PCS system malfunction? Dashboard indicates its working but it's not!

Hello all, I'm new to this forum but have had 4Runners since they first came out. Fast foward to this past Tuesday and I'm the proud owner of a Red Off Road Premium, really beautiful vehicle.

Except for two problems, one minor and one more concerning. First the minor issue is that the rear window defroster works at a very low temp, takes forever to defrost...dealer said it was working WNL... we'll see...

Second, and more concerning, is the Toyota Safety Sense P system. 3 of the 4 parts work fine, the lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams and the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control all function. However, the Pre-Collsiion System with Pedestrian Detection does not work at all despite the fact that the dashboard says its working! I checked everything twice, the system is enabled and sensitivity is set on highest setting. I can disconnect it and the yellow light comes on the dash saying its off...then I reconnect it and the light disappears indicating its working. But it doesn't, I can tailgate a truck or car and nothing happens, no warnings. I looked at everything in the manual that could cause problems but nothing there. Weird.

I took it back to the dealer the day after purchase and they told me that their systems check revealed everything was fine. Well, I'm going to go back and ask them to take a test ride with me so they can see everything is NOT fine lol. The reason I posted this here was to see if anyone had any idea why this could be happening or if it has been experienced by anyone else. Very frustrating to say the least.

Thanks for any input.

Regards,
Mike

 

In your testing is cruise control engaged?

 

I have both tested it with the cruise control engaged and disengaged. Either way it's a no-go. Of course, I did engage it when testing the Dynamic Radar assisted Cruise Control and that worked fine. It seems crazy to me that the Dynamic Radar functions but the actual PCS will not...I assume they both use the same radar/laser systems.

 

I don't think deliberately tailgating will set-off the PCS warnings. However, if you close in on someone or something and you're going too fast and not braking or if the car ahead starts slowing down and you keep closing in without braking, it should go off. I think it takes both distance and closing speed into consideration. It's kind of hard to test without creating a risky situation.

 

Well, I came up fast on a vehicle in front of me, did not brake at all...I can't imagine it would not issue an audible warning...but, who knows. I'm going out with a toyota tech tomorrow and test drive it on the highway. Hopefully that should show something. Also, I have not tested the pedestrian warning, that should be easier and safer to test (I'll even volunteer to be the test subject!). I'll keep you all posted.

 

If they insist it's working and pedestrians are safe, see if they're willing to stand in front of it while you test it on them.

In all honesty, it's a little hard to set the thing off and I'm ok with that. It seems there have to be a very specific set of parameters met. The few times I've set it off it was right, though. The usual situation for me is when someone is slowly edging onto the shoulder to make a right turn while they're riding on the white line, and I hug the left line to make space without slowing down. That'll set it off almost every time, so I don't do that anymore... which is probably the safer thing to do anyway.

Let us know what they say... we're curious!

 

HaHa, will do, especially the YOU stand in front of the moving vehicle

 

OK, somewhat of an update... took in the 4runner today and they checked everything out, but would not allow me to accompany the test driver as they claimed its a Covid policy. OK, whatever. He took it out and put about 20 miles on it, checked everything out EXCEPT the PCS, and everything else is fine (I know that!) they are not allowed to put themselves in a "dangerous" situation so its impossible to get a real life test on the PCS. I get that, but then how the heck can you be sure the system works lol! Its a real Catch22. Anyway, they filed a claim with Toyota and we are awaiting their resolution. They did not perform a pedestrian alert test for the same reason as "dangerous situation" I am going to do that myself tomorrow if my wife trusts me ) At least I'll know if that functions. Never easy. I think the staff is running for cover every time I go to the service area...

 

Sounds like that "trust your coworkers" or "trust your friends" test, where you close your eyes and fall backwards, and hope to heck they catch you before you crack your skull open on the floor.

It sure will tell you which of your friends and acquaintances trust you. Or which ones YOU trust!

