Going to the dealer tomorrow to get everything fixed

[Avet14]

So I've been having a number of small issues like rattles and creaks since day 1 of owning the truck (2007 V6 SR5) but I haven't yet taken it to the dealer since I didn't want them messing anything else up.

Lastnight however the drivers door handle and lock stopped working from inside, or with the remote. It's clearly the cables since its attempting to lock, unlock it but just won't do it. Also there is no longer a beep when locking it with the remote.

So now I've given up and made an appointment for tomorrow at 8am to drop it off right before I have to get to class. I will be bringing up the issues of the door lock and remote as well as....

2- Drivers window does not go up smoothly, shakes.

3- Rattle from dashboard near AC vents and left of instrument cluster when going over uneven surfaces

4- Rear right seat latch striker TSB NV003R-04

5- Jerk/Thud/Creak while going from D to R to D.

I've read individual cases of these sort of problems on this forum but I was curious if any of you have had success with the dealer as far as interior issues like this (excluding the drivetrain thud). Should I expect to make multiple visits?

 

[wolfgang]

IMHO #5 is normal due to AT lockup used to give you better gas mileage --- unless you have excessively high idle. Note - Idle is higher so problem more prevelent when engine is cold and idling higher.

 

[toto]

Sounds like there's definitely a problem inside your door, so I'd have that taken care of.

Know that # 4 is fixed by wrapping a piece of electrical tape around the latch (the metal D ring attached to the truck, where the seat locks onto). The tape will stop the noise and make the latch fit tighter. Following the TSB, they'll try to drill it out and adjust the way the latch is attached to the truck. Frankly, I'm really surprised that the 4th gen has had this bug for years and still does.

You paid a lot of money for your truck and you deserve it to be right. The 4Runner is a VERY reliable vehicle with minimal problems like this, so these issues should not be a sign of things to come.

 

[Avet14]

Sounds like there's definitely a problem inside your door, so I'd have that taken care of.

Know that # 4 is fixed by wrapping a piece of electrical tape around the latch (the metal D ring attached to the truck, where the seat locks onto). The tape will stop the noise and make the latch fit tighter. Following the TSB, they'll try to drill it out and adjust the way the latch is attached to the truck. Frankly, I'm really surprised that the 4th gen has had this bug for years and still does.

You paid a lot of money for your truck and you deserve it to be right. The 4Runner is a VERY reliable vehicle with minimal problems like this, so these issues should not be a sign of things to come.

I've actually got the tape around it right now, I've had it since I figured out the noise within the first month of owning it. It takes care of the sound but I'm looking for the latch to work properly.... but now that you mention the drilling and such I'm kinda questioning whether or not I want them doing that.

 

[Avet14]

IMHO #5 is normal due to AT lockup used to give you better gas mileage --- unless you have excessively high idle. Note - Idle is higher so problem more prevelent when engine is cold and idling higher.

could you elaborate a little on the AT lockup and better mileage?

 

[rook]

I've actually got the tape around it right now, I've had it since I figured out the noise within the first month of owning it. It takes care of the sound but I'm looking for the latch to work properly.... but now that you mention the drilling and such I'm kinda questioning whether or not I want them doing that.

The seat latch TSB is overkill, Toyota simply cannot publish beating something with a hammer. There is no need to drill or apply tape. Simply adjust it up or down as needed with a few light blows from a small sledge hammer. You can easily center the striker in less than a minute.

As for the other repairs, I would check their work before leaving the dealer. Make sure what they took apart has been put back together correctly. Interior work usually involves clips and retainers that need to be removed and reinstalled correctly to avoid additional rattles.

 

[Avet14]

k so i dropped off the truck and picked it up this evening.

the only problems i reported were the ones with the door lock, window, and dash rattle.

the door locks were fixed, the window had a broken something or other that was replaced and that took care of the problem. the dash rattle was from a broken AC vent screw they said. The rattle occurs far less now but still occurs none the less. I don't know if I should go in again with the same issue or try and figure out how to take the dash apart myself.

Do any of you know how I would take it apart if I wanted to?

 

[wolfgang]

"could you elaborate a little on the AT lockup and better mileage?"

kind of third hand but - I had a '90 5spd 4Runner and got maybe 22 mpg at best. Has a friend with a '94 AT and he said he was lucky to get 13 mpg! In checking he discovered that thru '95 Yota either didn't have the transmission lock up or it was inefficient. '96 AT seem to get better (still not great) mpg. I am happy with the 4spd AT in my '03 - have gotten use to the AT lockup thumping. When initially happened I thought I had been bumped from the rear. Know reviews complain about the SUV MPG but better than old vans, old SUV and a lot of older cars. I get 16-22 on my 4L V6 -- and its a non-aerodynamic, tall, heavy vehicle. I sure wish the FJ's 6spd manual was a 4Runner option --- I'd be on it in a heart beat!

Common fix for dash rattles is (argh) Liquid Nails!

 

[Bill3508]

k

the door locks were fixed, the window had a broken something or other that was replaced and that took care of the problem. the dash rattle was from a broken AC vent screw they said. The rattle occurs far less now but still occurs none the less. I don't know if I should go in again with the same issue or try and figure out how to take the dash apart myself.

Do any of you know how I would take it apart if I wanted to?

I've got the same rattle you talk about on the left side of the dash. I don't believe it has to do with anything loose though, but just creaking due to maybe the fitting on the clips or tight dash fitment. It bothers me some but is not that bad when I think about all the other creaks and rattle that could come from tearing the dash apart.

Bill3508

 

[EEtM33t]

4- Rear right seat latch striker TSB NV003R-04

Is this a squeaking type of noise that is coming from the rear seat?
I've got a squeak from the rear seat on the driver side and it is driving me insane. If there is a simple fix for it (tape as someone else mentioned here) rather than a visit to the dealership I would rather just do that.

I think my rear seat issue is similar to the following:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2590&highlight=squeak+seat
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=608&highlight=squeak+seat