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Toyota 4Runner

11428 messages,  Last post on Apr 29, 2013 at 12:02 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota 4Runner, SUV

Messages Page 1041 of 1143

#10399 of 11428 1999 4runner by alwayslearning

Jan 03, 2005 (10:55 pm)

I am looking to do some regular maintenance on my 4 runner and had a few questions.
 
where is the filter located for the interior of the truck?
 
clunking noise after stopping, it feels like the trans catches up with the stopped vehicle, i was told it was normal.
 
I would like to do a coolant flush, is it absolutely necessary to put in Toyota coolant, I was told it is a good idea since it is different than aftermarket stuff.
 
oil changes, I use Mobil 1 due to learning that 4runners have a gunking issue, but I change my oil every 5-7,000 miles, am I doing the right thing?
 
Tranny fluid; When should I have this flushed and replace filter? How about the 4 wheel drive transfer case, does that hold different fluid?
 
Plugs; what are some recommended plugs? any aftermarket or stay with Toyota?
 
Anyother suggestions to lookout for?
 
Thank you for any and all suggestions
 
alwayslearning

#10400 of 11428 5w30 vs. 10w30 oil by 4runnerfan

Jan 04, 2005 (10:54 am)

Hi everyone. I will be taking the plunge on a 2005 4Runner later this year, but in the meantime, it's time to change the oil in my 2002 4Runner. Although the manual says to use 5w30, the dealers here in Seattle insist on using 10w30. Although it rarely gets below freezing here, I've heard that 5w30 is a better choice, as the thinner oil does a better job lubricating all the intricate engine parts when the engine is cold. Anyone else here this or different stories?
Thanks!

#10401 of 11428 Re: lighted switches [dadoftay] by sauria

Jan 04, 2005 (11:58 am)

Replying to: dadoftay (Jan 02, 2005 5:41 pm)
Yes, I can live with that for this exceptional build quality compared to Nissan or even Honda

#10402 of 11428 Re: 5w30 vs. 10w30 oil [4runnerfan] by sauria

Jan 04, 2005 (11:59 am)

Replying to: 4runnerfan (Jan 04, 2005 10:54 am)
You should use the Toyota recommended oil as should the dealer. Tell them that's what the engineers at Toyota desgined it to use!

#10403 of 11428 Re: 5w30 vs. 10w30 oil [4runnerfan] by steve_ HOST

Jan 04, 2005 (1:26 pm)

Replying to: 4runnerfan (Jan 04, 2005 10:54 am)
Dealers buy oil in bulk and most figure that 10w30 will work for most of the cars that come in and they won't need to keep a bunch of different tanks of oil around. Unless they put the empty quart containers in your seat, how will you know they put something else in? Follow the money.
 
Steve, Host

#10404 of 11428 Re: ABS - Noise and Skidding [zellmo] by mcros

Jan 05, 2005 (6:09 am)

Replying to: zellmo (Apr 07, 2001 7:45 am)
I also have a 2000 SR-5 4Runner and i am having the same problem. I was wondering if you ever had the problem fixed or even diagnosed from a shop. The back end of my car also shakes from side to side during really bad shakes. I know this is years later but please post if you had anything done.

#10405 of 11428 1999 4Runner by corancher

Jan 05, 2005 (11:33 am)

alwayslearning, I may have answers for a couple of your questions.
 
The location for the interior filter is probably described in the operating manual. If not, you might talk with the parts guy (and look at his database with him) at a dealership. Some of them are pretty helpful.
 
The clunking noise after stopping may indicate that the driveshafts (universal spiders and slip joints) need lubrication. This is not hard job and should usually be done with oil changes, but lots of places neglect it (even if they say they did all the recommended lubrication).
 
If you do a coolant change or flush, use the Toyota coolant. It's different from most aftermarket stuff (less silicates, if I remember correctly, and easier on your water pump) and not too expensive compared to the labor involved and possible problems.
 
If you chage your oil frequently (according to the schedule recommended by the manufacturer) I don't think you need to run synthetic, though it wouldn't hurt. The main thing is not to delay oil changes. A number of recent engines seem to be sensitive to extended oil changes, and will sludge-up rather than just start burning more oil.
 
For the transmission fluid, if it's an automatic it uses some form of ATF, while the transfer case and manual transmissions generally use regular gear oil (80W-90 or something similar). Follow the manufacturer recommendations for time and mileage, and if you're not sure about the history of the vehicle, changing these (a flush may not be necessary) is cheap insurance.
 
Plugs don't need to be replaced very often, so I just use what the manufacturer recommends and put anti-seize compound on the threads when reinstalling. Get a torque wrench to do the plug installation.
 
There's very little about maintenance procedures in the owners manuals, so you might want to check into a service/repair manual set for your vehicle. They're available in different forms (sometimes on CD in addition to paper) and from both the manufacturer and aftermarket. Also, search here and other sites (can't mention them here) for more detailed maintenance discussions.

#10406 of 11428 Pathy vs. 4Runner idntnvu... by dadoftay

Jan 05, 2005 (5:48 pm)

Yes, both were new. The Pathfinder feels "heavy" for lack of a better term. The motor is sweet and the tranny is pretty well matched, but the 4Runner just seems to feel more "nimble". (anyone got a thesaurus?) Interior wise, I felt the 4Runner had more room. I don't read interior dimensions, it has to feel good. And suaria is right, the quality feel is more present in the 4. I bought a Murano last year for the wife and it has been super. There is a distinct feel of quality and luxury in the Murano that is simply lacking in the Pathfinder. I know there are price points here, but when the wife notices, it's substantial, and no, I'm not knocking women and cars, but my wife couldn't give $.02about vehicles.

#10407 of 11428 Wiper Blades by canddmeyer

Jan 05, 2005 (5:56 pm)

2003 (and newer) 4Runners use different sized windshield blades. Driver and passenger blades are not interchangable. Just thought someone might want to know this.
 
On another note, I talked with a 2003 4Runner Sport owner today. Like me and my SR5, he too said there is way too much 'bounce' in the vehicle, and the vehicle wanders at highway speeds. He said both his early 90's and late 90's 4Runner's had much better road manners. He has the Bridgestone's, I've got the Dunlops. Glad to know I'm not the only one with this experience.

#10408 of 11428 New 2005 SR-5 Drivers Door Rattle by sauria

Jan 05, 2005 (8:01 pm)

I've been breaking in a new SR-5 4x4 v-8 and have noticed a slight rattle sound in the drivers door. It occurs at low speed and sound like plastic parts rattling inside of the door. Yet, it is more pronounced on cold days (just froze) and seems diminished as the interior heats up (running heater).
 
Any experience with this as a past issue? How did you solve it?
 
I am going to try and put some armor all on the door weatherstripping and see if this has any effect. Seems to make the doors quieter on VW's.
 
Thanks

Messages Page 1041 of 1143

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