The Toyota Sienna offers a variety of engines with either a timing belt or a timing chain from the model years 1998 to 2021. Both interference and non-interference engines are also present.
In a combustion engine, the timing belt (or chain) maintains the correct synchronization between the various engine parts.
Serious engine damage may result if the belt or chain strains or breaks.
Timing chains are typically rated for the lifespan of the engine, while timing belts have a suggested replacement interval, however they do need to be inspected on occasion.
Understanding the timing system in your car or a potential purchase might help you save future costs and hassles.
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In This Article...
Is there a timing belt in a Toyota Sienna van?
For robustness and long life, more recent models use timing belts consisting of polyurethane and Kevlar. Although they can last up to 100,000 miles, it’s always a good idea to change them before that. The valves, pistons, and other internal engine components can sustain significant damage in the event of a belt failure.
Has a 2011 Toyota Sienna timing chain or belt?
Has the 2011 3.5-liter engine a timing belt or chain? What is the suggested mileage between replacements for such? It has three chains. Like on earlier models with a timing belt, there is no required maintenance for the chains.
Has a 2008 Toyota Sienna got a timing chain or belt?
The Sienna has long offered an excellent family van at a reasonable price to American families. It was originally billed as the “Camry of minivans.”
Timing chains and interference engines are standard equipment on all Toyota Siennas built after the 2007 model year, while non-interference engines and timing belts are standard equipment on all Siennas built before 2007.
For instance, the timing chain is used in the 2021 Toyota Sienna A25A-FXS 2.5L 4-Cyl Hybrid, 186 (gas only) hp, and the timing belt is used in the 2006 Toyota Sienna 1MZ-FE 3.3L V6 230 hp option.
For comprehensive details about your specific Toyota Sienna, scroll down or quickly move to that section.
What Toyota engines are equipped with timing chains?
So, that is how the timing chain and belt operate. Which one, though, does your Toyota use? Here is a quick list of the components used in the engines of various Toyota vehicles:
Sedan And Hatchback Models
- All Avalon models from 1995 to 2004 feature timing belts. Timing chains are used in the vehicles from 2005 through 2020, including the 4-cylinder Avalon Hybrid.
- Toyota Camry: The timing belt is used in all models from 1990 to 2001 as well as the V6 model from 2004 to 2006. The timing chain is utilized by the 20022020 4-cylinder and 20072020 V6 vehicles.
- Toyota’s well-known Corolla compact vehicle has a timing belt from 1990 to 1997. Timing chains, however, were introduced in models starting in 1998. The Corolla Hybrid and Corolla iM/Scion iM models are included in this.
- Cressida: The straight-six engine of the Toyota Cressida from 1990 to 1992 had timing belts.
- This subcompact’s timing chain-powered 4-cylinder engine was sold from 2000 to 2005.
- Timing chain for all models, 20032013, shown as a matrix.
- Timing belt for all Paseo models from 1992 to 1997.
- Prius: From 2001 to the most recent models, all Prius models share the same timing chain. The Prius C, Prius V, Prius Prime, and Prius Plug-in are all included in this.
- All Tercel models produced between 1990 and 1998 had engines with timing chains.
- Timing chains are used in all Yaris vehicles produced from 2007 through 2020, including the Scion iA and Hatchback variants.
Crossover Models
- Toyota’s C-HR is a brand-new compact crossover with a strong emphasis on lifestyle.
- Timing chains are used in all 4-cylinder engines in the Highlander from 2001 to 2007; timing belts are used in V6 vehicles. From 2008 through 2019, timing chains are used in all V6 vehicles. Except for the V6 hybrid, it employs timing belts from 2006 to 2010 and timing chains starting with the 2011 model year.
- RAV4: From 1996 to 2000, all 4-cylinder models of the RAV4 used timing belts; starting in 2001, timing chains were used. Timing chains are also used in the V6 version from 2006 to 2012. Timing chains are used in the hybrid cars from 2016 to 2020.
- Venza: The timing chain for the Venza ranges from 2009 to 2015.
Minivan Or MPV Models
- Timing chains were employed in the engines of this storied Toyota minivan from 1991 to 1997.
- The Sienna sports a V6 engine with timing belts and was manufactured from 1998 to 2006. The V6 vehicles from 2007 through 2020 then employ timing chains. Timing chains are used in the 4-cylinder variant from 20112012.
SUV And Trucks
- 4Runner: Timing chains are used in the four-cylinder 199020002010 4Runner. Timing belts are used on the 19902002 vehicles for the V6 variations. Timing chains are then used for the 4Runner’s V6 engines from 2003 to 2010. If your engine is a V8 model (20032009), a timing belt is used.
- FJ-Cruiser: This mid-size SUV with classic styling was sold from 2007 to 2014. They were all powered by V6 engines with timing chains.
- The Land Cruiser offers a wide range of engine configurations. The gear drive system is used with the 19901992 straight-six engine (the same function, but uses a set of gears rather than belts or chains). Timing chains are used in the 19931997 straight-six engine. The V8 models from 1998 to 2007 make use of timing belts. While the V8 versions from 20082011 and from 20132020 employ timing chains.
- 20012009 4.7L V8 Sequoia Timing belts are used in Sequoia. Timing chains are used in both the 20102012 4.6L V8 and the 20082020 5.7L V8 models.
