2000 Toyota Sienna: check engine light

Filed Feb 22, 2010 · Engine · 75,000 miles · AL

Noticed check engine light on and smoke on cold start up. Called local toyota dealer and was told this would be a major "fix" and would cost at least $3,000.00 to repair. After doing a google search I realized my sienna most likely had oil gel and called tmsusa in california to report it. Was told to take van to a local dealer and have diagnosed. Took it in the very next day and oil gel was confirmed (in writing). Was then told that the van was 90 days past coverage and it would cost $6,200.00 for a new engine. I tried to show documents of my oil changes and service manager said it would do no good. I refuse to drive this van for fear that the engine will seize! I am requesting that a second investigation be made into these vehicles. The class action lawsuit did no good for the toyota consumers! Also, for the record, I took the van in when the engine light first came on (engine was not smoking yet) and the dealer told me it was probably just the gas cap and that the engine light comes on in these vehicles all the time. They never documented my visits to the service department. I would have been within the 8 year time frame if they would have checked the engine at that time!

Filed Jul 27, 2009 · Electrical, Engine · CA

2000 toyota sienna has an on/off engine light problem. *nj consumer is adding information. *nj 7/24/09 the consumer was told the ignition coil needed to be replaced, but after it was replaced, the engine light came back on. The spark plugs and wires were changed but to no avail. The consumer stated the vehicle runs poorly and it also stalls. The consumer discovered a website where other years of the toyota sienna were recalled for the same problem. Recall 98e035000.

Filed Jan 9, 2009 · Engine · 115,000 miles · AL

Check engine light has come on for months and was told that it was an o2 sensor and not a severe problem, just won't get as good gas mileage. Vehicle now smokes upon start up and is losing too much oil too quickly. Toyota said to take vehicle to a toyota dealer and have them diagnose the problem. Came back that the engine had "gel" and would cost $2700.00 to clean and repair. Toyota district service manager denied the claim. Said warranty only good for 8 years from date vehicle was purchased. Now waiting to hear from case manager to see if she will o.k. The repairs to be paid for by toyota. We bought the sienna used in 2004 after the tsb was already established but were not made aware of this "gelling" problem. Just had oil changed in november 2008 and now the oil level is barely registering on the stick. Only 6 weeks after the last oil change!!! Car is still at the toyota dealership.

Filed Feb 5, 2008 · Body, Engine · NC

Engine light went on , checked water and oil, both levels were fine, engine just quit, van was towed to repair shop, I the owner was told that due to sludge in the engine the oil could not pass through so engine seized up, it was a 2000 sienna van, the oil was changed every 3000-4000 miles faithfully, the engine only had 107,000. Original miles on it, a new engine would be 6,200.00 plus labor and a used engine would be 4,200.00 plus labor, so now my van had to be junked.

Filed Jul 17, 2005 · Electrical, Fuel system · 88,500 miles · NJ

August 2003: check engine light comes on. Vehicle taken to crystal motors, a toyota dealership. Crystal motors replaced "ignition coil". Problem apparently resolved. Cost: $350-$500. January 2005: check engine light comes on again. Vehicle taken to crystal motors. Replaced "all injectors and coils". All six fuel injectors and three coils were supposedly replaced, according to the technician. Problem apparently solved. The service cost approximately $2100. July 2005: check engine light comes on again. Crystal claims that a coil has gone bad, only 6 months into its use. Crystal is unable to produce the defective part on demand. I was not charged for this service.

Filed Jul 19, 2004 · Engine · 72,844 miles · NC

Toyota sienna ls, year 2000, approx 73000 miles. Always serviced by toyota, electrical system / engine not modified or altered. Drove last friday morning (july 16, 2004) from nc to the dc area. Just before dc, car completely stalled 3 times on I-95, at interstate speed, approx 15 to 20 minutes apart. Each time, the ABS and low tire pressure dashboard light came on. Clock flashed. No check engine light came on. The car recovered within 2 to 3 seconds while moving, but lost speed, as the engine was not running. Radio was not turned on, not sure if it would have lost power also. Could duplicate one stall by turning the headlights on while moving. Again, engine stalled for 2 to 3 seconds, ABS and low tire pressure dashboard light came on. I'm not totally sure, but I think that the RPM and the odometer needle went back to 0 during the engine stalls. But again, I'm not 100% sure on the odometer needle going to "0" , as it all happened fairly fast. Repair attempts: drove to the nearest toyota dealer in dc on the same day, car stalled again as we drove into the dealer ship and came to a complete stand still. (toyota of stafford, tel: 1‑540‑720‑4700, repair ticket 16153) they test drove car for 2 x 20 mins, found no problem, computer did not log any error codes what so ever according to dealer. Drove back to nc, went to toyota dealer in durham, nc today (july 19). Dealer told me that there is nothing they can do, unless the car is stalling right now and told us to return once the "check engine" light is on. It is very disappointing for me that the dealers can not locate this problem and that there is apparently no procedure from toyota for finding critical problems that do not show up in the computer log. It is certainly no fun to have an engine stalling on I-95, while the 18 wheelers catch up with you.

Filed Jan 16, 2001 · Brakes, Transmission · CA

Check engine light illumintaed, dealer stated the torque converter needed replaced, on december 25th the check engine light was illuminated again and now the transmission needs replaced, axle shaft was replaced due to it not being seated properly, however the dealer put the wrong bolts in causing a metal to metal sound to happen while traveling over the slightest bumps.

Filed Jan 12, 2001 · Transmission · WA

Check engine light illuminated, dealer stated the torque converter needed replaced, consumer is requesting an exchange for a comparable car without defects, or his money back.

Filed Sep 11, 2000 · Transmission · PA

The check engine light came on at 50 miles, we were told car needs a new torque converter and that it is safe to drive the car while the part comes in. Six weeks later and 2400 miles on the car with engine light on and off the torque converter was replaced. When car was returned to us it shifted with a jolt. Back in the shop with transmission problems. Not acceptable on a new car.

Filed Sep 8, 2000 · Engine · NY

The check engine light coming on seems to be a common problem in siennas manufactured in june/july 2000. It has taken several weeks for the part to come in. I am told a transmission solenoid needs to be replaced, but they're really not sure. Toyota service and dealership response has been poor.

Filed Aug 26, 2000 · Transmission · CA

Our check engine light came on when we were on the way home from the dealership. It was diagnosed as a faulty torque converter. The part was replaced after a 3 week wait. I'm concerned about future associated problems from having my transmission opened

Filed Aug 15, 2000 · Transmission · CA

Check engine light came on - informed torque converter needs to be replaced. Part still on back order per dealer 15 vehicles at this dealership are on back order for same part. Dealership stating ok to drive per toyota company.