Sprucing up my "new" 2001 4Runner, need advice

[razlcat]

Hi all,

I just joined the forum as we purchased a 2001 SR5 4WD 4Runner that needs a few minor things to spruce it up. I've done a few searches and found answers to a number of questions already, but had a few I'm hoping you all can help with:

1. Original owner lost the remote entry device. Do you have suggestions on where to purchase (dealer is quite expensive)? We have verified it has remote entry capabilities.

2. Front door trim clip - the one that seems to come off of just about every 4runner at some time or another - looks like I can get this through the dealer pretty cheap. Are there any general parts sites that you suggest for multiple items or to get things cheaper?

3. The driver's seat cushion is worn on one side (upholstery is still in good shape), and I'm interested in getting a replacement cushion - is this a "way out there" type of thought? Suggestions on where to start.

4. There is a button missing from the console gear shift (it's an automatic), so I can't even tell you what it was....anyone know what that part is and where I can find a replacement?

5. Oh, and what about sun visors? The original ones are kinda beat up.

6. The exterior is black, paint is in good condition, suggestions for a wax to keep it shiny and also perhaps cover a few of those minor scratches?

7. Any of you that have a black "bug/rock guard", sites to purchase these?

OK, maybe more than a few, but will take these a couple at a time.

Appreciate any thoughts/suggestions you may have. Thanks much, razlcat

 

[zcruiser]

1. Original owner lost the remote entry device. Do you have suggestions on where to purchase (dealer is quite expensive)? We have verified it has remote entry capabilities.

Google search on 'keyless remote entry' or 'remote fob' and you'll find a few places to order from. eBay works also.
Fob programming instructions are on this forum.

2. Front door trim clip - the one that seems to come off of just about every 4runner at some time or another - looks like I can get this through the dealer pretty cheap. Are there any general parts sites that you suggest for multiple items or to get things cheaper?

There's a parts guy at American Toyota in Albuquerque, NM who provides Toyota parts at a good price. 'Cruiser Dan' is the guy to talk to in the parts dept there. New Toyota and Used Cars in Albuquerque, NM | Larry H Miller American Toyota - Also Serving Santa Fe

3. The driver's seat cushion is worn on one side (upholstery is still in good shape), and I'm interested in getting a replacement cushion - is this a "way out there" type of thought? Suggestions on where to start.

Recommend you find an upholstery shop near you and have them cut you a piece of foam if that's all you need.

4. There is a button missing from the console gear shift (it's an automatic), so I can't even tell you what it was....anyone know what that part is and where I can find a replacement?

Gonna need a pic or better description of location.

5. Oh, and what about sun visors? The original ones are kinda beat up.

Salvage yard. Call Robbie at Bob's Auto Salvage in Jacksonville, NC.
Bobs Auto Salvage Car Truck Parts Jacksonville North Carolina

6. The exterior is black, paint is in good condition, suggestions for a wax to keep it shiny and also perhaps cover a few of those minor scratches?

Strip it with Dawn, claybar, scratch-x, and finally any wax of your choice... (Don't use Dawn for regular washing, though.)

7. Any of you that have a black "bug/rock guard", sites to purchase these?

For the front or the moonroof? If the front, try Toyota Bug Shield - Toyota Bug Deflector - Guaranteed Low Prices

 

[Jed]

The "button" near the shifter...are you talking about a missing cover? You might be looking at the override for the gear shift. It normally has a cover over it.

 

[cfranck1]

The "button" near the shifter...are you talking about a missing cover? You might be looking at the override for the gear shift. It normally has a cover over it.

Take a look at this thread. Is this where the piece is missing??
If so, The part number and price from Toyota is included in that thread.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/70166-middle-console-piece-auto-tranny-shifter.html

*The part number included in that link is for 2WD*
The 4WD one is #33554-35050

 

[Ghostrider]

Take a look at this thread. Is this where the piece is missing??
If so, The part number and price from Toyota is included in that thread.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/70166-middle-console-piece-auto-tranny-shifter.html

Wow - I have had mine ten years and never knew it was functional. I thought it was a decoration. I looked in the owners manual and it does not give any description. What does that do and how do you work it, I pushed and pulled on it and nothing moved.

