Problem Symptoms Table
HINT:
- Use the table below to help determine the cause of problem symptoms. If multiple suspected areas are listed, the potential causes of the symptoms are listed in order of probability in the "Suspected Area" column of the table. Check each symptom by checking the suspected areas in the order they are listed. Replace parts as necessary.
- Inspect the fuses and relays related to this system before inspecting the suspected areas below.
Symptom | Suspected Area | See page |
|---|---|---|
Hard steering |
Tires (Improperly inflated) |
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Power steering fluid level (Low) |
|
|
Drive belt (Loose) |
|
|
Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) |
|
|
Steering system joints (Worn) |
- |
|
Suspension arm ball joints (Worn) |
|
|
Steering column (Binding) |
- |
|
Vane pump assembly |
|
|
Rack and pinion power steering gear assembly |
|
|
Poor return |
Tires (Improperly inflated) |
|
Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) |
|
|
Steering column (Binding) |
- |
|
Rack and pinion power steering gear assembly |
|
|
Excessive play |
Steering system joints (Worn) |
- |
Suspension arm ball joints (Worn) |
|
|
Intermediate shaft, Sliding yoke (Worn) |
- |
|
Front wheel bearing (Worn) (for 2WD) |
|
|
Front wheel bearing (Worn) (for 4WD) |
|
|
Rack and pinion power steering gear assembly |
|
|
Abnormal noise |
Power steering fluid level (Low) |
|
Steering system joints (Worn) |
- |
|
Vane pump assembly |
|
|
Rack and pinion power steering gear assembly |
|
|
Power steering system does not operate |
IG power source circuit |
|
VFC power steering solenoid circuit |
|
|
Power steering ECU communication circuit |
|
|
Vehicle stability control system |
|
|
Steering angle sensor |
|
|
SFI system |
|
|
Power steering ECU assembly |
|
|
When the vehicle is idling, steering effort is high (with the vehicle stopped) |
Tire size and tire pressure |
|
Power steering fluid level and pressure |
|
|
Front wheel alignment |
|
|
IG power source circuit |
|
|
VFC power steering solenoid circuit |
|
|
Power steering ECU communication circuit |
|
|
Steering angle sensor |
|
|
Power steering ECU assembly |
|
|
Even if vehicle speed increases, steering effort does not increase |
VFC power steering solenoid circuit |
|
Power steering ECU communication circuit |
|
|
Vehicle stability control system |
|
|
Power steering ECU assembly |
|
|
Power steering warning light is abnormal |
Power steering warning light circuit |
|
Test yourself
A quick Toyota 4Runner quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.