This dadgum 4 runner is making me rethink newer toyotas.

[wayneboard2]

I swear to you, at 125,000 miles, this 4 runner seems like it is just about to totally fall apart. It's not been abused, and in fact I try to take care of it and while I'm not perfect at it, the things I am doing to it should make it run better not worse. If it's not one thing it's another and it is getting OLD.

I bought this thing in hopes of getting the same mileage out of this that I did my old landcruiser which I really abused. It was at almost 300,000 miles with ZERO problems, but I decided to sell it and get something newer that the wife would more enjoy driving and that had more safety features, smoother ride, etc.. Man am I kicking myself for that. I bet it would still be going.

In case you are wondering it's a 2000 V6 Auto SR5 and it is sitting in the driveway right now taunting me. Piece of crap.

:soapbox:

 

[MARSHALLMAY]

did you buy it new or used?

 

[wayneboard2]

did you buy it new or used?

used with around 45 000 miles on it.

 

[MARSHALLMAY]

so you've had if for most of it's life...
What kind of problems?

 

[wayneboard2]

so you've had if for most of it's life...
What kind of problems?

well...lets see. I have been doing a lot of maintenance on it lately, but

1)I have a never ending CEL that is some sort of sensor but can't seem to get that diagnosed exactly to change it out. 2 mechanics can't seem to get it right.

2) The brakes are making some sort of popping noise despite having a brake job done about 5-6 months ago.

3) I have some sort of buzzing/grinding noise coming from the front differential area.

4) The drivers side window keeps popping out of the track and then gets locked in the up position.

5) The power antenna just buzzes away like a frigin maniac.

6) The glass in the rear window is very loose (have to figure out how to tighten that up) so it just rattles constantly

7) The little plastic clips that hold the sun visors in place busted so my visors just rattle around.

8) The driver and front passenger window switches are broken. If I want them to work I have to wiggle them around to make the connection.

9) The CD player is starting to act up and not read right despite being cleaned.

10) The rear end is sagging more than my 97 year old grandma.

11) It seems to be having some starting issues. It takes it a few seconds longer to start up so I don't know if this is a starter issue or what. it's a realatively new battery and I have a good connection.

12) The sunroof works about half the time and requires some physical force to work.

There are a few other very minor issues, but thats the major stuff.

The silver lining here is that the heater works so flippin good I could fry an egg on the floormat so breakfast on my way to work is taken care of....if it starts that is.

I think my runner was made on a friday or something. The thing is, I have actually tried to take care of this vehicle. My landcruiser took a lot of punishment, but it could take it so I gave it. This was my first almost new vehicle so I really have tried to not abuse it.

I don't know maybe I got a lemon but It's just really frustrating.

 

[wayneboard2]

Just so it's clear, I do realize that every brand of vehicle will have maintenance issues, and I know things will break from time to time, but this seems very excessive. I'm wondering if I should keep dumping time and money into this or just cut my losses.

 

[lee]

you keep saying you have "tried" to take care of it.

what the heck does that even mean, hahah.

i am at 110K+ and i have had none of your problems. I do routine and non routine maintenance, i beat my truck hard on the trail, and it has been just great.

things that have broken that have been out of character have been due to trail abuse or aftermarket parts.

i think you need to learn more about your 4runner so you arent just taking it somewhere expecting it to be magically fixed... try reading up on your problems.

ie, get the CEL code and LOOK IT UP YOURSELF.

 

[lee]

1)I have a never ending CEL that is some sort of sensor but can't seem to get that diagnosed exactly to change it out. 2 mechanics can't seem to get it right.

>>> get the code, look it up yourself.

2) The brakes are making some sort of popping noise despite having a brake job done about 5-6 months ago.

>>> go to the person who did it. this is abnormal. describe it more, does it happen all the time? under hard braking? all braking? do they squeal? what did you have done? pads, rotors?

3) I have some sort of buzzing/grinding noise coming from the front differential area.

