Brake sensor & auto trans problems
andoned
05-09-2005, 05:03 PM
I have a 1990 Runner that is experiencing many problems:
1. The brake sensor light has been coming on occassionally for the last year. It is now on constantly. We have had the brakes redone, bled and made sure there is brake fluid. We have been told the sensor on the fluid cap is out. Before I replace this $100+ part I want to make sure it is worth it. I think some of my other issues may be related to this problem:
2. A couple months ago my speedo cable went out--I had it replaced (keep in mind my brake sensor light has been blinking on and off for about a year) now my a) cruise control doesn't work, b) my transmission is shifting hard and c) the power has dropped off (and on a V6 that is already underpowered that is a big problem).
We have had the fuel injectors and the plenium cleaned. We had a complete tune-up, including fuel filter change and new plug wires, within the last year. We change the oil every 3k and the engine was replaced 40k ago (after the headgasket blew). The transmission has a regular service yearly, though we haven't had it done yet this year.
Could my problems all be related to that sensor being out? Or is it more likely the sensor on the transmission? I know this model has about a zillion sensors so I am trying to figure out which ones to replace without spending $1000s. Over the past few months so many things have been going out that it is costing us a fortune (but it is still less than a car payment!)
Can anyone help???
1. The brake sensor light has been coming on occassionally for the last year. It is now on constantly. We have had the brakes redone, bled and made sure there is brake fluid. We have been told the sensor on the fluid cap is out. Before I replace this $100+ part I want to make sure it is worth it. I think some of my other issues may be related to this problem:
2. A couple months ago my speedo cable went out--I had it replaced (keep in mind my brake sensor light has been blinking on and off for about a year) now my a) cruise control doesn't work, b) my transmission is shifting hard and c) the power has dropped off (and on a V6 that is already underpowered that is a big problem).
We have had the fuel injectors and the plenium cleaned. We had a complete tune-up, including fuel filter change and new plug wires, within the last year. We change the oil every 3k and the engine was replaced 40k ago (after the headgasket blew). The transmission has a regular service yearly, though we haven't had it done yet this year.
Could my problems all be related to that sensor being out? Or is it more likely the sensor on the transmission? I know this model has about a zillion sensors so I am trying to figure out which ones to replace without spending $1000s. Over the past few months so many things have been going out that it is costing us a fortune (but it is still less than a car payment!)
Can anyone help???
JDW
11-17-2005, 11:53 PM
Have 92 4 runner - 3.0. had same problem with brake light coming on - every thing ok - said it was 90.00 for new cap - so just disconnected it and keep an eye on the fluid level.
I don't know if the problem with the transmission is the same as we had - your symptoms seem different - ours was the speed sensor - on the back of the transmission- just in front of the drive shaft -
on right side - just a couple screws holding it on - about 160.00
with ours, you would drive along and it was like someone shifted it into neutral - just coasted and speedo when wild, or would not work.
Replaced it- ran like a charm till last week - head gasket - blew!!
Found out some thing from mechanic after it sat for a week and 1/2 - should drain the oil out -as the antifreeze eats away the main bearings - or at least what I was told.
hope that helps.
jdw
I don't know if the problem with the transmission is the same as we had - your symptoms seem different - ours was the speed sensor - on the back of the transmission- just in front of the drive shaft -
on right side - just a couple screws holding it on - about 160.00
with ours, you would drive along and it was like someone shifted it into neutral - just coasted and speedo when wild, or would not work.
Replaced it- ran like a charm till last week - head gasket - blew!!
Found out some thing from mechanic after it sat for a week and 1/2 - should drain the oil out -as the antifreeze eats away the main bearings - or at least what I was told.
hope that helps.
jdw
4Wheel
11-22-2005, 09:51 PM
Unplug the cap wires if it goes away then it was the cap. the other case that will cause he light to activate is the emergency brake switch make sure it's in all the way (but duh right).
The caps have a float with a small magnet that slides on a peg that has a magnetic "reed" switch in it. I found one at a junk yard fairly cheap.
Here's one on eBay but it comes with the EVERYTHING for $50
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyota-truck-4runner-4WD-brake-booster-master-89-95_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33566QQitemZ80169214 18QQrdZ1
eBay search: (4runner,4 runner) brake
Good Luck
The caps have a float with a small magnet that slides on a peg that has a magnetic "reed" switch in it. I found one at a junk yard fairly cheap.
Here's one on eBay but it comes with the EVERYTHING for $50
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyota-truck-4runner-4WD-brake-booster-master-89-95_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33566QQitemZ80169214 18QQrdZ1
eBay search: (4runner,4 runner) brake
Good Luck
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