My wife and I just bought our 4Runner on Saturday August 2nd. While driving today in heavy rain and going through some small puddles of water, the truck lost power steering, air conditioning, ABS brakes and the 4 wheel drive system. The truck still ran and was drivable, but not recommended. After calling Toyota about the problem, first they said wait about 5 minutes and see what happens. No good, then they sent a tow truck out to get it. While waiting for the tow, the 4Runner was started and appeared to be back to normal. Toyota claimed that the water had caused the belt to slip causing the loss of power to those things listed.
I THOUGHT THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AN "OFF ROADING" TRUCK? It can not even handle a few small puddles.... Anyone else experience this or similar problem? For $34,000 it should go through puddles, right? Or is that the $42,000 vehicle....

Not making a very good impression, Toyota....

Reply posted to your entry on Yotatech.

Sounds like the Stealer is giving you a bunch of B.S.. First off, ABS and 4 wheel drive system don't operate off of the belts. Second, the kind of slippage that would cause no power steering or AC is called "BROKE", so if it isn't broke then it should at least work a little.

To me it sounds like something in the computer or relay switch, or in other words, electrial. To have all of that fail at once is amazing, the biggest concern is the ABS system. Since it works now, my guess is electrial and yes you should be able to get your 4Runner wet.

Do you think I should open the hood, hose off the engine while it is running to see if it does it again? They told me that it would be fine now, but I should not have to worry every time I drive it in the rain.
Thanks

Well, I haven't thought of that. So I guess the Stealer says everything is fine. I know water can get into my distributor on my 92 Accord if I wash the engine. We have no distributor in the 4Runner, but of course there are things of concerns.

Still, if you have had that major problem, I would be tempted to wash it down. I doubt you will find the belts slowing down that much. But you may very well find your electrical problem. At least you will be at your home if you do have a problem.

I am sure the Dealer wouldn't agree with my answer.