Toyota Sequoia

gedmundsc · December 2002

Do not try this at home! On Christmas day in preparation for traveling to south Jersey to spend with the family, I went to the local shopping center to get gas. The parking lots were empty and snow covered, so I decided to test the four wheel drive, VSC, ABS and trac control. They worked absolutely incredibly. My first test, I cranked the wheel all the way to left, and floored it. The system kicked in immediately, it cut the power and only applied enough to maintain perfect traction. So it would not let me do doughnuts in the snow. I then tried a different approach, I picked up some speed then cut the wheel hard to the left, again the system kicked in, the VSE started beeping, it cut the power to the wheels and applied power to maintain a proper turn. They really have done a remarkable job with this system. The Sequioa was loaded with my wifes desserts and entrees for Christmas dinner. Nothing was spilled or ruined by my antics.

While on the highway to south Jersey, the highways were very slick with a lot of ice and snow in between the lanes. I noticed when I crossed lanes the system would kick in and sometimes the wheel would not turn, at one point we thought we were going to hit a guard rail, but the system gave us perfect control over the vehicle putting us right back in the lane. Remarkable! This is a phenomenal system. The ABS works great even on the ice and hard packed snow, it keeps the vehicle straight. Only concern is that the other vehicles around me do not enjoy such a remarkable package.

if you can find a huge open empty parking lot that is snow or ice covered, you can have a little fun and test out your system.

cliffy1 · December 2002

I discovered the same fun you did a couple of years ago. Empty parking lots are great places to learn about your vehicle. Try it in 2 and 4WD modes and see the difference. You will also find out quickly (as you did) the reason power is cut in the 2WD mode. It allows you a slow but VERY controlled turn.

oac3 · December 2002

If you have an '01 or early model '02 Sequoia, I STRONGLY recommend you take it in to have the front brakes replaced under the TSB. The difference is incredible, and you will regret not doing so while you still have the warranty time.

Here is what happened in my case:

At 25K miles, the brake pads and rotor needed to be replaced. Cost $550 + tax. At the 30K miles service, the brakes were wearing *normally*. At 35K miles, I noticed front vibration upon braking. Took it in and had it checked. Yes, the rotors were warped again. I insisted that the brake upgrade be performed. The dealer tried to wiggle out, but after reminding them of the cost I paid 10K miles earlier to put brand new pads and rotors, and showing them a copy of the TSB and a mention that the online superhighway has LOTS of info on this from other owners, they relented and agreed to fix it under the TSB. It took a day of work to get all the parts replaced, and there is a lot of things to replace under this TSB. That is why you should have yours done too. I strongly recommend it.

The difference is incredible !!! The new brake calipers are far bigger than the old ones. The car feels more solid under braking condition, and even Toyota service tech told me, the problems with warped rotors will disappear with the new brake system.

Get yours in today without delay, regardless if yours ain't warped yet...

xman1035 · December 2002

D you have a weblink to the TSB brake problem for Sequoia? I have a late model 2002 Sequoia SR5 4x4 and would like to have that information. By the way, how would I know if my Sequoia has the bigger brake calipers?

oac3 · December 2002

raddboy has provided the TSB # here several times (TSB # for front brakes upgrade is BR005-02). As a member on tundrasolutions I can access all Toyota TSB's, but edmunds also has a TSB site here (for reference, Tidester_Host provided this in post #6912 on this forum).

Here is a clip from raddboy's post #6738 on the brake TSB:

"...This TSB is applicable to VIN numbers higher than 5TD*T##A#2S136792...." So if your car does not fall within the above VIN #, it may have the upgraded brake system, as some late model '02 and ALL '03's had the upgraded front calipers and rotors.

Hope his helps

arcticman · December 2002

Raddboy, correct me if I'm wrong but the TSB you linked me to concerning the brake repairs applies to VIN #'s BEFORE 2S136792, not higher. If it's higher then that vehicle should have the upgrade, correct? My '02 is eligible and it's build date was in June of this year.

kinnman · December 2002

I've checked Edmunds and NHTSA and the only TSB I've found is BR002-02, which is for the 2001 model, and it's for the emergency brakes. I trust you guys, but I would like to print something that I can show my dealer. Where did you find this TSB? My Sequoia was built on June 25th and my VIN is just below ####136792. Thanks for your help.

stever · December 2002

Sometimes we miss them. You can crosscheck at alldata.com too.

