Toyota 4Runner History
The most extensive and detailed Toyota 4Runner historical archives on the web. Year by Year changes, specifications, information and more...
 
     

2004 4Runner History:
 

 

 

2004 Toyota 4Runner
The following changes are made for the 2004 model year.
 
1. Rear Seat
For 2004, 4Runner is further improved with the addition of an available third-row seat (Rear No. 2 seat) on SR5 and Limited models. Rear No. 2 seat, which consists of detached separate seats with a fold-up function, has been adopted. Rear No. 2 seat has adopted a 3-point ALR (Automatic Locking Retractor) and ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) type seat belt. Rear No. 1 seat of the rear No.2 seat model has adopted a holding tumble type seat.
 
2. Engine
The TOYOTA genuine Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) has been adopted. As result, the maintenance interval has been extended. This pink coolant has a first time change interval of 100,000 miles, subsequent change interval of 50,000 miles. The red coolant used on the 2003 model had a 30,000 mile change interval.
 
3. Fuel System
On the 2004 model, the fuel tank cap has been changed from the quick-turn type for 2003 model to the quick-turn & ratchet construction type.
 
4. A750E(F) Automatic Transmission
The following areas of the A750E(F) automatic transmission have been changed. Fluid type has been changed from the ATF type T-IV to the ATF WS. The reduced viscosity in the practical operating temperature range enables the ATF WS to reduce drag loss and improve fuel economy. The ATF level gauge (dip-stick) has been discontinued, and the ATF inspection method and the oil level inspection method have been changed. This mechanism consists of a refill plug, overflow plug, ATF temperature sensor No.2, and A/T OIL TEMP temperature warning light.
 
5. Tire Pressure Warning System
A direct-sensing type tire pressure warning system has been newly adopted on all 2004 4Runner models. If the vehicle continues to be driven with one or more of the five tires (which includes the spare tire) inflated to a low air pressure that could cause problems in driving, this system will illuminate the tire pressure warning light to inform the driver of the low air pressure. Furthermore, this system directly senses the air pressure of each tire through a tire pressure sensor that is attached to each wheel. If the received tire inflation signal is below approx. 185 kPa (approx. 26.8 psi), the tire pressure monitor ECU illuminates the tire monitoring warning light. Because the warning light alerts the driver regardless of which of the tires has a low pressure, it is necessary to check all the tires in case of low pressure.
 
6. SRS Airbag System
Roll sensing of curtain shield airbag control has been adopted on the models with curtain shield airbag as an option in order to deploy the curtain shield airbag and the seat belt pretensioners for the driver and front passenger, in the event that the vehicle rolls over. A roll sensing of curtain shield airbag cutoff switch is provided on the driver side of the instrument panel to enable the driver to disable this system. Along with the aforementioned changes, new DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) have been added.
 
The Toyota 4Runner mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) has a legendary tradition of off-road capability. Completely redesigned in 2003, the fourth-generation 4Runner re-invented itself with numerous technological advancements, improving its off-road capability, producing more power, and increasing fuel efficiency. At the same time, 4Runner became larger and roomier with improved ride comfort.
 
Excellent Performance
4Runner power is supplied by a 4.0-liter V6 aluminum engine with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The lightweight engine is Toyota’s first all-aluminum engine on a light truck. It features a new linkless electronic throttle control system with intelligence (ETCS-i) that helps improve performance and increase fuel economy. The V6 produces 245 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and generates 282 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,400 RPM. The V6 delivers capable fuel economy with EPA city/highway gas mileage estimates of 18/21 mpg for 2WD models and 17/21 for 4WD grades. The V6 engine is EPA-certified as a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV).
 
For heavy duty, high-torque performance, 4Runner also offers a 4.7-liter i-Force V8 engine. The powerful V8 also features ETCS-i to help produce 235 horsepower at 4,800 RPM and 320 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,400 RPM. EPA city/highway gas mileage estimates for the V8 are 16/20 for 2WD models and 15/19 for 4WD grades and is LEV-certified.
 
Both the V8 and V6 also feature a cranking hold system whereby the starter is no longer controlled by the starter switch. The crank control system keeps the starter engaged from the time the ignition switch is turned on until complete combustion is detected. This helps prevent starter overrun, boosting the reliability of the starting system and freeing the driver from holding the key in the start position until the engine turns over.
 