 

[COShadow]

Hi all,

I just joined the forum as we purchased a 2001 SR5 4WD 4Runner that needs a few minor things to spruce it up. I've done a few searches and found answers to a number of questions already, but had a few I'm hoping you all can help with:

1. Original owner lost the remote entry device. Do you have suggestions on where to purchase (dealer is quite expensive)? We have verified it has remote entry capabilities. I think the cheapest I could find for the VW we sold was ~$90.

2. Front door trim clip - the one that seems to come off of just about every 4runner at some time or another - looks like I can get this through the dealer pretty cheap. Are there any general parts sites that you suggest for multiple items or to get things cheaper?

3. The driver's seat cushion is worn on one side (upholstery is still in good shape), and I'm interested in getting a replacement cushion - is this a "way out there" type of thought? Suggestions on where to start.

4. There is a button missing from the console gear shift (it's an automatic), so I can't even tell you what it was....anyone know what that part is and where I can find a replacement?

5. Oh, and what about sun visors? The original ones are kinda beat up.

6. The exterior is black, paint is in good condition, suggestions for a wax to keep it shiny and also perhaps cover a few of those minor scratches?

7. Any of you that have a black "bug/rock guard", sites to purchase these?

OK, maybe more than a few, but will take these a couple at a time.

Appreciate any thoughts/suggestions you may have. Thanks much, razlcat

1. Not totally sure, but I've bought key fobs online before, so try googling 4runner key fob or something like that. I'm sure it will have to be programmed.

2. I completely tore out the interior of our 02 4runner and replaced a lot of it because the previous owners beat the crap out of it. Trim clips are like $0.50 to $3.0 so the dealer is fine for those (not worth paying for shipping). Any other interior parts should be bought online to save money: trdparts4u.com, 1sttoyotaparts.com, toyotapartszone.com are places I've bought from before.

3. I'd start w/ local junk yards if you really want to replace the cushion or the whole seat. You could also find used seats on Ebay (I bought rear leather seats there) or just put seat covers on (for my fronts, I bought from gtcovers.com).

4. Not certain which part you are talking about.

5. Ebay, junk yard.

6. Definitely clay bar (don't need soap to strip), I like Klasse All In One.

7. I have an AVS (auto vent shade) bugflector and like the looks a lot. Google AVS bugflector, or buy locally.

 

[cfranck1]

Wow - I have had mine ten years and never knew it was functional. I thought it was a decoration. I looked in the owners manual and it does not give any description. What does that do and how do you work it, I pushed and pulled on it and nothing moved.

Its the shift interlock switch. In case you ever need to get it out of gear when the shifter won't release.

The piece that is sticking up a little and you can touch it with your finger, Just pull back on it slightly to release the interlock. While holding that back a hair with your left hand. Take you right hand and push down on the shifter button and shift it out of gear. Might take you a few times to get the hang of it.

Disclaimer - Should be done with foot on brake, Ebrake on or something chocked against the tire. It will roll instantly you get it out of gear. Scared the S**T out of me the first time i tried it. I only ever used it when I installed my head unit and needed more room there.

 

[razlcat]

Thanks for the great start

Hi and thanks to all that have replied with the great information.

The link to the "shifter button" was right on - that's the piece that is missing. I'll check with the dealer when I get my door trim clip (which they have in stock).

Questions about the cleaning and waxing process:
1. Any recommendations re: a brand of clay bar and where to purchase? Are local auto stores (O' Reilly, AutoZone, etc.) OK or is purchasing from online sources better?
2. There are a few places that need a spot of touch up paint, which I'll get from the Toyota dealer). Where in the process should I use the paint? After the Dawn cleaning? After clay bar? Then let thoroughly dry (couple of days?) before starting the rest of the process?
3. Is the scratchX necessary if there aren't really many scratches? Mostly the little tiny chips on the front of the hood or around the driver's door that happen over time.

Re: the bug guard. I happened upon this one at the WeatherTech site: WeatherTech Automotive Accessories - Stone & Bug Deflector - 2001 Toyota 4Runner - WeatherTech Stone and Bug Deflector, Bug Shield, Stone Guard The one we used to have on our 1990 4Runner used the holes on the hood to attach and had a few small clear discs that applied on the hood to keep from banging/scratching. Now, they may have improved these greatly since then, but I would like to avoid as many adhesives as possible (always afraid they will ruin the finish).

 

[cfranck1]

Hi and thanks to all that have replied with the great information.