- Toyota T100: Timing belt for the 19931998 V6 engines and timing chains for the 19951998 4-cylinder engines
- Toyota Tacoma: The Toyota Tacoma and the 4Runner share the same base, but the engines are different. Timing chains are used on all 4-cylinder vehicles from 1995 to 2020. Timing belts were used on V6 vehicles up until 2004, however starting with the 2005 model, they were replaced by timing belts.
- Toyota Truck: Timing belt for 19901995 V6 engines and timing chains for 19901995 4-cylinder engines.
Timing chains: how long do they last?
When should a timing chain be changed? Unless there is a specific issue, the timing chain typically needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. In automobiles with higher mileage, chain problems are frequent.
Are there timing belts in 2009 Siennas?
This engine has a timing chain if it is a 2009 model, if that is the case. First of all, there is never a need to replace that. If your current service technician asks you to replace a timing belt on a car without one, do two things right away.
What is the price of changing the timing belt on a 2004 Toyota Sienna?
Belts don’t cost a much by themselves. Since many pieces must be removed in order to reach the belt, labor is where the true expense lies. Your best chance is to shop about and compare prices, but be prepared to pay anything between $409 and $919. (including parts and labor).
Timing belts or chains: which is superior?
Timing belts typically last less time than timing chains. Timing belts are made of rubber, which isn’t as strong as metal, but chains are made of metal, and this is the simple explanation for why this is the case. Timing belts are not weak, but they will probably need to be replaced at some point, whereas a chain can last the lifetime of the car.
Timing belts typically need to be replaced in the mileage range of 55,000 miles (about 90,000 km) and 90,000 miles (roughly 150,000 km). Therefore, a timing belt is still a very reliable and significant component of your car.
Whether your car has a timing chain or belt, it’s critical that you watch for any symptoms of wear and strain and take appropriate action. Depending on the sort of engine you have, a broken timing belt can have disastrous results. You could be better off searching to get a new vehicle if the repairs are too expensive to be practical.
Toyota still using timing belts?
Timing chains are more enduring and last a lot longer even if they are heavier than belts. The 2020 Toyota Corolla, 2020 Toyota RAV4, and even the 2020 Toyota Yaris all have timing chains rather than timing belts as standard equipment. Timing belts, however, might still be present in some older Toyota vehicles.
How much does it cost to repair a timing chain?
Being proactive is a good thing because an engine that has a broken timing chain could suffer significant damage.
Timing chain replacement might cost between $600 and $800 to do it yourself or $1,600 to $1,800 to have a technician do it. Due to how difficult it is to replace this element, the price is exorbitant.
The parts for a DIY timing chain replacement will run you about $650. But this is a job that’s best left to mechanics with a lot of experience.
Fortunately, timing chains are built to endure the lifespan of the vehicle, unlike rubber timing belts, thus it is rare that you will need to have it changed. Watch out for these signs if you think your timing chain may be broken:
- Noisy timing chain
- Starting the car is challenging.
- While idling, the engine shakes or vibrates
- Engine has poor performance or is misfiring
- The check engine light is on.
Bring your car to a repair as soon as you can if any of these symptoms persist. Quickly addressing the problem will stop further harm to your car.
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Should a timing chain be replaced?
The stretched chain’s rattling or clattering sound may also grow bothersome. This sound will be noticeable with the hood open and will vary depending on engine rpm. A broken timing chain may bounce around on the crankshaft and camshaft gears, making noises from the front of the engine such as rattling and knocking, or it may strike the timing chain cover. On some engine models, severe failures caused by a broken timing chain will cause the valves to come into contact with the pistons, causing very loud knocking and banging noises, catastrophic engine failure, and damage to the valves and pistons.
Broken plastic timing guide and metal shaving
If your timing chain is worn out, little metal pieces may come loose and land in the oil pan. When you get your oil changed, if your mechanic finds tiny metal fragments in the oil as it is being drained or in the filter, it may indicate that your timing chain is beginning to fail. However, a number of additional problems could lead to metal shavings in the oil. Contact your manufacturer or service provider as soon as you notice metal in your oil for an inspection, accurate diagnosis, and suitable repair.
Lack of power
A timing chain that has stretched enough to skip a few teeth on the sprocket prevents the combustion chambers from drawing in the requisite amount of fuel and air mixture because the valves are not opening and closing at the appropriate timings. As a result, there is a significant loss of power and the engine is less sensitive to input from the accelerator pedal.
Timing related codes
The variable valve timing system enhances engine performance and fuel efficiency by managing the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves. Oil control valves, sometimes referred to as solenoid valves and VVT (variable valve timing control) valves, are used by the ECM to regulate the camshaft(s).
Timing-related faults have a significant impact on your car’s ability to be driven. The most frequent problems are an increase in engine stalling, a rough idle, poor fuel economy, and rattling or knocking noises coming from the engine. The internal engine components may suffer substantial harm if the car is driven further in this state.
The Bottom Line
The timing chain is a crucial part of every engine; without it, your car wouldn’t run. Your car’s engine is likely to sustain severe harm if your timing chain snaps while you’re driving. The safest approach to prevent serious engine damage if you see any of the danger signs mentioned above is to get your timing chain replaced by a qualified repair. Being proactive and knowledgeable could help you save thousands of dollars and significantly extend the life of your engine.