I average about 17.8 MPG, and I have a bit of a lead foot. Normally 90-95mph on highways(traffic permitting) and lead-foot takeoffs for city driving(non-residential areas, I behave when pedestrians are around).
Have a 2004 Limited 3 months old with 4000 miles on it. Here are my questions:
1. Have the Valor exhaust tip. I noticed the mufflers has a lot a black residue where the tip is connected. Is this normal?
2. The batter gauge and oil pressure gauges both run much higher than normal, more like 75% of the range. Anyone else experience this and again, is this normal?
The gauges normally operate in the upper 2/3 region - If you notice, during idle periods or when stopping at a traffic light, they go down until you press that accelerator again. It is normal.
I am not sure about the soot you're talking about, but a little bit of it is not abnormal.
Thanks for the notes and replies. My research also indicated that the thump should go away if I lubricate the slip yokes on the drive shaft. The dealer says there are no grease points for these models. However, an independent mechanic told me to lubricate the slip yokes, the drive shaft would have to be dropped - which is not really a big deal and would cost about $100.
I have the TRD Cat-back exhaust and I too get a ton of black soot on the tip of the tailpipe. Don't think it's a problem.....other than having to clean it !
I love the system. Not noisy at all.....in fact it could be moreso, but it's really sweet, reported from those outside the vehicle. Not very noticeable from the interior. Earlier versions of the TRD CAt-back had resonance problems. The vehicle seemed to have more pep after the install, and I feel I'm getting slightly better gas mileage. The only issue I have (had) with it was during the installation. I purchased it from Carson Toyota via internet and had a local performance muffler shop install it. After it was hung, it looked crooked at the tailpipe, aligning with the rear of the vehicle. They actually had to cut off the tip and reposition it to get a straight look. The new weld is as good as the original, but it was disappointing that they had to do that to get the job right.
In a 1002 mile trip last weekend, Fla. to Ohio, we averaged 15.4 mpg, mostly traveling around 80 to 85 mph with a/c on for about 2/3 of the trip. Our '04 Ltd now has about 3,900 miles on it.
Has anyone found a source for aftermarket heated leather seats for the SR5? We bought a 2003 "loaded like a Limited" from our favorite Toyota Salesman. When we realized the leather seats were not heated we were disappointed, but bought it due to the price offered and it otherwise meeting out needs. We have been very happy with the decision, except for a few cold Wisconsin winter January mornings. Any information would be appreciated!
Anyone with an '01 have had to perform alignment more than once since purchase ? My '01 seems to be having unusual wear of the front tires. Looked like the camber is out of alignment since only threading at the outer edges are wearing out. I have had an alignment done at the 20K mile mark, but now the truck is at 51K miles and may need another alignment. Is that normal ? We don't drive the truck that much. Will appreciate any input from owners.
If you look back a couple pages I gave out some specs that are an improvement. They were figured out by a Sequoia owner who also works for Hunter (company that makes alignment machines). They are within factory range but much more specific and improve straight line stability significantly.
I have an 04 SR5 with the convenience package. It states the the package comes with heated mirrors. Is there a switch to turn it on or does it come on when I turn on the rear defroster?
I love my ruck, only problem, a squeaking sunroof. Bringing it to the dealer this week to see what they can do.
Like gkatz1 said, they come on with the rear defroster. If you'd like to verify this yourself simply turn on the rear defrost for about a minute and stick your hand to the mirror, it'll be noticibly warm to the touch. Don't worry, it's not hot enough to burn you.
I was wondering if anyone has had a water leak under the carpeting in the rear cargo area of their Toyota Sequoia. I was recently vacuuming the rear cargo area when I noticed dampness in the diver's side rear corner in the cargo area. After lifing the carpet off the floor board, I discovered a very wet insulation. It took 2 days to fan dry the insulation. I have no sunroof. I rarely use the rear air conditioning unit and the windows have been closed. It seems that the leak is coming from the bottom up. Thanks for your help....
If you pull up the edge of the carpeting and a few layers of insulation(doing so will not damage the interior, it's just laying there, the only thing holding it is the 3-inch wide strip of interior plastic at the end of the tailgate and this can easily be removed with a screwdriver) you'll be able to better locate the source of any leak. This will give you better access to actually see the metal body. Take a flashlight, and try to look for a 1-inch round hole towards the rear(they are on each side) right behind the side interior. There should be a black rubber plug in the hole, if it's not there then you've found the source of your leaks. It's also possible that a parking, turn, or brake lamp has been replaced and the lamp assembly wasn't properly reinstalled. If that's the case there are instructions in the manual on how to remove and install the lamp assembly, can't hurt to pull it out and put it back in just to make sure it's in properly.
I actually did pull the carpet / insulation up. I could not locate the leak. It seems to be coming from the bottom - up and right under the side interior. I did not know about the 1 inch round holes at the rear of the cargo area. I'll take a look at that tonight and I will also pull apart the real lamp assembly for evidence of a leak. Thanks for the advice and I'll advise of my findings. nikosgp
It's not that easy to see without partially removing that side interior piece. So if you're unable to locate it you can at least check for the missing plug by waiting until it's dark outside, then have someone shine a flashlight around underneath the truck and look for light coming in from under the interior piece.
