T-Belt light on 1999 Hilux 3.0D 4x4

[3.0D]

Hi, my T-Belt light switched on last night at just over 141000km. I've spoken to my mechanic and he says that it means my odometer has been turned back because they are only supposed to go on every 100 000 km's, which implies that my 3.0D has done close to 200 000km's. Can this be true? I've bought it with a full service history and everything. What should I do now? Can I still drive with it like this or should something be done to it? :?
Thanks in advance...

[TopHilux Hilton]

The 3.0D is well known for timing belt tensioner problems.
Rather have the timing belt replaced now, and the same time have a look at the tensioner.
You can reset the T-Belt light, by pressing the little button on your speedo. (behind the glass, next to the trip reset button)

[vicvtr]

Don't worry!
I assume your odometer are on 141000 and not 41000,if this is true do not be alarmed.The t-belt must be changed every 150 000km,the t-belt light goes on at about 140 000 to warn you to change the belt at 150000km.The t-belt light can not be reset , "by pressing the little button on your speedo. (behind the glass, next to the trip reset button)" actually you must remove the speedo cluster to reset it at the back.
So you should not have any problems and i don't think it means your odometer has been turned back !Start saving now for the t-belt replacement on 150000km.
By the way i am a ex Toyota technician,now running my own shop.

Greetings

[TopHilux Hilton]

Thanks for the info. It seems I've been mis-informed.

[davemech]

Sorry to interject guys but..........a timing belt MUST BE REPLACED at 100 000 km intervals.If the dash warning light has come on it has daone so for a reason.A re set is as previously described .... reset button on the outer face of the dash cluster blanked by a 2mm grommet ,held in for 5 sces with the ign on, will de illuminate the warning signal.this is NOT a substitute for replacing the timing belt.As for removing the cluster to extinguish the warning light ..........mmmm ive been in the trade for 30 years , and am to FACTORY trained, and have had my own workshop for half of that time , but have NEVER herd of that.Just imagine trying to charge a customer another hour to turn the light off after doing a timing belt??? better you than me.Re set procedures are available on :AUTOTEC ,BOYCES , OR AUTODATA.
CHEERS,
DAVE

[3.0D]

So Dave what would you then say is the reason for it going on at 141000km's? could it be that it's turned back? how would i know?
what are these: AUTOTEC ,BOYCES , OR AUTODATA. are they websites?
thanks for the answers...

[davemech]

HI again ,
Reasons ,
OK , failed tensioner spring would be the most common , however it is not somthing that is really worth debating, JUST GET THE BELT CHANGED,Its a simple job and will cost a small amount of money in comparison to a broken belt.Please advise your engine type and I will be able to confirm if it is a contact engine.(a contact engine is a loose tearm for an engine that if the cam or timing belt severs , has contact between pistons and valves)
Cheers ,
Dave

[davemech]

Hi again Again,
UNLIKLEY that this a speedo issue,where your mechanic came up with that is beyond me BUT.....
If you remove the guage cluster and strip it you will find eithe white or yellow control paint on the 6 speede mounting nuts, this is a GOOD indication, if the paint is damaged , yep its had a haircut.
Having said that I SERIOUSLY DOUBT that anyone would go to the trouble.
Its a long and involved process for little or no result.
cheers ,
Dave

[3.0D]

That's good to hear, thanks.
The engine is a 1999 3.0D 4X4.
How long do I have until I need to replace it?

[davemech]

As I said replace the belt at 100,000 kms, NO later ,
I can confirm this is a non contact engine.
Cheers,
Dave

[vicvtr]

I have to disagree Davemech.
The new generation hilux introduced in 1998 do not have the "reset button on the outer face of the dash cluster blanked by a 2mm grommet"!Have a look yourself at the the cluster of the 1998 onward Hilux,you wont find it..Yes the older generation pre 1998 and yes the pre 1998 hilux t-belt must be replaced at 100000km but NOT the new generation Hilux.I work on lots of them and most of the 1998 0nwards t-belt light goes on before 150000km.If in doubt page 53 in your Toyota book of life state"REPLACE TIMING BELT(except 2Lll diesel)"The 2Lll is the 2.4D.Toyota later modified that later as well and changed the 2Lll T-belt replacement to 150000km as well!

You can verify my statement with any reputable Toyota agency.

It is not to say that changing your T-belt at 100000km would do any harm.I still have many old farmers that insist to change their T-belt at 100000km as they did in the "OLD" days.

I stil don't think there is anything to worry about ,neither do i think the odometer is been tampered with.

Greetings

[davemech]

HI,
Yes I agree that that recent tec data states that the new generation belts are at be changed at 150,000kms.
I can also sight 4 BROKEN belt replacements that have been done in my workshop in the last 6 months have been carried out due to broken belts,this has been due primarily to broken or weak primary tensioner springs (36266-0098)and or seized idler pulley(36241-0933) .I concur that you may be refuring to reset procedures for import vehicles, however this is done using a scan tool, and Not remoing the guage cluster.
I to work on a lot of these (as a Toyota service and repair agent)

[vicvtr]

Hi
Maybe i am actually doing it wrong?I know the latest model hilux reset procedure involves the ignition switch and trip meter/ or scanner,but they are electronic .The 1998-2002 are not electronic neither do they have the reset on the face of the odometer so how do you then reset the light?Info will be much appreciated Davemech as it is no fun removing the cluster to reset1
As my grandfather said you are never to old to learn!

Greetings

[vicvtr]

Wag n bietjie Dave


Location "new south wales"

Julle voertuie se spesifikasies sal mos anders wees as ons hier in Suid Afrika!Dit is gin wonder jou feite is anders as myne nie.Ek het amper geskrik en gedink dat ek nog al die jare die kat aan die stert beet het!

groete

[Family_Dog]

Wag n bietjie Dave


Location "new south wales"

Julle voertuie se spesifikasies sal mos anders wees as ons hier in Suid Afrika!Dit is gin wonder jou feite is anders as myne nie.Ek het amper geskrik en gedink dat ek nog al die jare die kat aan die stert beet het!

groete

Heh... I hope Dave understanda Afrikaans! I was wondering about the different spec vehicles as well, our "old" SFA range was current from about 1985 to 1998, whereas the Overseas Market had a model in between that did not feature here.

Dave, what Vicvtr is saying above is that he has only now noticed that your location is in NSW and that therefore the vehicles you work on are spec'ed completely different to ours of that period, and that explains the differences in resetting the TB Light. He thought he was losing it!

-F_D

[Harold]

What of the pre-1999 models that have a timing chain. A number of 'experts(?)' have said, "Only replace when the chain begins to make a noise".

[Family_Dog]

Harold,

I have always been told that as well!

-F_D

[HiluxJunkie]

Hi guys. I have a 1990 DC 4x4 with a 2.4 22R engine. The clock says 2120000 ( unable to confirm if this is correct ) . I believe this engine has a timing chain. When should I change this and if it breaks is this a contact or non contact engine ?

[BenHur]

Hi

If the timing chain breaks I do not think you will have to worry if it is a contact engine because the damage a broken chain would make would possibly write of the block in any case. But do not get scared, I have never heard of a 4y or 22R that broke a timing chain. you normally replace them when you overall the engine or when they become helluva noisy.