1990 Toyota 4Runner - Consumer Discussions

Toyota 4Runner Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 1990 4Runner 4x4 Front wheel area grinding noise [oib622]

  Written by: dave290 on May 22, 2010 12:10:28 AM

  oib622, did you ever get a response to your question? I have '95 4Runner with the same problem. I can be driving down the road quietly, hit a small bump and the thing starts howling and I can feel it in the floor board. If I throw it in 4WD it usually stops. Have given the Toyota dealer $4K to fix. They've replaced suspension, tie-rods, wheel bearings, CV's, struts, etc, but ... Read More

High Miles on a Toyota 4Runner

• Re: 1990 Toyota 4Runner COMMON ENGINE PROBLEMS [sponte1973]

  Written by: 95runner on Jan 31, 2010 9:27:03 PM

  the most common problems with these are the head gaskets blowing. that was one of the major problems. i know 5-6 years ago they replaced the i believe either the sway bar or torsion under a recall. the head gaskets were the main problem

Toyota 4Runner Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 95 Toyota 4Runner - replacing rear bumper, will other years fit? [mjdennis]

  Written by: julietj on May 25, 2009 6:28:00 AM

  1990 - 1995 bumpers & bumper ends will fit your 1995 4Runner. If you can't find a junked one, they're also available as OE replacements at various auto body parts sites on line.

2nd Generation Toyota 4Runners (90-95)

• Blown head gasket safety bulletin??

  Written by: bluegrassfan on May 3, 2009 9:23:30 PM

  Hi, and I am hoping that someone can help me with my problem. I own a 1990 Toy 4Runner SR5 V6. I had ZERO problems with her since I bought her 2+ years ago, 190,000 miles, eligible for the steering rod recall and that has been done. The beginning numbers on the VIN are JT3 and it has a manufactured date of 10/89. My question is this, I know about the ... Read More

2010 Toyota 4Runner redesign

• Re: Redesigned 4-Runner [nippononly]

  Written by: donringlerauto on Feb 20, 2009 7:11:59 AM

  "Whenever Toyota says "limited supply" they mean they will produce a few dozen for poorer regions of the country as a price leader. Almost certainly in 2WD only. I hope they have figured out a way to remove at least 500 pounds from its curb weight, or else that 4-cylinder engine is going to be more outmatched than the 22RE was under the hood of the 1990 model 20 years ago..... ... Read More

• Re: Redesigned 4-Runner [donringlerauto]

  Written by: nippononly on Feb 20, 2009 12:53:31 AM

  Optional 4-cylinder engine is predicted (limited supply) for the 2010 4Runner coming out in October! Whenever Toyota says "limited supply" they mean they will produce a few dozen for poorer regions of the country as a price leader. Almost certainly in 2WD only. I hope they have figured out a way to remove at least 500 pounds from its curb weight, or else that 4-cylinder engine is going to be more ... Read More

Toyota 4Runner Basic Maintenance Questions

• blower switch in 1990 toyota 4runner.

  Written by: FuturRn on Dec 21, 2008 10:02:42 AM

  I can not figure out where the bolts are to take off the dashboard in my 1990 toyota 4runner to replace the blowe switch. Any answere please let me know

Vent Visors and Hood Protectors

• Re: Vent Visors and Hood Protectors [07sportv8]

  Written by: mjh4001 on Mar 12, 2008 1:53:22 PM

  Did you say that Toyota was actually using the AVS brand, or that Toyota was just offering them as an alternative to their brand? If they are using the AVS brand then you will have just made up my mind for me as to the question of AVS vs. Weathertech. Good luck with your 4runner, but I can assure you luck will have nothing to do with it as they are ... Read More

High Miles on a Toyota 4Runner

• 1990 Toyota 4Runner COMMON ENGINE PROBLEMS

  Written by: sponte1973 on Feb 27, 2008 5:02:43 PM

  Hi Eveyone, Can anyone enlighten me on some of the common issues you, or someone you may know have had with the engines in the 90 edition 4Runners? Thank, SP

2nd Generation Toyota 4Runners (90-95)

• speed up my g/f slow 4runner

  Written by: r2_4runners on Aug 4, 2007 12:11:00 AM

  My g/f has a 1990 toyota 4runner with the 4cyl engine that has 198,000 miles on it. It runs strong but is slow as can be, it struggles to get up to speed, hills are a joke, we live at the top of one, and the automatic trans seems to shift at awkward speeds ie; in 3rd gear by 20mph and is stubborn about downshifting to get more power. It is ... Read More

• Question about recall and owners manual

  Written by: luvmyrunner on Apr 1, 2007 7:23:59 PM

  Hi, We recently bought through a used car dealer a 1990 4runner, with 175,000 miles, stout vehicle, ran a carfax report and we are the 2 owners. The report didn't say anything about the vehicle being repaired. My question is being the second owners are we entitled to take our 4runner to Toyota to be repaired? And my other question is where can I find a owners manual for my '90, ... Read More

Toyota 4Runner Start Stall Problems

• Will not stay running!