Steve, Host

kinnman · December 2002

Thanks Steve, NHTSA also missed it. I did find the TSB BR005-02 @ tundrasolutions.com (You do have to become a member, similar to Townhall). It does apply to 2001 and 2002 built BEFORE the above stated VIN #. It applies to the front brakes only. Good luck everyone.

low_ball_88 · December 2002

I have a 2002 Ltd. 4WD with a VIN # below the one as indicated on this message board. I went to Alldata and could not find TSB BR005-02. Is there another way to get this TSB without being a member of tundrasolutions.com?

Also, I have only 5500 miles on my vehicle and only noticed that the breaks makes a thumping noise and the break pedal gives a little when applied while putting it into gear. The dealer said the breaks are just setting and is normal. Please inform me if others have similar problems.

If requested by the owner, does the Toyota dealer have to repair all TSBs (like all recalls) or is it up to dealer's discretion?

Thanks in advance

stever · December 2002

My library subscribes to alldata.com. Try calling yours. Often the service manager will provide you a copy of the tsb if you ask nicely. Donuts would help:-).

But a tsb is intended (mostly) to help the mechanics expediently deal with problems that have arisen (or for such mundane things as correcting typos in the service manuals). There's no rule that I know of that forces the dealer to perform a tsb.

More here: You, Your Vehicle and the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)

Steve, Host

raddboy41 · January 2003

Okay, so I post probably 20 messages about the brake TSB and my friend OAC3 quotes me on the one that is INCORRECT. :^)Indeed, the TSB applies to vehicles with VIN# BEFORE 5TD*T##A#2S136792. If anyone would like to see the FULL TSB online you can email me by clicking on my name above and finding my personal email address. I'll be glad to respond with the information. The TSB is real and very recent which explains why many Toyota shops may not have heard about this yet and other websites like Edmunds and Alldata haven't posted it. Armed with this information and a complaint that the front brakes vibrate, the work will be done for free if your vehicle is still within the 36/36,000 warranty. If you've already had work done on your brakes and paid out of pocket within the warranty period.....I'm not a lawyer....but you'd have a good case in small claims since Toyota has now effectively admitted a design flaw with this TSB. This is not and should not be miscontrued as legal advice. I'm not lawyer..but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night! :^}

gkatz1 · January 2003

Radboy, my VIN ends 2S136080. I'm assuming mine is affected? Too bad these other guys don't belong to the other site.

Catman

oac3 · January 2003

my apologies for choosing the wrong post of yours to quote on the brake TSB.

Speaking of "staying at the Holiday Inn Express", I already paid out-of-pocket for new brake shoes and new rotors at 25K miles. Think I have a case against Toyota ?

BTW, to reach Toyota Customer Care, here is the number: 1-800-331-4331 (option 3), you will need the patience of a mule !

mcmatt · January 2003

There is a TSB for the plastic door that keeps falling off. All it entails is wrapping some self stick felt around one side of the female receptacle that the clips go into. This just increases friction.

I fixed mine by putting some self stick rubber in the "V" of the male side of the clip to hold the "V" wider. I think either will work and it is a $5 / 5 minute fix.

raddboy41 · January 2003

My Sequoia came with the Port Installed Option where they etched each piece of glass with the VIN number of your vehicle. On the dark privacy glass this is VERY noticable! If you take a felt tip permanent market (Sharpie) and write over these numbers then wipe with a dry cloth it becomes much less noticable.

raddboy41 · January 2003

It's a little late for those of your who may have used your Sequoia to attend Holiday Light festivals, but sometimes you simply want to disable the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) temporarily when driving. You can do this by popping the hood and looking at the connector next to the battery mounted inside fender wall. With the assitance of a screwdriver, simply depress the lock tab and pull the two ends of the connector apart. Good to go! Press them back together when you want to re-enable.

