2002 4runner ABS and TRAC engaging during normal driving....

ABS will engage on dry pavement at slow speeds. like when pulling into a parking space or at a stop sign.

The TRAC engages from a dead stop. (intermittently) no engine reaction from the skinny pedal and the dash light above the airbag light will flash (car with swerving lines/not the VSC)

Any thoughts? I'm thinking wheel speed sensor.... but which one.

TIA

 

Any recent brake work? I'd start with those wheels. New tires? Might have to check them all. Sounds like wheel sensors alright. Dirty, moved around, my guess, if no other electrical/mechanical issues.

 

No previous brake work, same Michelin tires 3+ years.

Pulled the wheel sensors to clean them... made it worse!

Figured out how to pull the ABS codes. Expect to do that tonight. Hope the codes will tell me a wheel (and which wheel) is sending bad data.

 

Yeah..if your ABS light is on there is a way to pull the codes off the one of the diagnostics module, either near the plenum or behind the glove box. May need a paperclip to jump terminals, if that's what's needed...
It will tell which wheel.

Yeah anytime the wheels are removed, gotta be careful around the electronic stuff. Handle the sensors like family jewelry.

 

ABS light isnt on during normal operation.

​​​​​Jumped tc e1 and no codes... just a steady blinking abs light....

​​​​​undrivable as is (and I have a pretty high tolerance for drivable hahaha)

thanks!

 

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...lled-me-8.html

Good read on ABS sensor issues...

At least in dry weather, I'd disable the ABS temporarily. But that's at your own risk. If you're heavy on the pedal, have old tire treads, stick with your first instincts.

Sounds like failing sensors? So you gave a good cleaning, re-installed properly, and ABS behavior worsened?? Does your ABS light briefly come on during ignition start and then turn off? Or not come on at all? Any other problems going on?

Link for some info on TRAC issues:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-ge...c-read-me.html

 

Odd reference but who knows...electrical diagnosis is always a mystery and a weak battery/alternator should never be ruled out.
https://www.4runnerforum.com/forum/g...hts-help-2218/

But test/check first before you spend. Do let us know how it turns out...safely of course.

 

I think I figured it out. I initially pulled the sensors to clean them and one had just a little bit of iron shavings/rust on the tip. I think this was the initial problem.

Pulling the sensors out was difficult. Putting them back in wasn't easy either. They didn't seat down into the correct position and were too far from the tone ring. This caused a more significant problem.

I just reset them. The symptoms seem to have gone away.

I'll need to replace them as they didn't seal properly after being removed and reinstalled.

 

Congratulations! You just troubleshooted. Great update. Hope it stays drivable after all.