Technologically Advanced Drivetrains
The V6 is paired with an electronically controlled four-speed automatic overdrive transmission (4ECT-i). All 4WD 4Runners are equipped with a two-speed transfer case with increased torque capacity. A Multi-Mode shift-on-the-fly 4WD system with a TorsenÒ sensing type limited-slip center differential is standard on all 4Runners with a V6 engine and 4WD. 4Runner was one of the world’s first to use the Torsen® sensing type limited-slip center differential in a mid-size SUV transfer case. The Multi-Mode 4WD feature is an open center differential with locking capability that provides a full-time 4WD system with the ability to select 2WD mode. The 4WD mode may be used in normal driving conditions on all types of roads from dry, hard surface roads, such as pavement, to wet or snow-covered roads. Driving with the Multi-Mode’s 4WD system engaged provides the driver with a more sure-footed feel because power is applied to all four wheels, improving traction.
 
The torque-sensing feature allows the torque split mid-point to be more biased toward the rear, sending more torque to the rear wheels, providing better stability control whether the driver is accelerating at high or low speeds. The static rear-drive bias favors stable tracking on- or off-road, decelerating or accelerating. The Torsen type sensing differential provides three dynamic torque split ratios, depending on the available traction on the vehicle at the time. A static torque split favors the rear with a 40/60 percent front-to-rear split. When the front wheels slip, up to 71 percent of the split ratio goes to the rear wheels. When the rear wheels slip, up to 53 percent of the split is applied to the front wheels. The V8 engine is paired with Toyota’s first use of an ECT-i five-speed automatic with overdrive in a light truck. The transmission is equipped with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Shift control, which changes gear-shifting patterns according to driving conditions and driver intent, contributing to a more comfortable ride. The use of aluminum for the front planetary gear reduces the transmissions weight by approximately 50 percent. This weight reduction combined with greater power plant rigidity helps reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) at high speeds. All 4WD 4Runners equipped with the V8 are full-time 4WD and also come standard with the TorsenÒ limited slip differential with a locking feature. All 4Runners with 4WD come standard-equipped with the Downhill Assist Control (DAC) system. Through one of the world’s first uses of active wheel speed sensors, the DAC system assists engine braking to improve directional control during descent on steep or slippery surfaces. When in 4WD low range and with DAC activated, if any one wheel accelerates beyond or below a two-to-four mph low-speed setting, the DAC system will control the throttle or brakes to help ensure the vehicle continues in a straight position when going down a hill. The feature also works in reverse. The DAC system is automatically de-activated if the driver depresses the brake or accelerator pedal, depresses the DAC button, or shifts into neutral.
 
Another first for an SUV is a Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) system that comes standard on all two- and four-wheel drive 4Runners. HAC increases stability for improved control on steep upgrades and stopping and starting on slippery surfaces. The HAC system is designed to help prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or slipping sideways during transition from a stopped position to climbing an upgrade. The system is automatically activated when the transmission is in any forward gear. The HAC system controls the brakes to stop the individual wheel or wheels, helping to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or slipping sideways.
 
Chassis Design
The 4Runner body-on-ladder frame chassis design features full-length boxed section frame rails that include large diameter body mounts for increased torsional rigidity over the entire vehicle. The body mounts also improve cabin isolation from NVH. For towing convenience, a standard tow hitch receiver bolts directly to the rear frame crossmember. A draw bar, a high-capacity seven-pin electrical connector for trailer wiring and pre-wire for an electric trailer brake controller are also included as standard equipment.
 
The chassis is controlled by power-assisted, variable-gear, rack-and-pinion steering. All models are equipped with front and rear coil springs over gas shocks. Suspension is double wishbone in the front with a four-link rigid type suspension in the rear. A rear air suspension with X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension is available on Limited models with a V8 engine for improved ride and performance when towing or hauling heavy loads. The air suspension uses linear height sensors to automatically adjust the ride height in accordance with the vehicle load.
 
Standard on the Sport Edition and optional on the Limited is the diagonal-linked relative absorber X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension system. Developed by Yamaha for Toyota, 4Runner was the first mid-size SUV to use this system. In the X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension system, the compression chamber of each shock is cross-linked to its diagonal mate (front left shock is linked to the rear right and front right is linked to the rear left) via a central control absorber. The central control absorber contains a free piston that pushes against a low-pressure nitrogen charge. An orifice below the piston passes small motions across the vehicle from front to rear creating increased overall vertical shock damping. This dramatically improves on-road handling, and dampens body roll and pitch.
 
