Edmunds Answers questions

Why does my '07 toyota 4Runner have a really bad rotten egg smell?

kevin60 — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 11:14:10 GMT

New '07 4Runner with less than 5k miles has really bad rotten egg smell in the cabin. Smell is not constant but appears frequently.

96 Toyota 4Runner. replacing clutch with kit. How to remove pilot bearing?

hankster4 — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:54:46 GMT

Am replacing the clutch with parts from a kit. Difficulty is in removing the existing pilot bearing.

My 94 4runner with AT won't shift for first few miles when cold. Fluid checks out okay. Any advice?

stevinator — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:08:46 GMT

Transmission was rebuilt in 2004 and this is a recent issue - we've had very cold weather and I park outside. This morning I had to wait a good 5-10 minutes after putting selector in Reverse for it to ease in. Then when I left with selector in Drive, it didn't shift out of low gear for several miles, then did so with a clunk. Once it warmed up, within another few miles it operated normally. I checked fluid cold the other day, and hot today and it's right in the range it should be on dipstick. Any advice or is it time to take it to a transmission place?

installing OEM hitch on 06 4runner. after intalling the hitch, will it look like the factory intalled hitch?

qsg1119 — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:29:30 GMT

have an 06 4runner, planning to install OEM hitch. I would like my 4 runner to look like it had the factory installed hitch. I am willing to cut a portion of the rear bumper for the hitch receiver. Is this possible?

95 toyota 4runner 3.0liter white smoke , no water in oil..possible problem

hoomie — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:58:11 GMT

95 toyota 4runner 3.0 liter white smoke from exhaust but no water in oil

In-channel vs tape on vent visors - which one is better for a 2004 4runner lmtd edition?

mjh4001 — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:56:27 GMT

I just purchased a 2004 4Runner Limited edition and wanted to put some vent visors on it and when I started looking around saw these In-Channel ones which seemed to have a nice look to them. I am concerned about a possible strain on the window motor, or possible window seating problems with the in-channel ones and was wondering what everyone else's experience has been with this type of vent visor vs. the traditional tape on style. There seems to be a lot of in-channels being sold so I might be worried about nothing, but I figured I would throw it out there to get some feedback. I am also interested in hood protectors and was wondering if anyone knew a good place to pick one up?

I have an '06 Toyota 4Runner and the "low tire pressure" light stays on. How can I get this turned off without spending money?

jack109 — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:50:10 GMT

Tires are new and pressure is the same in all 4 tires.

Toyota 4Runner SR5 thanks for all the info. on tire pressure, Tire Rack link!

bandit10 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 02:09:30 GMT

When I lowered the PSI from 35 PSI to 29 PSI all 4 tires. I drove the car all day today city and highway. What a differance it made in handling, and stabilty. Also the link you gave me for Tire Rack was incrediable. I never had any idea how comprehensive their data base was. An truly how little I knew about tires, and the differance between types of tires and the rating system of the markings on the tire.

Front Shocks 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD V-6

bandit10 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:27:12 GMT

I currently have KYB Gas A Just shocks in the rear. My front shocks need replacement. {61,000 miles} Considering the fronts are located inside the coil spring, will I have a difficult time replaceing them myself. I don't have a lift. If it's doable what shock brand would reccomend. Will I have to have the alignment adjusted once the shocks are R&R? Is this something a professional should undertake? Thanks.

How much is it to replace a muffler syestem for a 1998 Toyota 4Runner?

catseye311 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 15:50:17 GMT

Just wondering how much it will cost to replace a total exhaust system on a 1998 toyota 4 runner

I want to change my front shocks on a 1998 Toyota 4Runner.

bandit10 — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 03:35:47 GMT

Front Shocks R&R. K&N Air Filter 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD 61,000 miles.

I want to change my front shocks to KYB Gas A Just like I have in the rear. The shock is housed inside the coil spring. Is it best to unbolt the top of the shock first? I'll be using WD-40 first and let soak. And then unbolt the bottom of the shock.. Will I have problems because of the coil spring while doing the R&R? Will the shock just drop down?
I've been using a K&N Air Filter the past several years. It came in 2 sections or pieces. They have the same outside measurement. It's one is thiner than the other. The paper ones are one piece. Can you tell me why K&N are a 2 piece set? Thanks, Ben.

