A special service tool gauge (SST 09709-00002) is available to aid in the inspection procedure for certain Toyota vehicles equipped with a floor pedal type parking brake system. This applies to 1990-2014 4Runner, Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Celica, Echo, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Land Cruiser, MR2, Matrix, Paseo, Pickup, Previa, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Solara, Supra, T100, Tacoma, Tundra, Tercel, Venza and Yaris vehicles.
Ensure that the parking brake pedal is in the fully released position. Use a shop rag or plastic cover to protect the carpet area under the pedal to avoid potential oil stains.
Inspect the brake pedal force gauge and verify that the force indicator needle reads “0”. If not, follow the tool’s instructions to reset the gauge.
Attach the brake pedal force gauge to the parking brake pedal so that the mounting bracket fits securely over the pedal pad and the gauge faces to the right, towards the brake pedal.
Firmly depress the brake pedal force gauge with your foot. Follow the specifications indicated in the vehicle repair manual, as the number of clicks and force applied to the parking brake pedal may vary from vehicle to vehicle.
Read the maximum force achieved during parking brake pedal inspection by relieving the pressure applied to the gauge plunger platform (the non-slip machined aluminum surface) and observe the force value recorded by the red indicator.
To reset the gauge, turn the white knob counterclockwise until the red needle reads “0”.
Verify the force measurement according to the appropriate repair manual.
Attach the pedal gauge to the parking brake pedal pad.
The gauge assembly features a non-slip machined surface.
Depress the parking brake by the number of clicks specified for the specific vehicle. When the pedal is releases, the gauge will show the maximum force that was applied.
About the Author
Information courtesy of Mitchell 1
Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.
Mike Mavrigian
Motor Age Editor
Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.