When I go to lube the drive lines, I sometimes need to have the truck moved a little so I can get to the grease-zerts. I lay under the truck, to watch the drive line, and my lovely wife moves the truck a little, until I yell at her to stop. Works out great for us, but I trust her with my life. Obviously
It's not a trust excersize, it's just what needs to be done. But it shows that we trust one another implicitly.

Have fun all! Make SURE you trust someone before standing in front of a moving vehicle!
Pat☺

 

HAHA, yes trust is needed. Just did the test and the system failed, no alerts...bummer.

 

How did you conduct the test and how fast was the driver moving? Just curious. Trying to build a knowledge base on this system. Nothing more.

 

So you're trying to crash your car to see if the system works??

 

That, or suicidal tendencies. jk

 

Well, I'd call it aggressive driving, but not quite suicidal

 

I have only ever had it go off once, when the front vehicle hit the brakes to turn right and I was perhaps a split second off of my regular reaction time either to swerve or hit the brakes. It definitely alarmed and applied the brakes such that by the time my foot was putting full pressure on the brake pedal, I could feel it had already been partially depressed.

It works. Don't try to test this yourself, please. It is not meant to drive for you, but potentially, in limited circumstances, give you just that extra bit of help so as to avoid hurting yourself or others.

I'd hate to see you create a horrible irony in the attempt!

 

wfxt, thanks very much for your post, it does have me thinking, I just thought there would be a bit more warning. However, you might be entirely correct. The dealership where I purchased my 4Runner, has been very patient with my concerns. There is a special Toyota rep that visits them on a monthly basis and he is scheduled to give my truck a thorough look over. I will pass on any results as I get them. Again, thanks for your post!

 

No worries. I say this as a bit of an obsessive person, especially about my new things: this one you have to trust, and when you least expect it, it will show you it's there. Slow speed tests may not work, since it's really set up to stop something catastrophic. (One thing to watch out for: when the front sensor gets caked with mud or with ice from snow, that can certainly interfere until you wipe it off -- but in that case the warning light comes on on the dash.)

 

LOL, yea, I know from obsessive/compulsive tendencies

 

The Toyota rep may put your mind at ease. If he/she seems to take your concern seriously and reports that the system is working as intended, I'd take their word for it.

My understanding is that the system is designed not to activate when it senses that you are engaged as a driver. It's possible that things you are doing during your tests, maybe even subconsciously, are telling the computer that you are paying attention. Changes in throttle, steering and brake application, even if minor, might be enough. It's also possible that your test conditions just aren't severe enough. Please do not try to make them so. It sounds as if you've already engaged in some less than safe driving behaviors in an attempt to test a system that you've been told is working as intended, and that your own vehicle seems to think is working as intended. For everyone's safety it might be best to let it go until the Toyota rep gets a look at it. Just someone's 2cents.

 

I’d definitely let this one go. This is more of a use it as a back up system and don’t rely on it. I’ve had it activate twice and both times was someone pulling out in front or aggressively switching lanes right in front of me. Trust me if your system malfunctions or isn’t working you’ll 100% know. You’ll get a nice pop up on the info screen saying it has malfunctioned or is not working and to visit the local dealership immediately. This will continue every 30 seconds. If that isn’t happening you’re good to go.


Also don’t unplug or plug anything else regarding that. One screw up connection and you’re going to have one lofty bill to go with it.

 

I have not tested it since the first few days of ownership...and while my driving might have been somewhat aggressive it was never dangerous. Perhaps that's why the system did not engage as you suggested. Thank you for your input, I will advise the group after the rep looks it over next week.

 

Thanks for taking the time to post your reply. I'm starting to think it's just me, but I will see what happens after the rep looks it over. And no, I'm not unplugging ANYTHING lol, the truck was expensive enough

 

Did you ever get that resolved? I have a 2023 4Runner TRD Sport. I have the same concern. I don't think mine is working either. I did everything you did, and never got it at activate.

 

@767heavy & @flyerdoc - what kind of toys do you play with for work?

 

I fly Planes. I've flown Boeing 737,757, 767, 777

 

I fix them after you break them.