2008 sequoia sat 13 months...is it still good

[mm22005412]

Had to go to another state (family) stayed for 13 months. Left November 2025, I just got back last weekend. Toyota sequoia 5.7 sr5, 164k miles.

Told my brother to start it up and drive around the block at least once per week well.... HE NEVER DID. 14 months and live in cold weather state so 2 winters it just sat.

I went to a friend yesterday and they told me a list of things to do: Drain all the oil & add new oil mix w/ quart trans fluid run for 5 minutes, drain again then refill fresh oil,
they said transmission fluid closed system so cannot.

Drain fuel from fuel tank, (half tank in there), change tires, change battery (which battery is dead), change spark plugs.

He told me to before running add additives to oil, fuel and trans fluid, but I thought additives are bad considered a band-aid instead of fixing real problems.


anything else i could change before trying to start up and drive? thanks

 

[JAFO44]

You've got some work ahead before attempting to start engine...

If it were my Toyo
( I own 07 limited and 09 4R limited)

DONT TURN OVER THE ENGINE..

- Check INSPECT for rodent damage under hood and repair if needed.
(Rubber hoses, electrical.)

Steps for Safely Oiling and Starting

1. Remove the Spark Plugs: Take out all spark plugs to make it easier to turn the engine over.
2. Inject Oil: Squirt a small amount (about 1–2 tablespoons) of engine oil, or Marvel Mystery Oil into each spark plug hole.
3. Lubricate and Check Seizure: Use a breaker bar and socket on the crankshaft pulley to manually turn the engine over several times. This coats the cylinder walls with oil and confirms the engine is not seized.
4. Clear Excess Oil: With the spark plugs still out, crank the engine briefly using the starter motor to blow out any excess oil.
5. install NEW Plugs: install new Plugs.

Crucial Precautions Before Starting

• Change the Engine Oil: run 5w-30 for initial start run-up, when vehicle ok then change to thicker oil as prescribed for your climate
• Replace/Check Fuel: Drain the old gas, as it has likely turned to varnish and can clog injectors. ( suggest having new fuel filter on stand-by).
• Check for Rodents: Look for mice or nests in the airbox or intake, as these can be sucked into the engine. Check all Rubber lines\hoses for rodent damage.
• Prime the Oil System: To prevent a "dry start," disable the ignition (remove the fuel pump relay or ignition coil wire) and crank the engine until the oil pressure light goes out.

Tires.
will likely have flat spot on bottom, likely will need to replace them. (NO you won't be able to roll them round again by driving on them)

Tranny-
I would tow it to a "Reputable" Toyota shop preferably one that specializes in off-road TOYOTA (As we have here in Socal) and have the tranny fluid changed and coolant "flushed"

Brake Calipers -
likely seized needing replacement

brake Rotors-
Likely rusted needing replacement.

Shocks
Inspect for rusted shafts or seizure and replace.

Good luck, some brother you DONT HAVE

 

[mm22005412]

Thanks! This will really help! Yes some brother... SMH