Safety and Convenience Features
The 4Runner utilizes the latest technology to deliver a high level of occupant safety. The 2004 4Runner incorporates as standard equipment many active and passive safety features to help protect driver and passengers, both on-road and off. Four-channel Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are standard on all 4Runner models. While ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking during severe braking conditions, EBD detects the differences in front- and rear-wheel speeds and dispenses the proper braking force to all four wheels. The BA function helps a driver who may not be depressing the pedal hard enough during emergency braking conditions. This function assesses the driver’s braking according to how much and how hard the pedal has been depressed, and then generates additional brake force to assist the driver.
 
All 4Runners are equipped with standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC). VSC utilizes the braking system to help the driver maintain control in adverse driving conditions. The system’s TRAC feature helps reduce tire slippage during acceleration. 4WD models use an additional yaw sensor, deceleration sensor, and control algorithms to deliver smoother torque on any surface, and low-range and locked center differential conditions.
 
Cargo area backup mirrors are located on the D-pillars and come standard on all models equipped with two rows of seats and the standard Deluxe audio system. The mirrors assist with peripheral vision when backing out of a parking space or looking over your shoulder to get a sense of what’s moving perpendicular to the 4Runner’s axis. In addition to the array of standard safety features, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side impact and front- and rear-side curtain airbags, and daytime running lights are available.
 
Rugged Exterior Design
The 4Runner’s exterior styling expands the definition of the classic off-road SUV. Its muscular and stylish design includes a wide, rounded front end that features an aggressive horizontal grille complemented with a front bumper and skid plate, and wide headlamps that convey ruggedness. Its powerful appearance extends throughout with large overfenders and cladding conveying strength. Its prominent character lines extend to the rear which is accented by large tail lamps and a rear bumper with an integrated tow hitch.
 
The 4Runner’s side mirrors are further angled out to improve the driver’s field of view. The angled mirrors also minimize wind-noise around the A-pillars. An available moonroof with jam protection features Toyota’s first use of a two-stage automatic pop-up wind deflector to help minimize wind noise. The full height of the moonroof deflector will lower to an intermediate height when the vehicle is traveling over 55 mph, and rise to full height again when the vehicle speed drops below 45 mph and the roof is fully open.
 
All exterior glass shields 94 percent or more of UV rays. The windshield, side windows and side mirrors are hydrophilic glass with an outer surface that is water repellent. The glass causes water to form large drops, which is more easily shed by gravity or wind.
 
The back hatch door is equipped with a standard power window with jam protection. The hatch also comes with an electric release switch and power opener for easy opening that is especially convenient in icy weather. The back hatch also has an electric power close function to ensure it is not partially ajar.
 
Three Grades To Satisfy A Variety Of Tastes
The 4Runner is offered in three grade levels in two- and four-wheel-drive: the SR5, the Sport Edition that features a sportier appearance and enhanced handling capabilities, and the Limited grade for a more upscale appearance.
 
Standard exterior styling features for the SR5 grade include:
  • Color-keyed front and rear bumpers, cladding and overfenders
  • Color-keyed radiator grille, door handles and license plate garnish
  • Integrated fog lamps
  • Black running boards
  • Black outside mirrors and mudguards
  • Aerodynamic multi-reflector halogen headlamps
  • Multi-reflector tail lamps
  • Bumper-integrated front turn signals
  • Six-spoke P265/70R 16-inch alloy wheels
  • Full-size spare tire with alloy wheel
  • LED center high mounted stamp lamp
  • Rear bumper integrated towing hitch
     
    In addition to the features found on the SR5 grade, standard items on the Sport Edition include:
  • Hood scoop
  • Silver painted roof rails with a black cross bar
  • Six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with P265/65R17 tires with raised white lettering
  • Sport Edition badging
  • Color-keyed outside heated power mirrors
  • Black running boards
     
    Limited grade offers standard features in addition to those found on the SR5, they include:
  • Color-keyed outside heated power mirrors
  • Silver painted and lighted running boards
  • Silver painted roof rails with black cross bar
  • Five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with P265/65R17 tires
     
    Additional exterior equipment also available includes:
  • Black roof rack and crossbars (SR5 only)
  • Color-keyed rear spoiler with center high-mount stop lamps
  • Five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with P265/65R17 tires (SR5 only)
     
    Spacious Interior
    The large exterior design of the 4Runner carries over to the interior, with roominess in every dimension, and substantial passenger shoulder room and hip room, and cargo capacity. The spacious interior cabin is complemented by a stylish design with an array of standard comfort and convenience features. Manual eight-way driver- (plus power adjustable lumbar support) and four-way passenger adjustable interior front seats with trim accents are designed for maximum comfort. The seats are upholstered in durable fabric with solid bolsters, adjustable height, and bottom cushion angle. The Sport Edition is equipped with a unique sport-themed cloth pattern. The upscale Limited grade comes standard with leather trim power seats with front electric seat heaters. The rear seats are a 60/40-split configuration to allow for added cargo space. The seats fold flat easily with no need to remove the headrests. A fold down rear seat center armrest is extra wide and includes an integrated pull-out convenience tray with two cupholders. When equipped with the available third row seats, the middle row tumbles forward for improved entry and exit.
     