774 · January 2003

I went to the dealer reguarding front brakes and was pleasantly surprised. Iwas informed there was tsb reguarding complete brake replacement which includes every thing.The job takes about half a day and better yet Toyota is paying the complete cost.This is the difference between Toyota and ford. Toyota fixes the problem while ford ignores the problem.The truck has been a pleasure to drive and I would buy it again.

michay · January 2003

does that only disable the DRL? Will the headlights still work for night-time driving.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of DRLs.

mulligan2 · January 2003

We took our Sequoia to the Poconos last weekend and pulled up next to the driveway only to see that the snow was about 15" deep with a 36" mound at the end from the roads being plowed. The Sequoia blasted through the snow like a champ with no intrusion from the TRAC or VSC. I wonder how a cross-over like the MDX or Volvo would have fared?

gkatz1 · January 2003

The headlights will function normally. If you want DRL's again just reconnect them.

cgjgbg · January 2003

i have a 2003 sequoia sr5, while driving with the rear side windows down the vehicle shakes and has a loud thumping sound which i think is do to the aerodynamics of the car. do all suv's do this, or is mine thew only one.

tidester · January 2003

It's not uncommon though your situation sounds a bit extreme. Here is a discussion of the phenomenon.

tidester, host

seqlady · January 2003

Went to my dealer today for an oil change (at 22,500 miles) and mentioned the brake tsb that's been discussed recently on this board. They've ordered the parts and have me scheduled for 1/20/03 to perform the upgrade. Just wanted to thank everyone who provided so much information on this topic. We continue to love this beast and have been delighted with the service provided by our dealer thus far. Ongoing service is so much more important than saving a few dollars at the initial purchase.
On another note, we've been getting clobbered with snow here in the northeast and this Sequoia is the best! Say what you will about the sensitive, loud VSC....it really works! I don't care if it plays the Star Spangled Banner if it keeps me safely on the road instead of in a ditch.

raddboy41 · January 2003

NEW TSB!!

TSB EG019-02
Applies to the Sequoia with VIN # lower than 5TDZT34A42S110570

Basically, the oxygen sensors have been failing prematurely sending failure codes P0135 or P0155.

Previous Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 part # 89465-34080 has been replaced by # 89465-34140 and Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 part # 89465-43110 has been replaced with part # 89465-34150.

Replacement of these parts is covered within the 36/36,000 mile warranty.

It says that application of this warranty is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer's specific complaint. Whatever that means. I'd imagine that you at least have to have the check engine light on with the above failure code, retrieved by their diagnostic equipment.

raddboy41 · January 2003

I know, I know....you want to see this TSB online. Go to http://www.kevinhawk.com/o2sensor.jpg to see it. If it is too small to read, simply move your mouse cursor over the document and a box will appear in the lower right "Expand to Reqular Size".

tidester · January 2003

If it is too small to read, simply move your mouse cursor over the document and a box will appear in the lower right "Expand to Reqular Size".

I think that only works with Internet Explorer 6.0. Other browsers have different ways of magnifying the image.

tidester, host

buyer35 · January 2003

raddboy41,
I attempted to find your e-mail address in your profile (per your msg #6949) so I could e-mail you requesting a copy of the TSB for the brakes, but I could not find your e-mail address. Am I missing it? If it's not in your profile, can you put it there?

z71bill · January 2003

It sounds to me like Toyota undersized the brake fluid reservoir. When they went to the 4 piston brakes did they upgrade the reservoir?

I would swear my last Toyota owners manual said "do not top off brake fluid" - Maybe it was the Nissan.

OAS3 - Did Toyota refund the $550 you paid for a complete brake job? Seems to me they owe you $550.

jimb22 · January 2003

Hi Matt,

Can you give me the name of product/store and instructions.

Thanks

jwamalls2 · January 2003

I am looking at a new Sequoia, but the turning radius really bothers me. Its about the same as a Suburban. Coming from an Expy that drives small, and spending alot of time in tight places,this concerns me.

Do you Sequoia owners have an problems with this?

gkatz1 · January 2003

I've never had a problem at all. My 2002 Maxima is probably worse.

pschreck · January 2003

No problems. Still lovin' my Sequoia.

doudoudid · January 2003

question for any sequoia owner has no keyless entry option, (i know it's weird, but it happens on some 02 models) how do you guys get around that problem? i know toyota doesn't offer factory keyless for sequoia. i'm a bit fuzzy about the look of the AM remote, they all look a kind of big. even the camry has a nice little;e remote. do you think i can get any nice or even toyota remote on my vehicle?

thanks in advance

774 · January 2003

I had the same problem and solved it with a viper alarm system which gave me keyless entry. The cost for the alarm was about 250.00

mcmatt · January 2003

In response to stores and part numbers. I'm afraid I don't have the exact numbers.