  Written by: benitoenr on Feb 17, 2007 1:51:20 AM

  I have a 1990 Toyota 4Runner, it is a V6, 4wd, and an automatic. It died yesterday and it was jump started to get it home. I replaced the alternator because it was bad. I had the old alternator and battery tested, the alt. failed the test and the battery was charged and tested good. When I replaced the new alt. the vehicle starts then dies. I checked the voltage and ... Read More

Toyota 4Runner Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 1988 Toyota 4runner [gcaguy]

  Written by: nippononly on Oct 26, 2006 7:03:27 AM

  Well, I live in California, and California is expensive, but about two years ago I had a friend with a 1990 4Runner (same V-6 as your friend's) and he spent about $2000 on a rebuild, which included removal and installation. He also spent a few hundred more for a complete tune-up and timing belt and all the rest, but the actual rebuild part including the labor was about $2000 of it. ... Read More

Toyota 4Runner Transmission Problems

• Re: Where to post question about transmission/clutch maintenance fo 1990 4Runne [thwbecker]

  Written by: tidester on Sep 21, 2006 10:02:42 PM

  Hi, Thorsten! You just posted the question in a suitable location and, with a little luck, it may prompt a response from someone who can answer your question. You may also want to try Transmission Traumas? or the general 3rd Generation Toyota 4Runners ('96-'02). Personally, I don't think it would hurt to have the transmission looked at while getting the clutch work done unless you are acutely apprehensive about what they ... Read More

• Where to post question about transmission/clutch maintenance fo 1990 4Runne

  Written by: thwbecker on Sep 21, 2006 8:27:53 PM

  Hi, I saw you are a host for the Toyota 4Runner. I was wondering if you could tell me where to post the following question? Thanks much! Hi, I own a 1990 Toyota 4Runner, 4WD, 6V, that has 250,000 mi on it but the engine was completely rebuilt 90,000 mi ago. The clutch is about to give up, while the transmission still works OK (some problems shifting into 1st gear). I ... Read More

Toyota FJ Cruiser v. Toyota 4Runner

• Re: FJ vs. 4Runner [surfponto]

  Written by: gagrice on Aug 9, 2006 6:28:43 AM

  Where is your 1988 GM? My ex in-laws are still driving it. I bought it in Seattle and drove it back to Alaska. They needed a 4X4 and I sold it to them in 1990, flew back down and bought a new one. Then In 1993 I sold the 90 for nearly what I paid for it 3 years earlier. Buying vehicles in Alaska is very expensive. Went to the same ... Read More

Toyota 4Runner

• Third - 4Runner in '04

  Written by: timber104 on Dec 23, 2004 1:35:39 PM

  I have owned 3 Toyota 4Runners, First a 1986 with the fiberglass top, which I rolled (from sliding on Ice)it over on way to work in 1990. The roof stayed intact. The Roll bar worked very well too, the vehicle had 80,000 miles on it. Then went out and bought a 1990 4Runner, the best 4 runner ever made. The New 4 door & V6 made it a great vehicle. The ... Read More

• '97 4Runner Secuikey+

  Written by: nascar9900 on Dec 24, 2003 2:01:42 PM

  My recently purchased 97 4Runner SR5 has the aftermarket Securikey+ remote entry / security system installed. The remote is combined with the key and has the FCC# ELVAT6B on the back. Apparently, it is made by Audiovox and installed by Gulf States Distributors in mid-1990's Toyotas. Unfortunately, I don't have any instructions to tell me how to use it or how to turn off the blaring horn if you open the ... Read More

• Toyota Reliability

  Written by: fxfan on Nov 8, 2003 5:11:57 PM

  Just moved a 2000 4Runner that I still love to second car status in our family. 2WD V6 with hood scoop & 16 inch wheels (back then it wasn't called a sport edition); 81,000 carefree miles. Also have a 1990 (pre-Tacoma) 4WD Toyo extra cab with 180,000+ miles. Still runs great although did have to just now replace the clutch amd did everything that needed to be done to make it ... Read More

Toyota 4Runner Accessories

• Running Boards for 1990 4Runner

  Written by: jtjackson33 on Sep 21, 2003 7:16:47 PM

  The running boards on my black 1990 4Runner are quite rusty along the edges - I would like to replace them. Can someone suggest where I might get running boards for the vehicle? Do I have to buy from Toyota or are there others I should consider. Any comments on chrome or black? The ones I have now are straight black. Also, is it difficult to get the old ones off ... Read More

• $49 ElectroChromatic Gentex Auto Dimming Mirror

  Written by: bryancos on Jun 11, 2003 5:05:17 PM

  For those interested, BrandSport is blowing out electrochromatic auto-dimming rear view mirrors for $49 w/ free shipping that will fit all years of 4runner: Toyota 4Runner 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 (fits models with factory windshield mounted mirror only) The mirror came in a Genuine Toyota Parts box: Description: Mirror, EC, RR View Part no: PT374-0C020 ... Read More

Toyota 4Runner

• !!! $49 Gentex Electrochromatic Auto Dimming Mirror!!!

