Stargazer's Garage @ istargazer.ca

Accessories and Modifications

2003 Toyota Sequoia

Includes items (somewhat) permanently mounted

Yes, I know the debate between performance versus cosmetic is never-ending. What I've listed here is simply everything that I've done to the car that is different than way it came from the dealership/factory--however lame that may be . I've tried to include notes on costs and links to resources where possible. Unless otherwise noted, costs are what I paid in Canadian dollars and are inclusive of any applicable taxes/discounts (7% GST / 7.5% PST).

Within each section items are listed in order of installation.

See the note about programming the Automatic Door Locking and Unlocking Modes

Disclaimer: As always, your mileage may vary. Everything listed on my pages has worked for me and my particular vehicle. Part numbers are the numbers I used and may be different between different models and years and is subject to change. Please verify everything with your dealer. I assume no responsibility for any modifications you do on your car. If you don't feel comfortable working with automotive electrical wiring I suggest you let someone with some experience do these modifications. Laws in your country/state/region/ may not allow you to modify systems such as the lighting on your car. Always check with your local authorities.

 

Interior

Modification
(click for picture)
Part Number/Supplier Notes
Hardwired Radar Detector Valentine 1
  • Hardwire kit transferred from MPV
  • Cost: http://www.valentine1.com
  • Procedure: It was very easy to install and I basically did the same thing that I did in the Passat and the MPV. For the Sequoia, I just ran the wire from the detector along the headliner and down the outside of the A-pillar (behind the rubber liner) back behind the dash to the fuse box in the driver's foot well. The reason why I went outside the A-pillar is because a I didn't want to mess with the head curtain air bag system. The hidden display is located on top of the steering column like it was in the Passat.
OEM All-weather mats Toyota OEM

Toyota Canada

  • There are a lot of options available but not necessarily very cost effective when you live in Canada because of the exchange rate and customs/duties.
  • I bought the OEM ones because I wanted a good fit, however, the rear mats are too small to cover the entire area. I'm using a longer mat I bought aftermarket instead.
  • The front ones fit OK and seem to do the job, but if you've got more mud/snow in your area you may want to get something that's thicker and has a higher lip around the edge.
  • Cost: $112.92 CAD
OEM Cargo liner Toyota OEM

Toyota Canada

  • I wanted something that would fit properly, with a lip to catch spills, and not have to order through the US.
  • There are other mats available including ones that cover the more but I only needed to cover the area behind the third row.
  • Cost: $89.55 CAD
Door sill guards Toyota OEM

Wilson Toyota

Glass-break sensor Toyota OEM
Part no. 89020-YY040
Product no. 237002-2200
Reprogrammed remote key for one push all unlock n/a
  • I'm too lazy to push button twice to open all the doors.
  • Cost: free
  • Procedure: Visit dealership
First Aid Kit Toyota OEM
VW Touareg Flashlight VW OEM
Part #7L6 947 175 A

PGperformance

  • LED flashlight standard equipment on VW Touareg.
  • Rechargeable. Fits into cigarette lighter.
  • Cost: $61.83 CAD
  • Details and pictures here.
Headphones (x2) Sony MDR101LP

A&B Sound

London Drugs

  • I also had to buy a 10' headphone extension cord and a Y-adapter.
  • Cost: $20.59 CAD for 2 headphones
  • Cost: $11.43 CAD for cord
  • Cost: $5.70 CAD for adapter
  • Toyota has cordless headphones available but they cost about $80 each from the dealer. (As of the 2004 model year, 2 pairs of cordless headphones are standard equipment on both the SR5 and Limited.) The cordless headphones run on AAA batteries and have their own volume control.
  • With both of my oldest children under 5 years old, I wanted to be able to control the volume and didn't want the hassle of on/off switches and worn batteries.
  • I ran the extension cord under the floor mats and under the seats to the third row where my two oldest kids sit.
  • I thought the DVD entertainment system was awesome. Now with the headphones I feel like I'm in heaven--I can listen to MY stuff again!
AutoTaser (discontinued product)

Taser International

 

  • This is not actually a modification. It's an electrified steering wheel lock .
  • I bought this for the Passat years ago and now I'm using it for the Sequoia. The Canadian supplier was in Edmonton and at the time I think it cost around $400 CAD total.
  • I took some updated pictures and video and posted it here.
OEM Cargo Net Toyota OEM

ebay

  • I was using a generic net I bought from Canadian Tire which was cheap but it didn't hold things very well. After spilling some herbicide on it I decided it was time for a new one.
  • Ordered from ebay.
  • Cost: $27.62 CAD (includes exchange and shipping)
  • Additional details and pictures here including information about reusing the old net.

