I'm a new member and I am wondering if any other 4Runner owners have experienced my problem- let me describe it. I own an '05 4Runner V-8. When I start out from home driving, the noise coming from the engine is normal, no problem, and stays normal while driving. But, on hot days when I come to a red light or if I'm in very slow traffic for a short while, when I finally accelerate to normal speeds, the noise from the engine compartment is noticeably much louder than normal. The sound gets louder the more I press on the gas. The noise sounds like a second huge cooling fan kicked in to provide additional cooling but there is only one radiator cooling fan in there and it runs all the time I'm sure. The local dealer service man said its just normal engine noise but if thats true, the loud noise should be there all the time. I'm not satisfied with their explanation. Anybody else noticed the same problem? Gary Ritchel Evansville, IN

Hi, The fan is just idling most of the time. It's electric and cluthes itself to engage and fully cool when you do something that brings on the extra need. You'll be thankful for that clutch if you hit deep water. Other stuff stalls when the fan blades hit such flowing water. A truck stalled halfway across a deep creek is an unhappy experience. Try to leave the experience to others.

Vic: Thanks much for your explanation; now it all makes sense to me knowing that the fan just "free-wheels" until additional cooling power is needed and then it engages itself at a much higher RPM to cool, hence, the extra noise I hear. Now I have peace of mind about it. Thanks again, Gary Ritchel Evansville, IN

My 1999 does that too. Completely normal. It also revs the fan when I first start it up and it will really rev when I first drive off, but then it settles down. I guess you haven't heard the other strange noises yet? Clicking from fuel injectors? Twang noice from ABS self test? You will hear it eventually. All normal. It's a Toyota thing.

The voice of experience is certainly reassuring-- thanks for your insight David. Just drove my 4Runner on a 20 hour trip. I love the way it handles and rides on the highway- real solid and quiet. When I punch that V-8 to pass I don't dare blink my eyes or I'll miss seeing the car I'm passing. Love that 4Runner ! Regards, Gary David