The way I found out about this is I spent quite a bit of time looking for a quality way to run wiring into the rear area. I ended up poking a small hole in the rubber plug for each wire and running the wire through those holes as it made a nice seal around the wire. I've always loved how easy it is to install electronic components in Toyotas. The camry I had before the sequoia is the best I've ever seen, not only did it have rubber grommets in the firewall I could run wiring through, they put plastic channels under the trim running along the floor. The plastic channels had the side split open making it real easy to add wires to.
Thats a good idea about the wiring. Were you going from inside the car to the outside? I've done some extensive wiring in my Sequoia. I put 4 small speaker in the rear cargo area that are actually concealed behind the inside paneling. The wiring went from the front instrument panel to the rear cargo area behind all the moldings and panels. It was interesting to discover that Toyota had clips strategically located throughout. As for my auxillary rear search light - I took the easy way out. I went from the engine compartment under the car to the rear with a plastic tubing for housing electrical wires. It would have been easier had I known about the plug. Tonight I'll use the light technique from under the car. It's been raining in NJ. This weekend I plan on hosing water from below and then above to see if I can trace the leak. Talk to you soon - bp3959 -- nikosgp
We recently purchased a new 2003 SR5 Sequoia. On the window sticker it said it came with Auto-Off Headlamps. We have since found that it does NOT have Auto-off headlamps. The dealer at first thought it might have been a "misbuild" problem (they forgot to add the feature during assembly). After more research, the dealer found that the sticker was wrong, that the SR5's do NOT come with Auto-off headlamps. He says the feature only comes on the Limited version, and that it can NOT be added to the SR5. Obviously disappointing, and troublesome in that our car has not started on three seperate occasions (not sure if it is related to headlights or not). Anyone out there have a similar experience, or have any suggestions?
Here's a few things you should try. With the lights on, turn off the engine and step out. If you hit the lock on the remote twice your headlights should turn off. If you hit it once to lock the truck it should turn off within a minute.
I have a 2002 SR5 and if we leave the interior lights on or the headlights it will automatically turn off, I do not have any special switch for auto off, but there must be some safety battery saving feature where it shuts off. I do not recall if we locked the car or not.
Yep, on my 2002 SR5 the interiors turn themselves off after 1/2 hr. Now, here's the embarrasing story. I was busy installing a small dash mounted switch on the Sequoia which turns "ON" the accessory sockets when the ignition is off. As I was finishing the wiring, the interior lights went off! Darn, I thought, I just blew a fuse! That's right, I then spent 1 hr. checking EVERY FUSE ON THE VEHICLE until I gave up in disgust! I slammed the driver's side door closed and went inside to think about it. When I returned to try again....VIOLA! I had lights! Yours in ignorance......Kevin
Thanks for the help everyone, Now the question is why has our Sequoia failed to start 3 times over the past 8 months. The battery and alternator both check out fine. If the lights go out automatically what else could drain the battery? On two occasions my wife parked the truck and came back within 2-3 hours and it would not start. Anyone else experience this problem?
I have been looking every where for chrome rocker panels for my 2004 Sequoia. Does anyone know of a source? They would really dress up the outside of the vehicle.
We've been tossing around the idea of replacing our problem-free 2002 Avalanche with something that has more room inside, and the Suburban and Sequoia are possibilities.
My main question is, how hard is it to find a 2wd SR5 with just the "A" or "B" option package? I priced one out on Toyota's site that just had the "B" package, and the sticker was just around $35k. The site said inventory for 2wd SR5's was "Excellent" in the Northeast region--I'm in Delaware. Anyone else have a 2wd SR5 or know how hard they are to get? How much has anyone gotten knocked off of sticker lately?
I have a 2003 SR5 and it has 33K miles now.(Lots of traveling). Anyway, I have had very little trouble with it but I was wondering if anyone could recommend anything I should have checked while it is still under warranty? I've heard something about a brake TSB. Anything else ?
The brake problems were fixed as of 2003. My 2001 has 51K trouble-free miles. Only thing I have replaced were the front brake pads and rotors at 25K miles, and re-done with the TSB for bigger rotors and pads....
BTW, anyone know if increase in stopping distance is a sign that the pads are fading ? Just wondering.... Recently found out that I need a long braking distance and to hold the brakes down real hard to get the truck to stop. Could it be lack of familiarity with the truck since we hardly drive it, or could it be sign of potential brake problem. Anyone have a guess which is it ?
I have had black vehicles in the past, but not for the last few years. Anyone have a proven technique on how to hand wax my Sequoia and also what type of wax works best? I tried several techniques on my other vehicles, but it always seemed to end up looking like I had swirls in the paint. I want to clean up our new one now and I don't want to get the results I got before. Thanks for the help. Also, where can I find a good bug shield?
Good thing I noticed your post because I had a 2002 Sequoia in black. Zaino is the best product I've used on black. It's time consuming though, but since you're asking you won't mind! Go to Zaino and read. You want to end up using Z-5 for polish as it hides swirls. Every coat adds a deeper and cleaner shine. And it lasts for 6+ months.