Thanks for your in depth response. 98 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD KYB shock installation.

bandit10 — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:49:08 GMT

Wow what a great detailed eplanation of the R&R of the KYB's up front. You mentioned a wall mount compressor. I don't know what that is. Is that something I saw years ago when a person was compressing front springs on a car or truck. By description without this tool would I be in danger of the spring flying at me or not being able to compress the spring for the install of the new shocks. What would the labor cost be for a professional installion? Just a guess or ball park number. Again thank you for your time and knowledge. Ben.

Keeping car in neutral while at long traffic lights, and traffic jams.

bandit10 — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 01:28:33 GMT

I have a 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD and while driving in the city our traffic signals are between 3 to 5 minutes long when red. Since I was a kid I always put my car in neutral during traffic lights, and traffic jams, because I feel I'm holding the back the Trans. while it's in Drive and putting excessive heat on the transmission, and Torque convertor. Especillaly in my hot climate with the A/C on. I have 61,000 on the odometer and had the transmission drained and re-filled by the dealer at 47,000 miles. Approx. 13 qts. of ATM. Am I doing the wrong thing with my way of thinking and driving habits? Thanks, Ben.

A question about ABS and the shade tree mechanic. 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD

bandit10 — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:04:49 GMT

I'm thinking about changing the rear brake shoes on my 4Runner. I've never done a brake job with an ABS system I have about 60% wear left on the shoes and feel it time to change them. With ABS do I have to disconnect any sensors, or disconnect the Battery Cable? Any info on ABS would be of help. Thanks, Ben.

Pictures of 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5

bandit10 — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:24:55 GMT

Sandman don't laugh too hard. But I do have a digital camera, but don't have a clue how to send pictures. I've had it 3 years. I'll call my friend and ask him to show me. It's White, with the dark Bug screen, and Sunroof Foil, and rear foil.And dark window shades. But I recently put on a beautifull Stainless Steel wrap around Grille Guard [EURO] from Hunter. Mandrel Bent. It really dresses it up nice. What's the address for sending the photos. Do you send more than one? And then someone picks the best one? You can stop laughing now. I'm smiling at myself. Ben

Does the spoiler on the 2008 Toyota 4Runner serve a purpose or is it strictly cosmetic?

brogers1 — Sat, 03 May 2008 21:10:22 GMT

I'm choosing options for a 2008 SR5 Toyota 4Runner. I was wondering if the optional rear spoiler serves a purpose like helping keep the rear window clean or if it is strictly cosmetic.

Thanks!

03 Toyota 4Runner, ABS, track off and vsc lights on. Removed negative battery cable no luck. Help.

bandit1942 — Sat, 31 May 2008 19:35:34 GMT

dealer wants 125 for diiag. no way. any one no how to put the lights out? help. i just had new front shocks put on and and the lights came on on the way home.

I own a 2000 Toyota 4Runne. Original tires lasted 75,000 miles. Replacement tires very worn under 50,000. Maintenance per Toyota. Why

bes1 — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:23:30 GMT

The orginal tires w/ 2000 4-Runner, 75,000 miles, replaced with Goodyear
Fortera, now with 39,000 miles, very close to replacement need. Only my
Toyota dealer has serviced my 'truck', always does recommended service.
Why are these tires not lasting as well as the originals? Would
Yokohama Geolandar tires be a good choice as replacement?? Not familiar
with this brand. I need some help, thanks!

Is an aftermarket or factory catalytic converter a better replacement a 10 yr old Toyota 4Runner? Ours was stolen.

donson — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:07:45 GMT

Our catalytic converter was cut off and now we have to decide whether to replace it with an after market part or should we pay the approx. $600 difference and get a Toyota part? Our insurance won't cover the full price of the Toyota part.

