My Parking Brake & The Dealer

[orangetalent]

Hey guys --

Took my FJ into the dealer to get the 5k mileage routine oil change, fluid check, tire rotation & inspection. Upon arrival the estimate turned out to be around $95. I asked the service guy why a 5k service check is so much. He went down the list of items, which included a "parking brake check/tightening". I told him I only wanted what the Toyota Scheduled Maintenance book reccommened, and I didnt need any extra stuff. He responded "okay, whatever you say".

Got my FJ back, drove it home... in a haste, parked my FJ in my not very steep driveway, threw the parking brake on, went to get out of my FJ and felt myself rolling backwards. Mind you, I had left my MT FJ in neutral (I said i was in a hurry). Jumped back into the car pulled the parking brake 1 click to the max, which didnt stop the momentium of the FJ rolling backwards.

Long story short, upon testing, when in neutral on my driveway, the parking brake only holds the FJ when pulled to the MAX. On an actual downgrade, when trying to park... forget about it... the parking brake pulled to the max won't stop the FJ from rolling.

Anyone else have a problem with this? Im SURE I didnt over-see this problem before taking it to the dealer. Anyone else with a MT have an issue?

Help please!

[desertcruiser]

You probably didn't have the problem before you went to the dealer.
I've never experienced that problem. I'm sure the mech would never
tamper with your parking brake adjustment to get even with you
for not having it checked at their outrageous fees.
Use Park!

[orangetalent]

Thanks for the input. I dont have park... manual transmission. While I know the need to leave it in first or reverse when parking, sometimes my ADD gets the best of me.

Basically my next question is... does anyone else have a 'weak' parking brake issue? Has anyone else had a dealer try to add a parking brake adjustment when going in for an oil change (before he even sees the FJ)? Has anyone NEEDED a parking brake adjustment?

[fjal]

orangetalent previously said:

Thanks for the input. I dont have park... manual transmission. While I know the need to leave it in first or reverse when parking, sometimes my ADD gets the best of me.

Basically my next question is... does anyone else have a 'weak' parking brake issue? Has anyone else had a dealer try to add a parking brake adjustment when going in for an oil change (before he even sees the FJ)? Has anyone NEEDED a parking brake adjustment?

I have a MT6 with about 13,000 and I have not had any problems with parking brake.

[JAXTOY]

Easy to adjust, take out the center console(Sp) and adjust. Self explanatory when you see it.

[Archy Chris]

After purchasing my FJ Cruiser (MT), I noticed that the parking brake would not hold the vehicle in neutral on several steep driveways (when left running). I took it back to Toyota (5,000 miles later) and they tightened the parking brake and it has never been an issue since that time. Take your FJ back its under warranty. chris

[opg4759]

I had to adjust my parking brake at 22k.

Popped the top cover off the center console and then use a 12mm socket to adjust the brake.

Make sure to only turn it a couple turns at a time or you could introduce brake drag. It should take you about 5 minutes to adjust.

[orangetalent]

Thanks for your help guys!!!