All posts categorized Toyota 4Runner

Installing a Battery Kill Switch in the Toyota 4Runner

On the 2008 Toyota 4Runner Limited, I have a weird problem of the security alarm going off at random times during the day or night. This disturbs neighbors and annoys the hell out of me. So I took it to the dealership sometime in January 2025, and they said I had an aftermarket alarm system and removed it. The dealership blamed it on that.

A few months later, the random beeping was back. I searched on the internet forums and decided that maybe it is the sunroof drains not draining. So I purchased some weed whacker string and cleaned the sunroof drains, following this video.

It is now November 2025, and the random beeping alarm is back. I got tired of disconnecting the battery before traveling for work, so I purchased and installed a battery kill switch. This post describes how to perform this install. It is really easy to do and can be done in 5 minutes with simple hand tools for $20.

Installing a RAM® Mount in the Toyota 4Runner

There are many ways to get a phone or GPS mount installed in your Toyota 4Runner, but one of the most sturdiest ways, that will survive off-roading is to use the driver’s handle near the A-pillar.

In this post I show you how to install a RAM® Mount with the X-Grip® for your phone or GPS, with simple hand tools.

Oil Change on 4th gen. Toyota 4Runner V6

I purchased a 2008 Toyota 4Runner Limited (4th generation) with the 4.0L V6 engine, in June 2021, to replace my aging and failing 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. In the five years I owned the Ram 1500, I never towed anything. I did use the truck to carry some large and heavy loads but that is so rare for me now, that if you run the numbers it is cheaper to rent a truck from Home Depot for that purpose. So I went with a 4Runner with a V6 engine, since I have always wanted one and unlike a 5th generation Runner it had the multi-mode 4WD with locking and unlocking center differential. I also have never been off-roading and hope to go someday this year with the 4Runner.

I had driven it about 5000 miles in 8 months and it was time to do an oil change, since the oil change MAINT light was blinking on the dash. This post outlines how to do the oil change in a V6 4th generation 4Runner and it is very simple.