The link to the "shifter button" was right on - that's the piece that is missing. I'll check with the dealer when I get my door trim clip (which they have in stock).

Questions about the cleaning and waxing process:
1. Any recommendations re: a brand of clay bar and where to purchase? Are local auto stores (O' Reilly, AutoZone, etc.) OK or is purchasing from online sources better?
2. There are a few places that need a spot of touch up paint, which I'll get from the Toyota dealer). Where in the process should I use the paint? After the Dawn cleaning? After clay bar? Then let thoroughly dry (couple of days?) before starting the rest of the process?
3. Is the scratchX necessary if there aren't really many scratches? Mostly the little tiny chips on the front of the hood or around the driver's door that happen over time.

Re: the bug guard. I happened upon this one at the WeatherTech site: WeatherTech Automotive Accessories - Stone & Bug Deflector - 2001 Toyota 4Runner - WeatherTech Stone and Bug Deflector, Bug Shield, Stone Guard The one we used to have on our 1990 4Runner used the holes on the hood to attach and had a few small clear discs that applied on the hood to keep from banging/scratching. Now, they may have improved these greatly since then, but I would like to avoid as many adhesives as possible (always afraid they will ruin the finish).

That's great that the shifter piece is the one your missing.
As for clay bars. The good clay bars are gray and come from Japan. I've used the yellow one from meguiars and had to throw it away (what a piece of
S**T).

Use the touch up paint after you wash it in dawn. To get all the wax and c**p out of the scratch so the paint can have something to stick to. Just be careful around the new paint when you clay the rest of the car not to touch it.

ScratchX will hide most of the scratches. To get rid of them all you really need to have it buffed with a high speed by a professional.

Don't really know anything about WeatherTech stuff. Looks real good quality and that particular bug deflector attach to hood with push pins that go in to holes that are already in the underside of hood..

 

[zcruiser]

As for clay bars. The good clay bars are gray and come from Japan. I've used the yellow one from meguiars and had to throw it away (what a piece of
S**T).

I've always used the yellow Mother's clay bars b/c I've never heard of grey clay bars from Japan. Got any vendor names?

 

[razlcat]

Auto stores?

Anyone have their "favorite" local auto store? (Pep Boys, AutoZone, etc.)?

Honestly, we visit these places so rarely - to buy bulbs and such - and we don't do a lot of puttering with our vehicles. Besides large chains, are there other auto shops that we should look for?

When we had our older 4Runner we used to wash, wax and baby it (very sad that it was totaled after 16 years, it still looked and ran great), but now that we have the "new" used one it's kind of fun to start this again.

Enjoying reading all these great threads and learning so much - I think there is a YouTube video for everything these days!

 

[cfranck1]

I've always used the yellow Mother's clay bars b/c I've never heard of grey clay bars from Japan. Got any vendor names?

The good ones are from Japan, and now that I look at what I have, some are also green and or purple. Depends on Grade (mild-medium) of clay. The reason I didn't like the Meguiers stuff is that it feel apart on me. Just started to crumble.

To name a few 3M, Pinnacle, Wolfgang, etc..

You can check this web site for a few different ones.
http://www.autogeek.net/clbaandlu.html

 

[Y2KSR5]

Meguires Gold Class is a pretty good wax for black and it comes off nice and easy. I also like Zymol.

 

[razlcat]

Cleaning the console/dash?

What do you all use to clean/condition the black console area and the dash?

What about the steering wheel?

I know you aren't supposed to use things like Armour All, right?

Is it too OCD to condition the rubber "seals" in the doors? What to use there too?

 

[cfranck1]

What do you all use to clean/condition the black console area and the dash?

What about the steering wheel?

I know you aren't supposed to use things like Armour All, right?

Is it too OCD to condition the rubber "seals" in the doors? What to use there too?

I just use a mild cleaner and a couple different brushs and rags to clean all interior. Nothing to potent, don't want to damage the material.

When I clean my dash etc I just wipe it down with a chamois. But I clean mine once or twice a week so it's not too dirty.

No Armour All... Has ammonia in it. That's why after years of use you will see dash pads crack.
I don't know about other products on the market since I don't use anything on my dash and other plastics.