As for bug shields, forget it. Dig deep and do the front of the truck with 3M clear bra. My last three vehicles have had it and it works, nuff said.
A friend who works for Lexus in Japan has told me Toyota is going to separate the cars from the trucks and have a full line up of trucks under a separate name in 2006-2007 model years.
All new BIGGER Tundra with crew cabs, diesel engines, and rear duel trans axles etc..
A all new Sequoia will be out in 2006 as a 2007 model. Look for a Hybrid V6 and V8 the following year.
Just took the new Limited into a very reputable paint shop in San Diego and got it back with a "rainbow hue" to the reflection in the sunlight. It definitely has a "prism effect" to the reflection- anybody have a pearl grey repaint? It's drivin' me nuts- they used dupont paint and don't know what's wrong...I can't stand it. The fleck lay by the painter is awesome- in the shade it is only a tad darker than the stock paint (as good as can be expected IMO), but in the sunlight it takes on a rainbow effect (IE lowrider appearance..). Drivin' me nuts- they don't know but I think it is a result of improper material as the painter worked his magic very well... what do you think?????
I think I did a bad job explaining myself about the separate name. The name will be the same "Toyota" not like Scion or Lexus.
For example "IFORCE" maybe the the call sign??. I'm not clear on how they plan on separating the trucks from the cars but knowing Toyota they'll pull it off. You will still see the Toyota name on the trucks and visit your Toyota dealer in the ads.
As for the Land Cruiser it's up in the air he did not know.
Comments
1. Have the Valor exhaust tip. I noticed the mufflers has a lot a black residue where the tip is connected. Is this normal?
2. The batter gauge and oil pressure gauges both run much higher than normal, more like 75% of the range. Anyone else experience this and again, is this normal?
Thanks in advance
Ellen
I am not sure about the soot you're talking about, but a little bit of it is not abnormal.
3rd issue?????????????
My research also indicated that the thump should go away if I lubricate the slip yokes on the drive shaft. The dealer says there are no grease points for these models. However, an independent mechanic told me to lubricate the slip yokes, the drive shaft would have to be dropped - which is not really a big deal and would cost about $100.
In any case, the thumping is a major annoyance.
There are three kinds of people: those who can count and those who can't! ;-)
(Just kidding, Ellen!)
tidester, host
tidester, host
Could someone please explain what/where "Running Boards" are (the lowermost painted panel?)?
Are "Running Boards" different from the "Step Boards" listed in the Accessory section of the Sequoia's brochure?
Thanks,
bcfan
I love my ruck, only problem, a squeaking sunroof. Bringing it to the dealer this week to see what they can do.
any way to stop the squeak.
I actually did pull the carpet / insulation up. I could not locate the leak. It seems to be coming from the bottom - up and right under the side interior. I did not know about the 1 inch round holes at the rear of the cargo area. I'll take a look at that tonight and I will also pull apart the real lamp assembly for evidence of a leak. Thanks for the advice and I'll advise of my findings. nikosgp
The way I found out about this is I spent quite a bit of time looking for a quality way to run wiring into the rear area. I ended up poking a small hole in the rubber plug for each wire and running the wire through those holes as it made a nice seal around the wire. I've always loved how easy it is to install electronic components in Toyotas. The camry I had before the sequoia is the best I've ever seen, not only did it have rubber grommets in the firewall I could run wiring through, they put plastic channels under the trim running along the floor. The plastic channels had the side split open making it real easy to add wires to.
My main question is, how hard is it to find a 2wd SR5 with just the "A" or "B" option package? I priced one out on Toyota's site that just had the "B" package, and the sticker was just around $35k. The site said inventory for 2wd SR5's was "Excellent" in the Northeast region--I'm in Delaware. Anyone else have a 2wd SR5 or know how hard they are to get? How much has anyone gotten knocked off of sticker lately?
BTW, anyone know if increase in stopping distance is a sign that the pads are fading ? Just wondering.... Recently found out that I need a long braking distance and to hold the brakes down real hard to get the truck to stop. Could it be lack of familiarity with the truck since we hardly drive it, or could it be sign of potential brake problem. Anyone have a guess which is it ?
As for bug shields, forget it. Dig deep and do the front of the truck with 3M clear bra. My last three vehicles have had it and it works, nuff said.
All new BIGGER Tundra with crew cabs, diesel engines, and rear duel trans axles etc..
A all new Sequoia will be out in 2006 as a 2007 model. Look for a Hybrid V6 and V8 the following year.
Tacoma gets more as well.
Keep you posted.
That is hard to understand - Toyota is one of the most valuable brand names in the automotive business. I can't see any benefit to doing this.
I assume they will still be sold at Toyota dealerships so what is the point? Unless they plan on allowing Lexus to sell the new brand also.
For example "IFORCE" maybe the the call sign??. I'm not clear on how they plan on separating the trucks from the cars but knowing Toyota they'll pull it off. You will still see the Toyota name on the trucks and visit your Toyota dealer in the ads.
As for the Land Cruiser it's up in the air he did not know.