At 240,000 miles my 2016 Toyota Tundra SR5 was having random braking problems without warning.

A Toyota Tundra Nation Facebook Group recently highlighted a problem that many High mileage Tundra Owners may encounter: a mysterious, unpredictable problem with the ABS light, speedometer fluctuations and spontaneous light braking. Rick, a Tundra owner, shared his concern with the group, asking for feedback on an issue affecting his 240,000-mile 2016 Toyota Tundra SR5 CrewMax. With the ABS light coming on sporadically, the brakes acting slightly on their own, and the speedometer being inaccurate, Rick was eager for advice. Luckily, other Tundra owners have shared helpful ideas based on their own experience and knowledge.

Good afternoon everyone. I have a 2016 SR5 CrewMax 5.7 with 240,000 miles. Lately, without warning and at random speeds, the ABS light comes on, the brakes are applied lightly, and the speedometer fluctuates slightly on the highway. Also, the speed readings are off by about 5 mph compared to the GPS (it used to be much closer). I replaced the output speed sensor on the transmission, which helped a little, but did not completely solve the problem. I used the Duralast part. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I prefer to avoid dealer service due to their high cost.

Rick’s Problem: 2016 Tundra ABS Light, Random Braking, and Speedometer Error

In a high-mileage vehicle like Rick’s Tundra, intermittent and confusing electrical and sensor problems are not uncommon, especially in models with more than 200,000 miles. Components such as sensors, bearings and electronic parts can wear out or lose communication with vehicle systems, causing the truck to react in unusual ways. When the ABS light comes on and sudden light braking occurs, it usually indicates problems with the traction control or ABS system, which are closely related to the various speed sensors and the vehicle’s on-board computer.

Suggestions from tundra owners

Rick received valuable information from another team member, Joe, who advised possible causes of the problem. Joe noted that the symptoms Rick described could be caused by several potential factors, emphasizing the importance of diagnosis and the use of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts.

1. Consider using a diagnostic scanner

Joe’s first suggestion was to hook up the Tundra to a diagnostic scanner: “I’d hook it up to a scanner just to see if you can detect anything unusual.” This is an important first step because the diagnostic tool can read any error codes that may be stored in the vehicle’s system, even if the check engine light is not illuminated. Although Rick’s problem did not trigger an immediate warning code, there is a chance that the ABS or traction control systems detected a fault that could help narrow down the problem.

2. Suspected wheel speed sensor or brake component is faulty.

Joe then explained the important role wheel speed sensors play in ABS and traction control functions: “If he randomly applies the brakes and engages the traction control, he thinks he’s losing traction. This could be a faulty wheel speed sensor, a stuck brake, or a worn suspension component such as a crank arm.”

The Tundra’s ABS system relies heavily on accurate readings from wheel speed sensors. If one of these sensors is faulty, it may mistakenly detect a difference in wheel speed, signaling the ABS to engage even if there is no actual loss of traction. In addition, the wheel speed sensor is indirectly related to the function of the speedometer, so a malfunction may cause the speedometer to display inaccurate information.

Understanding the Role of Wheel Speed ​​Sensors and OEM Parts

Rick responded to Joe by stating that he had recently replaced the rear wheel speed sensors during a wheel bearing repair, but had not yet replaced the front ones. Speaking about speedometer problems, Rick noted, “I haven’t read anywhere that the wheel speed sensor can affect the speedometer; I thought this was solved through the transmission. Good to know.

Joe elaborated on this, explaining that while wheel speed sensors don’t directly control the speedometer, they can indirectly affect it if they’re faulty: “Wheel speed sensors don’t usually affect the speedometer, but they can cause all sorts of problems. problems, including problems with the speedometer, and may even cause the speedometer to stop working completely.”

Joe also shared his opinion on the importance of using OEM parts to replace sensors: “I see you mentioned that you used a Duralast OSS (output speed sensor). I would only use OEM parts, especially for electronics. There have been countless horror stories about aftermarket sensors and other non-OEM parts. It’s always better to go with OEM.”

This advice is critical. OEM parts are designed specifically for the vehicle and have been rigorously tested by the manufacturer, so they typically offer better compatibility and reliability than aftermarket options. Third party parts can sometimes work at first, but over time can cause problems or perform worse in critical areas.

Possible reasons for activating ABS and traction control

Joe’s ideas led Rick to believe that replacing the front wheel speed sensors with OEM parts might help, but the problem could still be multifaceted. Here’s a quick overview of potential culprits based on Joe’s tips and general troubleshooting for this problem:

1. Faulty wheel speed sensor: Wheel speed sensors may malfunction, especially if they are worn, dirty, or incorrectly calibrated. These sensors play a key role in both ABS and traction control, and erroneous readings can confuse the vehicle’s electronic systems, resulting in unexpected braking and incorrect speedometer readings.
2. Braking component problem: Sometimes the brakes can perform slightly on their own if the caliper is stuck or a brake component is worn out. If your brakes are engaging randomly, it may be worth checking the brake components for wear or binding.
3. Worn suspension or steering components: Worn components such as the crank arm can affect wheel alignment and stability, causing wheel sensors to report inconsistent speeds. Joe emphasized that this is possible, especially on high mileage vehicles.
4. Third Party Output Speed ​​Sensor (OSS): Using a third party output speed sensor, such as the Duralast part that Rick used, may contribute to the problem. Third-party sensors may not interact correctly with vehicle systems, resulting in inconsistent speed readings or ABS activation.

Moving Forward: Troubleshooting and Repair Tips

Based on the feedback Rick received, here is a step-by-step approach he could use to effectively resolve his Tundra’s problems:

1. Run a diagnostic scan: A diagnostic tool can reveal trouble codes or inconsistencies in the operation of the ABS or traction control systems, which could lead Rick directly to the problem.
2. Replace the front wheel speed sensors with original parts: Since Rick has already replaced the rear wheel speed sensors, replacing the front sensors with OEM parts can ensure all sensors are working properly and eliminate any discrepancies.
3. Consider replacing the OSS with an OEM part.: Given that Joe highlighted the potential shortcomings of aftermarket electronic components, replacing Duralast OSS with OEM parts can help solve speedometer problems.
4. Inspect Brake and Suspension Components: If the problem persists, it may be worth checking your brake and suspension systems thoroughly. A stuck brake caliper or worn suspension part can cause unnecessary activation of the ABS or traction control systems.
5. Road test: After any repair, you should test drive the vehicle in various conditions to ensure that the problem is corrected.

Rick’s experience with his high-mileage Tundra highlights the complexities of modern vehicle diagnostics, especially when it comes to electronic systems. The advice he’s received from Joe and others in the Tundra community emphasizes the importance of using OEM parts for sensor replacements and a methodical approach to troubleshooting.

For Tundra owners facing similar problems, Rick’s story serves as a reminder that ABS and traction control problems can have many root causes, often requiring a combination of diagnostics, quality replacement parts and patience. By taking a systematic approach and prioritizing OEM components, owners like Rick can potentially avoid lengthy and costly repairs and get their trucks running smoothly again.

Also see: After 7,000 miles, my new 2024 Toyota Tundra is turning into a warranty battleground (seeking advice!).

Armen Khareyan is the founder and editor-in-chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which has since published expert news and analysis on the automotive industry. He can be contacted at Torque News on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedInAnd YouTube. He has over a decade of experience in the automotive industry, with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.