I have tried to find a repair manual for my 2004 Toyta 4Runner with no success. How do you put on new brake pads?

bodes — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:57:55 GMT

I just want to know the technique to get the pins out of the caliper and if there are any tricks to the removal and reinstallation of the brakes.

93 Toyota 4Runner. White smoke, no water, need to know what this is.

ruth15 — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 01:15:00 GMT

i dont know what happened,one minute fine,next minute white smoke,no water

How do I remove rotors of my 1990 Toyota 4Runner?

tituspeter — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:23:58 GMT

It's got auto lock hubs. I removed: caliper, 6 smaller nuts, center cap + center bolt. Nothing will budge even with hammer taps.

On a 2004 Toyota 4Runner, where do I make parking brake adjustments?

crumom — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:26:28 GMT

Did break work and now want/need to adjust parking break? I know on some Honda cars it is done behind break leaver/handle, just dont know where Toyota's is.

2007Toyota 4Runner brake question.

4RunFun — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 23:25:21 GMT

I have an '07 4Runner SR5 4x4 w/ the V6. I only have 26,000 miles on it, but the brakes have begun squeaking.

I tow a fishing boat during the summer, but am wondering if I need to have my brakes looked at. Very surprised if this is the case at just 26,000 miles.

Interested in thoughts or ideas. Thank you.

Toyota 4Runner parking brake broke.

escozoo2900 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:41:26 GMT

i tried to take my parking brake off after a day of work and the metal part that holds the wire lost the wire and the metal thing is now in my passenger floor any help to get it back in? do i have to take apart my dashboard and under my steering wheel??

Best way to sell a wrecked 99 Toyota 4Runner?

bscott157 — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:48:18 GMT

My daughter had a 99 4 runner and wrecked it about a week ago. I would like to sell it but I think parting it out would be better and maybe make me more money. The motor and transmission don't appear to be hurt. There is some heavy body damage on the passenger side but the driver side is okay. Window motors work fine too. Any advice on which way to go?
Brian

Toyota 4Runner. I have replaced the master cylinder, pads, shoes, drums and rotors. The system will not bleed out the air.

william37 — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:21:08 GMT

All Parts are new, I have even used a vacuum pump and can't get the air out.

I have a 1997 Toyota 4Runner. The last few years when the outside temp is near 0, the brake pedal is like a rock. What is wrong?

Jimbo007 — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:05:45 GMT

When outside temp is near 0 brake pedal is like a rock. I can not press it down enough to work. Emergency brake will work. After 1 or two miles brake pedal breaks free with pressure and everything is back to normal.
Never happens when outside temp is above 15. No matter how hard I push pedal seems to be frozen. What is happening?

Best all terrain tire for the Toyota 4Runner?

tcbk — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:39:27 GMT

the best all terrrain tire for driving 90% on highways and 10% off road and snow .

Could anyone please simply explain how to use the 4 wheel drive system on the 2005 v8 Toyota 4Runner Limited? Thank you.

bosma — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 01:36:14 GMT

After reading almost all posts to figure this out I think I may be getting closer.

I just purchased my second 4Runner, A v8 limited and LOVE IT! Just some what confused on the 4 wheel drive/drives....and how to apply them. Meaning turn them on.

There is a SILVER KNOB on the right side of the dash and a black PUSH BUTTON on the left side.

I once turned the silver knob and All I got was a beeping noise. Don't know if any happened.

Now with this being said...
I think the car is always in some kind of 4 wheel drive. Then there is a two more 4 wheel drive options.

I think my question/s are:

How do I properly engage the two more "powerful" 4 wheel systems.

Do I first need to be in neutral, then turn the knob, then hit the button? This would give you this type of 4wheel. Can one or more options be applied while driving? Just hit the button and you will get this option of 4 wheel drive.

After reading this, you could justifiably tell me to just leave it alone Dave!

I hope my question is clear enough without getting into to much mechanical lingo.
Thanking you in advance......
D.

Why does my 08 Toyota 4Runner SE 4WD jerk when I release my foot off the brake pedal, especially after I make a hard stop?

mguanlao — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 16:10:42 GMT

The dealership said its ok for that car but sometimes it's annoying.

