2004 Toyota Sienna: battery drain or dead battery

Filed Feb 24, 2010 · Driver assistance · 56,000 miles · PA

At any speed the traction control/ABS system warning light activated causing the antilock breaks to start pumping and making it difficult to steer. This occurred three times during our trip, even at high speeds such as 55 MPH, which could have easily caused a collision if someone was driving behind us. It also felt as if it was difficult to steer the vehicle. We brought the minivan to peruzzi toyota in hatfield pa and explained the problem adding we had paid for an extended warranty, they said it was not covered under warranty. It was caused by battery drainage and that a sensor between the steering wheel and the column had to be recalibrated and we had to purchase a new battery. I find it suspicious and alarming that this safety concern could happen to a vehicle due to low battery - especially since there was no indication of low battery. There were no warning lights and all other vehicle operations functioned properly. Also, no doors were left open and no lights were left on, etc... In order to drain the battery. Even if the primary cause was the battery, the breaks should not become activated and the steering difficult while driving down the road at 50 MPH with my family in the care. Considering the recent recall of toyota vehicles, I'm concerned peruzzi toyota might have given us false information.

Filed Feb 22, 2010 · Body, Locks · 78,500 miles · MA

Multiple problems with minivan doors since purchase in 2004. Sliding doors freeze shut every winter, only opening after car warms up for 20-30 minutes. Driver side door weld broke after 3 years and needed repair. Front passenger door latch broke requiring use of bungee cords to keep door closed until repair part could be obtained. Power sliding door and manual sliding door also do not stay open at times creating dangerous situation for people entering and exiting the vehicle. Now, warning light comes on showing door open, driver side manual sliding door does not seem to close completely. While driving, door open light and interior lights are constantly activated. I have turned off interior lights to prevent battery drain from door staying slightly open when parked. Dealership will perform diagnostic and repair work but advised since there is no recall issued that cost will be mine. The sheer number of reports of sliding door issues should be enough to warrant a response from toyota.

Filed Mar 10, 2008 · Electrical, Transmission · 2,134 miles · MI

On 5/29/2004 I purchased my toyota sienna. I started having "mysterious" lights coming on at all different times. On 7/15/2004, I went out to my car and it wouldn't start. This was the beginning of a nightmare. Since then my car has been in the shop at least 6 times for this problem. I have not had my car start at least once a month since I purchased it. I would usually just jump the battery but they could never tell me the reason why it kept on happening. There were times that I couldn't even leave my doors open for 5 minutes without it wearing the battery down. When the battery is checked it is always fine. When the battery is fully charged I have the interior lights turn on for no reason. They have put in a new battery and replaced the jbl audio switch because that had been shown to turn on intermittently and drain the battery/engine. Neither of these solutions have worked. They finally told me that my car had too many "bells and whistles" (which all are factory installed) and that I need to connect to a car charger when I come home or to go on long drives at least once a week.

Filed Mar 5, 2008 · Electrical · 10 miles · CA · fire

Battery dead.

Filed Apr 3, 2006 · Electrical · 8,189 miles · SC

Battery saver feature discussed in owner's manual for 2004 sienna does not work. Sliding door inadvertently left open for 3 hours while visiting country friends. Battery drained to point engine would not turn over. Had to connect battery charger in cold rain to crank. Owners camping out with this vehicle may find themselves stranded and could possibly result in loss of life.

Filed Jun 4, 2004 · Lights · IL

The interior lights do not turn off automatically after 20 minutes as stated in the brochure and owner's manual. This drains the battery, and leaves people stranded. Ak

Filed Jun 2, 2004 · Electrical · VA

Battery saver feature does not work as advertised. If rear hatch does not close completely interior lights remain on until battery is dead. Toyota advertises that the battery-saver feature is supposed to turn interior lights off after 20 minutes to prevent battery drain. This is not only false advertisement but is unsafe since it can easily leave you stranded with a dead battery.

Filed Mar 2, 2004 · Electrical · 1,565 miles · AL

The rear hatch on my two-month old 2004 toyota sienna did not close all the way, therefore the interior light stayed on and drained the battery after one night. An owners town hall type web-page states that toyota noticed this "oversight" ( the interior lights not timing-out) and corrected the problem. From what I understand there was no recall and no fix for those of us who have this problem. I have small children and need a reliable vehicle, that's why we bought the '04 sienna. As a consumer what can I do?

Filed Feb 11, 2004 · Electrical · 138 miles · VA

Battery saver on my '04 toyota sienna doesn't work. Insdie lights were left on accidentally and they didn't turn off as advertised in the literature and owner's manual. Battery went dead and had to be jump-started ,