash that engages the 4WD system?

Perhaps you should check out the topic "Toyota 4WD Systems Explained". It might help you in explaining things to your customers.

cliffy1 · October 2002

Please tell me you've never told that to a customer. The only way to lock the center diff on a sequoia is to first engage the 4WD, hit the button to get into the low gear range, then shift the transmission into low. This is called the "low-low" mode and it is the only time the center differential is ever locked on the Sequoia. A brief reading of an owners manual will confirm this.

toyotaken · October 2002

I have to apologize. I was wrong in my post on the 4wd system on the sequoia. In normal mode, it is Rear-wheel drive only. When you engage the 4hi switch, it engages the front driveshaft. Cliffy1, I'm sorry that I did misunderstand that. That is what we're all here for, however, and try to admit if I am mistaken.

cliffy1 · October 2002

You may want to read the first four posts at the topic "Toyota 4WD systems explained". It is the second topic down in the SUV conference. I know that there are several dealers who now use this as a training aid to help the staff understand the systems in our vehicles. The only big update to that is the new 4Runner. It has a different center differential which is explained in later postings.

espinaldo · October 2002

Several posts back, someone asked about a TSB for the A/C. I did not notice a response So I'll ask again--Is anyone aware of a TSB for the A/C? Thanks for an answer.

I have a 2001 and asked the dealer about the new design for the tube...he said that they only replace that if the whole unit goes out. We use the AC occasionally so I'm sure that the thing will go out at 37k. I am thinking about getting an extended warranty just for the AC issue.

I am approaching 22k. The carpets get dirty and the rear storage door still pops out. I get the stink smell, I have to turn down the base, the kids change the FM presets, the outside gets dusty and the neighbor's dog pees on the tires. Other than that, I am still happy with this vehicle.

tidester · October 2002

Find it here.

tidester, host

trdsctwo · October 2002

My 2002 Jade Green Sequoia is now becoming a PITA! It simply will not start when the temperature drops to the
point where there is frost on the windshield. This is normally not a big problem as I live on the West Coast, but this
time of year it happens from time to time. Luckily I do not normally use it for commuting as I live close enough
to my job that I can walk to work. I have had it in the dealer's service department twice for the same problem and
they simply cannot diagnose the problem. The first time they replaced some part of the ignition system (which they
had previously took apart piece by piece and stuck in the freezer) and the last time they replaced the entire CPU.
My rear speakers also buzz when the engine is running and although they replaced the rear amplifier it did no
good. They are going to replace the entire stereo system this next time so I am keeping my fingers crossed that this
will be successful. The service department is very good and so I have been patient but I have now told them that
when I bring the vehicle in the next time, I do NOT want it back until they can guarantee that both irritating problems
are fixed. If they are not successful I fear I will be bidding my "giant green tree" a final farewell. This is the only new
Toyota that I have ever purchased that has had such problems, and this is my seventh. Anybody have any similar
problems that I can relate to the technicians?????

raddboy41 · October 2002

First, your excessive bass problem:

TSB # AU001-02
Title: JBL AMPLIFIER IMPROVEMENTS
Models:'01 - '02 Sequoia
February 8, 2002
Introduction

New JBL amplifiers have been designed for the 2001 and 2002 model year Sequoia to address the following concerns:

Intermittent pop noise from the audio system when cycling the ignition key. Excessive bass even with bass controls set to "-5." Insufficient amount of sound from rear speakers.

Applicable Vehicles

2001 - 2002 model year Sequoia vehicles built before the VINs listed below.
Sequoia Front Amplifier - 5TD#####2S067029
Sequoia Rear Amplifier - 5TD#####2S077332

Now, for your A/C TSB:

TSB # AC001-01
Applicable Vehicles: 2001 - 2002 model year Sequoia

Introduction: To improve the durability of the A/C compressor on 2001 - 2002 model year Sequoia vehicles with rear A/C, a new refrigerant suction tube is now available. If an A/C compressor is being replaced, the new suction tube should be added at that time.

Toyota Sequoia

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