Worst ABS brakes ever.

FJ-Fred [OP] · 01-29-2009, 08:04 PM

I've owned several cars & trucks over the years and I'm also a salesman for Toyota. I have issues with the ABS system on the FJ. To be brief I'll give and example of what I'm talking about:
When driving normally (30 mph for our example) you apply the brakes to come to a stop. However, you happen to cross over a metal manhole cover or pot hole, or steel plate (anything that may cause ONE tire to loose traction). The ABS activates and STAYS active pulsing the brakes on ALL the wheels long after you have crossed the "obstacle" causing you to roll MUCH further than you would have without ABS.
The only way to get the darned brakes to STOP pulsing is to release and reapply the brake pedal. This isn't fun when you are trying to scrub off speed when exiting a freeway at 50-60 mph and hit a pothole right before a sharp 20mph max exit ramp and your FJ continues along at 50 mph because the onboard computer thinks it knows how to stop better than you but doesn't see the same approaching curve you do!
Not only that but someimes the pulsing causes the brake assist to kick in causing maximum braking even as you only feather the brake pedal trying to GENTLY come to a halt (at a stoplight for example). More than once I've almost hit the guy in front of me because the relatively SLOW pulsing of the FJ's ABS (compared to other vehicles' RAPID pulse) caused me to roll WAY further than I should have given my slow speed at the time.
What gives? Why is the FJ's pulse rate so much slower than most other vehicles' and why does the pulsing continue even after traction is readily available? The ABS pulse should stop when traction is restored NOT just when the pedal is released and reapplied.
I've driven SEVERAL FJ's and all are like this so I know it's not a problem with my unit.

Disclaimer: I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY FJ AND WOULDN'T TRADE IT FOR ANOTHER SUV ON THE MARKET TODAY. I've also done the blue wire to a switch mod to eliminate all the computer safety nanny control of the ABS brakes, VSC etc... thereby making my FJ "perfect" now.

fj6high · 01-29-2009, 08:12 PM

I have lived your experience to many times over in my 07' Fj!!! I now have the VSC switch activated always!!! This stops all the traction braking system from being out of YOUR CONTROL!!!! In certain times I use it!!!

**toytaco** · 01-29-2009, 08:19 PM

I've only had this happen to me a couple of times. Well just the brake pedal suddenly going to the floor. But probably 3 times it happened to me.

**1911** · 01-30-2009, 07:19 AM

Just drive an 80-series or earlier Land Cruiser for a while, and you will find out that your FJC brakes are awesome!

4X4TONKA · 01-30-2009, 08:09 AM

I hear you Fred, scared the crap out of me a few times. Kept going way too far after the ABS kicked in....and not slowly either. Too many gadgets helping me control my vehicle. I find this one to be more dangerous than helpful.

Clues · 01-30-2009, 09:28 AM

I had the same experience on several occasions but then something weird happened... scared the sh!t out of me everytime!

Now, when in the exact same situation (scrubbing speed from ~25mph when tires hit uneven surface on one side) the brakes become super sensitive and the truck stops on a dime! It is almost the exact opposite of the old condition.

Very strange....

WyoCruiser · 01-30-2009, 09:54 AM

'1911' beat me to it.

gab · 01-30-2009, 09:54 AM

it happened to me many times and i thought that it might be a prob with my FJ braking system...i even got it scanned....whenever i push the brakes after a bump or go fast on snow or unasphalted road i feel unsecure in my FJ. i too won't trade mine for any other one, think its about time to do the switch mod.
i drive also a nissan patrol with no ABS from factory and i feel i can trust it more in braking...specially at high speeds.

WyoCruiser · 01-30-2009, 09:57 AM

gab, Nissan Patrols have an awesome reputation.

outinthewoods · 01-30-2009, 10:27 AM

I have found that in my FJ the issue your reporting, is directly related to tire pressure. If my tire pressure is over the vehicle recommended 35psi, then I have this happen starting at about 40psi. It significantly worse at 45psi and above.

At 35psi... it has NEVER happened I tested quite a bit.

Not defending the braking system, just pointing out a possible cause, and less dramatic fix then disconnecting an integral part of the FJ's braking, and stability features.