My First 4Runner, have some questions

[kehunt]

After a year of constant saving up and reading craigslist every day, I finally bought my first 4Runner this weekend. It's an 01 Limited with 116k miles and I nabbed it for a pretty good price (for the Bay Area... people normally get $3k above KBB out here).

I do have some questions already:
1. On Sunday, the Check Engine / TRAC OFF / VSC lights came on during a freeway drive. This happened all the time on my VW Jetta until the techs replaced the failing cat converter. I think it is most likely due to needing an oil change (badly, it's at 6k miles since last change!), or bad air/fuel sensor, or cat converter. Hope it's just oil or the guys doing the pre-buy inspection knocked something loose. I'm going to get an oil change tomorrow, have them pull the codes & reset the computer, then see if they come on again. But even if it's the CC, I fully realized there might be some up front maintenance on a 116k-mile used car, so it's not a huge problem.

2. The pre-buy inspection found evidence of radiator "overflow bottle" leakage and low coolant. I assume I just need to monitor and top it off as needed. But what am I looking at to repair?

3. The climate control display doesn't light up. I've read here how to replace the LED, so I will probably take that on myself. Anything I should try before pulling it apart?

4. The rear washer fluid sprayer squirts a river of washer fluid down the back door and pools on the bumper... I think my sprayer fubarred? Tell me that isn't normal...

5. It only came with one remote entry keyfob, and I can't find another one with the same FCC ID (ELVAT8E). It's one of these "Securikey+" systems that I've gathered are aftermarket alarms installed on Toyotas in the southeast (4Runner came from TX). Any idea where I can find one? Would a similar (ELVAT8D) remote work?

Thanks in advance... maybe I'll post some pics of my new toy if it stops raining today
Kevin

 

[Mike415]

Well it should have stopped raining so you can post pictures probaly and for the back washer, my 97 does the same thing,but I dontthink it pools up on the bumber, but it doesnt matter if you wipe the fluid. Spin the knob all the way up, not down to spray and wipe at the same time.

 

[kehunt]

Dropped it off at Toyota

So I just got an oil change and the guys said the radiator overfill looked fine to them. They didn't have a code scanner to check the engine code though.

I passed a Toyota dealer on the way home and figured what the hell, I'll let them keep it for the night and get their opinion on the check engine light problem. They said the price for a diagnostic is $120! Can't believe they ask for that much for something that's triggered so easily... I've read it can be caused by something as simple as topping off your tank or not screwing the cap on tight enough. But I figure I should get it in tip-top shape so I can keep it running to 200k+.

They guy also said the back washer fluid sprayer does squirt like that, so I guess it's something to use sparingly & with the wiper going like you mentioned.

So I guess I'll know what I'm in for tomorrow. Pictures then... assuming they don't have to rip apart my new Toy

 

[kehunt]

On Sunday, the Check Engine / TRAC OFF / VSC lights came on during a freeway drive. This happened all the time on my VW Jetta until the techs replaced the failing cat converter. I think it is most likely due to needing an oil change (badly, it's at 6k miles since last change!), or bad air/fuel sensor, or cat converter. Hope it's just oil or the guys doing the pre-buy inspection knocked something loose. I'm going to get an oil change tomorrow, have them pull the codes & reset the computer, then see if they come on again. But even if it's the CC, I fully realized there might be some up front maintenance on a 116k-mile used car, so it's not a huge problem.

^^^ That was me in denial. Toyota called and said the catalytic converter is dead. Over $1000 to replace it. Ugh.

Given the light came on the day after I bought this thing, what are the chances the dealer knew of the problem and just cleared the computer? I'm guessing pretty big.

I know I have no recourse with him unless I could prove he knew... but I did pay Pep Boys for a pre-buy inspection, in which they reported that the SUV is "immaculate."

Any advice? I think I have to suck this one up and move on.

 

[lookn4runr]

Did you purchase it from a licensed dealer? If so, I think it may be illegal in CA for a dealer to sell a car with an emissions defect. You might check with CARB on that. A second opinion is also a good idea.. Modern Cats don't usually fail for no reason. Good luck!

 

[poonchka]

I would definately push the issue of the cat. Both with Pep boys and the dealer. Then if you don't get anywhere with that, take it to a local muffler shop and see what price they will give you. My bet is it will be a lot less.

Personally I NEVER go to a dealer unless it's a warranty or recall issue. Ask your friends and family or co-workers for the name of a good mechanic. Don't just go anywhere. Get some good solid opinions first.

The Mechanic I go to is GREAT! He is very good and charges what must be by the minute. Last job he did for me took 50 minutes and he charged me for 50 minutes, not an hour. Plus he is only $65.00 an hour compared to at least $75.00 for the dealer. (Probably more in the bay area)