>>> check and change your diff fluid.

4) The drivers side window keeps popping out of the track and then gets locked in the up position.

>>> take off your door panel and adjust where it is sitting. this hasnt happened to me.

5) The power antenna just buzzes away like a frigin maniac.

>>> these things break. replace or unplug it.

6) The glass in the rear window is very loose (have to figure out how to tighten that up) so it just rattles constantly

>>> again, pop the body panel.

7) The little plastic clips that hold the sun visors in place busted so my visors just rattle around.

>>> ziptie them or remove them until you can fix it... try on ebay or junkyards. thats a really odd thing to break.

8) The driver and front passenger window switches are broken. If I want them to work I have to wiggle them around to make the connection.

>>> sounds like you dont take great care of this truck.... lots of wierd electric problems

9) The CD player is starting to act up and not read right despite being cleaned.

>>> these units arent great, and do die eventually. replace with an aftermarket HU, youll get better sound at a lower price

10) The rear end is sagging more than my 97 year old grandma.

>>> this happens. replace with new coils or aftermarket.

11) It seems to be having some starting issues. It takes it a few seconds longer to start up so I don't know if this is a starter issue or what. it's a realatively new battery and I have a good connection.

>>> get the battery load tested. check the battery terminals to ensure they are clean and the connection is solid.

12) The sunroof works about half the time and requires some physical force to work.

>>> again weird electrical issues... did you do something???

 

[RunnerUp]

im also at 110k and i beat on my truck also, sure it makes some weird noises, but its a truck. perhaps what your problem is that you dont abuse this one? i know it sounds crazy, but my truck runs it best right after i beat the $#!+ out of my truck on the trails. sounds like nothing is really wrong, you just need to fix these things and it will be perfect again

 

[Appntr]

i know it sounds crazy, but my truck runs it best right after i beat the $#!+ out of my truck on the trails. sounds like nothing is really wrong, you just need to fix these things and it will be perfect again [/B]

+1...Best example, had a busted fuel gauge...it just sat spiked way above full for a week. Went wheelin with some of the NCTTORA guys, slammed the stock gas tank skid on a rock going up Welder at Callalantee ORV. Next day, voila! Working gas gauge. 78 miles on my trip ODO and just below a quarter of a tank! Right where it normally is considering my driving conditions at the time. That was my best trail fix yet. Go find some trails!

 

[Elton]

i have 142k miles and ive had zero problems it runs better than new after all its a toyota

 

[wayneboard2]

you keep saying you have "tried" to take care of it.

what the heck does that even mean, hahah.

i am at 110K+ and i have had none of your problems. I do routine and non routine maintenance, i beat my truck hard on the trail, and it has been just great.

things that have broken that have been out of character have been due to trail abuse or aftermarket parts.

i think you need to learn more about your 4runner so you arent just taking it somewhere expecting it to be magically fixed... try reading up on your problems.

ie, get the CEL code and LOOK IT UP YOURSELF.

Well first off I was afraid that my post would get this sort of reply as with your following one. I know it's hard to imagine that it could be the truck and not the owner, but I guess you aren't willing to see that possibility. Stop being so sensitive to your precious toyota being critizized. I have been happy with toyota, but this one is causing more problems that is characteristic of toyota thats whats bothering me so much.

Also, I have checked the CEL numerous times as well as had mechanics look at it and run a diagnostic. I'm not bashing this vehicle without doing at least some research so accusations aren't needed.

I have removed the door panels, I have used this website, yotatech as well as my old chiltons manual and advice from toyota mechanics and non toyota mechanics. The problem is that weather I fix it or not, it's not staying fixed or items that I don't think should break do. I'm not using cheap parts either. My previous experience with toyota is why I'm so frustrated.

Got it?

 

[wayneboard2]

MY ANSWERS ARE IN ALL CAPS.

1)I have a never ending CEL that is some sort of sensor but can't seem to get that diagnosed exactly to change it out. 2 mechanics can't seem to get it right.