Exterior

Modification Part Number Notes
Removed emblems (debadged) n/a
  • Toyota, Sequoia, i-force, V8, 4x4, and Limited all removed from the back and sides. 
  • I like a clean simple look and there were just too many labels stuck all over the vehicle.
  • It also makes it easier to clean without the badges. When I removed them, there was evidence of dirt and surface rust behind the lettering even after I had just washed the area.
  • The Toyota logo on the back is bolted on and the V8 at the front is part of the grille so I left those on.
  • Cost: free
  • Procedure: Just like with the Passat and the MPV, I used some fishing line to cut through the double-sided tape, some Goo-Gone to remove the adhesive residue, and re-waxed the newly exposed area.
Weatherflectors #72273
Set of 4 (front & rear)
http://www.mats.com

Wilson Toyota

  • Wilson Toyota had these in stock when I went to pick up the door sill protectors.
  • Cost: $103.86 USD
  • Procedure: Installation instructions included
  • Details and pictures here.
Thule Evolution Model 1800
http://www.thule.com

Rack Attack

 

Receiver Tow Hook Outland 7610

Canadian Tire
Part #41-1500

  • I wanted to put something in the hitch to discourage people from parallel parking by feel (which I've seen many times). Too bad there isn't something for the front.
  • Cost: $57.17 CAD for tow hook
  • Cost: $25.75 CAD for locking pin
  • Lesson learned: If something doesn't fit, don't jam it in. The tow hook didn't go in that far, so I pushed it in with a little extra oomph. Unfortunately, it went in too far and the hole for the pin wasn't lined up. It took me considerably more effort to pull it out 1/2" to put the pin in.
Ooga Horn (31 KB mp3) Fiamm 12v No. 66059

Canadian Tire

  • I wanted something different and unexpected so I chose this auxiliary horn to replace the stock horns.
  • The package states: "Old Fashioned Model A Sound"
  • Cost: $68.69 CAD
  • Details and pictures here.
Sport Rack Hitch Carrier Sport Rack #A30850

Canadian Tire

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires  LT265/70/17

Set of 5

Volco Tires

Stainless Steel Exhaust Tip Toyota OEM Accessory
Part #00016-0C215

ebay

  • Just something extra to dress up the Sequoia.
  • Ordered from ebay.
  • Cost: $66.83 CAD (includes exchange and shipping)
  • Pictures here.

Lighting

Modification Part Number Notes
Osram Bilux AllSeason Super 30% Xenon Bulbs H4 (x2)
(high/low beam bulb)
bought from PGperformance

 

  • I bought these bulbs for the Passat but took them out when I got HIDs.
  • On the Passat, the H4 bulb is used for high/fog beams.
  • I've always liked them because they really cut down on the glare in the rain.
  • Cost: ? (bought about 4 years ago)
  • Procedure: 2003 Owner's Manual, p. 377
  • Details and pictures here.
Disabled Daytime Running Lights n/a
Increased sensitivity of Automatic headlamps n/a
  • I didn't think the headlamps turned on soon enough when it got dark outside, especially on overcast days, so I had the dealership set the sensor 20% more sensitive than factory.
  • Cost: free
  • Procedure: Visit dealership
Red dashboard lighting McMaster-Carr
Coloured Light Bulb Covers
size T1 - Part #16925K11
  • This was relatively easy since all I had to do was remove the stock green bulb covers and replace them with red ones.
  • I tried blue also, but I liked red better.
  • Using information on I found at Tundrasolutions.com I ordered two sizes of bulb covers but I found that the recommended T1 3/4 covers behind the gauge made the lighting too dark. Instead I used the smaller T1 bulb covers on the larger bulbs and that brightened things up.
  • Cost: $3.56 USD for a package of 10 bulb covers
  • Procedure: Details and pictures here.

 

Engine

Modification Part Number Notes/Cost
n/a n/a n/a

 

A Note about Programming the Automatic Door Locking and Unlocking Modes

This is not really a modification since it's a factory setting that you can change yourself. The problem is that the Owner's Manual isn't worded correctly and even the service tech at my dealership couldn't re-program the doors following the steps given. Judging by the number of posts I found on the Internet about this problem, I wasn't the only one in this situation. The solution is simple and here it is as posted on April 8, 2003 by rengawsd6 to ToyotaSequoia@yahoogroups.com:

Here's the trick...

When the manual says:
"hold down the lock button for 5 seconds (you will hear the locks engage and then release)"

Rewrite this to say:
"hold down the lock button for 5 seconds AND THEN RELEASE IT..."

This works every time... I've found that anywhere from 4 to 8 seconds works on my 2003 LTD. Also, you can start anytime within about 12 seconds of turning the key to "on". BTW, the parking brake is not important.

Message #155

It's hard to believe that something as simple as that caused me to waste so much time re-trying the procedure over and over again, cursing every step of the way. One more thing: There are four modes available--two for Locking and two for Unlocking. Locking and Unlocking are independent of each other and you can set one, or the other, or both. Once again the manual doesn't explain this well.  

 

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