Brown gunk in Cupholders

[RedMan84]

Not really sure where to begin with this one, but I continue to get some kind of brown residue in the front cupholders. When this first happened, I thought it must have been spilled Coke or something that started to come up with sweat from other drinks.

I've cleaned the area over and over and I still continue to get this brown substance that shows up when the cupholder get wet. Yesterday for example, I had a plastic fountain drink cup sitting in there, sweat from the cup soaked the bottom of the cupholder. I put some napkins down in the bottom to soak up the water, but every single napkin went from white to brown.

Has this ever happened to anyone else? Or anyone know what may be causing this?

 

[jwyshrek]

The Blob is hiding in your console!

Did you buy the 4Runner used...maybe the previous own spilled something and the residue is still lurking in and around the cup holder...may have to take it apart to really clean it and see what's going on...

 

[RedMan84]

Yeah, I purchased it used a little over 3 years ago with 82k miles. I guess my biggest fear, and not sure its even possible, it that is something coming from the transmission. Napkins that were used to soak up the stuff yesterday are in the garbage can in my garage. I can take a photo and post it when I swing back by home around lunch.

 

[bgibbs11]

I guess my biggest fear, and not sure its even possible, it that is something coming from the transmission.

I doubt that is even remotely possible. The black rubber "bottom" of the cupholder can actually be taken out. It is a textured rubber insert. I would pry it out with a screwdriver and clean underneath of it, and then clean the rubber insert with dish soap in your sink. there's probably spilled drink underneath of it that turns the condensation brown every time.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I doubt that is even remotely possible. The black rubber "bottom" of the cupholder can actually be taken out. It is a textured rubber insert. I would pry it out with a screwdriver and clean underneath of it, and then clean the rubber insert with dish soap in your sink. there's probably spilled drink underneath of it that turns the condensation brown every time.

Pull the rubber out, if its that bad you'll swear the pad is "glued" to the plastic but its not, just pry it off and clean it really really good. I had this issue on my 4Runner many times and so I pull the rubber off everytime I detail the truck.

 

[KidVermicious]

No, I think he's on to something with his transmission fluid theory. I'd check the shifter base and the carpet underneath the console for stains too.

 

[zopperman]

No, I think he's on to something with his transmission fluid theory. I'd check the shifter base and the carpet underneath the console for stains too.

 

[RedMan84]

There are a few carpet stains on either side of the console. Kind of look as if it comes from underneath and has ran down/dripped.

I haven't had any issues with the transmission since I purchased it in May of 2010. Never noticed any leaks on the pavement, other than the standard fresh oil drip after an oil change.

 

[Gecko123]

There are a few carpet stains on either side of the console. Kind of look as if it comes from underneath and has ran down/dripped.

I haven't had any issues with the transmission since I purchased it in May of 2010. Never noticed any leaks on the pavement, other than the standard fresh oil drip after an oil change.

Use all your senses. What does it smell like? Is it oily? That may help you decifer what it is

 

[hkollie1]

Perhaps the previous owner wedged som body parts under the console and they are naturally ...leaking??

 

[KidVermicious]

Perhaps the previous owner wedged som body parts under the console and they are naturally ...leaking??

This could be it.

We need more info, OP. Do you ever hear ethereal moaning whie you're driving? Any ghostly apparitions glimpsed in the rear view mirror?

 

[RickC]

Stop spitting your chew backer in there...

Problem solved!