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Toyota Sienna Electrical Problems

I have a 2004 Sienna LE and it has left/right signal problem (not working) in the morning or when the weather is cold. The problem usually last for about 5 to 10 minutes until the inside car temperature becomes warm.

When this problem happens the emergency lights are working. Only the signal left and right do not work.

Is this a common Sienna problems? I brought the car to the dealer but they refused to fix it because they cannot duplicate the problem. I am guessing when the warranty has expired, they will make suggestion to replace the part but not until then.

Can someone help me with the root cause to this problem? I am hoping that I can reasoning with the dealer to fix the problem by using an automotive explanation to the cause.

I appreciate any help in this matter. Thanks.


  • they refused to fix it because they cannot duplicate the problem

    It would be very annoying to have to do this, but maybe you need to drop your car off overnight so they can start it cold?
  • edmowedmow Posts: 1
    I bought a brand new 2006 toyota sienna in 8/06. I had a ravelco anti-theft device installed in sept. 06. all was well until the battery died in early dec. gave it a boost thinking maybe we left lights on. Battery died again in mid dec. gave it another boost & called dealership about problem. brought it in. they found no problem. told me if battery dies again, do not boost have it towed. In 1/07 battery dies again. have car towed. they found battery had dead cell and gave us new battery. battery dies again in 2/07. had car towed again. they kept car for 2 days and found nothing. they suggested i leave car for a week to see if battery dies while in their possession. nothing. battery died yesterday. called service. told me it has to be the anti-theft device that I installed that's causing the drain. offered nothing else. Spoke to ravelco. they assured me that anti-theft device does not run on battery and is not hooked up to battery. Does anyone have same problem that I'm having? Any suggestions?
  • timon75timon75 Posts: 1
    One of two power plugs on dashboard stopped functioning when i plugged in laptop. Checked fuse box in engine compartment and did not see damaged fuse. Any suggestions on where fuse for the right front power plug and the left rear power plug in 2004 Sienna CE is located? thanks.
  • taxesquiretaxesquire Posts: 681
    Just to make sure we're talking about the same fuse, you're referring to the two outlets that are next to each other on the lower part of the center stack - the one on the right. As an FYI, that fuse also operates the rear outlet, so if we're talking about the same fuse, it should be affecting both the front, right and the rear.

    It took me a long time, but I was able to find that fuse when I blew it out about a year ago when I tried to inflate air in my tires. I forget whether I used the manual or just the fuse guide on the fuse compartment, but the main point I want to make is that the fuse to which you are referring can only be purchased from Toyota. I wanted to just do it myself, but I compared the blown fuse with the extras Toyota gave me, and the fuses I had for my Acura TL. No matches. Then I went to Pep Boys and another store like that and couldn't find a match.

    I forget how much it was (I think $4-6, but don't quote me), but I had to bring it in to Toyota to have them replace it.
  • yashedyashed Posts: 2
    I brought new Toyota Sienna (2006) in August 2006. It looks like mine also has similar problem. Today all of sudden battery died. Vehicle does not does start, no lights nothing. I am 100% sure that no lights or anything else was left ON and battery was in good condition. Now battery voltage down to 5.6Volts!

    How did your problem resolved?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Posts: 72,587
    Toyota should have replaced the battery long ago, though the battery warranty is covered by the battery manufacturer, technically.

    Still, a new one costs less than one tank of gas nowadays. I'd just replace it. Why risk stalling after it's happened 5 times already? :confuse:
  • I have a 2001 Sienna. Whenever I take a significant left turn, the locked doors unlock. Sometimes it is in the middle of the turn, but usually it is about 1-2 seconds after the turn is completed, all the electric locks will pop open.

    It does not do this when I turn right, when I go over speed bumps or at any other time. It does not do it if I take the turn very slow.

    The Mechanics at the dealer can't figure out would cause this behavior and are at a loss to figure out where to start looking. It must be a shorted or lose sensor somewhere, but where? And why would it only do this when turning left?

    I'm not anxious to have the dealer take my van's electrical system apart and test it component by component. Any geniuses out there that could help narrow down where the problem might be????
  • ateixeiraateixeira Posts: 72,587
    3 right turns is the same as one left. ;)

    Just kidding. It's gotta be one of the power lock buttons. See if you can hold the lock button down on either side while you turn left, to see if that's the side that short circuits.

