HI - brand new registered member here, though I lurked for some time. Seems like a great community and I'm hoping to get some advice before I plan my course of action.
Brief context: owner of a 2003 4Runner since new (May 03). Currently has about 62000 miles (100,000kms). Last winter, in roughly March, I drove through some water on the road and the IP lit up like the proverbial Christmas tree. ABS, TRAC and VSC all disabled and lit up on the dash - as commonly described by other 4Runner and Tundra owners. The problem went away after taking the vehicle to get washed and did not return until December.
Once the road sand and salt started being applied on these Canadian (Southern Ontario) roads, the problem recurred. Again, I took the 4Runner for a wash and the problem was rectified. This happened 3 or 4 times. Shortly before Christmas, the same thing happened but the washing trick did not seem to work. This time, 2 additional issues reared their ugly heads - the Check Engine Light (CEL) appeared AND the speedometer stopped working.
I brought the vehicle into my local dealer who requried 3 hours to diagnose. The technician believed the problem to be the central ECU (which would have been great since I've still got warranty coverage). However, they called Toyota Technical Assistance to verify. 10 days later, I finally heard back (dealer was kept waiting by Toyota). The verdict is that the Skid Control ECU (or computer assembly) needs to be replaced, but they're "not 100% sure this will fix the problem". Cost = $1800 + labour.
I also should note that the problem is intermittant in that sometimes the VSC, ABS and Emergency Brake lights are illuminated, coupled with the CEL and the speedometer ceasing to function. Other times, it's only the VSC illuminated and the ABS and speedometer are working (and no CEL). The VSC is now diabled, I believe, because the Toyota Tech sent me home in limp mode.
My situation is a bit different thathose described by others here (the speedo not working appears unique). Any others with these same symptoms? Could some of the solutions described in here (brake fluid, calibnration, etc) be the cause of the problem for me, too? Does anyone agree with Toyota's diagnosis that the Skid Control ECU needs replacement?
I have not contacted Toyota Canada yet because I want to be fully informed before I do so.
Finally, I was quoted $1800 for the Skid ECU. The same part on Ebay is $150. Is the Eaby part a viable alternative? (I don't plan on keeping the truck much longer).
Sorry for the long post - just wanted to accurately describe. I have to say the 2003 4Runner is a great truck, but the quality issues (longer than just this recent episode) have been really disappointing.
Thanks in advance!
Brief context: owner of a 2003 4Runner since new (May 03). Currently has about 62000 miles (100,000kms). Last winter, in roughly March, I drove through some water on the road and the IP lit up like the proverbial Christmas tree. ABS, TRAC and VSC all disabled and lit up on the dash - as commonly described by other 4Runner and Tundra owners. The problem went away after taking the vehicle to get washed and did not return until December.
Once the road sand and salt started being applied on these Canadian (Southern Ontario) roads, the problem recurred. Again, I took the 4Runner for a wash and the problem was rectified. This happened 3 or 4 times. Shortly before Christmas, the same thing happened but the washing trick did not seem to work. This time, 2 additional issues reared their ugly heads - the Check Engine Light (CEL) appeared AND the speedometer stopped working.
I brought the vehicle into my local dealer who requried 3 hours to diagnose. The technician believed the problem to be the central ECU (which would have been great since I've still got warranty coverage). However, they called Toyota Technical Assistance to verify. 10 days later, I finally heard back (dealer was kept waiting by Toyota). The verdict is that the Skid Control ECU (or computer assembly) needs to be replaced, but they're "not 100% sure this will fix the problem". Cost = $1800 + labour.
I also should note that the problem is intermittant in that sometimes the VSC, ABS and Emergency Brake lights are illuminated, coupled with the CEL and the speedometer ceasing to function. Other times, it's only the VSC illuminated and the ABS and speedometer are working (and no CEL). The VSC is now diabled, I believe, because the Toyota Tech sent me home in limp mode.
My situation is a bit different thathose described by others here (the speedo not working appears unique). Any others with these same symptoms? Could some of the solutions described in here (brake fluid, calibnration, etc) be the cause of the problem for me, too? Does anyone agree with Toyota's diagnosis that the Skid Control ECU needs replacement?
I have not contacted Toyota Canada yet because I want to be fully informed before I do so.
Finally, I was quoted $1800 for the Skid ECU. The same part on Ebay is $150. Is the Eaby part a viable alternative? (I don't plan on keeping the truck much longer).
Sorry for the long post - just wanted to accurately describe. I have to say the 2003 4Runner is a great truck, but the quality issues (longer than just this recent episode) have been really disappointing.
Thanks in advance!