    The large rear storage area includes structural steel tie-down hooks on the floor with additional storage hooks on the sidewalls. A 'Double Decker' cargo system with cargo net allows occupants to organize cargo in two levels. The one-hand collapsible shelf can be folded flat or lifted up easily with one hand and locked in place to accommodate larger cargo items. The sturdy shelf has a weight capacity of 66 pounds. A storage box is also located on the right-hand side of the luggage deck with other storage boxes over the rear wheel wells and left side of the luggage deck. A stylish two-tone dashboard trim holds a performance-themed three-pod instrument cluster with orange illumination. The cluster incorporates a Vehicle Level Sensor that is unique to 4Runner. The sensor detects when the vehicle is on an incline and digitally compensates the fuel gauge reading. A scheduled maintenance indicator light and tire pressure monitor are standard on all models.
     
    Automatic climate control is standard on all models and features three non-rotary toggle controls that are operated by the push of your fingertips. The Limited grade comes standard with a dual-zone temperature control to provide added comfort for the driver and front passenger. A multi-information display, located just above the climate control, displays the climate control status. The multi-display also reveals time, ambient temperature, fuel range meter, average speed, and average fuel consumption.
     
    A technologically advanced GPS navigation system is available on Limited 4Runner models equipped with the JBL audio system. The GPS system includes a touch-screen monitor with voice guidance through the driver door speaker. The ECU with a DVD drive is located in the right rear side of the cargo area. Quick multiple route searches can locate over two million points of interest that are stored in the Toyota map database. Additional navigation features include English and French voice guidance, 14 map display zoom in-out steps, a linear touch scroll function, four different screen color combinations, and memo calendar.
     
    The optional navigation system also includes a rear-view camera for greater convenience when backing up the vehicle. The rear back-up camera provides the driver with a view of what’s behind the vehicle, automatically projecting the image on the system’s seven-inch LCD screen when reverse gear is engaged.
     
    Audio sound is achieved with a Deluxe 3-in-1 AM/FM/Cassette/CD with six speakers and an in-glass FM diversity antenna. For the audio aficionado who requires digital surround sound, Toyota offers a 360-watt JBL Synthesis 3-in-1 sound system. The premium system comes with 10 speakers, rear seat audio (RSA) with remote wireless headphone capability, a remote control, channel display, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated cruise and audio controls. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and RSA are also available with the Deluxe 3-in-1 audio as stand-alone options. The JBL Synthesis is also available with a six-disc CD changer.
     
    A gated shifter on an extra wide center console leads to a sturdy center armrest with a fold-out convenience tray, and is also equipped with rear HVAC ducts and a trash bag holder for rear passengers. The front driver and passenger doors are designed with a storage bin equipped to hold large books, maps, and a one-half liter beverage bottle. The rear doors contain a storage bin designed to hold two one-half liter beverage bottles. Additional interior comfort and convenience standard equipment for the SR5 model include cruise control, driver and passenger sunvisors with sliding extensions and double visor, power door locks and windows (including rear hatch window) with driver auto up/down function, remote keyless entry with rear hatch window power-down operation, rear floor vents, rear tonneau cover and an illuminated entry.
     
    Standard interior equipment on the Sport Edition in addition to the SR5 includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, leather-wrapped shift knob and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. The 4Runner Limited adds extra refinement with a standard anti-theft system with engine immobilizer, rear seat audio with remote control and wireless headphones, HomeLink, auto-dimming electrochromatic mirror with compass, leather-trimmed seats, a double-decker cargo system, and a cargo net.
     
    An all-new third-row seat option is available on SR5 and Limited grade models. The third row seat can fold over or be completely removed for those times when additional cargo area is needed.
     
    Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.
     
    Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., reported 2004 4Runner total calendar year-end sales of 114,212 units, up 4.5% from prior year.
     
    2004 Standard Equipment, Optional Equipment and Specifications brochure (PDF)
    2004 Full Standard Equipment Listing (PDF)
    2004 Full Option Listing (PDF)
    2004 Full Technical Specifications (PDF)

     

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