00 Limited climate control and rear window problems

[bigtuna]

I just bought a 2000 Limited.

The truck is in perfect shape as it was garage kept so far. The only problems I have are;

a) The digital climate control is acting weird. Sometimes the defrost, auto, and recirc/fresh air buttons don't work. Also a bulb seems to be burnt, and from reading here looks like it is easy to fix. When I am replacing bulbs, should I look for a salvage control or would that be borrowed time. Has anybody found that this is typical?

b) right above the climate control is the rear window control. Sometimes the button works, sometimes not. I used to have a Bronco and I know from experience the switches simply had to be replaced, it was typical. Same here or have you guys found just loose/corroded connectors?

c) What the heck is the cubby hole just behind the cup holders (next to the ebrake) for? Umbrella? It just seems kind of odd there.

d) Time est on changing the timing belt, and water pump. Can I do both in one saturday?

Thanks for you responses

 

[T4RBoarder]

do you put your window lock on a lot?, first 4Runner I had I would have sworn the rear window was going out until I realized it was shut off when you put the window lock on.

 

[4rnr4me]

the only one i will answer is what that little cubby is good for...

i use it for spare change...its easier to get into than the ash tray...also good for sunglasses, ipod, wallet, etc no idea what its REALLY for

 

[greyghost4x4]

To second that idea, I can not even get any windows down if my window lock is on. As for the little storage space behind the e-break, I keep my gerber and leatherman in it. Those always come in handy with me.

Evan

 

[4rnr4me]

i got rid of my gerber (now chinese made) and got a spyderco...which stays in my pocket...and my leatherman stays at home i should put it in there...

 

[bigtuna]

update

Yes I locked the windows without realizing...doh

The climate control auto, fresh/recirc air, and defrost buttons do not work

I meant the cubby hole infront of the armrest compartment, to the left of the e-brake lever. It is thin, and deep. Maybe for a small umbrella? I just don't get it. It sits behind the cupholders.

About how long the change the timing belt and water pump?

 

[Ron Helmuth]

timing belt recommended at 90K

I was at the dealership recently and their chart recommended timing belt change at 90K.

Water pump is typically done at the same time just as a preventative measure if it is not already dripping from the weep hole.

The interval for 96 and 97 3rd gens was 70K miles I believe but it increased to 90K with the 98 model year.

 

[pat161]

Good to hear the window was simple. I have never heard of the switch going bad in a 4Runner, I think it is usually the motor that goes, but that's not very common either. Personally I don't use my rear window much now that my dog is gone so I figure it will last a while.

The cubby you speak of is where I put my cell phone if I want it hidden. Usually it sits on the shelf under the ebrake, but if I leave it in the truck I slip it into the cubby.

As for the Tbelt, yes if you know what you are doing and are not, learning the first time, one day should be sufficient. They make tbelt kits which include all the parts, not just the belt, like guides and pulleys.

 

[JustAnotherT4R]

cubby is good for my remotes, screws, change, other keys. pretty much anything you can fit in there hahaha.

 

[bigtuna]

re

yeah, so far so good nothing from the weep hole. I am pretty happy with this truck so far, except for the tiny gas tank!!!

Anyone else have the digital climate control problems? When I press the windshield defrost button nothing happens