Advice Needed: 03 4Runner

D

database_666

New member
hello,
i have found a used 03' 4Runner with 151000 kilometers on it. looks decent (despite the plastic cladding allaround), but this is my first truck with 4x4 and i would like to ask the esteemed members what to look for? for example, how to test 2W/4W/4W-Lo system. While parked and with the engine running, i turned the knob into 4W position, after which i saw an indicator flashing in the dashboard showing green and yellow axles simultaneously. They would not stop flashing which prompted me to think that something is not working.
Next, i switched knob to the 4W-Lo position and i heard a continuous beeping sound which also would not stop until i switched the knob into 2W position.
I would really appreciate if you could suggest a comprehensive list of what needs to be examined during the inspection, so that i would not be saddled with thousands in repairs immediately after buying the vehicle. Looking forward to becoming a fully "equipped" member of this forum, with the truck in the yard - thank you all!
 
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database_666 said:
hello,
i have found a used 03' 4Runner with 151000 kilometers on it. looks decent (despite the plastic cladding allaround), but this is my first truck with 4x4 and i would like to ask the esteemed members what to look for? for example, how to test 2W/4W/4W-Lo system. While parked and with the engine running, i turned the knob into 4W position, after which i saw an indicator flashing in the dashboard showing green and yellow axles simultaneously. They would not stop flashing which prompted me to think that something is not working.
Next, i switched knob to the 4W-Lo position and i heard a continuous beeping sound which also would not stop until i switched the knob into 2W position.
I would really appreciate if you could suggest a comprehensive list of what needs to be examined during the inspection, so that i would not be saddled with thousands in repairs immediately after buying the vehicle. Looking forward to becoming a fully "equipped" member of this forum, with the truck in the yard - thank you all!
Click to expand...


Put the truck in neutral, switch to 4H or 4L. then when the light stops blinking, shift back to drive. It has to be in neutral to switch between 2-4wd.

Also test the center differential lock. if these things don't get used they can seize up.
 
Check to see if the transfer case actuator is leaking. It is an expensive fix if it is. Do a search to find pictures of what to look for.
 
I found that a replacement transfer case from the salvage yard in good condition would cost 50% less than having the existing transfer case repaired. Just FYI.

Most 4Runners have the t-case problem. The first one I looked at was a '03 and it was frozen solid. The second one I ended up buying is a '04 and it was on the verge of freezing up. The first time I tried to engage it on the test drive it didn't go in. Second attempt it made a loud noise and went in. Has been shifting in/out like butter ever since.

My theory is that people do not use the t-case like it was intended to be used. Then when they do try to engage it, it puts pressure against the actuator bolts and causes the slow leak to begin. This could explain why mine doesn't leak because it never fully froze up, but the others I've seen all leaked and were frozen solid from lack of use.
 
So when i switch my car b/w 2wd and High 4wd, using the knob- the t- case is getting used? i do this frequently when its raining outside
WXman said:
I found that a replacement transfer case from the salvage yard in good condition would cost 50% less than having the existing transfer case repaired. Just FYI.

Most 4Runners have the t-case problem. The first one I looked at was a '03 and it was frozen solid. The second one I ended up buying is a '04 and it was on the verge of freezing up. The first time I tried to engage it on the test drive it didn't go in. Second attempt it made a loud noise and went in. Has been shifting in/out like butter ever since.

My theory is that people do not use the t-case like it was intended to be used. Then when they do try to engage it, it puts pressure against the actuator bolts and causes the slow leak to begin. This could explain why mine doesn't leak because it never fully froze up, but the others I've seen all leaked and were frozen solid from lack of use.
Click to expand...
 
Update

thank you all very much for the responses. i did try 4-hi by shifting to the neutral first and then switching the know, and it did engage, the light in the dashboard stopped blinking and the icon turned solid green.

as the update - I have bought the car!!! now, i have that 2003 4Runner Sport edition.

some further hints / dilemmas:

- cargo space is missing platform for the double decked cargo load. dealer is trying to convince me that double decking platform was not a part of this version's equipment. your thoughts?
- there is a lots of rust at the under body. should i rustproof it, considering i live in Canada? is that a recommended / reasonable investment considering that the car will be parked on the driveway?
- one of the headlights is foggy... heard that there was a product advertised on TV that can de-fog headlights and restore lustre and shine in that grey plastic surrounding the car.

thank you all for the help and recommendations - truly appreciated.
 
Congrats!!!!

database_666 said:
- cargo space is missing platform for the double decked cargo load. dealer is trying to convince me that double decking platform was not a part of this version's equipment. your thoughts?
Click to expand...

Possible, IIRC some models don't have the double decker storage space. If that were "missing" you would know in that there would be exposed metal on the floor right behind the seats.

database_666 said:
- there is a lots of rust at the under body. should i rustproof it, considering i live in Canada? is that a recommended / reasonable investment considering that the car will be parked on the driveway?
.
Click to expand...

Scrape it off with a wire wheel and paint the frame/rusted areas.

database_666 said:
- one of the headlights is foggy... heard that there was a product advertised on TV that can de-fog headlights and restore lustre and shine in that grey plastic surrounding the car.

thank you all for the help and recommendations - truly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Foggy in that there is moisture inside the lens or foggy in that it looks hazy/yellow??
 
database_666 said:
thank you all very much for the responses. i did try 4-hi by shifting to the neutral first and then switching the know, and it did engage, the light in the dashboard stopped blinking and the icon turned solid green.

as the update - I have bought the car!!! now, i have that 2003 4Runner Sport edition.

some further hints / dilemmas:

- cargo space is missing platform for the double decked cargo load. dealer is trying to convince me that double decking platform was not a part of this version's equipment. your thoughts?
- there is a lots of rust at the under body. should i rustproof it, considering i live in Canada? is that a recommended / reasonable investment considering that the car will be parked on the driveway?
- one of the headlights is foggy... heard that there was a product advertised on TV that can de-fog headlights and restore lustre and shine in that grey plastic surrounding the car.

thank you all for the help and recommendations - truly appreciated.
Click to expand...

The rear cargo shelf was an option, and not all 4Runners came with it.

Having the vehicle 'rust proofed' at this late stage is, IMHO, not worth the money spent, unless you have the underbody completely cleaned of existing rust first.

There are many different systems, methods for restoring headlights back to their original clear state. Do a search on this. A wealth of info is available.
 
Dont rust proof do this instead

Get a few cans of Fluid Film and spray the undersides with it we use it on our plow trucks that get beat up with the constant winter salt runs we do it works. 2 cans will do the undersides of your Runner do not spray it on you or your clothes it is a PITA to get off.

You can polish your lights with many different kits I use the Meguiar's Headlight Restoration Kit on mine it works well
 
New Update

thank you all for the advice and kind words - truly appreciated. as the new update, i drove it last night home from the toyota dealer, and left it on the driveway. this morning, there is a massive oil leak under the driver side front end. i touched it and it is no doubt fresh oil. unfortunately, it was not a few drips, but quite a bit of oil. now i am miffed and angry and wonder what could that be and what to do next? will do the search on this forum for the pictures showing leak to try and get better informed and to research the matter.
 
database_666 said:
thank you all for the advice and kind words - truly appreciated. as the new update, i drove it last night home from the toyota dealer, and left it on the driveway. this morning, there is a massive oil leak under the driver side front end. i touched it and it is no doubt fresh oil. unfortunately, it was not a few drips, but quite a bit of oil. now i am miffed and angry and wonder what could that be and what to do next? will do the search on this forum for the pictures showing leak to try and get better informed and to research the matter.
Click to expand...


Did somebody forget the drain plug gasket?
 
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