So, the 4Runner went swimming recently, pretty deep. It's in my pole barn right now with the doors open drying out the carpet. Anyways, the 3.4 is still running like a champ and didn't hydrolock (thank you deckplate mod). But the swimming wreaked havoc on the electrical system. My alarm system, horn, and lights were all super crazy, like the horn honking randomly, the lights not turning off all the time, and the remote keyless not working. But after it dried out, everything is working like new... except ABS

My ABS light is on, and the ABS fuse is good. What should I start checking? I've taken out the wires plugged into the ABS controller and blown them out, to get rid of any standing water, but no luck. I'd like to get my ABS back... any suggestions?

 

you probably swamped the abs control unit. Although it would be a good idea to check the code to pinpoint the problem, you might have just toasted a wheel sensor or something easy. good luck! also a good idea to change all of the drive train fluids after a swim

 

did you extend the rear diff breather?

 

BIG Question!!!
One of the first things I should have done to the Runner
for not doing it first...

 

LoL, I will probably be draining my rear diff soon, because I haven't extended the rear diff breather, but it wasn't in the water, it was mostly my front end.... it got deep fast...

Do I have to get a code reader to get the ABS code, and yeah, wheel sensor sounds like a distinct possibility. Where are the ABS wheel sensors and how would I check them?

 

You have water in the ABS computer. Anything that had water in it, needs to be dissasembled and dried out by blowing it dry or drying it with electrical cleaner. Water just drying on its own will create corrosion later on down the road. Same goes for any connectors what were wet. They are holding in water right now. Soon, the wires will be full of that goofy green stuff and lots of problems will crop up later. If you can look at all the connectors in the kick panels, pull them apart, blow dry them, and install some of that electrical connector grease, it should neutralize the corrosion. You can actually get the electrical grease from Toyota parts department. The part is called "Connector Grease" and the part number for it is "08887-82106", not sure how much it cost. This would be great to install on all your connectors that you think may get submerged. Who knows, might keep the engine running is real deep water. But Toyota did locate the ECU's up pretty high on the Tacomas and 4Runners from 96 on

 

Dang, nice response... Will do. And i've used dielectric grease before for weatherproofing... never thought of using it on an automotive application

Oh, and where is the ABS computer... is it the thing with the wiring harness and the 6 ABS brake lines going into it?... I don't think that it got wet, but it happens i guess.

 

Yes, I suspect your ABS actuator has the computer built right into it. You can remove just the computer from the unit. But be careful, I think its only sold as a complete unit. Blow out all moisture and grab some of that grease (part number I listed in prior post) and seall all your connectors if your goint to take it swiming often!

 

I took it out, and apart, blew it out, and all is well. ABS functional again. I gooed it with some grease (not toyota, but it's the same stuff we use for outdoor network connections where i work.)

Thanks for the help!... I'll be sure to extend my diff breather.