2011 Toyota Sienna problems and solutions

2011-sienna-problems.md

Problem: air conditioning works intermittently

Workaround

Needed: small high-powered (e.g. neodymium) magnet, approximately 1cm in width/diameter, 3mm thick

1. Locate the flow sensor on the air compressor
2. Place the magnet on the outside of the air flow sensor See here for an example: https://www.siennachat.com/attachments/20200922_130728-jpg.47337/

Solution

Replace the flow sensor on the compressor with an aftermarket one. Search for "flow sensor TSE17C" on eBay, AliExpress, etc.

Instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcmy5MSfs-I

Problem: rear power windows move slowly and/or get stuck

Needed: spray silicone lubricant

1. Roll window down
2. Spray lubricant into top part of window tracks. Since the lubricant is a liquid it will run down to the lower parts of the window track
3. Raise/lower the windows a few times
4. Wipe off any excess lubricant

Problem: turn signals and hazard lights work intermittently

In the fuse box under the hood, there is a fuse for the hazard lights and 2 fuses for the other lights. Remove/replace them.

Problem: rear seat handles break and seat won't unlatch

Needed: metal hose clamps

1. Remove rear seat handles
2. Add 2 metal hose clamps to each seat handle
3. Replace seat handles

Problem: exhaust heat shield rusts around bolts and falls off

Needed: high temperature paint and washers

1. Clean heat shield
2. Sand heat shield
3. Paint heat shield with high temperature paint
4. Reinstall heat shield with original bolts and new washers