A Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician shares common problems that you should look for when buying or owning a 4th generation Toyota 4Runner between 2003-2009 model years.
So Should you buy a 4th Gen Toyota 4Runner? In this video We’ll go over some of the common issues I see with this awesome truck that you should know about if you own one or looking to buy one.
Here are some helpful videos for Toyota 4Runner owners :
Toyota trucks sealed transmission fluid replacement DIY:
https://youtu.be/NUAuGmDGntY
5th Generation 4Runner common problems:
https://youtu.be/bi_AeB335Yo
Toyota 4runner Technical Review Series:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeFzfl0Q8rQWEfqiaOGG3wzXKNughcpzi
We’ll follow my channel’s format for common problems broken into sections.
First we’ll cover some common issues with the engine. The 4Runner in this generation had 2 possible engine options in most markets. The 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 and the 4.7L 2UZ-FE V8 engine. Although those engines are solid options they do have some issues that are common.
Then the Transmission of the 4Runner. 2 Possible options, The 4 speed and the 5 speed. Both are very solid transmissions with very few minor issues. Make sure you replace your 4th generation 4Runner transmission fluid every 60,000 miles or 6 years so you won’t have to worry about the transmission filter.
I’ll also cover common issues with the 4WD system. Make sure you use your 4WD frequently as instructed by the owner’s manual. This alone will prevent many of the issues.
I’ll also cover items on Chassis, Body and Electrical. Including issues with suspension and a common knocking noise that is very simple and inexpensive to fix. Brakes are generally good on this truck however rust does affect them which is a theme with this truck.
Lastly we’ll have the frame rust conversation. This is possibly the biggest problem with this truck. One that can basically mechanically total this truck. Be very careful when shopping for one. Do NOT buy a 4runner that’s rusty. And always under coat the frame to protect it from rust.
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0:00 Intro
0:46 Engine
8:52 Transmission
10:53 4WD System
14:10 Chassis
19:17 Body
21:33 Electrical
22:47 Frame Rust Conversation
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I have my love hate relationship with my 2004. Had to get the head gaskets done and I'm battling rust. I'm also experiencing some transfer case issues. Really wish toyota gave the manual transfer case option. All in all I regret buying it. I should have gotten the Lexus gx 460 or 470 variant. Its very similar but has a manual transfer case along with some other differences.
We love my 06 (SR5 V6). I just completed a 4000+ road trip while towing a Jayco camper trailer and even though it has a little more than 260.000.00 miles it's still more than capable of maintaining 75 to 80 miles an hour on highways with 80 MPH stretches. I use full synthetic oil for the engine and premium transmission fluid in the transmission for precise smooth shifting. And when it's not being driven on a semi daily basis it also is our exploration vehicle to get us to some of the most rugged parts in the San Bernardino national Forest near Big Bear lake California where we live at.
I bought a 06 six for son last year seems ok inspected the frame seemed pretty decent for a 06. Engine purrs like a kitten
Thank you and God bless and keep you too.
You're a LEGEND. What a awesome video. I'm subbed! I just bought a 2003 4.7 and this helped so much in planning my preventative maintenance. I just bought an aftermarket axle last week since my boot was ripped. problem is I purchased the truck like that so I have no idea how long it's been. There's no noise in full steering lock so I'll assume the internals are okay and take your recommendation to buy a boot kit first. I'll inspect the joint when I have it cleaned out. If everything is good I'll return the axle
How do correct a loose steering wheel on a 03 Tacoma ?
Excellent advice.Thankyou so much for the video.I think we all miss the good old 1UZ/2UZ engines.The starter was even still under the inlet manifold on the 1UZ in the LS400 but rarely needed a replacement.
My 2009 SR5 4WD V6 is awesome. Have it for 2 years now and do my own oil changes. Very cheap to maintain.
I can't understand an American buying foreign cars , buy American the job you save may be your own
I agree with everything mentioned in the comprehensive video. I own a 2008 4Runner 4.0 Sport with XREAS. The system is currently working fine, but I'm wondering which shocks and struts can be used to replace this system when it goes bad.