05 Toyota 4Runner. Can't retract the cylinders back into the brake caliper to allow room for new pads and rotor.

cswade88 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:14:44 GMT

Changing front brakes on 05 Toyota 4Runner. Can't get all 4 cylinders in each caliper to retract back in the calipers. I can get 2 of the four to retract on each caliper but the other two won't budge. Each caliper has 4 cylinders. 2 behind each brake pad. Any Answers?

I have a 2000 V6 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4. How much can I safely tow?

runnergrl — Wed, 06 May 2009 03:53:12 GMT

I have a 2000 V6 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4. How much can I safely tow? We have a camper and a boat that both weigh around 2000 pounds each. I think the camper may pull easier, but I worry that this is too much weight for my 6 cylinder.

My 2007 Toyota 4Runner has an squealing noise after replace front and rear brakes. My mechanic checked but still the same. A bad job?

jmcid007 — Sun, 24 May 2009 21:22:15 GMT

My 2007 with 33884 miles have recently a front and rear brake job after a couple of weeks the brakes star with an squealing noise in both brakes. I took the car to the mechanic and after a few days same noise, my question it was a bad job or else?

Please help. What do I buy so I can tow a utility trailer with a 1999 Toyota 4Runner? Not a 4 wheel drive,

alice14 — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:33:49 GMT

My 4Runner has a receiver. I do not know what else to buy so I can tow a trailer.

Can a Toyota 4Runner 4x4 automatic be towed behind a motor home? Modifications?

marinana — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 13:45:02 GMT

What, if anything, would we need to do to tow a 03 4Runner with a motor home. I see in dinghy guide that Jeeps appear to be vehicles most listed as towable.

Family members have 4Runners that they are very happy with. Jeeps, not so much.
info please?

2004 Toyota 4Runner brakes are going all the way to the floor when pedal pushed. What would cause that?

lyonessts — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:38:19 GMT

My 4Runner's brakes go all the way down when pushed. I was told it was the master cylinder - but the Toyota mechanic is saying it is because someone has put another fluid in brake fluid spot and it has destroyed my entire brake system. Is that possible because now they are saying that all it needs is a new master cylinder and new calipers. Well, those were the 2 things that needed to be replaced originally and the only things that are covered under my warranty. But because it was "our fault" that the fluids were mixed, they won't cover it under warranty.

Toyota 4Runner oil change interval?

jwoolie — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:21:01 GMT

2000 Toyota 4Runner. How often do you really need to change the oil if you drive about 3,000 miles a month?

Have a 96 Toyota 4Runner and replaced shocks and struts this year. Is there anything else I can do to improve the ride?

debbles — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:01:10 GMT

My 96 4Runner has 183,000 miles and the ride seems to be getting rougher & rougher by the year. I replaced the shocks and struts earlier this year, but ride is still really rough. Is there anything else (coils/springs) that can be done to improve/get a softer ride?

I have manual seats in a Toyota 4runner. I want to install power seats, how do I go about the wiring?

isabel2 — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:54:38 GMT

Where can I hook up to get power?

Lubricating Sun Roof Track 1998 TOYOTA 4Runner SR5 2WD V-6

bandit10 — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:13:01 GMT

Hello, can anyone give me advice on what the procedure of lubricating my sliding sun roof. And what materials to use. I don't want to use the chemicals on the track system. It's working perfertly fine. But it is 10 years old and I'd like to keep it moving smoothly for a long time to come.
I have an Air Compressor would blowing air in the open track be of help? Thanks too all. I have 61,000 miles on the clock.

I have a 1995 Toyota 4runner where the liftgate window brackets that hold the window to the regulator have rusted

jimszas — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:24:41 GMT

I am looking for a source for the two brackets or a part #. this bracket holds the window with a rubber seal and allows the rollers of the lift mechanism to move through it.

2003 Limited 4runner: AC keeps switching to vent mode? How do I fix this?

jena3 — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:15:40 GMT

My 4runner's AC button lights up when it is on. For some reason, out of no where my AC changes to vent mode. This causes the AC button to start flashing. I then will turn the AC on and off by pressing the button but it still goes into vent mode. I JUST got it back from the shop. They had to order a part, which apparently didn't work! What could it be and how can I fix this?
Thank you!

