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KDSS indicator light on already

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Garbear, Sep 12, 2019.

  1. Sep 12, 2019 at 10:20 AM
    #1
    Garbear

    Garbear [OP] 2019 TRD Off Road

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    KDSS, 3" Lift, 17" TRD Rims, Toyo Tires
    I have a new 4 Runner TRD Off Road, that has a 3" lift and with less than 1,000 miles has the KDSS indicator light on! It is at the dealer for review and repair..... has anyone experienced the same situation? The dealer says it may be a air bubble in the closed system and they need to drain and refill with the special hydrologic fluid. I hope this is not the start of a continual issue. Advice would be appreciated
     
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2019
  2. Sep 12, 2019 at 10:23 AM
    #2
    TMac

    TMac New Member

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    TRD Pro doesnt have KDSS, so i am rather confused.
     
  3. Sep 12, 2019 at 10:29 AM
    #3
    Garbear

    Garbear [OP] 2019 TRD Off Road

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    Opps, my mistake it's an Off Road with KDSS
     
  4. Sep 12, 2019 at 10:32 AM
    #4
    TMac

    TMac New Member

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    ah gotcha, hopefully someone chimes in. I dont have KDSS so i cant help. Good luck, hopefully it is nothing
     
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  5. Sep 12, 2019 at 11:10 AM
    #5
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    Guess the first question is who did the install and how did they do it?

    Hope they didn't take any lines apart.
     
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  6. Sep 12, 2019 at 11:13 AM
    #6
    Garbear

    Garbear [OP] 2019 TRD Off Road

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    KDSS, 3" Lift, 17" TRD Rims, Toyo Tires
    It was installed or came from the factory, not sure if it was after market. The lift was after market? The tech said yesterday they were going to drain the fluid and replace it as their may have been an air pocket in the system? Your thoughts?
     
  7. Sep 12, 2019 at 12:07 PM
    #7
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

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    Sounds like someone messed up when putting the lift on.

    I wouldn't think it would be a big deal to correct...........unless a 3" lift is too high for KDSS equipped vehicles.

    Does anyone here have KDSS with a 3" lift? Are there any compatibility issues?
     
    Doglover2003 likes this.
  8. Sep 12, 2019 at 12:11 PM
    #8
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    I'm right at 3" no problems. I think someone took some lines off when lifting.

    Hope the previous owner had it installed at the dealer. Could possibly not be covered under warranty if they can prove the lines were taken off.
     
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  9. Sep 12, 2019 at 12:13 PM
    #9
    Mohoman

    Mohoman New Member

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    If it’s anything like the X-REAS, and I’m not mistaken, if they disassembled the KDSS system anywhere then I’d imagine issues. It’s a closed system somewhat like break lines. At least they are not charging you for it? Anyways I’m no expert on the KDSS but have had my fun with the xreas. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable can chime in!! GL
     
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  10. Sep 12, 2019 at 12:36 PM
    #10
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    Pretty much. The lift install guides always say not to disconnect the lines. Hopefully if it only a spacer the tech doesn't notice it and just fixes it.
     
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  11. Sep 12, 2019 at 2:57 PM
    #11
    Garbear

    Garbear [OP] 2019 TRD Off Road

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    Hi guys, The unit is brand new, off the show room floor. The KDSS came from the factory, the lift (spacers) were after market. Not sure if the tech that did the work on the installation of the spacers did disconnect something but a question to ask the dealer. They said they checked the system and found no leaks? will keep you posted as the findings may be of benefit to someone down the road. Funny, the dealer told me that the repair system for the KDSS sent from Toyota had never been opened and they were trying to figure out how to set it up. Good for those who haven't had a problem but doesn't sound good for me!
     
  12. Sep 12, 2019 at 3:40 PM
    #12
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    Less than 1,000 isn't new. Someone was driving it a bit. Mine came with 5 miles new.

    I know KDSS came from the factory but whoever installed the lift if they removed the lines to install (which you don't need to) they could of caused this problem. If the dealer identifies the lift as the culprit you could be looking at a bill.

    Hope for the best.
     
  13. Sep 12, 2019 at 5:46 PM
    #13
    a47chuck

    a47chuck New Member

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    I’m guessin’ he has put the 1K miles on it. As it was on the showroom floor, they did it or had it done. Their dime.
     
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  14. Sep 12, 2019 at 8:57 PM
    #14
    mynameistory

    mynameistory New Member

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    Care must be taken not to let the front or rear pistons over-extend when the control arms are at full droop and/or the end-links are disconnected. This is usually done with an extra jack under the piston to limit its travel. When I worked with a shade-tree mechanic to install a set of Bilstein Pro takeoffs on my truck, he explained that allowing the pistons to remain at full extension during the swap could allow an exchange of fluid and air at the seals.

    If the techs simply disconnected the end links and let the bars hang down freely while installing spacers, it may have allowed air in the system through the cylinders even though lines were never disconnected.

