The 3rd Gen All Questions Allowed Thread

[emartin]

mysterious coolant loss, 99 sr5

been loosing a little coolant at a time. cant figure it out? no visible leaks, no choc milk oil, burns off a little white smoke at start up only, did the timing belt/ water pump about 40 k ago. it does have an oil leek from i guess the driver cam seal so im going to do the timing belt job again. no misfires or codes. any suggestions where to look? could it be a slow head gasket leak or a cracked head? how would you diagnose that. had a mechanic pressure test it too...nada!

 

[emartin]

mysterious coolant leak

slow coolant loss cant figure it out, no cj
heck engine, no choc milk, no puddle, some white smoke at start up???

 

[98four-runner]

Anyone know where i can get SPC bushings 25466 (the poly specride ones), or has anyone made 3d printed tpu ones yet?

I really dont want to upgrade to the xaxis ones as they seem to be less reliable, and lots of mud and sand in pnw. I am located in canada so

 

[emartin]

99 4runner trying to diagnose some missing coolant.

 

[97Runnah]

Howzit,

Just installed a new radiator into my runnah, now after I noticed that while on the highway going 60 or over, my gears don't shift (automatic) or while going 60, my rpms ride at 2500-3000. It usually rides closer to 2000.

Any ideas what could be wrong or is it normal or something?

1997 4Runner SR5 with 370k miles. :fear:

 

[flo-runna]

Hi all,

I bought my 3rd gen 4runner (1997 V6 4x4) last year as my first truck for $3,500. As someone who's learning how to wrench a vehicle, I figured it would be perfect as my father had owned a 1997 4Runner limited back in the day and has only said good things about them.

Something I had overlooked in researching these, rust. I've never owned a vehicle built before 2000 so I assumed it wouldn't be too much of an issue as long as the frame wasn't infested with holes.

So now, I am currently losing my mind over some rusty old bolts and would like to hear from other owners of rusty runners, how did you deal with extracting stripped, corroded, rusty bolts? I can't seem to get my skid plate off to get to my starter, same with the brake line brackets to get it through the wheel well.

Sent from my Pixel 10 Pro using Tapatalk

 

[JWaldz]

Due to the site sustaining permissions issues for threads with 100+ pages, I'm starting this new thread for you guys. I can merge the threads together at some point, if the issue every gets fixed.

Enjoy

:llama:

 

[GoatCurry]

Hi All, I've been struggling with this issue on my 02 4runner for a while now and can't figure it out. I've replaced all my ball joints, two lower control arm bushings (one on each side), and a wheel bearing. All of which did need to be replaced. I performed a proper alignment on the alignment rack at my work (I'm an apprentice technician). And the left front tire still squeals and it tracks all over the place, especially while braking. Wondering if anyone else has come across this issue before or has any ideas as to what it might be.

 

[Jayden]

I bought a raggedy ass SR5 99 4Runner from auction and the previous owner apparently had a knack for bullshitting, after much work on the front end I eventually thought about doing a "quick" front diff fluid change when I ran into the tightest, stripped out drain plug I've ever encountered. I've already tried heat and just hanging on it like an ape, is there any wizard shit I can perform or should I just air chisel it to shreds with another case on standby?

 

[seadon]

Hello everyone, I just picked up my first 3rd gen 4Runner — a ’97 Limited with the 3.4L and about 250k miles. Surprisingly, it doesn’t have much rust.

I’ve got a few questions and was hoping someone here could help me out:

1. What does the “TED” label stand for? It has gold plating and looks factory, not aftermarket.
2. Mine has an antenna on the rear window and a microphone near the driver’s visor. I found a Motorola module under the rear seat, and from what I found online it seems related to OnStar. Was this factory-installed or aftermarket?
3. I’m missing a switch next to the parking brake. Does anyone know what’s supposed to be there?
4. My truck doesn’t seem to have an immobilizer. It came with plain metal keys and no remote buttons. Is it possible to program a key fob to the existing central locking system, or do these not have a wireless module?
5. Every time I turn the key to ignition, after all the warning chimes I hear electric motor spin for about half a second under the hood. Any idea what that is?
6. 4WD button on the shifter currently does nothing. I'm researching how it should work right now, I'm assuming it's vacuum powered solenoid? I know previous owner capped a few hoses under the hood

Thanks in advance!

 

[phattyduck]

Hello everyone, I just picked up my first 3rd gen 4Runner — a ’97 Limited with the 3.4L and about 250k miles. Surprisingly, it doesn’t have much rust.

I’ve got a few questions and was hoping someone here could help me out:

1. What does the “TED” label stand for? It has gold plating and looks factory, not aftermarket.
2. Mine has an antenna on the rear window and a microphone near the driver’s visor. I found a Motorola module under the rear seat, and from what I found online it seems related to OnStar. Was this factory-installed or aftermarket?
3. I’m missing a switch next to the parking brake. Does anyone know what’s supposed to be there?
4. My truck doesn’t seem to have an immobilizer. It came with plain metal keys and no remote buttons. Is it possible to program a key fob to the existing central locking system, or do these not have a wireless module?
5. Every time I turn the key to ignition, after all the warning chimes I hear electric motor spin for about half a second under the hood. Any idea what that is?
6. 4WD button on the shifter currently does nothing. I'm researching how it should work right now, I'm assuming it's vacuum powered solenoid? I know previous owner capped a few hoses under the hood

Thanks in advance!

