from jeep to 4runner

[dpayne11]

Hello 4runners owners. I just bought one Saturday, a 05 sr5 v8 4x4. I'm a mechanic, and need to find everything wrong with this thing and fix it. So i have a few questions to ask.

1. does the trip computer and a/c console light up at night? The buttons on the a/c control console light up when i press them but the actual icon don't and the trip computer display just stays dark. So should this stuff be light up or not?

2. The V8 i got has right at about 100K. Anything i should do or expect to break? Can i prevent anything, all filters are changed, and fluid look good.

3. Is the tranny sealed or can i check it fluid?

Thanks for any help.

 

[4Beast]

First congrats on the upgrade!
Second, i hesitate to give maintenance advice to a mechanic, but here goes...
1) I think the trip computer should be on and light up, you may have a bulb out.
2) 100k V8 maintenance is a big one. Timing belt should be changed if it wasn't at 90,000 (with water pump and tensioners etc, naturally), probably the spark plugs and any other belts and hoses that look worn. I did a tranny fluid change too and went to synthetic. Many people also change out the diff fluid as well (I debated synthetic, but my mechanic recommended otherwise). I would imagine if the brakes are original, they may need attention too, but you're the mechanic! it adds up to a lot of parts and work, but considering the V8's are by-and-large bombproof, preventative maintenance may be all you have to do.
3) They switched somewhere around your year, I think, i don't recall which year was sealed, I want to say the '03's weren't and everyone else was, but i really can't recall...

 

[762x51]

1. Yes the trip computer is supposed to light up. This is a small but common problem with 4rs. It is a very easy fix. Here is a thread to help.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/43130-replacement-instrument-light-bulb.html

2. The v8s are amazing engines. Off the top of my head a common problem is the exhaust manifold cracking. Mine is, but i really don't care too much as you cant even really hear it. Lastly is the timing belt. Supposed to be done at 90k or 6yrs, I did mine with 108k and the belt looked fine. Just make sure it is either done, or in the plans to be done an you will be gtg.

3. I know the 03s tranny can be checked, not sure about 04+

 

[kai920]

Congrats and welcome!

I have an 05. Its sealed and cannot be checked. Per Toyota's TSB it only needs to be checked at 100k and it is World Standard fluid, meaning it is supposed to last the lifetime of the vehicle. This is their own TSB, but I still have advisors tell me I need to flush it.

Its been matter of debate here, as you can imagine. Should it be changed? Yeah, I'm sure, but when depends largely on how the vehicle was driven and if its towed with.

If you're gonna flush it, you can check it first at the plug(but the TSB also says not to open it to the environment as moisture can collect in the tranny) and there is a specific process by which its supposed to be done, to get all fluid out. You can search for the steps.

90k mile service is the big one, timing belt and water pump. Make sure thats been done.

 

[MikeInNH]

Replacing the tranny fluid has been debated. I'm NOT convinced that the WS tranny fluid will last a life time. It's cheap insurance to replace it every 50-60k miles. And every time I change mine...it's dirty.

 

[M1911]

1. does the trip computer and a/c console light up at night? The buttons on the a/c control console light up when i press them but the actual icon don't and the trip computer display just stays dark. So should this stuff be light up or not?.

I just fixed this on my '03 this weekend and I am not very handy. It really is an easy 10 minute fix. Here is a step-by-step description, with pictures:

Center Console Lights

All you need is two screwdrivers and new lamps (~$15 from the dealer). Note that the slot on the back of the lamps is very thin -- I had to use the thinnest blade in my gunsmith screwdriver set.

 

[MATTALLICA]

Congrats, I have the same whip, you will love it

 

[jimithing]

Hello 4runners owners. I just bought one Saturday, a 05 sr5 v8 4x4. I'm a mechanic, and need to find everything wrong with this thing and fix it. So i have a few questions to ask.

1. does the trip computer and a/c console light up at night? The buttons on the a/c control console light up when i press them but the actual icon don't and the trip computer display just stays dark. So should this stuff be light up or not?

2. The V8 i got has right at about 100K. Anything i should do or expect to break? Can i prevent anything, all filters are changed, and fluid look good.

3. Is the tranny sealed or can i check it fluid?

Thanks for any help.

1. Definitely should illuminate. Pretty easy fix.
2. V8 has a timing belt. Recommended maintenance is every 90k miles. If you're not 100% positive it's been changed you should probably change it. Another thing to look for on the V8's is cracked manifolds. A dead giveaway is a ticking noise at startup. It will generally quiet down a little or even go away warmed up.
3. '05 should be sealed. Not knowing the vehicle history I think it's probably best if you change it. Don't flush it, drain and refill is the proper procedure IMO. Probably not a bad idea to change the differential and transfer case fluids as well. Pretty easy drain and fill. There's a good writeup in the maintenance section with pictures.

 

[Gecko123]

Hello 4runners owners. I just bought one Saturday, a 05 sr5 v8 4x4. I'm a mechanic, and need to find everything wrong with this thing and fix it. So i have a few questions to ask.

1. does the trip computer and a/c console light up at night? The buttons on the a/c control console light up when i press them but the actual icon don't and the trip computer display just stays dark. So should this stuff be light up or not?

2. The V8 i got has right at about 100K. Anything i should do or expect to break? Can i prevent anything, all filters are changed, and fluid look good.

3. Is the tranny sealed or can i check it fluid?

Thanks for any help.

I don't mean to say this to belittle you but are you a junior mechanic. I am not a mechanic but would be able to determine if a transmission is sealed or not just by poking around. The sealed transmissions do not have a dip stick.

 

[jaybird93000]

a lot of guys who have hit the century mark on mileage Seafoam their rides. Many have had good results. Just another idea to throw at ya! Welcome to T4R and Congrats on the buy, you'll never regret it!Sea Foam - webBikeWorld

 

[dpayne11]

thanks for the warm welcome. i'l have to take that a/c console out and look at the bulbs. I found some on rockauto, and i need to check to see if my timing belt has been done, and if not i'm gonna have to do it. Anyway thank you all for all the great info. I didn't extect this much info., and i have to admit this forum has a lot more helpfull people than the jeep forum.

 

[zerowkul98]

DONT FORGET THE WATER PUMP!

I had my 2003 SE V8 done at the dealership last summer and I emphasized how i wanted the water pump replaced. They inspected it when it was still on the vehicle and said it looked fine. When they got it off, it WAS LEAKING inside itself (so to speak) and the leaking fluid would burn off inside the pump housing or crystalize. Needless to say, it was replaced and all's good now.