    In any case, the dealer should take full responsibility for any problems caused by a lift that THEY installed. If they can't or won't fix the problem, tell them to give you a new truck they haven't fucked with.
     
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  15. Oct 28, 2019 at 1:35 PM
    #15
    OffroadRoon

    OffroadRoon New Member

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    Any word on this? My 2018 has the KDSS light on now, the lift (King's) has been on for about 19K with no issues until now. 23k on the runner and the dealer is saying it's not covered... Not only that but they don't have the tool to service it, it's really been a pain even getting them to call me back now.
     
  16. Oct 28, 2019 at 4:15 PM
    #16
    Backwoods

    Backwoods New Member

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    Dont you have a 36K mile warranty ?? Are they not covering it under warranty due to you having an aftermarket lift put on? Is it written in the warranty that the KDSS is not covered, or voided if ANY suspension parts are altered?

    According the magnuson moss warranty act they should have to prove the lift is the reason for the KDSS failure before they can deny a warranty claim on it. I would ask for them to put it in writing that they will not cover the repair and the reason for not covering it. If they say its due to the aftermarket lift i would ask them to SHOW PROOF of how the lift damaged the KDSS system as required to void a warranty. Then tell them you will be contacting Toyota corporate, and a lawyer if need be, if they cant or wont show proof....

    A lot of times if you stand your ground, speak confidently, and have even a vague understanding of whats allowed and whats not, you will do much better than just letting someone walk over you. Now If the lift did indeed damage the KDSS and they can prove that is the cause the full price of the repair will of course be on you.
     
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  17. Oct 28, 2019 at 5:16 PM
    #17
    2020runner

    2020runner New Member

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    NON KDSS for the win.
     
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  18. Oct 28, 2019 at 6:29 PM
    #18
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    No
     
  19. Oct 28, 2019 at 9:23 PM
    #19
    mynameistory

    mynameistory New Member

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    No
     
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  20. Oct 28, 2019 at 9:24 PM
    #20
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
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    That would be rather easy for them to prove. By installing a lift you are altering the geometry of the KDSS system. In some cases you may have to calibrate it. Calibration comes from backing out two screws/bolts for shutter valves a few MM’s to let the fluid settle between the cylinders. Attached is the verbatim Toyota KDSS calibration.

    No lines should be removed to install a loft and yes, you can hold the cylinder in place with ratchet straps but it’s really unnecessary. I’ve installed two 3” lifts on KDSS equipped 4R’s with zero issues from that system.

    Now, if someone backed those screws out too far then yes, there is now air in the system and will not be covered under warranty due to it not being a design or manufacturing flaw.

    BTW, acceptable is .787” height difference between pass and driver side.
    In the attached doc you’ll see that you need to back those out 10mm-12mm from the surface, not 10mm-12mm total. If that was done...you have air in the system.
     
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  21. Oct 28, 2019 at 11:00 PM
    #21
    Backwoods

    Backwoods New Member

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    Makes sense, thanks for the info. I test drove a 4R with KDSS but didnt buy it, not necessarily because of the KDSS, mostly because of the increase in price LOL. I think had i gotten one with it, i would of kept the suspension stock, and only went up to a 275 tire size. Seems more of a hassle to lift and more costly to repair if/when it breaks.
     
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  22. Oct 29, 2019 at 6:53 AM
    #22
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    That's helpful.
     
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  23. Oct 29, 2019 at 7:34 AM
    #23
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
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    Like I said, I’ve lifted two of these 4Runner without any issues and the system has been going strong. I have 37k miles on this suspension with 1/4” height difference between passenger side and driver side (with full tank). My previous 4R went 80k miles with a 3” lift before I traded it in for an STi.
    The good news about the KDSS system. If it fails and is too costly to repair. Rip
    it out. It’s wholly independent and not tied to any other system. You’ll just have the little light on the dash but that’s the only downside. Well, along with losing out on its functionality and road manners.
     
  24. Oct 29, 2019 at 7:37 AM
    #24
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    Getting back to it. If there is air in the system it’s likely been introduced when when the installer installed the spacers and backed out the shutter valve’s too far. There is no way lines were removed or mucked with.
     
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  25. Oct 29, 2019 at 9:58 AM
    #25
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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    Correct
     
  26. Oct 29, 2019 at 10:02 AM
    #26
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Wrong
     
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  27. Oct 29, 2019 at 11:00 AM
    #27
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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    more shit to break with little to no benefit
     
  28. Oct 29, 2019 at 11:11 AM
    #28
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    More shit to break yes I agree but you also don't see them falling apart either. Only systems that have been touched seem to be giving the problems.

    Little to no benefit? I'm sorry but please don't show ignorance.
     
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  29. Oct 29, 2019 at 11:38 AM
    #29
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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    Enlighten me on the huge benefits bucko
     
  30. Oct 29, 2019 at 11:39 AM
    #30
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    Eh? Little to no benefit? Vehicle stability? Seems like a pretty reasonable benefit to me. Less body roll in evasive maneuvers.
     
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