  Written by: bryancos on Jun 11, 2003 4:50:44 PM

  For those interested, BrandSport is blowing outGentex electrochromatic auto-dimming rear view mirrors for $49 w/ free shipping that will fit all years of 4runner: Toyota 4Runner 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 (fits models with factory windshield mounted mirror only) The mirror came in a Genuine Toyota Parts box: Description: Mirror, EC, RR View Part no: PT374-0C020 ... Read More

• valve job

  Written by: reddfish on May 22, 2003 6:55:48 PM

  jorgjorg, If your 1990 V6 4runner needs a valvejob you my also need a head gasket replacement . Toyota issued a bulletin about this many years ago and we got the headgaskets replaced for free and a nominal charge for a valve job since the heads had to be removed anyway. You maywant to check with the service people on that. It's worth a try.

• Running Boards for 1990 4Runner

  Written by: jtjackson33 on Apr 26, 2003 11:38:22 PM

  Just purchased a 1990 black 4Runner from a friend. The running boards are rusted along the edges. The are the type of running board with the plastic cladding on the top. I understand that there may be a few different options for running boards in terms of type. Any recommendations? Is it recommended to get this same type or chrome or other. Any particular other manufacturer have a good alternative or ... Read More

• I smelled the sulfur, NAV, and Martin

  Written by: nismoedge on Apr 7, 2003 1:40:41 PM

  I smelled the sulfur odor and realized it was the same smell I noticed before on previous Nissans, Hondas, Toyotas, BMW, etc... usually from hard driving, nothin new so I don't see how it can be so bad, I never thought twice about it always wondered why the brakes where burning. When I smelled it on my other car a 2003 ES300 after some hard and fast driving I stood behind ... Read More

Toyota 4Runner - 2003

• Send feedback to the 2003 4Runner product engineer

  Written by: jbwh on Nov 20, 2002 10:34:59 AM

  I too will send my positive feedback to Toyota. When I heard that there would be a fourth generation of the 4Runner with a V8, I was really hoping they would break the mold and change everything. They did and I bought one. If it had just been another tweak of the second generation (like the third gen was) I would have been disappointed and kept my 1990. (Most non-Toyota people ... Read More

Toyota 4Runner

• 1990 4Runner

  Written by: jtjackson33 on Nov 10, 2002 12:08:44 AM

  Peter, Thanks for the feedback. The vehicle is actually currently owned by a friend of mine. The mileage is for real. Also, the vehicle appears to be in excellent condition - she has taken to the Toyota dealer for all scheduled mtce since new. I just wasn't sure about that particular year vs other years and what, if anything, to watch out for. It is a std transmission which may help ... Read More

• 4 cylinder

  Written by: peter78 on Jan 21, 2002 3:45:03 PM

  In 1990 the second generation came out with a 2.4 liter, 116 HP and 140 ft/lbs torque. In 1996 the third generation came out with a 2.7 liter, 150 HP, 177 ft/lbs torque. Both models can tow 3,500 pounds. Toyota still makes the 2.7 liter for other countries. And if you read the last few posts, no one really knows when the fourth generation 4Runner is coming out. :)

• Re:96 V6 Engine Problem

  Written by: abc246 on Jan 10, 2002 4:56:28 PM

  I did not say Toyota has a reputation for making unreliable engines! What I said was that the V-6 has had problems with head gasket for years. Back then it was a 3.0. What are head covers? There are valve covers and heads, but not head covers. Toyota has been replacing head gaskets for years on those engines for free; it just was not public knowledge. You could get them fixed ... Read More

• TOYOTA 4RUNNER

  Written by: mayito on Apr 18, 2001 12:25:48 AM

  Im considering to buy a 1990 toyota 4runner SR5 everything os ok but the milleage I think is to high, 188 000 miles please tellme if this car is relilable. Thanks

• 2002 4Runner dust filtration system

  Written by: farrouck on Mar 24, 2001 5:54:57 PM

  Hello friends, to anybody in contact with toyota, please, please tell the company to address the inadequate dust proofing of the past and current 4Runner models, my father owns a 1990 and I own a 1998 model. In both generations when you travel on dusty roads, dust enters the cabin very easily, even if you put the HVAC in recirculation mode and do not turn it on. I really hope that ... Read More