I used thin rubber self-stick weather stripping that I had around the house. You can get this at Lowe's or Home Depot. You might have to buy several feet of it though. Cut a small piece and stick it in the "V" of the male clip on the door piece. The problem here is that it will be visible.

To copy the Toyota solution, get self stick felt. This can be found at hobby stores like Hobby Lobby or Michael's. Cut a strip of it and then wrap it around one side of the hole that the "V" connector goes into. This will increase the friction enough to hold the door. It is also hidden. Make sure when you wrap the tape it conforms to the shape of the plastic.

Good Luck!

gedmundsc · January 2003

33K and all OK, 2001 Sequoia. Minor annoyances, panel door in back not staying closed, rear wiper started not seating, glass breakage sensor not sensitive enough, blah, blah, blah. No real problems though, it tows my 3K lbs camper 8 months out of the year like a champ. Kids keep trashing the inside but it cleans up nice, except the carpets are taking a pounding from all the spilled colored kids drinks, that isn't coming out, but their badges of honor, it's being used and earning its keep.

Who has the high mileage out there?

flabchbum · January 2003

I want to echo others on this site for the heads-up on the brake TSB. Had this service on my '01 done last week (22,500+ miles). Service mgr said it was close to $1,000 on the repairs. No cost to me, of course. Vehicle drives better than before if you can believe it !! Thanks, folks.

petro33 · January 2003

I have 36,360 and the only problem I have had was a brake job at 18,000 miles. I have an '01 limited. Everything is running just great. I also replaced the dunlaps with Michelin cross terrains at 35,000. I am getting close to another brake job I wonder if they will fix my '01 under the TSB even though I am out of the basic warrenty period?

csd2 · January 2003

I have been keeping up with the info. being passed through and I checked the VIN # and of course my 02' Seq. is below the specified #"s. SO before calling my not so friendly toyota dealer I called toyota's 1-800 number to get the scoop on the TSB. They were very nice by the way. I told him the situation and he said they will first have to look at the brakes to see if there is a problem. I told them on the phone that the last time I went there with a TSB they gave me a hard time ( REAR AC ). He said that if I recieve a hard time they can send a service request directly to the dealer then we would have to work out something.
My questions are: 1) Does there have to be a problem with the brakes before I get there or do I just ask to have the TSB honored?
2) Should I have a mechanic from my local garage look at the brakes?
3)IF they don't put on the new brakes under the TSB when I have to get brakes probably within the next 3,000 miles will they be free OR ar they going to put the TSB brakes on and charge me. WHAT SHOULD BE MY NEXT MOVE. ANY HELP WOULD BE WONDERFUL. THANKS

oac3 · January 2003

here are some answers to yours:

Q: 1) Does there have to be a problem with the brakes before I get there or do I just ask to have the TSB honored?
A: Generally, a YES. But if you can sweet-talk them, and express your disapproval if they won't fix a KNOWN problem, then maybe you need to go elsewhere. Hopefully, they'll be nice about it and fix it for you under the TSB.

Q: Should I have a mechanic from my local garage look at the brakes?
A: I wouldn't advice you to do this. In such a situation, you want Toyota service people doing all the checks.

Q: IF they don't put on the new brakes under the TSB when I have to get brakes probably within the next 3,000 miles will they be free OR ar they going to put the TSB brakes on and charge me...
A: As you have read of others on this forum, there is NO CHARGE to have your brakes replaced under the TSB. Like I said earlier, take it in and have this service done as long as your car qualifies (right VIN, before 3/36 warranty expires).

Good luck.

