'01 Toyota 4Runner guru needed.

Submitted by WoodchuckISverige t3_11s5odp in vermont

I'm looking for someone in central/northern VT that specializes in older model Toyota's, specifically for a 2001 4Runner SR5.

I'm having a problem with my heater/ climate control. The hot/cold adjustment has not been working properly for a while. This summer I had a guy adjust it so that it would stay cold, but now he can't get it adjusted to stay hot. So now I have no heat, or not enough. The right fix involves a part that isn't made anymore, and removing the dashboard. I think there is a way to manually rig it to heat only, but I don't know how.

Hoping to find someone who knows the exact system, to talk to or visit.

Edit: Reddit wins again! I have heat! And r/Vermont rocks!

Edit 2: For the sake of reference and for anyone else that might need it....please keep sending tips about mechanics!

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Comments

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PorkFriedBryce t1_jcbykxw wrote

A 12v plug-in heater is your friend in the meantime until it can be fixed properly
OEM 4runner parts are getting quite hard to come by

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happyonthehill802 t1_jcbzp9t wrote

Likely blend door issues, although there is a valve under the hood that stops flow through the heater core. There isnt any adjustment that i know of, just a few cables that are fixed so i have no idea what your mechanic did.

Look on your firewall, under the hood. Locate your heater hoses, i believe the valve is on the drivers side (it is on my 00 4 runner). Confirm that when you select warm/cool air inside the cab, that cable is infact opening and closing the valve. If it is, you've confirmed a blend door issue. If not, disconnect the cable and zip tie the valve open.

If its a blend door issue, look under the radio (from the side, put your head where your feet would be, pass side i believe but check both), you'll see your heater box and you should be able to see a cable connected to it. either push or pull that cable in the direction it needs to move for heat (trial and error, 50% chance).

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WoodchuckISverige OP t1_jcc6qzf wrote

Replying to PorkFriedBryce (#2,237,929)

Thanks for the tip. That was the backup plan.

The part issue really sucks. Mine has only 210k on it, is in great shape, and I will be f'ing pissed if some little unavailable part takes it off the road.

Inexcusably wasteful business practice.

Anyway, have heat now thanks to comment below.

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WoodchuckISverige OP t1_jcc74of wrote

Replying to 802curls (#2,237,892)

Thanks. That's exactly what I was looking for. No way I would have found them through Google without just guessing some keyword. Didn't even think to search 4x4.

Problem solved, thanks to comment below, but I'm definitely going to be taking it in there for any future mechanicals.

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WoodchuckISverige OP t1_jcc87kl wrote

Replying to happyonthehill802 (#2,237,987)

Now that's what I'm talking about!!

Reddit wins again.

And man I love r/Vermont!

I knew about the heat control valve, and had that set right, and I knew there was something under the dash. I figured I'd ask for specifics before going fishing. And you delivered!

Now I have heat!

Thanks kind internet stranger, for taking time out of your day to write that out. It was exactly what I was looking for. Virtual beers to you my friend. I'll pay it forward.

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happyonthehill802 t1_jccc995 wrote

Replying to WoodchuckISverige (#2,238,426)

Youre welcome!

If you cant get to the cable where it connects under the radio, those panels come off pretty easily.

Also, side note. If you are low on coolant, you'll have little or no heat...so if you havent checked that,check that first.

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WoodchuckISverige OP t1_jccdrxw wrote

Replying to happyonthehill802 (#2,238,652)

Yeah, I knew/know about the coolant factor. Do a lot of my own mechanicals.

It was definitely a problem with the blower doors, it's been coming on for a while. I just needed that exact tip from someone who knew exactly what I was talking about.

Already got it adjusted, and heat flowing.

Thanks again.

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happyonthehill802 t1_jcff6uv wrote

Replying to WoodchuckISverige (#2,238,729)

Sweet! Its a ways away from you, but theres a hole in the wall toyota place in hartland vt. Called Indian spring auto. Owners name is dennis, hes getting old, but the guy has every part imagineable for these older yotas, and is super knowledgeable. Might be worth a call. Hes saved me a lot of time and money keeping my 04 taco goin.

If he doesnt have the heater box for your rig, my 00 4runner is getting scrapped in the spring and youre welcome to come rob whatever you need out of the interior. It smells bad (plow truck/mice), but im sure bleach would take care of any plastic parts.

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