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Toyota Sienna 3.5L power?

55 messages,  Last post on Dec 22, 2009 at 12:01 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Sienna, Van

Messages Page 5 of 6

#36 of 55 Re: 3.5L power? Read my post in "Slipping Trottle" [siennami] by hause7

Nov 10, 2007 (11:24 pm)

Replying to: siennami (Nov 10, 2007 10:57 pm)
Glad to see the 3.5L doesn't have problems going up hills. Could you do a 0-60 video to post on Youtube? a lot of people keep talking about the Honda Odyssey being more powerful when it is not.

#37 of 55 Re: 3.5L power? Read my post in "Slipping Trottle" [hause7] by prinesurf

Nov 11, 2007 (1:40 pm)

Replying to: hause7 (Nov 10, 2007 11:24 pm)
Please do your homework on these new 2008 Sienna's. This apppears to be a similar problem that has been plaguing the Camrys and Avalon for a few years. You can read other owners and expert opinions as well as technical reasons for the poor design on it at this website: http://fourwheeldrift.wordpress.com/2007/01/16/toyota-avalon-transmission-proble- ms-expose-toyotas-problem-reporting-problems/.
All the symptoms they describe are exactly what is happening with my new van. If you test drive one be sure to do this coasting/ then acceleration thing, between 6-8mph. You will REALLY notice it if you hit the gas after breaking, and coasting over a speed bump.
By the way there is no doubt this car is powerful, but this lagging acceleration after coasting really makes the car very annoying to drive. Maybe it isn't a slipping trottle thing. I wish I'd listen to my gut when I first brought this car home and not let the salesperson convince me that "the car needed to break-in", it was a "drive by-cable thing" and "the car learns how you drive". I would have brought it right back and asked for my money back.

#38 of 55 Re: 3.5L power? Read my post in "Slipping Trottle" [prinesurf] by ateixeira

Nov 12, 2007 (10:49 am)

Replying to: prinesurf (Nov 11, 2007 1:40 pm)
Just as an FYI, the Sienna uses the U151E transmission, while the problematic 6 speed in the Camry/Avalon is a totally different design, code named U660E.
 
C&D just tested all the latest vans and the Sienna was quickest in every single acceleration test, including their 5-60 "street start", which is 1mph below what you are reporting, but still shows a lag isn't normal even from a running start.
 
Sienna was also quickest in all the passing tests.
 
In another thread, I linked to the intake modification you might be interested in. Check that out.

#39 of 55 Re: 3.5L power? Read my post in "Slipping Trottle" [ateixeira] by prinesurf

Nov 12, 2007 (11:03 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Nov 12, 2007 10:49 am)
Thanks for the FYI. Perhaps it isn't exactly what the Camrys are expereincing, but this problem has been written about in 2005 and 2006 Siennas. My van IS fast in acceleration. The problem isn't the constant application of the gas pedal-no problem there. The problem comes when you accelerate, then you cruise, then you apply the gas again. This is where you will feel a noticeable lag until it catches up and goes. The car will rev like it is in neutral then literally lunge after it (goes into gear?).
I happen to be very annoyed by it on a daily basis, because I have a winding subdivision to navigate before I hit the road and I'm often at this under 8mph and coasting mode.

#40 of 55 Re: 3.5L power? Read my post in "Slipping Trottle" [prinesurf] by ateixeira

Nov 12, 2007 (11:05 am)

Replying to: prinesurf (Nov 12, 2007 11:03 am)
I tend to strive for good fuel efficiency, so I roll in to the throttle gently most of the time. That seems to work well for me.
 
The few times were I punch it, though, mine seems to respond pretty quick, in fact some times I get more than I wanted (more noise, too much speed).

#41 of 55 Re: 3.5L power? Read my post in "Slipping Trottle" [ateixeira] by siennami

Nov 14, 2007 (6:45 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Nov 12, 2007 10:49 am)
Hey, ateixeira..... are you willing to bring your family on a visit to sunny South Carolina so that you can do one of those modifications on the Silver Shadow for me? I'm pretty much used to the hesitation that I feel; to me it's a small price to pay for the fact that I'm back in a Sienna! And have "y'all" noticed? Doesn't that 3.5L engine sound all "muscle-y" when you accelerate? That's what tickles me to death about mine; it sounds powerful, and it is when I need it to be, especially driving around the peeps around here like I do!

#42 of 55 Re: 3.5L power? Read my post in "Slipping Trottle" [siennami] by ateixeira

Nov 15, 2007 (9:14 am)

Replying to: siennami (Nov 14, 2007 6:45 pm)
Yeah, the 3.3l (3MZ) had a timing belt, but the 3.5l (2GR) has a chain. It makes a more metallic sound, more authoritative.
 
Toyota actually added more sound insulation to the fire wall and door sills to compensate.

#43 of 55 Re: 3.5L power? Read my post in "Slipping Trottle" [prinesurf] by bearcrkrd

Nov 15, 2007 (10:44 pm)

Replying to: prinesurf (Nov 11, 2007 1:40 pm)
My 2006 does the same thing. I notice it in parking lots after going over a speed bump then trying to speed up. Also when slowing way down, then making a 90 degree, or more, low speed uphill left turn. But, different from the article referenced, I have never been in danger. I do not work for Toyota, nor gain anything by endorsing their products. While the slip, or rev is slightly annoying, as long as I am 100% sure that the tranny fluid is full/clean, and the tranny is not wearing out, I can live with it. I discovered it is just about the only time I (just speaking for Me) can justify manually downshifting. Works every time I've tried it. That is the 'slightly annoying' referred to above. Under brisk (brisker?) acceleration, the 3.3 does just fine. Always I also agree 100% that it has EVERYTHING to do with gas mileage, and not wanting to turn back the clock on the gains Toyota has so cleverly managed to wring out of its powerplants.
PS - the Dodge Chrysler Vans I have rented over the years did the same thing, but I thought it was more pronounced then my '06 Sienna.

#44 of 55 Re: 3.5L power? Read my post in "Slipping Trottle" [ateixeira] by siennami

Nov 22, 2007 (7:46 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Nov 15, 2007 9:14 am)
While making the 2 hr. trek back from the hospital after visiting my father, I was reminded again to be grateful for the choice I made in vehicles. The Silver Shadow is incredibly easy to drive on the interstate. She darts in and out of traffic if needed. And, hause07, to answer your question about 0-60: it does so quite easily. Before I knew it, the Silver Shadow and some Dale Earnhardt fan were about to become really close friends! The Sienna is very responsive, I believe, and I get where I need to in a very comfortable way. Obviously I am very biased.........

#45 of 55 Trip MPG by ateixeira

Nov 26, 2007 (9:46 am)

27.9 mpg on a round-trip to the coast this weekend. Not bad considering there was some traffic.
 
Gotta love this powertrain, the combination of power and efficiency is unreal.

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