774 · January 2003

I had my brakes replaced today after waiting over a week for the new parts to arrive at the dealership.I originally just went in to have the the front pads replaced not even aware of tsb on the brakes.The service writer at the dealer ship was aware of the tsb and stated he was going to have the entire front breaking system replaced at Toyotas expense.I also was not aware of any braking problems with the vehicle only worn front pads.Who am I to argue with trained professioal. .Toyota knows there is a problem with the brakes and my brakes would have gone bad at a later date.I would suggest that you shop dealerships as they are making money on the repairs. I asked the service writer how much this was costing Toyota and he stated in excess of 1700 dollars. Good luck.

flabchbum · January 2003

I noticed a slight modulation in the brake pedal pressure after the vehicle had been driven in traffic for about 30 minutes.

When I mentioned this to the service mgr along with the TSB number there were no further questions asked.

By the way, Life is too short to be dealing with a bad attitude dealership, Toyota or not. Find another one.

2heeldrive · January 2003

Incredible! After 18 months of ownership I finally got the chance to drive in real snow (6"). WOW! Full time 4WD and anti-slip and anti-skid made the drive to work (zipping past many cars and SUV's that were in the median, ditch or kissing the concrete barrier) a non-event.

ronstoy · January 2003

Had the TSB work completed on Wednesday and to be honest can't tell a difference. I had noticed a little vibration when stopping from high speeds (like freeway exit) but had the tires balanced on Sunday and that smoothed out the ride a bit. My biggest concern was that it felt like the Sequoia took too long to stop too much pressure on the brakes, that seems to be the same, we will see, have just over 16k on the vehicle

walsh644 · January 2003

Purchased May of '01. Just got SUV back from dealership after 1 week stay for make repairs: A major issue is the VSC (NPF) 3 incidences & scary!!! 1) Turned right, bumped curb w/rear passenger tire & VSC down powered vehicle w/oncoming traffic leaving me stranded in the intersection & no acceleration. 2) Did a u-turn and went off road into grassy area - LOUD buzzing undercarriage noise (sounds like the game: "Operation" when it buzzes) 3) Right turn into steep driveway - LOUD BUZZING. Dealer said "normal" VSC control. I think the down powering from VSC is dangerous if it leaves you stranded in middle of street and oncoming traffic from slight curb bump, going over railroad tracks, pot holes,etc. Engine Ticking- just replaced "warped" exhaust manifold right side only. (March '02 they re-connected loose duct & said that should fix ticking.) Drove vehicle home from dealership & could not hear ticking, the next day temps dropped into 20's & ticking was back & same loudness - No permanent fix yet. Just had brakes replaced under warranty due to addt'l jump/lunge after stopped or upon take off - still has slight lunge/bump when taking off from complete stop. Checked for rotten egg odor - NPF. Checked for rough idle - as if engine looses is nervous system - NPF. Buzzing & Bass problems @ front speakers - NPF. Low Air flow @ rear of vechicle in a/c & heat mode - NPF.
March '02 replaced front tires under warranty due to Mfg defect, but rear tires are wearing improperly. ** Tear in leather seat on driver's right side - lower section by seat controls - tear from metal frame due to no padding around metal frame & metal wore through from getting in/out of vehicle. Dealer added padding @ frame on both front seats, repaired tear & said to get it back in before 36,000 miles if it begins to tear. Dealer is again in contact w/Toyata re: "NPF" issues. Replaced '92 Camry w/Sequoia. Waited 1 year for vehicle to come out, waited another year to purchase. Love the vehicle but hate the ticking, VSC sensitivity and plastic (?) interior is sensitive to scratches and gas mileage @ 12 mpg. '92 Camry interior still great and looking new after 10 years of use. Paid alot of money for our first "Loaded, Top of The Line" purchase. We will be checking out the new Lexus SUV & the '03 Sequoia - that ticking noise will make us crazy & I think could become a negative resale issue.

slcamt · January 2003

Sounds like my GMC. I'd burn it.

pschreck · January 2003

The Sequoia is great in the snow. I just wish we'd get more in our area. After having a Maxima (nice car) in the snow for a season, I feel like a king when I go out in the Sequoia. Have fun!

mulligan2 · January 2003

Anyone know of a good source for Sequoia parts? I need a center cap for a wheel.

raddboy41 · January 2003

Hmmm...all you need is a center cap? How about the local Toyota dealership.....after dark!! :^) It's a joke....really!

Toyota Sequoia

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