18th Sep 2003, 21:17
Does anyone know how to eliminate that annoying noise (rattle) coming from the dashboard?
That's my only complaint about my tacoma, and by the way I've noticed that rattle in some of my friend's cars.
It seems like the speedometer needle is loose or something.
I'm tempted to open the dashboard and explore, has any one attempted that?, any success?
21st Sep 2003, 09:39
I just bought a 2003 Prerunner double-cab and my only issue is the sound coming from the dashboard. Its sounds to me like a squeaking of the vinyl dashboard where it butts up against other plastic members of the dashboard/display structure. Has anybody successfully solved this problem and why has Toyota not addressed it?
John - San Diego CA.
25th Sep 2003, 14:46
I just bought a 2003 Toyota Tacoma Ext Cab, V6 4x4, Automatic, TRD truck. Purchased 5/2003. Current mileage 800. No dash rattle so far. Keep things posted if you find a fix, in-case mine starts...
NOTE: Did my first oil change @ 750 miles, did this myself!
Other wise decent truck, good ride for a 4x4, Tested Ford Ranger XLT, so cramped in the cabin. Nissan has that Snap together body look. Ruled out Mazda <Ford Engine>. Toyota seemed the best bet although a tad bit pricey.
Fuel economy for the V6 Toyota Ext Cab, not too bad if you keep your foot out of it. Drive it hard and yes it will suck gas. I tried using that little switch thing to the left of the dash "ECT" for retared shifts, <Sport mode> whatever. It actually does work. And this truck will move out quite nicely if you push the gas pedal.
More info as the miles go up...
Seattle WA,
28th Sep 2003, 17:49
I have a 2002 Tacoma 4WD TRD Off Road. Piece of junk. So far I had a rear main seal replaced, the rack and pinion replaced, front rotors replaced and front caliper kits put in. Also, I have a terrible shake in the truck once the speed exceeds 50 mph and the dealer can't find the problem. The sunroof squeaks when its open and the air conditioner intermittently sticks on. 42,000 miles so far and I don't think I'll make it pass 50K.
30th Sep 2003, 12:28
Sept 30, 2003.
I'll assume you have the 2.7L engine and not the V6? Main seals and such not a problem on the V6. The 3.4L V6 has been production for 6+ years with ZERO problems of your nature. The 3.4L V6 has a proven track record for reliablity in the Tacoma and 4-Runner. Brakes also not a problem on the V6. But with 40K + miles maybe they can become a problem? Rotors don't just warp without good "cause" like dumping the front end in a river when there HOT, or a person riding the brakes while driving.
You're having a ton of trouble with that truck. Your best bet would be to dump it off before it really gives you more trouble. And that sunroof could start leaking if its rattling when open.
Also, dumping it off know while there is still some factory warranty left might be a PLUS. But don't mention the problems, or you'll be stuck with what you call a problem truck for good. Trading it in might be your best bet and least liability for the phone ringing from someone who un-suspectingly buys your so called problem truck...
I would trade that truck in on a Ford Ranger, Chevy, maybe a Mazda 4x4 or something that is more "reliable" then that Toyota you're driving.
Hopefully the dealer can fix the problems as they emerge, and prior to the warranty expiring, YIKES!
Best Of Luck.
8th Nov 2003, 07:25
I own a 2002 Tacoma XCab 4x4 TRD package. I would love to dump this junk, but I think I owe too much right now. 2nd Toyota truck lemon I have bought from this dealership. Floor boards are soaking wet after a rain and the mechanics cannot find the problem. Told them about the service bulletins and they are saying too bad. Can't find it so can't do anything about it. I heard about toyota quality so that's why I went with Toyota, but never again. This truck stinks.
--Jeff.
17th Nov 2003, 10:22
Hey Jeff.
Let me know if you discover the fix to the problem of the wet floor boards? Mine are dry so far, but it could a condition that pops up later.
There has got to be an easy solution, if there really soaked and not just damp? There has got to be a large opening somewhere, maybe inside the engine compartment? Fire wall?
Let me know?
28th Nov 2003, 10:01
I bought a 2003 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner, 3.4L V6. Traded in my 1999 Chevy S-10 pickup with 70,000 miles with the intent of having zero mechanical problems from the Toyota. Maybe a mistake. On the underside of the Toyota body, above and to either side of the front-most universal joint, there is a reddish fluid which appears to be transmission fluid. It looks as though the spinning u-joint is "slinging" fluid against the under-body. At 4,700 miles, fluid is rapidly accumulating. Transmission fluid is down some, not a lot. However, I cannot spot a leak anywhere.???
Taking in to the dealership next week. Just what I wanted to avoid by buying Toyota. Any ideas?
9th Dec 2003, 19:22
I have a 98' tacoma 4x4 and when I looked under it I also saw a reddish fluid, but after careful inspection I found it to be only grease from the U-joint for the front driveshaft. 118k and no problems so far!
20th Jan 2004, 17:34
I have a 2003 Tacoma 4x4 with 2.7 engine. The truck has been great so far. I have 3000 miles on it now and went to change the oil. That's when I discovered that it's not built for the home mechanic. I'm a little disappointed to say the least. Now I'm looking for a special wrench to remove the severely overtightened factory filter. I didn't want to take it to the dealer for the oil change because I'm filling it with Amsoil. I wish Toyota would have made a hole in the skid plate to drain the oil without removing it, and made the filter accessible.
YB NORMAL.
15th Feb 2004, 13:50
Regarding dash board rattling. We have found that if both the driver and passenger hold their hand on the dash board while going down the road, the rattle disappears! Another quick fix... turn up the radio really loud! We love our Toyota truck to death, and are not thinking about buying any other truck than a Toyota (this is our third Tacoma), but our front end tires have excessive wear. They are Bridgestone. We have rotated the tires according to the maintenance schedule. At 24,000 we need new tires all the way around. We have taken it to the dealer. He said we were running the tires at too low a pressure, and couldn't see anything wrong. Has any one else had tire wear problems with their Tacoma? Were you able to resolve it with Toyota?
6th May 2003, 11:32
Update to my original posting on my 2002 Tacoma TRD 4WD.
My Truck is still going strong, 37000km on it now.
It went back to the dealer only once so far with a problem. The drivers side window went down and wouldn't go back up. The regulator and track had to be replace.
Keep on Truck'n!