1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited from North America - Comments

I purchased the 4runner in April of this year, but it has been making a knocking noise in the motor. I have taken it to the dealership 5 times. The first time they replaced the air compressor. The second time the oil was changed with heavier oil, and bearings greased to try and stop knocking. The third time the harmonic pulley was changed. The forth time I was told to come by and let a service tech ride with me. He called in the regional tech to come look at it and then they told me there was nothing that could be done. They say it is characteristic of the vehicle. Then I took it to another dealership and they changed the water pump, timing belt and two other pulleys, but the knocking noise still exists. I am trying to find out if anyone else has had this problem with the 4runner.

I love this vehicle, but just want it fixed. I would like to know anyone else has run into this type situation.

It is possible that the main bearings are defective. Suggest that the dealer check the main bearings. An automotive stethoscope should be used by the technician to determine where the knocking sounds are coming from, either low (main bearings) or high (valve train). This is just a suggestion.

You never mentioned what engine you have... The 3.4 V-6 would be the engine you want in there. The 2.7 I-4 DOES have a history of knocking... It's called "piston slap." Nothing detrimental, but a good thing you have had it looked at numerous times. Keep ALL the paperwork on this, because if something bad does happen, Toyota will cover it under warranty if the claims started before the warranty was out.

Mine has a 3.4 and knocks as well. I've found that using a higher octane like 93 octane gas eliminates the knocking. Ive been told this is due to a sensor that is stuck which compensates for the octane differences. Id recommend trying Ultimate gas until you can get it fixed.

Good on-road, but don't push it off. Car-like component that will wear fast and cost you a fortune. V6 suffer oil starvation when incline off-road. Basicaly an on-road vehicule and an overestimated suv.

Knocking with modern engine is a common thing. They are not anymore made of cast iron all the way. Octane is an issue with pinging, not valvetrain or crank noise. Noise with modern engine can be of multiple causes. Today's OHC needs good lubrication and maintenance is critical. Some engine can knock foverer at idle as long as the condition does not increase with RPM. OHC engine needs low viscosity oil to feed the head at start-up, but will drain the oil to the pan with poor filter and worn valves seals. According to purist, old pushrod design suffers less from oil starvation (camshaft) than ohc design and oil viscosity is only a matter of season. All aluminium engine also generates more noise.

If your warranty is over, Toyota will be happy to do it at the full price. But I recommand an AAA certified shop that knows about used totoya engine rebuilt since toyota's mechanics are like maytag under warranty technician.

The sensor that is causing this knocking is called - funny enough- a knock sensor. I have a 1991 4runner, and had to have mine replaced about 2 months ago. All it is, is a computer chip on a bolt that is inside of your engine. It measures the amount of mixture of gas and oxygen your vehicle needs to accelerate. (I'm guessing you probably don't have a lot of power either.) The sensor itself for the 1991 cost me $170, and there are a variety of gaskets that go along with this including your EGR gasket. Labor is what you will be paying for the most, because nothing is easy to get to in a Toyota. To get it fixed, you're looking at spending around $500-$600.

For starters, a Knock Sensor does not measure the octane and oxygen mixture. This sensor detects detonation or pre-ignition which is where the KNOCK comes from. When the sensor detects a knock, the computer will retard the ignition timing to reduce detonation. This is definitely something that should not be overlooked as repeated detonation can result in engine damage. If your timing is correct, fuel is of good grade, engine oil pressure is OK, than there is the possibility of collapsed piston or I have also seen a chip out of a valve lifter that created a light knocking as well. If it was mine it would probably just get driven if all the above minor tests proved OK.

My family just got a 1999 toyota 4 runner with 170k miles and none of the Gauges are illuminated. We are wondering if this is normal like in the older jeeps or if there is something wrong with the Lights. None of the swithches are lit either. The only ones that are, are the ones for the windows. They don't appear like they are meant to be illuminated, but it seems strange for such a modern SUV.

I have a 1997 4Runner Limited with a 3.4ltr 6cyl. I also have a slight ping when in third or overdrive when lugging at low RPM's. It seems like this is a common problem, but I haven't seen any resolutions? Is anyone familar with this problem? And what does it take to fix it?

Thanks.

Jon.

I have a 99 toyota 4runner 3.4 I had the oil service last month and afterwords developed a severe knock from the engine I have taken it to several mechanics and have been told everything from I need to replace the engine to change the kind of gas I use to change a push rod I need some advice.

1997 4Runner 3.4L V6 that pings bad at lower RPMs upon acceleration with most 87 Octane gas. Now that most gas has 10% ethanol the ping has gotten worse, I though it would get better since most ethanol has a higher octane rating. Dealership and reliable mechanics have told me to run higher octane fuel and it does resolve issue. One mechanic did indicate that the "knock sensor" could be sticking so I used Seafoam in the engine and it has reduced the ping but it is not gone. Seafoam has allowed the engine to run on 89 octane with minimal ping. Even with gas prices the way they are just paying a few dollars more per tank for higher octane fuel is much cheaper than a $500-600 knock sensor replacement that may or many not fix the ping.

1997 3.4L V6 136,000 miles that knocks on acceleration that has gotten worse since all the fuel in my area of Florida is 10% Ethanol.

Higher octane fuel works, but the vehicle does runs best on Chevron fuels, even their 87 octane. I am not going to spend $500+ for a knock sensor and neither the dealer or local repair shops say it will make much difference. Run better fuels and/or higher octane fuels or find another vehicle, but since I am not at 250,000 miles yet I am going to keep her.

I have driven a 2001 Toyota Tacoma 4 cylinder and a 2003 Toyota Tacoma V6, and both have made pinging/knocking noises while accelerating from low rpms. Mid grade gas and premium gas seem to help, if not eliminate the noises. I assume this is characteristic of these Toyota engines.