2008 4Runner owners, assemble.

simple

simple

Senior Member
Gents,

Looking for some help. If any of you like train wrecks, check out my dead 4Runner thread. And I know if there’s anything this forum needs, it’s more threads, so here goes. I have an interesting theory on why my 4runner may be messed up and have a theory about a potential change in ABS/Skid ECU in the 2008 model.

If you guys happen to have an 08, can you take a look at the ECU next to the brake fluid reservoir and let me know if your model number mactches my used one, or if your ends with a ‘51’. Or something different. I’m particularly interested in if you’ve got a 4WD model as well.

Model number I’m interested in is under the word “ADVICS”

Thanks
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Thanks guys! I really do appreciate you taking the time to help me out. It’s weird cause the brake master cylinder assembly is the same part number 05-09, but it certainly looks like the ABS/Skid ECU is slightly different.
 
Monkey Wrench said:
So what is your theory? Wonder what the difference is between the 2 computers...
Click to expand...

Sounds like there might be, and I'm betting that's because there's a VSC off switch for the 08-09 and if that's the case I wonder if you can change the computer on a pre 08 to get access to that VSC switch without doing a wire cutting mod.
 
Drunner97 said:
Sounds like there might be, and I'm betting that's because there's a VSC off switch for the 08-09 and if that's the case I wonder if you can change the computer on a pre 08 to get access to that VSC switch without doing a wire cutting mod.
Click to expand...

2008 4R Limited 89541-35051
 
Drunner97 said:
Sounds like there might be, and I'm betting that's because there's a VSC off switch for the 08-09 and if that's the case I wonder if you can change the computer on a pre 08 to get access to that VSC switch without doing a wire cutting mod.
Click to expand...

That’s exactly my thought. It would explain why my VSC off switch doesn’t work with my new master cylinder assembly. Although I’m not sure why my 4runner wouldn’t secure the VSC when I lock my center diff. Unless somehow the VSC off switch is somehow tied into that in the new system. I’ll figure it out in a week or so!
 
Simple

Mine is 89541-35051, 2008 SR5 4WD

and look what I have going on: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/268770-2008-4runner-parking-brake-warning-light-abs-light-flicker-simultaneously-3.html#post3236811

I'm starting to think my issue lies within the ABS/Skid Control ECU.

Looks like it would be important for me to ensure I replace it with the 89541-35051 vs. 89541-35050 based on what your saying about the 08-09 having the VSC OFF switch.

What was your final outcome and why did you replace your master assembly to begin with?
 
sant6236 said:
Simple

Mine is 89541-35051, 2008 SR5 4WD

and look what I have going on: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/268770-2008-4runner-parking-brake-warning-light-abs-light-flicker-simultaneously-3.html#post3236811

I'm starting to think my issue lies within the ABS/Skid Control ECU.

Looks like it would be important for me to ensure I replace it with the 89541-35051 vs. 89541-35050 based on what your saying about the 08-09 having the VSC OFF switch.

What was your final outcome and why did you replace your master assembly to begin with?
Click to expand...

Hey man, I’m sorry you’re having issues. I ended up having a freak electrical problem after leaving my car parked for a few weeks with a parasitic drain issue. I tried to jump my car several times with a jumper pack but it didn’t do it. Used cables, and I swear I didn’t, but I likely crossed the cables which fried my ECU. My brakes were no longer powered, I had a continuous buzzer, and I had to stand on the breaks to get marginal (at best) braking power. I couldn’t get an ECU without the master assembly so I did the whole thing.

After installing the correct ECU I haven’t had any issues. To be fair, the old ecu worked well minus the VSC Off functionality. Though, I’m not sure what the overall functionality of the VSC system as a whole was either. I drove for about a week with the wrong ECU, but I was nervous that the VSC would randomly kick while I’m on the freeway or something, or not kick off with a loss of traction. Not worth it, if you’re going to replace it, get the right one if you can.
 
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simple said:
Hey man, I’m sorry you’re having issues. I ended up having a freak electrical problem after leaving my car parked for a few weeks with a parasitic drain issue. I tried to jump my car several times with a jumper pack but it didn’t do it. Used cables, and I swear I didn’t, but I likely crossed the cables which fried my ECU. My brakes were no longer powered, I had a continuous buzzer, and I had to stand on the breaks to get marginal (at best) braking power. I couldn’t get an ECU without the master assembly so I did the whole thing.

After installing the correct ECU I haven’t had any issues. To be fair, the old ecu worked well minus the VSC Off functionality. Though, I’m not sure what the overall functionality of the VSC system as a whole was either. I drove for about a week with the wrong ECU, but I was nervous that the VSC would randomly kick while I’m on the freeway or something, or not kick off with a loss of traction. Not worth it, if you’re going to replace it, get the right one if you can.
Click to expand...


Did you go Used or New on the MC Assembly? And did you install it?
 
So I randomly happened onto this thread and it has me wondering: for those of us with 06-07, will this give us VSC off capability? And does the wiring harness already have a connection to plug the switch into?? Where is the VSC Off switch on the 08 and 09?
 
sant6236 said:
Did you go Used or New on the MC Assembly? And did you install it?
Click to expand...

I went used and I installed it myself. You need someone else to help you hold it up while you bolt it in. And bleed the brakes. But very easy, but kinda messy, job.
 
YetiX said:
So I randomly happened onto this thread and it has me wondering: for those of us with 06-07, will this give us VSC off capability? And does the wiring harness already have a connection to plug the switch into?? Where is the VSC Off switch on the 08 and 09?
Click to expand...

Very interesting question. I would imagine the harness to the ECU is identical since it worked for my 08 with the 05-07 master cylinder. But I highly doubt the VSC off switch harness exists prior to the feature being unveiled. The VSC off switch is next to the center diff lock, RSC off, and AC inverter.
 
simple said:
Very interesting question. I would imagine the harness to the ECU is identical since it worked for my 08 with the 05-07 master cylinder. But I highly doubt the VSC off switch harness exists prior to the feature being unveiled. The VSC off switch is next to the center diff lock, RSC off, and AC inverter.
Click to expand...

That's what I thought at first too. But then I remembered that my daughter's 2003 4Runner has a traction control off switch. Right where yours is.

When I finally get off my lazy ass this morning, I'm going to go and check.
 
simple said:
Very interesting question. I would imagine the harness to the ECU is identical since it worked for my 08 with the 05-07 master cylinder. But I highly doubt the VSC off switch harness exists prior to the feature being unveiled. The VSC off switch is next to the center diff lock, RSC off, and AC inverter.
Click to expand...

YetiX said:
That's what I thought at first too. But then I remembered that my daughter's 2003 4Runner has a traction control off switch. Right where yours is.

When I finally get off my lazy ass this morning, I'm going to go and check.
Click to expand...

Maybe if Simple could get a photo of what the connector to his VSC off switch looks like may help to determine if this is a possibility
 
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