    Try both sides, if holding the button makes a difference, that's gotta be the bad switch.
  • yashedyashed Posts: 2
    Problem was dead cell / open circuit in the battery(less than a year old). I just got battery replaced (it was under warranty). There was no other problem.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Posts: 72,587
    Glad to hear it. :shades:
  • bob57bob57 Posts: 302
    With engine running & in park, turn the steering wheel hard left and slowly back to straight.
    If that doesn't duplicate the problem, do the same thing only put it in drive, foot on the brake and turn steering wheel hard left.

    If the problem pops up either way, it's a connector in the steering column or the ignition relay that thinks your engine is off.
  • I have a 1998 Sienna that I purchased used almost 2 years ago. It is in great shape with 112,000 miles. A couple of days ago I put the key in and the engine wouldn't start. I turned the key a few more times and it finally started. I know it's not the battery because all my stuff comes on(radio, a/c, ect.). It has been doing this for 3 days now. It does it almost evertime, but sometimes it starts right away with no problems. Could this be the starter? I am in no way a car person but my husband is out of town and I do not want to go to the repair shop without some knowledge. Any help would be appreciated.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Posts: 72,587
    Starter does seem most likely.
  • It could be your battery also. A weak battery still has enough energy to power low current items like radio, lights, etc. but not enough to provide the high current required by the starter. A simple test is to turn your headlights on and then crank the starter. When your car turns over, your headlights should dim, but not go out. If they go out while you are cranking, your battery is too weak. In general, if your battery is over 3 to 4 years old, I would replace it as they lose a lot of capacity at that age.
  • My 2005 Toyota Sienna has a problem with what seems is the van "jumping out of gear". This issue happens when you are turning right in a curve and hit the brakes. When you do this there is a "beeping noise" and the van seems to stall and shift into neutral. We are usually going btw. 45-48 mph. This only lasts a couple of seconds and then everything is OK. The dealership can not get this issue to reproduce so it seems like I am "crazy". I found similar post but not exactly. has anyone else had a similar experience.
  • I have a 2000 Toyota Sienna XLE that is having this same problem.(88,500 miles) When I make a Left hand turn, the front map light flickers on. And when the light goes off, the power door locks unlock. This only happens on left hand turns, and only when taking the corner at a fairly good speed. Have there been any confirmed fixes to this problem? I have tried all of your earlier mentioned trouble shooting methods.
  • I cannot give you much help after having our Sienna at the dealership for the 4th time they did a computer upgrade at our request but they could not make the van "recreate" the problem while they drove it several times during a week stay. We thought everything was OK until we started on a business trip and it had the same problem again. It (the problem) has only happened on one road that is approximately 5 minutes from our house so everytime we have taken our van into the Toyota dealership they cannot reproduce the issue so they really do not know what to do. They have told us that is noted in the records so if anything major does occur then it should be within warranty. Sorry I could not be any help - good luck to you and if someone figures out your problem, please send me an email.
  • aagaag Posts: 2
    I have same problem with my 2000 sienna. I took it to dealer and they replaced contacts but the problem did not get fixed and the dealer service centre could not find any solution to it. How did you get your van fixed?
  • I have not been able to get problem solved. I have only tried one dealer service department and they cannot get the issue to "reproduce" when they have it in the shop. They have tried to tell us that it is an issue with the traction control but they cannot get anything fixed unless the issue can be reproduced. We have taken the van in for service 4 times with no resolution. They have added notes to the file for future reference for warranty issues but nothing has been solved. I am sorry that I cannot help if I get a response to my issue I will post the details. Thank you and good luck.
  • My g/f ( currently o/s in US, I cant get to the car) has reported a sudden problem with her 2004 Sienna. 3 different electrical accessories have gone on fretz simultaneously, I immediately in general principal suspected a fuse/ common relay, but am unsure, as the things are

    radio/DVD player
    Seat Warmer
    Driver's door lock

    Which troubles me as likelihood of being on one common fuse as radios etc tend to operate on very low amps fuse traditionally in most cars, compared to especially things like a seat warmer which Ive never had ,but figure any heating element drags a lot of current .
    Any seconders for my idea or better still, better ideas?
    If so, I'll try to talk her through a fuse check, with the aid of her handbook.
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