Newbie with a '03 V8 Sport 4x4

[DXII]

Hey guys. I just picked up a 2003 V8 4x4 4runner with 63k miles yesterday. I know 4runners are great trucks, but I haven't done a lot of research on them. The dealer includes a 30 day bumper to bumper warranty on all their used cars, so I'm wondering if there are some common problems with these trucks that I should look for. Hopefully, if there are some problems just starting, I can get them fixed for free before they turn into big expensive problems. Thanks

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Welcome!! You have the sport which means xreas suspension. Look over each shock to make sure there are no leaks or dampness on them. If its a 4wd try switching into 4 low, its common for the actuator to go bad if not used. also look under it right behind the transfer case and you will see a black box. Make sure there's no fluid leaking where the box joins the tcase. That's about all the common things I can think of.

 

[DaveS]

Check calipers front and rear - the fronts in particular have a tendency to seize, especially if they go through a lot of salted roads

 

[Presta24]

Check L&R inner and outer CV boots for leaking grease.

 

[zerowkul98]

Welcome to the forum!!

I gotta '03 Sport Edition too. Love it so much, i couldnt imagine trading it in so i gave it to the wife!

I agree with the caliper comments from the above posters. I had both my fronts replaced last spring. Wasnt fun.

Also check the health of your fluids all around. Power steering, tranny tansfer case and differentials.

Cheers & Welcome!:hello:

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I have a03 V8 4x4 and had zero problems so far. I keep it well maintained, change all fluilds on a regular basis etc. If you read the manual it says to change the timing belt every 7 years regardless of miles. I did mine even though it only had 50k miles (60k now). I just do not want trouble on a long trip. I also changed all radiator hoses, heater hoses water pump etc. while in there. As stated make sure the 4x4 and diff lock works. I have noticed a small leak starting the transfer case actuator. This can be an expensive fix. It barely leaks at all and I just made a small catch trayt to catch the drips. If it was a newer vehicle I would be more concerned but for 8 years old I can deal with a very small leak.

 

[DXII]

Thanks for all the responses. I'll get all that stuff checked out when I get a chance. So far the only issue I have is with the heater fan. It was cold this morning, and it seemed to be stuck on a very low setting. The air was hot, but the fan was barely blowing at all on any fan speed setting. I did a search and found that it's a fairly common problem. Hopefully the Acura dealership I bought it from will be willing to take a look at it under the warranty.

 

[DaveS]

The fan speed builds as the engine warms up - if you got the engine up to temperature and were still not getting the fan coming on high even when you turned up the heat setting it's possible you have a bad cabin thermostat (behind the little holes in the dash by your right knee, a little below the ignition) or a problem with the ECU. Hope you get it sorted - good luck with the new T4R !

 

[DXII]

It happened this morning on a 30 mile drive after the vehicle had sat outside all night. The engine was warm for most of the trip, and there was hot air slowly seeping out of the vents, but the fan didn't work at all until I started the truck up for the ride home. Then it worked perfectly.

 

[Burt]

I think there were some issues with the moon roof mechanism. Check the TSB forum and see if anything applies to your model/year.
Check your cabin filter, this may cause some restricted air flow. It is located directly behind the glove box. Maybe the previous owner never replaced it. I replace mine every 4-months with a DIY filter made from high quality furnace filters.

 

[nmsail]

Congrats on the new whip! :bigok: