Buying New 2012 FJ - Reg

[VEL [OP]]

Hi Guys,
I intend to buy a new FJ 2012 model A/T. I live in UAE & hence here we have GCC spec applicable. This morning had taken a test drive & notice the following:
1. When pressing the accelerator, I hear an growling noise from the rear silencer - is it normal?
2. when braking, I get an hiss noise from the pedal area. Guess this from the booster cylinder & is it ok?
3. The instrument cluster illumination brightness control is not fitted here in UAE. But the slot for the swithc with dummy plug is available. Can we buy the switch & fix it ? I guess the wiring should be standard...
4. I am an off-roader, we usually drive in the desert. Presently I am driving an Prado(LC120 series) wherein I unplug the ABS sensor in the bonnet, to deactivate the ABS. Does this similar techniqe applicable in FJ. We do not have the ABS deactivation switch here..
appreciate your feedback. Thanks in advance.

[Stefan3]

Hello,

Just to reply to you, i also live in the UAE and just got an FJ, you were probably driving the lower spec model (you can tell if it doesn't have the A-Trac button), in regards to the ABS switch, we do get the traction control switch with the car on the full option, if you press it for more then 10 seconds (while standing still) it deactivates all this stuff...well to a certain extend....if you want to completely remove it, you can probably pull the fuse, there's shops all around that have a wire hack + switch to turn it all off.

I haven't yet checked for the dash illumination switch wire, I was thinking of putting it as well, usually when its prewired the connector will sit in a dummy conector waiting to be connected to something....I haven't looked for it yet though.

just putting my 2 cents.

Stefan.

[VEL [OP]]

Thanks Stefan
Will meetup some time. Are you a member in any of the off-road club forum like ME4x4 or Dubai4x4...etc

[Stefan3]

VEL previously said:

Thanks Stefan
Will meetup some time. Are you a member in any of the off-road club forum like ME4x4 or Dubai4x4...etc

No problem,

I have not yet signed up to any of the UAE forums yet, i'll join the dubai4x4 group soon though.

good luck with the FJ, wonderful car...(fyi if you end up getting it, remove the factory skid plate, and put an after market one, mine broke with the first bump i hit....)

Stefan.

[VEL [OP]]

Hi Stefan,
I am looking for key lockable fuel cap & spare tyre outer ring(lockable) too...
any idea on the shop / location....
I am little worried on the fuel lid that is prone to theft or some mischievous kid dropping mud or water. Its scary.
Recently one of my friend lost his spare tyre cover & it costs about AED3500/-
thanks

vel

[Stefan3]

Hi Vel,

There are plenty of shops around in Aweer (2nd hand car market)/Qusais/Sharjah/Abu Dhabi/ Also if you know the Hyatt which on the creek, past shangrliah tunnel (spell check?), there is a souk close by/behind it, you will find TONES of car shops.

You will find shops just driving around, who have nice tire covers, not like the ones you get from the dealership, for about 700-800 AED. I'll keep an out for one when i'm out.

Lockable fuel caps, i've only seen them once and i really cannot remember where i saw it...do some googling on that, though you really do not need it.

Thanks,

Stefan.