Questions after FINALLY buying my dream truck

I’ve been wanting a Tacoma for over twenty years, and I’ve been working hard to finally buy a used model in good condition.

With the way the used car prices shot up recently, however, I thought I’d never find a good used Tacoma in my price range.

Well, I found a 2009 Prerunner SR5 double cab (V6 2WD) in great condition (outside and inside), and I bought it!

It didn’t come with the owner’s manual, so I’ve been watching YouTube videos, Googling, and reading this forum to answer all of my questions about everything 2nd Gen Tacoma.

Needless to say, I still have endless questions, as I’m getting to know my new (to me!) dream truck every day.

So far?

I’m in love. It’s a phenomenal truck, and I want to make sure I keep it running smooth for many years to come.

So, here are a few questions that I’ve tried to find answers to online over the past two weeks:

1. My AC airflow seems to be weak and isn’t as cold as my 2007 Toyota Corolla. I suspect it’s the cabin air filter after watching a ton of YouTube videos. What would be the first things you checked?

2. One of my dash AC vents is missing some plastic. See photo. I’m a total noob when it comes to the Tacoma. Where would you order that specific item?




3. My final question for my first post here is regarding all the compartments and cubbyholes on my 09’ Prerunner SR5.

The first pic shows a
Dash “open storage compartment”. It’s right beside the ignition lock. Is this missing a lid or is this just the way this compartment came from the factory?



The second pic shows a compartment I found located behind the driver’s side read passenger seat. What is this used for and is it missing something?



The third and final part of my last question involves that bed compartment cover that’s missing. Where would you guys order that cover?


-Chris

 

I don’t know the answers to any of these questions, but nice job getting the truck you wanted. It looks clean from the pics. Send us some exterior shots!

 

For the first part of your final question, I believe that compartment remains open on the automatics. For the manual Tacomas, that's where the e-brake is located.

For the missing/broken pieces, you can try https://parts.toyota.com/

 

1. Yes, check the cabin filter first
2. Salvage yard, or online dealer
3. 1st pic - Normal, nothing missing.
2nd pic - I don’t know, I do not have that compartment in my truck
3rd pc - Salvage yard, or online dealer

 

This.

The second picture is of a flashlight holder that can be used where it is or in the other two slots or in the compartment behind the passenger side. You can download a manual from a google search also.

 

Behind the passenger side you should have a couple of fin shaped pieces that go into slots like the drivers side that is for separating things that you may want to store back there also. Hope this helps.

 

Congrats on the rig.

2nd Gen tacos are the best gen

 

Thanks to everyone for replying so fast! This community obviously rocks!

Here are some pics of my DIRTY 09’ Tacoma. I’m working on getting my washing, waxing, wet dry vac, and air compressor stuff now that I have something I love and want to keep looking good.




I actually like the factory wheels. Brand news tires. Including identical new spare.

 

Welcome and congratulations on your new to you truck.

1, the cabin air filter is accessed by removing the glove box. Be prepared for a bunch of rodent fodder. Turds, nesting material, dead ones, live ones scrambling to run away. Getting the little shock absorber thing (edit: back in) is tricky. Maybe take a picture of it in place before pulling it out.

2, looks like broken off vent pieces from those clip on phone holders.

3, the bed cubby door, I’ve seen some cool idea’s in here, modified to be lockable and such.

 

Beautiful truck man, congrats! I like those after market headlights you have.

if you don’t mind me asking how many miles does it have?

 

That is one nice truck! They grow on you fast. Congrats and enjoy.

 

That truck is boss, bro. Welcome to the taco bro club.

also, that paint job looks killer especially for how old it is. Maybe I’ll get black. Never heard anyone having an issue with black

 

They're highly sought after by some folks on here.

Shove something under the cabin air filter before you drag it out, to catch the additional debris. Stiff thin cardboard or ABS work well, as does a sheet of teflon. if it's super full, shop vac with wand or go in from above.

 

I don’t mind at all. 140K miles. That didn’t even make me blink as I bought my ‘07 Corolla back in 2013 and it came with 120K miles, and I’ve since put 45K miles on it and all I’ve had to do is change the oil regularly and replace the battery!

 

Not even broken in yet.

 

I was gonna say, I’ll bet the cylinder walls still have almost all the cross hatching.

 

Congrats on the truck, as far as the AC, this is the least impressive thing of my 2nd Gen. Very lackluster, and I've done full diagnostics on it, makes me miss my old F150 that used to spit ice cubes.

I hope your truck is different and your issue is resolved by a cabin filter change.

 

Congrats on the new-to-you Tacoma, welcome to Tacoma World @TNRedwolf1973 !

Owner's manuals can be found here on the Toyota site:
https://www.toyota.com/owners/resources/warranty-owners-manuals

1. Yes check the cabin air filter. You can also try peeking into the blower fan that sits right below it and can get clogged with debris (sometimes from mice). Start there and then diagnose further.
2. As others said check parts.toyota.com to be sure, but I searched briefly and it appears to be part number 55670-04020. Don't trust me, double check.
3a. That open storage compartment is normal. Place for you to put cool things like change, wallet, etc.
3b. Flashlight holder as others said.
3c. Again double check for yourself but I think it's part number 64074-04011.

 

Not sure about the back compartment holder as I have a single cab.

Re the bed compartment cover, let me check my garage I might have one.

@replica9000 is right on the compartment being open, my 2010 is the same way.