No, That is not to OCD to do that. I do that mainly before winter and a few times during. Because it gets cold here in CT and when I wash it, the door have been frozen shut on me before. All I get is a can of (Wet Type) Silicone spray. Spray it on a rag and wipe it on to the door seals. Just enough to keep them nice and pliable and not hold any water. Don't spray it onto the seals themselves. Makes a mess.

 

[razlcat]

silicone spray?

Hi cfranck1, thank you for the reply. Sorry to be dense, but what type of silicone spray would you recommend? How do you know if it's the "good" kind (not like Armour All)?

Would you use this same type of spray on the tires or is there a different product to take that dull brown look off of them that sometimes happens?

Thanks!

 

[cfranck1]

Hi cfranck1, thank you for the reply. Sorry to be dense, but what type of silicone spray would you recommend? How do you know if it's the "good" kind (not like Armour All)?

Would you use this same type of spray on the tires or is there a different product to take that dull brown look off of them that sometimes happens?

Thanks!

That's ok. Doesn't hurt to ask. You won't know if you don't ask.
In the auto parts store in the section where the brake clean or TB cleaner is, Not by the car cleaning aisle there should be a can of (Wet Type) silicone spray, I use it just for the door seals only because its to expense to use it on the tires.

As for tire shine. What ever you like to use, just no Armour all.

As for tire browning. I found this on the another forum:
The rubber itself contains and ingredient called Antiozonant.

Antiozonant is an ingredient that helps to prevent the exterior rubber surface from cracking, checking, oxidizing, and deteriorating. The rubber is designed in such a way as to constantly work its way to the outside of the tire and as such, continually replenish the exterior surface with fresh antiozonant. After the antiozonant works its way to the outside of the tire and is exposed to the ozone in the air, it turns brown. The technical term for this effect is blooming.

This is why you see a brown film on the surface your tires. You can wash your tires with soap or an all-purpose cleaner and remove this film, but in a few weeks, it's back. That's because the antiozonant continually works its way to the outside of the tires every time you drive your car.

 

[razlcat]

Silcone lubricant - hard to find

Hi cfranck1, we checked all over this weekend and couldn't find the 3M silicone lubricant plus (wet style). One person said they didn't carry it any longer, the closest thing they had was "white grease" (and honestly I can't remember what the name/brand was). Is this an acceptable substitute? I think I saw a similar product at Walmart as well.

Suggestions/recommendations?

 

[cfranck1]

Hi cfranck1, we checked all over this weekend and couldn't find the 3M silicone lubricant plus (wet style). One person said they didn't carry it any longer, the closest thing they had was "white grease" (and honestly I can't remember what the name/brand was). Is this an acceptable substitute? I think I saw a similar product at Walmart as well.

Suggestions/recommendations?

No, white grease wouldn't help and it would make a mess.

Auto Zone has some in stock in there stores around here anyway.. Try them.

Gunk/11 oz. (325.309 ml.) silicone spray (M9-14) | Lubricant/Grease | AutoZone.com

 

[razlcat]

success!

Hi cfranck1,

Finally had success when I called O'Reilly's yesterday. They didn't have the 3M stuff in the store but could get it from their warehouse. Husband needed to pick up our other car close by yesterday afternoon and picked it up on the way home. It works like a charm - the seals look great - only got one side done yesterday evening before it got dark. I'm glad you mentioned the other product, because I saw that one this weekend, but it didn't say "wet type" on it so I wasn't sure if it was the right one.

Over the weekend we spent some (ok, a long) time on the 4Runner to get it cleaned up. We used the Mother's clay bar kit (couldn't find any of the other brands locally) and it worked really well. We used black magic wax - husband found it a bit hard to buff off, we'll use something else the next time. But I have to say it looks so much better now. I've been working on the inside (it was pretty grimy) and it also is looking much improved - not bad for an almost 10 year old car. Too bad it's black and will sit outside, but our other cars trump this one re: being in the garage - the 4Runner is for our daughter. Husband said he will definitely use the clay bar on our Toyota FJ cruiser.

Here's another question re: the dash - the clear plastic areas (over the clock and the speedometer) are a bit dull. Is there something that will easily clean them up? It's not a big deal, but I'm just taking one thing at a time.

Getting the windshield replaced this week (crack across it when we bought it) and will pick up the tranny shifter "button cover" thingy and the missing front door clip and we'll be good to go.

Thanks to all for your comments and help with products.