I want to know if anyone else has heard of a problem like this:

OK, Im sitting in my driveway, I start the engine, I release the parkbrake, and the engine dies. And its not like it died around the time I released the park brake, it died right when I released the park brake. When I try to start it it turns over but doesn't start. The radio and all apparent electrical systems work. I checked fuses and sure enough my big pink 30 amp fuse under the hood blew. I bought two more fuses and replaced the blown one and the Runner started right up. And when I released the park brake it died again and the same fuse blew. I tried again and the same thing happened. So, I guess I can just try to remember to release the park brake before I start the engine but that sucks because when I take it off road Im going to need that park brake while the engine is running.

Anyone seen something like this before???

Thanks.

 

Did u investigate the park brake area? There may be some wires under there, getting in the way, and shorting when the brake is released...Never heard of this before tho...maybe someone will chime in with more info.

 

X2 !!

 

Yeah more than likely there is a wire that is being grounded out when you release the brake, I would check around there and I am sure you will find the problem!

 

park brake assembly is probably pinching a wire

 

This was taken from my cel phone so the pic is crappy, but sure enough, there is a tab that sticks out from the park break rod that has been rubbing on a bundle of wires, so whenever I would release the park break it would rub them and short something out. Im just glad this was an easy fix and not an impossible electrical problem that I'd have to take into a shop to have fixed. Thanks guys.

 

Make sure you fix it carefully, 30+ amps can easily start a fire.

 

X2!!! make sure all wires are covered up, and no shorts can occur.

 

Wow.. Problem presented, diagnosed, repaired and verified in 4 hours. Sweet!

 

That tab appears to be the one that catches the pbrake idiot light switch at the bottom of the shaft. That harness is usually tied back well above that.
A couple of butt splices some heatshrink and a ty-rap or two and you should be golden. Just disconnect the battery before you start to repair the harness some of those wires are constantly hot.

 

Not trying to jack a post here but does anyone know how to remove that post? A friends 4runner has the post broken off (so the light stays on). I found a parts truck but he broke that one off when trying to remove it. Found yet another doner and would like to try to remove it without breaking it.

 

zombie just go under your buddy truck dash and where the tab should be theres a switch with a plug just unplug it and then no more brake light for the parking brake but the low brake light will still work hope it helps

 

good idea, can't believe that I never thought of it. DOH!!!