COld winter weather issues????

M

mrevilandy

New member
Hey all, just thought we could compile some of our cold weather issues these 4runners have. I realize the 4runners don't like winter very much compared to their west coast counterparts that see less gremlins and such. I'll start.

2014 trail 57000 miles
Second time it has seen winter and only issue so far is a bad abs wheel sensor. Probably just needs a cleaning since she was fine and next morning bam dash lights Christmas tree. It got below -20 that night.
 
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"....dont like winter very much" who is saying that...


my Rnnr loves winter, and i love being in it.


absolutely no problems...even on the stock rubber, which has now been swapped for some Cooper ATs...which im am very much looking forward to running in some snow.
 
No machine (unless specifically designed for that application) likes cold weather. There are huge differences in a purpose built vehicle designed for cold weather versus one that is designed for a variety of temperatures. The 4Runner does fine but, like most general purpose vehicles, compromises in order to have a large temperature range.

For example if it was designed for really cold weather it would have a standard block heater, heat or thermocouples in all reservoirs, heat blanket over engine, oversized cabin heater, etc. As you can see 95% of this stuff would be useless in North America on all but a few days of the year. It would also add a lot of cost. Again, it's a compromise.
 
Don't get me wrong love driving her in the winter. Was just curious what kind of gremlins pop up in he cold from time to time that's all.
 
Hello,

I have noticed a peculiar thing with my new 2016 Trail (16000km)...

Last week we had a cold snap (-35 deg C) for a week and while driving in these temperatures the engine makes a very noticeable growl between 2500-3500rpm while driving in traffic under light to heavy acceleration. I can change the intensity by modulating the throttle slightly. It's very loud and I swear I can feel a vibration in sync with the sound through the floorboards. I think it's an air induction related sound. Kind of like when you open a throttle body in high gear at low rpm in a manual transmission vehicle. That whaaaaa sound the engine makes but doesn't really change the acceleration of the vehicle because it's out of its torque band. It has warmed up to 0 deg C and the growl is gone. My 2012 Trail never did this. I think it might be the air pump that is causing it. My 2012 did not have the same pump setup that my 2016 has. Maybe the rubber mounts get hard in the cold and transfer the pump vibration to the cab. IDK?

Cheers,
SB
 
"Snowball" said:
Hello,

I have noticed a peculiar thing with my new 2016 Trail (16000km)...

Last week we had a cold snap (-35 deg C) for a week and while driving in these temperatures the engine makes a very noticeable growl between 2500-3500rpm while driving in traffic under light to heavy acceleration. I can change the intensity by modulating the throttle slightly. It's very loud and I swear I can feel a vibration in sync with the sound through the floorboards. I think it's an air induction related sound. Kind of like when you open a throttle body in high gear at low rpm in a manual transmission vehicle. That whaaaaa sound the engine makes but doesn't really change the acceleration of the vehicle because it's out of its torque band. It has warmed up to 0 deg C and the growl is gone. My 2012 Trail never did this. I think it might be the air pump that is causing it. My 2012 did not have the same pump setup that my 2016 has. Maybe the rubber mounts get hard in the cold and transfer the pump vibration to the cab. IDK?

Cheers,
SB
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ThT is interesting. I have noticed that loud growl as well. I'm sure it's normal and related to the cold temps. Am I the only one that keeps the heater on defrost mode even after the vehicle has warmed up the cabin to help warm up the knobs and electronics?? I notice when it is very cold all the pixels seem to not be clear and lags a bit
 
I am in Chicago too and I noticed the last 3 days I can't shift into 4hi while I am in motion. I remember doing it this summer at the beach but when I tried it Sunday (outside temp was around 5) it felt like these was an interlock preventing me from shifting. If i come to a stop it shifts into 4hi just fine.
 
WindyCity4Runner said:
I am in Chicago too and I noticed the last 3 days I can't shift into 4hi while I am in motion. I remember doing it this summer at the beach but when I tried it Sunday (outside temp was around 5) it felt like these was an interlock preventing me from shifting. If i come to a stop it shifts into 4hi just fine.
Click to expand...

Another from crook county hi! Lol

I've experienced that hard shifting as well. What has helped is a combination of letting off the gas pedal slightly (under 40) and instead of shifting straight down I tilt the lever to the right slightly then pull down. Not sure if you have the lever or the knob.
 
My rear gate won't stay up when its -25 degree's out. Them lift supports don't like the cold.
 
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My tailgate struts are not lifting as well in the 20F weather but they're probably due to be replaced. (2008, 91k miles) Replacements inbound.
 
blakjack23 said:
My rear gate won't stay up when its -25 degree's out. Them lift supports don't like the cold.
Click to expand...

This, even with the HD lift struts it needs a bit more help then normal in the single digits and below, nothing un expected though.

Aside from the harder starts she runs fine

Also my doors freeze shut when I wash it.....
 
blakjack23 said:
My rear gate won't stay up when its -25 degree's out. Them lift supports don't like the cold.
Click to expand...

Mirlen said:
My tailgate struts are not lifting as well in the 20F weather but they're probably due to be replaced. (2008, 91k miles) Replacements inbound.
Click to expand...

Engineer said:
This, even with the HD lift struts it needs a bit more help then normal in the single digits and below, nothing un expected though.

Aside from the harder starts she runs fine

Also my doors freeze shut when I wash it.....
Click to expand...

Charles Law fellas. There will be a test...
CHARLES' LAW CALCULATOR
 
Hmmm interesting, my tailgate hasn't given me any problems due to the weather (knock on wood).

On another note I just got back from the dealer about my abs sensor, cleaning didn't help so had to order one yay for extended warranty that I forgot I bought lol. I wonder what happen to cause this 57000 miles trouble free other than this quirk, and about 50000k after lift

Ah interesting note my 4x4 half works with this problem seems like only the wheel that's affected isn't engaging. Nothing else works though abs, locker, atrac etc
 
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