Toyota Certfied 2019 4 runner with spongy brakes

The brakes don't engage until the pedal is too near the floor. I noticed if I turn my key until the electrical is on the abs pumps for quite some time. The brake pedal raises further off of the floor. Now if I start the vehicle the brakes work great. Is this normal for a 4 runner or is the abs system defective?

 

need to check calipers for sticking due to corrosion, probably brakes never been serviced, happens after five years on neglect. Yes it is normal to rise after start.

 

The problem is they don't rise after starting. I have to turn the key just enough to get the electrical activated. The abs pumps until the pedal is in the normal position. I can then start the vehicle and have normal brakes. Otherwise I will have spongy brakes if I just start up the truck without doing that.

 

Reminds me of my 4th gen when I changed out the brake lines. I didn't bleed them properly and the pump ran excessively. So I had my friend with a shop look at them.
He bled the system with an abs capable scan tool.

 

Powerstop Z36 kit got rid of my marshmallow brakes. Nose dive so hard in a stop. No more

 

I am speaking on the assumption that you may not have any warranty on the vehicle?
How long ago did you purchase this Certified Toyota? By law, Toyota is required to inspect the brake system to declare it "Certified."
You don't mention the mileage on the vehicle, but strictly on the fact that the vehicle is between four and five years old, at a minimum the brake system needs to be flushed and bled with new brake fluid. Brake fluid absorbs water from the atmosphere over time. The water remains a liquid until the brake system gets hot. The water turns into steam which is compressible in a hydraulic system, resulting in a spongy pedal.

Take your truck to a trusted shop (or the dealer if you trust them) and have the brake system inspected and the fluid replaced and bled.

 

They certified that it was indeed used.

Anything else is a bonus.

Bring it to the dealer if you purchased recently and tell them you want them to fix it. If it is a recent purchase, let them know that if you are paying, you are contacting Toyota to open a case on the issue.

 

Yours probably has anti lock if it has all the safety equipment on it. Mine had the usual Toyota brakes to, but with those Powerstops it disappeared. There's actual feel in the pedal now. EBC makes nice drilled and slotted rotors to. They look nicer , but as long as they work I'm happy. I just always liked their carbon ceramic pads. I have locked them into a skid about 5 times dealing with non drivers, deer, dogs and not a hint of warpage. Very, very little dust at all.I have used for 20 years on my vehicles is why I continue. If you're towing or hauling even better

 

I got some fluid for traction control systems. I have 4 jars, 4 hoses and brake fluid. Gravity isn't as technical but it's really easy. It's probably overpriced Synthetic Vavoline but it's mine now

 

Certified Toyotas have the best warranty.

 

That may be, but “certified” doesn’t always mean that the dealer has really done everything expected of them.

Everything that is on the checklist is a potential expense, and expenses are bad. For dealers.

 

That check list is a bunch of crap especially on a 4runner. Nothing to do but change filters and 4 grease points I think I found. Toyota is almost maintenance free anymore. Most of that list is for 2002 back. When warranty runs out is when it's maintenance time anyway if you drive a lot of hwy. Plugs at 100k or so. I worked there when we had that stuff to do. They have become so maintenance free that I think they are creating problems that don't exist. Well much like government now I think about it

 

Certified Toyotas come with robust warranties. Bring it back to the Dealer, let them deal with it. It doesn't sound good, whatever is wrong. Usually the ABS pump runs constant when there is a leak in the system, or the pump has failed and fails to build pressure, so it keeps running and trying.

 

The lists include things like having the right number of keys, condition of the body, etc.

I’ve bought certified used cars and had to turn around and explain to dealers that no, I wouldn’t be paying $500 for a second key. Manufacturers agree to extend warranty coverage, and dealers get to charge more - in exchange, the manufacturers want customers to receive a vehicle they can feel confident about.

So yeah, there better be a checklist, and they better adhere to it. Otherwise it’s just a used car, and not worth paying the premium on.

 

Thanks. I am taking it back to the dealer. I don't know how they could certify it with brake problems. It has less than 25000 miles on it. I was just trying to get an idea of the cause or if other 4 runners need to wait after 2 clicks on the key before starting the vehicle to have good braking. Thanks again.for the answer.

 

Thanks for the advice. I am taking it to the dealer. Dealers tend to deny problems.

 

Dealers are slightly below the Ministry of Information of a third world dictatorship in terms of truthiness.

 

They are on the lawyer, car salesmen integrity list

 

Engine vacuum has to build at startup, but mine where kind of same way. 3/4 marshmellow at top and 1/4 brakes at bottom. I upgraded and eliminated that and nose dive. Now if you hit to hard and fast it will lock up on a dime.

 

^What's this "engine vacuum" you speak of?