1. "LIMI" was broken off.
2. Something cell phone related. Useless with modern digital phones.
3. not sure
4. No immobilizer on '96-'98 4Runners. Alarm system will be an "RS3000" dealer installed unit. Don't try to use the '99+ fob.
5. ABS
6. '96-'98 Limited used an electric motor for the 2WD to 4WD shift (no multi-mode like '99+ Limiteds) at the transfer case, then vacuum actuator for the front diff. This will be a big one to diagnose.

-Charlie

 

[PEBROWN]

Hello,
Earlier this year I got a 2001 Toyota 4runner SR5 Sport Utility 4D with about 150,000 on it. It had a few issues, but was finally able to start driving it about 2 weeks ago. A check engine light came on at some point, but due to some surrounding issues I wasn't able to get it looked at.

Then one day I went to start it up and it wouldn't start, it was cranking but wouldn't turn over, after trying for a bit it did eventually start. Though later that day the same thing happened but it wouldn't start at all.

I towed it to a shop and they said it was an engine issue, specifically jump timing, and told me to call another branch of theirs. The guy there said that if it's a jump timing issue then the car needs a new engine since it's an interference engine, and that it's too late for a timing belt change.

I know absolutely nothing about cars but looking around online I'm seeing that that might not be the case. So I'm hoping someone may have some advice on if the guy was wrong, or am I just screwed?

PS. The old owner said they he replaced the timing belt about 30,000 miles ago, for whatever that's worth.

 

[AuSeeker]

The Toyota 3.4L 5VZ-FE engine is a non-interference engine. If your timing belt breaks or slips, the valves and pistons will not collide, meaning a snapped belt will not cause catastrophic internal engine damage.What Happens If the Timing Belt Breaks?While a broken timing belt will not destroy your valvetrain, the engine will immediately lose all timing and stall, leaving you stranded. To get the vehicle running again, you will simply need to install a new timing belt and reset the engine to Top Dead Center (TDC).Recommended MaintenanceAlthough the engine is forgiving if the belt breaks, routine maintenance is still vital to prevent unexpected breakdowns:Replacement Interval: Toyota recommends replacing the timing belt every 90,000 miles.While You're In There: It is highly recommended to replace the water pump, tensioner bearing, and idler pulleys at the same time the belt is changed.

 

[phattyduck]

I know absolutely nothing about cars but looking around online I'm seeing that that might not be the case. So I'm hoping someone may have some advice on if the guy was wrong, or am I just screwed?

PS. The old owner said they he replaced the timing belt about 30,000 miles ago, for whatever that's worth.

Sounds like its the shop that knows nothing... The 5VZ won't get hurt by a broken or jumped timing belt (one of the last engines where this was true, so count yourself lucky).

The previous owner may have used crappy parts, or the shop may have mis-diagnosed the issue.

The best way to get through this is DIY - get in there and see if it really is off timing. Move/remove one clamp on the upper hose (don't remove hose), loosen upper timing cover and check crank vs. cam timing. You can go from there either repairing the timing belt or finding what else might be causing the issue.

This is also a decent engine to learn how to do a timing belt on - again non-interference, so near zero risk of permanent damage if you make a mistake. Everything right in the front with lots of room once you remove the fan and shroud. Aisin makes a reasonably priced kit to do the whole thing with quality parts.

-Charlie

 

[JustTroItIn]

I wouldn't even trust the shops diagnosis since they don't know crap about the 5VZ, and the symptoms you describe could be anything. Buy a cheap code reader and get the codes yourself.

 

[PEBROWN]

Thank you all for the help, I pulled it out of that shop. Definitely feel lucky that I don't need a whole engine haha

 

[seadon]

I got the 4WD actuator working. When I press the 4WD button on the shifter, I can hear the electric motor spinning. However, the 4WD light on the dash just blinking once and never stays solid.

I think the 4WD is actually engaging because I can feel a slight bump when I turn it off.

I also found a disconnected wire near the actuator. Does anyone know where it should be connected?

Another question: what is this large bushing for?

 

[Count Krunk]

I just replaced timing belt, water pump, theromstat, and the other belts on my 2000 4runner.

As well as the rad as it was leaking when I filled it back up.

Anyway, I have discovered a leak of coolant then steam (when it's warmed up) coming out of this orifice on the block.

Is it missing a plug? I don't see any tube that would connect to it.

Does the head head bolt above it tighten or loosen the plug? v6 engine.

Thanks

 

[phattyduck]

I got the 4WD actuator working. When I press the 4WD button on the shifter, I can hear the electric motor spinning. However, the 4WD light on the dash just blinking once and never stays solid.

I think the 4WD is actually engaging because I can feel a slight bump when I turn it off.

I also found a disconnected wire near the actuator. Does anyone know where it should be connected?

Another question: what is this large bushing for?

The bushing is there to dampen some drivetrain vibration. You can remove it for now. They are expensive to replace and you probably won't notice it being gone. Mine has been gone for years as it interferes with the skid plate I have over that area.

The plug is for one of the transfer case position sensors. There should be a matching gray/white connector in that area coming off a position switch screwed in near the top of the transfer case - the rearmost of the two on that side of the transfer case.

-Charlie

 

[midxotic]

new OEM lower ball joints and an oil change :nod: