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Hello - When I am braking and almost to a complete stop,
Sent to Car Experts January 18 01:20 PM

Hello -

When I am braking and almost to a complete stop, 1 out of 8 times it feels like I am accelerating at the same time (almost like revving the engine), although the RPM's don't reflect that. I can just feel it. I am not rolling my foot over either (my foot is too small to touch both pedals at the same time). Please advise, the toyota service department has driven the 4-runner and (typical) didn't notice any problem. Help.

Sincerely,
Stacie

Optional Information:
2004 Toyota 4-runner 6-cyl

Already Tried:
taking it to toyota service dept. they say nothin is wrong.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
January 18 2:53 PM (1 hour and 32 minutes and 54 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
The dealer won't be able to help unless you can show them firsthand what you are talking about. I recommend explaining that you want the tech (preferably) or service writer to ride with you. Then show them what the vehicle is doing. Switch places with them so they can drive it and you can point out when it happens. Chances are, they took it for a short drive and it did not happen, or they did not know what to look for due to miscommunication between the servce writer and technician.

There are several possibilities. There could be an issue with the ABS activating unnecessarily, causing the car to take longer to stop since ABS is dumping brake pressure when it shouldn't be. This fault can occur due to a wheel speed sensor, and it will not necessarily cause the ABS light to illuminate. You should familiarize yourself with the feel of a normal ABS activation by performing hard stops on slippery surfaces. You may hear a buzzing noise from the ABS unit operating, you may feel some pulsing in the pedal, it all depends on the type of vehicle. But a tech at the dealer will know what the ABS feels like if you are not sure. Another ABS related fault is much rarer, but not unheard of. Sometimes a dump valve in the ABS hydraulic control unit will stick open and cause the brakes to feel less effective, and the pedal may drop unexpectedly.

Your best bet is to work patiently with the dealer if you feel comfortable with their abilities. Take the time to arrange a ride-along so they can understand what they need to diagnose. Most techs do not get paid to drive around cars trying to duplicate intermittent concerns, so they tend to mark it as a "no problem found" after a short road test. But they should be willing to work with you if you persist and succeed in showing them the concern.
Reply
January 18 3:02 PM (8 minutes and 32 seconds later)
         
Reply to Brian's Post: This answer seems to be tailored to the feeling that the brakes are not working as they should. The brakes seem to work fine, with no problems making the vehicle stop. At no time do / did the brakes feel "ineffective". My problem feels more like an acceleration problem, if anything.

Thanks for your time.
Answer
January 18 3:31 PM (29 minutes and 14 seconds later)
         
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