I took the plunge... Rolled back odometer and all

[cueball55]

Hey folks!

So I took the plunge, and bought my first 4Runner.

It's a 1997 Limited 4x4

It is a bit of a chance for me because I carfaxed it, and it turns out that somewhere down the line, the odometer was rolled back. Despite this, the vehicle looked in great condition and I had a mechanic do a once over (not a detailed inspection), and it came up aces.

Problems:
Needs 5 new tires
Rear Window doesn't roll down
Rear Wiper does not work
A/C needs recharging
Sweaty Power Steering column
Some Body Rust
Obviously, the rolled back odometer.

So due to this, I'm a bit cautious, and first of all, a big red flag for me is that the "Check Engine Light" does not turn on initially on start-up (Key turned to on, but not started). I'm thinking perhaps either a) the light does not light up on startup, or b) the bulb is blown or was taken out when the odometer was rolled back.

Can you guys tell me if the Check Engine light should flash on upon startup?

I have way more questions, but that'll suffice for now..


Tanks!

 

[cueball55]

Actually, one more initial question...

I'm looking at either the Toyo Open Country A/T, Kumho Road Venture SAT KL61

Any recommendations?

Should I get a different (read: cheaper) one for the spare?

 

[the great him]

yes the check engine light should light up when the key is in the "on" position but not running, so i have a feeling someone pulled the bulb, is very very rare for those bulbs to burn out, they are hardly ever on... secondly i hope you have a lot of money to throw at that rig, i love my 4runner and its never had any problems to speak of, but yours sounds like its gonna be a money pit, i hope you stole it, and didnt pay much. welcome to the family

 

[electronics4u]

I wish CEL would burn out! :toilet3:

I bought my rig off EBAY about 6 years ago. If you are unsure about the CEL, hit up an AutoZone and have then run the codes. Even if the light is just burnt out or not on, sometimes they can tell you about old errors in there. (or so I was told)

From my experience, I would worry 1st about the CEL issues before any MODS. Then I would invest in a tranny cooler ASAP. Then you could start MODing it out.

Good Luck and let us know what you find out.

 

[TacticalSR5]

Should I get a different (read: cheaper) one for the spare?

Treadwright would make a perfect spare. And if your comfortable and informed with retreads then buy a whole set of them.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Can you guys tell me if the Check Engine light should flash on upon startup?

If it is flashing continuously after start-up then it is time to abandon ship.

 

[Maritimer]

A cheap code reader will find the engine light problem. I'd get right on the rust. That's gonna be worse than a case of herpes. I see perforated rocker panels around here all the time, and you don't want that.

 

[JohnsD90]

Damn, I thought this was a "How to"

 

[JohnsD90]

That's gonna be worse than a case of herpes.

Learn something new everyday, i take it you know this from experience?

 

[giro]

In general, check engine lights are most often on because the oxygen sensor is bad. Not the end of the world, and the sensor is normally under $100. It's generally fairly easy (though I haven't had to do it in either of my 4runners), if the code reader says that's what's needed.

On the rear window, try it both off and while the engine is running, from both the back key and the front switch. On my 92 the relay slowly went out, and for a while only worked when the engine was running (a little more electric power in the system I'd expect). Then it stopped working altogether, just when we were headed out on a winter trip to Yosemite in the snow. I bought a replacement off ebay quickly after that, though it was just one of the 6 relays on the board so I could have saved a bit by just replacing the relay.

 

[A.Wilson013]

I love my Toyo's. Les Schwab usually has a used one for like $50 for a spare. I have 2 spares that match my set. One was $35, other was $50.

 

[Maritimer]

Learn something new everyday, i take it you know this from experience?

I get the cold sore kind, and I never want the worse kind in the worse location. I'd rather have a rusty 4Runner.

 

[cueball55]

...yours sounds like its gonna be a money pit, i hope you stole it, and didnt pay much. welcome to the family

Well, the kid was right.... turns out the starter is toast and there is some kind of coolant leak (aka, white smoke).. not sure if it's a head gasket or cracked head.

I've located a used engine for a fairly good price (referred to by someone on a tacoma forum). So I'm likely going to do an engine swap.

Any tips or DIY's on that that you guys know of?

Also, I'm hearing different things on starters. Where is the best place to buy a replacement? I'm really not thinking OEM, but the next best thing?

 

[PitbullRescuer]

How many miles does the truck show? And how many does Carfax show?

 

[kyn8]

Also, I'm hearing different things on starters. Where is the best place to buy a replacement? I'm really not thinking OEM, but the next best thing?

get new solenoid contacts from the dealer and put them in yourself. they're simple to do and that's usually the only thing that goes wrong with the oem starter. the contacts are like $8-16 a piece. hardest part is getting the starter off the truck!