I just purchased a 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 with 53,000 miles in mint condition. However, I can hear a noise that sounds like an electric antenna going up from the driver's side. The noise is quick and it occurs when I first start the truck and a few more times when I am driving it. I think it might be the VSC system but I am not sure. Does anyone have a suggestion? Thanks.

It could be the electric pump that pressurizes the brake system. The electric pump runs when the key is turned to 'On', the engine doesn't need to be started.

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'06 Limited V6

Amy's Mom: "Who's that you're talking to?"
Amy: "It's Uneek, spelled in a 'unique' way."

I hope that is normal though...

I hear the noise I think you're describing, although I'd call it more of a servo or pump noise than power antenna motor, and I've had my 2K3 from new (70k currently). Admittedly, mine does seem to be getting more noticeable, but it's been unusually cold (by our standards) for the past two months and I've also been spending more time with the radio off lately so it could just be I'm noticing it more.

I would also check the power steering fluid reservoir. Mine's been sitting at the cold-min line for since before I started noticing the noise becoming more frequent, but I've been too lazy to do something about it. Finally picked up a bottle of Dex ATF the other night and plan on doing a turkey baster drain-n-fill until the quart is used up. Even if it's not the source of the noise, it'll make me feel better to get some new fluid in there.

-Brent

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2003 Limited V8 4x4 - Galactic Gray Mica

It is normal. Everytime my rig does that, my adrenaline in me wants to floor it. At first i thought i had air brakes.

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2003 Titanium Metallic Limited 4WD V8

- X-REAS, Westin Brush Guard (black), TRD Performance Air Filter, TRD Oil Cap, SilverStars, Hydrocarbon Cabin Air Filter, Yokohama Geolander A/TS, TRD Leather Shift Knob, WeatherTech floor mats, Velour Taupe Dash Cover, OBX pedals, TRD Emblem & I-Force V8 Emblems, Bully Hitch Step with lights

It's normal. You can replicate the noise by pumping the brakes (without starting the engine and key in the 'On' position) a few times and the pump will activate again to pressurize the brakes.

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'06 Limited V6

Amy's Mom: "Who's that you're talking to?"
Amy: "It's Uneek, spelled in a 'unique' way."

Concur.
If you really want to hear it then put your truck in Park, open the hood, and have a buddy pump the brake for you.

The time to be concerned is when the pump vibrates/buzzes around enough to send a vibration up the brake pedal, and you can actually feel it when you brake. This happened to my truck and the master cylinder had to be replaced.

I compared my truck to a couple other 4Runners when the problem manifested - they all seem to do it to a certain degree - it was just far more noticeable on mine and made for a lousy (and depending on your POV dangerous) braking experience.

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2006 4x4 SR5
2000 Limited (RIP old buddy)