>>> get the code, look it up yourself.

ALREADY DONE THAT A FEW TIMES.

2) The brakes are making some sort of popping noise despite having a brake job done about 5-6 months ago.

>>> go to the person who did it. this is abnormal. describe it more, does it happen all the time? under hard braking? all braking? do they squeal? what did you have done? pads, rotors?

AGAIN, ALREADY DONE THIS. THEY AS WELL AS A TOYOTA MECHANIC SAYS NOTHING SEEMS TO BE WRONG.

NO SQUEAL, JUST THAT POPPING OUT OF THE LOCKED POSITION WHEN I FIRST DRIVE IT.

3) I have some sort of buzzing/grinding noise coming from the front differential area.

>>> check and change your diff fluid.

ALREADY DID A FEW WEEKS AGO AND CHANGED BOTH DIFFS FLUID AS WELL AS TRANSFER CASE FLUID. I HAVE SINCE CHECKED FOR LEAKS AND PROPER FLUID LEVEL AND ALL IS AT IT SHOULD BE.

4) The drivers side window keeps popping out of the track and then gets locked in the up position.

>>> take off your door panel and adjust where it is sitting. this hasnt happened to me.

ALREADY DID THIS AS WELL AS HAD A MECHANIC LOOK AT IT WHEN I HAD THE DOOR OFF. IT HAS BEEN ADJUSTED AND ALSO HAD THREAD LOCKER PUT ON THE SCREWS TO HOLD THEM IN PLACE BETTER IN HOPE OF PREVENTING IT FROM LOSSENING FROM VIBRATION. THE TRACKS WERE ALSO LUBRICATED.

5) The power antenna just buzzes away like a frigin maniac.

>>> these things break. replace or unplug it.

I DID UNPLUG IT.

6) The glass in the rear window is very loose (have to figure out how to tighten that up) so it just rattles constantly

>>> again, pop the body panel.

I DID THIS YESTERDAY. LOOSE TRACK. IT HAS BEEN TIGHENTEND SO HOPEFULLY IT WILL STAY THIS WAY. THE TRACKS WERE LUBED LIKE THE DRONT DOOR WAS.

7) The little plastic clips that hold the sun visors in place busted so my visors just rattle around.

>>> ziptie them or remove them until you can fix it... try on ebay or junkyards. thats a really odd thing to break.

YES I KNOW IT IS AN ODD THING TO BREAK AND AGAIN, THAT'S WHY I AM GETTING MORE IRRITATED THAN EXPECTED WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE ODD.

8) The driver and front passenger window switches are broken. If I want them to work I have to wiggle them around to make the connection.

>>> sounds like you dont take great care of this truck.... lots of wierd electric problems.

AGAIN, ACCUSITORY AND NOT TRUE. JUST BECAUSE THERE ARE PROBLEMS DOESN'T MEAN I DON'T TAKE CARE OF THIS VEHICLE. HEAVEN FORBID IT BE THE VEHICLE ITSELF HUH?

9) The CD player is starting to act up and not read right despite being cleaned.

>>> these units arent great, and do die eventually. replace with an aftermarket HU, youll get better sound at a lower price.

I AGREE AND WILL DO SO WHEN FUNDS ALLOW. UNTIL THEN MY XM WILL SUFFICE.

10) The rear end is sagging more than my 97 year old grandma.

>>> this happens. replace with new coils or aftermarket.

FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ON HERE AND YOTATECH I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THIS WAS ON OLDER 4 RUNNERS, OR THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN USED TO TOW ALOT OR THAT ARE OLDER THAN MINE. MINE IS ONLY 6 YEARS SO I ASSUMED (WHICH IS MY FAULT FOR DOING SO) IT WOULD LAST A LITTLE LONGER THAN THAT.

11) It seems to be having some starting issues. It takes it a few seconds longer to start up so I don't know if this is a starter issue or what. it's a realatively new battery and I have a good connection.

