Maintenace - Just checking here...

[MarieDJ]

Hi all!

I have a 2006 SR5 V6 4WD I purchased used at about 68k miles from a dealership in August 2012.

Before I had a chance to truly research and find this awesome forum, I went to a friend's mechanic to look it over that same week I purchased it and he did the following:

1. Changed Transmission Fluid
2. New Front and Rear Brake Pads
3. New Spark plugs
4. Oil/Filter change
5. Tire Rotation
6. Air/Cabin filter change

I was just excited about getting a 4Runner for the first time! I found this forum and I found out about finding vehicle history at the Toyota owners site - however, I found no service history and the dealer had not given any history either. All I know is that it was originally sold in Las Vegas, NV.

What I have done since then besides oil changes every 5k:

7/13 at 72k - Changed Coolant, Used Techron Fuel system cleaner, oil system cleaner (done at oil stop with oil change)

12/13 at 81k - AAA changed the battery

My 4R currently has 83k and I know the major 90k service interval is near, but considering I have found no history, and what I have done so far to it, is there something I should be changing now as opposed to later? I have read in these forums about cleaning MAF sensors, cleaning throttle body, and replacing PCV valves - should I request the local shop to do this at the 90k service interval?

I am learning a great deal from everyone here and I really appreciate your time. :biggrin2:

 

[eddiebx]

Not really sure how your maintenance schedules are for the 4th gen, but perhaps you might want to consider changing out the fluid for the front and rear differential and the transfer case? Might not be necessary, but couldn't hurt to "start fresh", so to speak

 

[cmoore50]

Congrats on your purchase! I love our 4runners!

The lack of info from the dealer and website only means that anything that may have been done to the 4runner was not done by the dealership.

I would change the differential and transfer case fluids in addition to what you have already done.

Have fun with your new to you 4runner!

 

[MarieDJ]

Okay, will do that at the 85k oil change. Is there a recommendation for any particular Differential fluid? I have been reading good things about Schaeffer and AMSoil.

I want to keep this 4R for as long as it can last!

 

[asimdada]

I would go the Amsoil way for differential and transfer case fluids. Buy em directly from Amsoil website. I found this valuable suggestion from this very same forum, so kudos to it

 

[MikeInNH]

The lack of info from the dealer and website only means that anything that may have been done to the 4runner was not done by the dealership.

You won't find any information from the dealer on my 4runner with 260k miles. The last time it was in a dealership was when I bought it. And it's been maintained very very well.

The only thing I suggest is to not take your vehicle (ANY VEHICLE) to the oil chain stores. In fact any CHAIN store for service. There have been many horror stories from shoddy workmanship from chain stores. If you can't do it yourself...then find a good independent and stick with him. You'll be better off in the long run. Things like oil system cleaning services is total crock. I've EVER EVER done an oil system cleaning on any vehicle I've owned. That includes two pathfinders with (one over 350k miles the other over 500k miles). Or my wifes accord both past 400k miles. They are NOT needed and can cause major problems if the engine is badly sludged due to neglect.

 

[sven]

Don't forget to lube the drive shaft and u-joint.

Clean the throttle plate and MAF sensor yourself since both are very easy to do. You should probably be cleaning your throttle plate annually. I haven't replaced my PVC valve yet, so I can't comment on if it's easy to do yourself.

 

[sonerick]

Don't forget to lube the drive shaft and u-joint.

Clean the throttle plate and MAF sensor yourself since both are very easy to do. You should probably be cleaning your throttle plate annually. I haven't replaced my PVC valve yet, so I can't comment on if it's easy to do yourself.

PCV is easy: disconnect vacuum line, unscrew old one from the block, screw new one in, reconnect vacuum line. DONE.

I cleaned the throttle body for the first time round 150k miles, and it wasn't very dirty at all. I think annually is overkill, but it is easy.

 

[MarieDJ]

Thank you for the input! In reading the walkthroughs, I am feeling more and more confident that I can do some of the maintenance myself. Or at least try!

I will try to avoid the oil chain stores. I am looking to find a local repair shop that does oil changes as well. Finding a good mechanic is like finding a good doctor - absolutely necessary and hard to find!