Toyota 4Runner ABS Warning Light On: Reasons and Resetting Options

Your Toyota 4Runners anti-lock braking system is an essential safety element.  So, it’s critical to figure out what’s triggering the warning light and get it fixed as soon as possible. 

Now, what’s the reason behind the Toyota 4Runner ABS warning light on? The ABS warning light could be on for several reasons. Some of the reasons include a faulty ABS sensor, a malfunctioning ABS module and low brake fluid. These issues can be resolved by resetting the ABS light with the needed tools. 

This article will explain why your Toyota 4Runner’s ABS warning light is illuminated, how to troubleshoot the problem, and how to reset the light. You can fix this problem on your own if you have some mechanical knowledge and the appropriate tools.

Common Causes and Solutions For Toyota 4Runner ABS Warning Light On

The ABS warning light in a 4Runner typically illuminates for several reasons. they are;

Common Causes	Possible Solutions
Faulty ABS Sensor	Clean and Replace
Control Module Malfunction	Check the wires
Low Brake Fluid	Add more fluid, if possible
ABS Fuse Failure	Replace the damaged fuse
Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor	Check with OBD II scanner

1. Faulty ABS Sensor

The ABS sensors are responsible for tracking the velocity of each wheel and reporting that information to the ABS control module. 

Thus, the warning light can come on if a sensor is broken or not working properly. This sensor can be broken because of corrosion, which affects the air spacing gap and weakens the signal.

Solution

Here is the discussion about solving the issue:

• The ABS sensor should be checked and cleaned properly to resolve the issue. Dust can dirt the sensor. You can clean it with sensor swabs. Make sure that the connections are unharmed.
• Replace the sensor if damaged. You can replace them with the help of Professionals. 
• By using a diagnostic tool or OBD-II scanner, the ABS light can be reset easily. Simply hook up the gadget to your car’s OBD II port and do an ABS check. Once you find the error code, you’ll know exactly what’s wrong with the ABS.

2. Control Module Malfunction 

The ABS control module processes information from the ABS sensors to keep track of wheel speed. If a fault is detected, the control module cannot process its task; hence, the ABS warning light will come on. 

Solution

Here’s the solution:

• Check the control module to see if there are any electrical connection failures or damage with the help of professionals.
• Inspect the wiring to see if it remains tight or not.
• If the problem persists, you might think about getting a new one. It’s not difficult work but should be left to the professionals.

3. Low brake fluid

The ABS warning light may turn on if the brake fluid level is too low. When this happens, it indicates that the brake fluid level in the vehicle’s braking system is below the recommended level. 

The braking system may become airtight when the brake fluid level falls below a specific threshold. Thus, the ABS warning light is to inform the driver of any potential problems.

Solution

Here is the solution for this:

• Brake fluid leaks should be checked for and, if present, repaired.
• If the brake fluid level is low, add more of the appropriate type of brake fluid to get it up to the recommended level.
• Bleeding the brake system is an excellent choice before refilling. Simply replenishing the reservoir changes the master cylinder fluid. Then, loosen the brake caliper/cylinder bleed screw on the wheel farthest from it (typically the right rear). 

Get inside and use your phone for one hour. Fill the master cylinder before closing the bleed screw.

4. ABS Fuse Failure

If the ABS fuse gets damaged, it can cause the ABS light on in your Toyota 4runner. Fuses are electrical components that protect various circuits in a vehicle from excessive current flow. 

If a fuse related to the ABS becomes faulty or breaks, it can disrupt the electrical supply to the ABS module. And the system malfunctions when sensors pick up foreign matter, like dirt or metal shavings. Thus, it triggers the warning light on.

Solution

The solution is:

1. Find the ABS fuse in the engine compartment’s fuse box first. 
2. Take out the fuse and search for damage. 
3. Replace the fuse if it has been damaged.

5. Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor

The wheel speed sensors within the ABS are crucial components. They are often located in or near the hub of each wheel. These sensors continuously update the ABS control module with information about the speed of each wheel. Excessive bearing end play can make it faulty.

Solution

The solution to this problem is;

• You can solve the problem by resetting the ABS warning light using the method explained in the next section.
• If resetting the light doesn’t solve the problem, examine the ABS warning system for error codes. A specialized scanning application, which was previously mentioned as an OBD II scanner, can accomplish this. 

Resetting options for the ABS Warning Light 

Here are the procedures you need to follow to reset the ABS light in your Toyota 4Runner:

1. Stop the car on a flat surface and switch off the ignition. Please give the engine 30 minutes to cool down.
2. Find the button under the dashboard that you can use to turn off the ABS light. The two buttons on this switch, which are normally found on the upper right, read “ABS” and “ODO/TRIP.”

3. Turn the ignition to the “On” position, then press and hold the “ABS” button. Don’t crank the engine just yet.
4. Until the ABS light blinks, keep holding the “ABS” button for at least five seconds. Put down the trigger now.
5. To turn off the light, repeatedly press and release the “ABS” button at a rate of about once per second. Ten to fifteen presses may be required.
6. When the ABS light goes out, you can start the car. The return of the warning light means more investigation into the ABS is required. The ABS may require inspection at a Toyota dealership or by a qualified mechanic.
7. To fully reset the ABS, you must drive the car for at least 10 miles at speeds greater than 15 mph. If the reset is successful, the light won’t come back on. If not, additional testing and fixing will be necessary.

Resetting the ABS warning light’s stored issue codes is easy to perform, but it won’t remedy whatever was wrong to trigger the light in the first place. 

If your Toyota is experiencing problems with its anti-lock braking system, you should have it examined as soon as possible by a trained Toyota mechanic.

Here is a YouTube video that can help you more with the resetting option: 

Prevention of “ABS Warning” Light on Issue

There are some things you can do to keep the ABS light from coming on in your Toyota 4Runner:

• Maintain your 4Runner’s braking system and anti-lock brakes by inspecting them frequently. 
• Every 6,000 to 10,000 miles, you should inspect the brakes for damage or excessive wear, namely the pads, rotors, calipers, and ABS sensors. 
• Maintain the PSI in your 4Runner’s tires at the level specified in the owner’s manual or on the plaque found in the driver’s side door jamb or fuel door. 
• Your 4Runner’s ABS may be negatively impacted by underinflated tires, triggering the warning light.
• Don’t slam on the brakes or apply excessive force when stopping. 
• When the ABS warning light comes on, the system detects damage to the ABS components or the wheel speed sensors. Always use gentle, measured braking.
• If your 4Runner’s ABS has been acting strangely, you can check for error codes with an OBD2 scanner. Pending codes can signal an intermittent issue. 

Overall, taking care of problems as soon as they arise is essential for maintaining the integrity of your braking system and avoiding costly repairs down the road.

While Toyota 4Runner owners often seek guidance regarding their ABS warning lights, it’s worth noting that different vehicles come with their unique set of challenges. For those who drive a Ford Focus, you may have experienced or heard about the ABS light issue. To gain a deeper understanding, we have an in-depth article on the Ford Focus ABS light that will guide you through the problem. On the other hand, Dodge Journey owners aren’t immune to ABS concerns either. If you’re one of them or know someone who is, our comprehensive article on the Dodge Journey ABS light can be a valuable resource.

Final words

The Toyota 4Runner ABS warning light on may signal several different problems like brake or fuse sensor failure, Faulty ABS light sensor, etc. You can fix these issues on your own by resetting the ABS light or implementing the fixes for individual problems. 

However, you should take it to a skilled Toyota mechanic to have the issue properly examined and fixed if you are not confident. Moreover, if the problem persists even after fixing, you must keep your vehicle’s ABS in good working order by performing routine maintenance and inspections.