>>> get the battery load tested. check the battery terminals to ensure they are clean and the connection is solid.

TERMINALS ARE NEW, WITH A GOOD CLEAN CONNECTION AND I REPLACED THE BATTERY YESTERDAY EVEN THOUGH MY OTHER ONE WAS NOT VERY OLD. STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE.

12) The sunroof works about half the time and requires some physical force to work.

>>> again weird electrical issues... did you do something???

OTHER THAN NOT USE THIS VERY OFTEN, NO. I'VE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO THIS VEHICLE TO CREATE THESE PROBLEMS BUT I SENSE IT WILL BE HARD FOR YOU TO ACCEPT THAT. I DO SEE IT IS EASIER TO BLAME ME THAT THE VEHICLE. IT IS ALMOST ALL STOCK AS FAR AS VEHICLES GO. I HAVE NOT CHANGED ANYTHING OR ADDED ANY AUX. ELECTRICAL ISSUES, OR HAD ANY ELECTRICL WORK DONE THAT MIGHT BE THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. IT JUST STARTED HAPPENING.

 

[wayneboard2]

im also at 110k and i beat on my truck also, sure it makes some weird noises, but its a truck. perhaps what your problem is that you dont abuse this one? i know it sounds crazy, but my truck runs it best right after i beat the $#!+ out of my truck on the trails. sounds like nothing is really wrong, you just need to fix these things and it will be perfect again

Well, there may be something to that. As I mentioned my old landcruiser took a lot of abuse and just kept coming back for more. I guess I'll just start testing this thing and see what happens. Whats the worse that can happen, it breaks? LOL

Thank you for your reply, I appreciate it.

 

[wayneboard2]

+1...Best example, had a busted fuel gauge...it just sat spiked way above full for a week. Went wheelin with some of the NCTTORA guys, slammed the stock gas tank skid on a rock going up Welder at Callalantee ORV. Next day, voila! Working gas gauge. 78 miles on my trip ODO and just below a quarter of a tank! Right where it normally is considering my driving conditions at the time. That was my best trail fix yet. Go find some trails!

lol...good story. I think the planets lined up just right for you on that day.

 

[MARSHALLMAY]

I think i know what's wrong with your 4runner. It was probably made on a friday.

 

[rearviewmirror]

Please post the VIN so I can add it to my list of used cars not to buy.

 

[gapboi210]

I haven't had too many problems with my 4Runner but what I do hate is that when something does break or go wrong it is nothing ever straight foward. For example I have a pop in the front suspension. Replaced upper and lower ball joints, and tie rods. Still popping. My power door locks will lock but not unlock! Why can't it just be simple easy to find items!

 

[bryanintexas]

I think i know what's wrong with your 4runner. It was probably made on a friday.

I'd agree w/ you on this, but all 4runners are Japan built. Friday doesn't seem to make the differance there like it does here on the US built Camrys. :biggrin2:

As far as your "issues" w/ your truck, ......go get a code pulled from the ECU and start there. Hell, they'll hook it up for free and give you the code @ Autozone. PM me w/ it, and I'll run it by the techs @ the job.

I have 147k on my 97 and no major issues. I work for a dealer, and haven't seen a 3rd gen come in w/ that many issues, other than obvious neglect. Not saying you neglect yours, just LYK what I have seen first hand on a day to day basis.

One other thing. Do you do all the work on your truck? Dealer? Reputable repair facility? No, Meineke, Midas, Just Brakes, Brake Check, Jiffy Lube and all those other "fly by night" chain business don't count. Going there is like shooting yourself in the foot! Pay the $85 checkout fee and have you local dealer wright you an estimate. @ least you'll know where your problems lie, and what it will take to resolve them.

 

[MARSHALLMAY]

they have fridays in japan.
Really, they do

I especially feel sorry for the folks that buy the new tundra that was made on monday or friday, or immediately following lunch.