Understanding the purpose of ECT & O/D controls on a Toyota 4Runner?

bandit10 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:21:28 GMT

I have a 1998 Toyota 4Runner 2WD SR5 V-6. Can you please tell me the purpose of the ECT button on the right of my console? And when would I use it? Also I drive in the city with the O/D on to save on fuel. I have 61,000 miles on the car. At 47,000 miles I had the Transmission fluid drained and filled at Toyota. I use synthetic oil only. I live in a dry and very dusty climate. Las Vegas, NV. So I change my oil 4 times a year. I also use an K&N air filter.Thank you, Ben

Proper Tire Pressure 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5

bandit10 — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:27:08 GMT

Can you tell me the proper tire pressure for my 16" stock wheels and new tires. I just put on a set {4} tires and am running 35lbs. In 10 years of ownership, I've been told the pressure should as low as 28LBS. up to 35LBS. and anywhere in between. 35LBS. in my thinking is ballooning the tires. Pep Boys feels it's correct. Whats your opinion? I also had the Front End Aligned after installation. Thanks, Ben.

1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Suspension?

bandit10 — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 04:37:48 GMT

tallman1, thanks for prompt responce about my question regarding whether I have a heavy duty coolant package.
You mention suspension as a possiability in your reply. I have 4 shocks the 2 in the front have coil springs. Other than that what would I look for in the way of Heavy Duty Cooling or Towing capcity? Thanks.

Tire pressure on 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 reading door jamb specs.

bandit10 — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 02:35:44 GMT

I checked the door jamb specs. It read as follows Front P225/75R15 29 lbs. Rear also same numbers.I put 30lbs. in the rear only because, I read the wheel markings and they confused me a little. The rims read P265/70 R15 then there is a space about an inch away that just reads 16. The tire markings read as follows P265/70R16

The treadwear is 400 Traction A Temperture B Traction is that a decent quailty tire with those manufactures specs? I'm confused with the Jamb reading R15 and the tire reading R16. Make any sense to you? The previous tires had a 440 Traction rating.

Am I giving up a lot in the way of saftey. I city drive 95% of the time. Once in a while I go fishing and it's 100 miles one way. Thanks again.

I have a 1986 Toyota 4Runner that will not move in 2wd or 4wd.

johnw2200 — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:22:49 GMT

The 4Runner was recently wrecked by the previous owner when he decided to get drunk and go 4-wheeln. Here is what it is doing, when I let out on the clutch the speedodometer moves as if the truck were moving but it isn't, this happens in 4hi, 4lo, and 2hi. The previous owner told me he thought the chain had been knocked loose in the transfer case but I think it could just be some vacuum lines that came loose.

KYB Gas A Just Shocks on 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD 61,000 miles

bandit10 — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 03:45:20 GMT

I have a 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD V-6, with KYB gas A Just shocks inthe rear only. I would like to put a set up front. What is your opinion about adding them to the front? I feel I need new shocks and don't want to put over kill in the front end. I don't think they will, but before I spend good money on a set, I'd appreciate and honest opinion on how they would handle up front. Cornering, braking, highway. ETC. If you don't care for the KYB's up front would you reccomend a quailty set. I intend to keep the car for many years. It's been a great vehicle, and never let me down. Except for the 2 Antenna Masts. Whats new(: Thank you.

Thanks for the Great Info on Elecrtic Seat Conversion 98 Toyota 4Runner

bandit10 — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:00:22 GMT

wern10 I recieved your very in depth response to my question of converting my manual seat to a Power seat in my 4Runnner SR5. I tried to give you a THUMBS-UP. But I can't get it to put a check insert in the thumbs up box. I just gave another person a thumbs up and it took. By far your answer was as detailed as if I were in the shop watching you do the application. I realize now I would be very much over my head in an attempt to try this conversion. I can't thank you enough. You saved me a lot of grief and possiable safety issues, as well as potential electrical problems. Thanks again. Ben