Hi Roger;
I have a 1991 4Runner with a cruise control problem. The main switch lights up on the dash board
info bar but the controls don’t activate.
I visually checked the fuses, they are all good. Have to pull them out and test them with a
meter. The ones in the engine bay are
also good. What else could it be? Vacuum line or bad servo? Thanks for the help! Buc23
Hi Buc23;
Make sure you have good vacuum at the servo. If it’s a manual transmission, make sure the
clutch switch is adjusted right. It
needs to be held in until you depress the clutch pedal when the switch pops out
and opens.
·
Roger
[A reply from Buc23]
Hi Roger;
It is an A/T equipped one.
I will check to see if the hose has melted or rotted. When I press the “set” button nothing
happens, that’s why I think it is an electrical problem. Thanks for the help! Buc23
Hi Buc23;
If the light comes on, it is getting power. Assuming the brake switch is working right,
the only other input is the Vehicle Speed Sensor, not sure which one it uses on
the A/T, there is one in the transmission and one on the back of the
speedometer. Other thing to check is the
cab ground point; it is behind the driver’s side kick panel. On my ‘85, the ground bolt is right next to
the cruise control module. Mine would
set a speed but lose setting when hitting a bump in the road (was an
intermittent ground issue).
·
Roger
[Another reply from Buc23]
Hi Roger;
Well, now that you mentioned it I do have a constant
somewhat dim “brake” light on all the time on the dashboard too. It gets brighter when I pull the e-brake and
dim again when I disengage the e-brake handle.
I checked the master cylinder reservoir and it is full of fluid. Is there a separate switch for the warning
light and stoplight switch?
I went out to the truck and check the vacuum hoses and
they seemed ok. I did notice two electrical connectors and what look like an
electric solenoid on the base of the servo. The throttle cable seems fine with
some cracking on the insulation, but nothing serious.
Hi Buc23;
Looking at my ‘85 Factory Service Manual, the cruise
control has inputs from both the stop light switch (on the brake pedal) and
from the parking brake switch (on the e-brake handle - I guess this is a safety
feature, I was unaware of this connection before). I would check the adjustment of the e-brake
switch, make sure its working right.
·
Roger
[Yet another reply from Buc23]
Hi Roger;
You may be on to something here. A couple of friends of mine told me the same
thing about the e-brake handle switch.
If the light on the dash is on the cruise won’t engage. Thanks for the help... you being the only one
that have something to say!
UPDATE! I checked
the e-brake switches like you suggested and viola! The light went out after I unplugged,
cleaned, and plugged in the pressure switch in the master cylinder. I went out and drove the 4Runner and sure
enough the cc works like is supposed to.
One more time thanks a bunch!
Buc23
Hi Roger;
I’ve been too busy with this truck of mine. It’s great.
Instead of driving it to the trails, I tow it, now. Do you know the best
position for the transmission and transfer case while being towed with all
fours on the ground? I’ve been using
Neutral & Neutral, but recently found out that Jeeps recommend transfer -
Neutral, and transmission in any gear. I would hate to think I’ve towed my
truck for 700 miles without having the transmission lubricated (thus the need to
be in gear). Toyota called their service reps and they won’t give any info on
towing, as they don’t recommend it for their vehicles. Thanks in advance for
any input. Vehicle is a 1985 22re, solid front axle, 4 speed. Steven Scates
Hi Steven;
Unless you have a twin stick t-case shifter, it is best to
leave it in 2H. In neutral, you are also in 4WD, so you are probably spinning
both front and rear driveshafts while flat towing. This is right out of the
Owner’s Manual. Reason being that the
t-case has no true neutral position in stock mode. The only location where you
can get “N” is between 4H and 4L due to the shifter interlock pin. With a twin
stick shifter, you pull that pin and then can leave the 2-4 stick in 2 and move
the H-N-L stick to N. Best is to unbolt
the rear shaft at the pinion flange, tie it up under the truck and go like
that. Or pop for a full floating rear
axle kit (like Front Range Offroad makes) and then you can just unlock the rear
hubs for towing and lock them back up for the trail.
·
Roger
[A reply from Steven]
Hi Roger;
Just got back from the desert. I towed in 2H &
neutral. This solved the front differential spewing fluid from the
overflow. You were right about spinning
both shafts in neutral. I guess the front differential can’t handle the high
speed with its stock vent. Indeed, 2H didn’t spin the front driveshaft.
Eventually I will go to full floating axles in the back, along with the 3.4
engine from my 4runner. I have been really close to fully modifying this truck,
as it is only used off-road. But, it does awesome right now. 32’ 11.50’s, stock
height, Detroit locker in the rear, open in the front. Does great everywhere
except the big rocks (ouch!). Thanks again for the info on towing. Steven Scates
Hi Roger;
I have an 86 4x4 22re.
Driving along with the heat cranked and all of sudden the fan starts to
die out, not dead, but, like high speed is now low speed and low speed is super
low speed. Should I just go ahead and
replace the blower motor or could it be something else? In the past I found that when the blower
motor went, it would be right dead. This
one is still kicking. Thanks, Sixpack.
Hi Sixpack;
Likely the brushes are wearing out or the bushings have
dried out. Pull the fan/motor out and open up the motor and have a look
inside. See the repair information on my
web page, below:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Blower.shtml#MotorRepair
·
Roger
[A reply from Sixpack]
Hi Roger;
What brushes? Ya, I
took it apart, the brushes are virtually gone.
Thanks for the pointers and the pictures on your site are helpful. Sixpack.
Note:
If you are searching for, building, modifying, or maintaining a Toyota 4WD mini-truck (Pickup, Hilux, 4Runner, Surf, or Tacoma), send your Truck Tech questions to Roger Brown at <TruckEditor@tlca.org>. I’ll try to answer your questions with authority! And please be sure to provide a valid return address in your e-mail if you want a faster reply.