Thanks for showing everyone the common issues. However this is an SUV not a Truck. My pet peeve. Trucks have a open Cargo Bed. Not to be confused with body on frame design. You refer to the 4runner many times as a truck. Also they didn't discontinue the V8 because of emissions. They discontinued it because they wanted a distinction between the 4runner and the GX460. You can get this platform in the newer GX460 with a updated V8 UR engine.
have you heard of common steering wheel Shake at highway speed 60mph~. i have it on my brand new 5th gen and ive got it road force balanced 3 times and it still shakes. any ideas? Thanks
Great info have a great day
what's that mean gas guzzler most vehicles use gas it's a bad myth never should've been started.
What about changing spark plugs for the newer model 4runners? I have a 21 and already have 10k on it. I have changed the oil twice already, every 5K miles. What other normal services should I be doing? Again, thanks a bunch for all your videos! You rock!
"Let's start with the engine". What a breath of fresh air! Sick and tired of reviewers commenting on fender flares and grille designs for the first 15 minutes.
Thank You great info …. rear wiper just stopped working (2007).
Rumor has it the the 2023 4Runner is going to have a high strung 4 cylinder engine. Seems Toyota may be going backwards. But I'm old school and
love my 07 V8>>> south Texas no rust.
Hi MR AMD
have questions recently dealership installed my external cooling fan on my Toyota Tacoma 2021 SR5 V6 but i see only operates for few seconds when I turn the car on and stop I don’t know if this is normal or have to work with the a/c on. Currently outside temperature here in Texas is around 100 Fahrenheit degrees
2004 V8 Ltd.
A handful of us have had the drain tube for the sunroof clog and allow rain water into a small junction right behind the passenger rear door. This causes the radio to stay on when the key is removed. (In my case it caused a dead battery until I started removing the JBL amp fuse) The junction gets corroded and back feeds the radio. After cleaning the junction box, all is well again. I would consider this both an electrical and body problem, but both are easily solved.
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/problems-and-warranty-issues/63418-04-runner-radio-c-controls-wont-turn-off-2.html
Love the video just bought a 2007 V8
7:00
READ THIS! Trust me.
I have a 2005 SR5 V8 4×4 w/ 235k on it. Lost my Secondary Air Injection Pump (SAIP) at 215k miles.
(These could be different for you, but…)
My Dash lights: Maint, CEL, VSC TRAC, VSC OFF, Skid light
My Engine Codes:
C1201
Engine Control System Malfunction
P0418
Secondary Air Injection System Relay “A”
Circuit Malfunction
P0430
Catalyst Efficiency Below Normal
( Bank 2 / Passenger Side )
P2445
Secondary Air Injection Pump Stuck Off
( Bank 1 )
Regarding the SAIP…
DO NOT REPLACE IT WITH AN AFTERMARKET UNIT! They are not well built at all! It’s generally ok to use aftermarkets anywhere else on the truck. But not this. OEM Toyota part is obviously more expensive yet worth it. Toyota redesigned them. The OEM ones you get today are great. Aftermarket SAIP’s are still crap.
Also… get a mechanic to do this repair for you unless you are legitimately a professional Toyota mechanic with a real shop to work in. This is a serious PAIN IN THE A** replacement. I work on my 4Runner all the time and do all kinds of stuff to it. I took my SAIP issue to a 30 year ASE Toyota Mechanic with a FULL shop. It still took both of us 8 hrs of cussing like sailors to do the replacement.
Here are the parts that it took to do mine:
New Parts List:
1. ( x1 ) Secondary Air Pump
Toyota OEM Part # 17600-0F010
2. ( x1 ) Diverter Control Valve
Toyota OEM Part # 25710-50022
3. ( x1 ) Check Valve / Driver Side
Toyota OEM Part # 25720-50020
4. ( x1 ) Check Valve / Passenger Side
Toyota OEM Part # 25720-50011
5. ( x2 ) Intake Manifold Gasket
Toyota OEM Part # 17171-50030
6. ( x4 ) Pipe Gasket
Toyota OEM Part # 17377-50010
7. ( x1 ) Air Injection System Hose
Toyota OEM Part # 17342-50180
8. ( x1 ) Pump / Control Valve Hose
Toyota OEM Part # 17341-50180
9. ( x2 ) O2 Sensor / Downstream
Bosch Part # 15672
10. ( x2 ) Water Outlet Gaskets
Advanced Auto / Fel-Pro Part # 35941
(OEM Part # 16341-50020)
Bottom line, this is an expensive repair. But you really can’t half-a** this one. You have bite down and go all in.
She runs like a clock now though! 😉
Hopes this helps!