New user question

[Boodler]

Hello all !

I have a question about a '99 Land Cruiser Prado.
Recently, I have noticed the hand / parking brake (the red "(!)" sign) coming on when:
- revving the engine up to about 3.000 and up (redline at 5.500), and then let the engine brake slow the car
- changing gear at 3.000+ rpm. (again, the light comes on when I release the gas pedal)
In the first case, the light stays on for a longer time, about 2-3 seconds, while in the second case it's only on for about 1 or 2 seconds.
(The car is 100 % stock)

#2.
Suggest a good winter tire please, and also, where can I read about winter tires, especially made for 4x4 cars?
My old Pirellis were causing some problems and surprises during winter which I don't want to re-live.

#3.
Can you post a performance and torque charts for the 3.4 gas modell ?

#4.
Anybody using aftermarket exhaust and can provide a sound clip ? (Although not likely I will change, i'm just interested how an exhaust can change the sound)

Thank you in advance !

[TEPUI]

Hello and Welcome Boodler,

Nice to see more Prado owners on ih8 mud!

I think each one of your questions deserves its own thread, you will get more and better feedback if you stay focused on one topic per thread. I normally post Prado tech-related questions on the Diesel Tech and 24 volts Systems forum, which covers 9x Series and 120 Series Cruisers among others.

Regarding your parking light problem, and as stupid as this may sound: have you checked your brake fluid levels? I once had a smilar problem on my Hilux, and it was just a matter of refilling the brake fluid.

You are more likely to find information about your 3.4 5VZ-FE engine, in 4runner and Tacoma forums, as they share the same V6 with your Prado.

Hope my bits of info help.

[roscoFJ73]

Hi Boodler There is a site that is especially for 90 an 120 series owners here.
http://www.lcool.org/egroups.html

Austalian owners often modify the exhaust and rechip the computer for more power.
I dont know if anyone will have sound bytes though

[TEPUI]

Will all due respect to Woody and Ih8mud members, you may also find 90-series Prado specific info on:

www.yotatech.com
www.pradopoint.com
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/90series/

Mods: feel free to delete if this recommendation is inappropiate.

[harveya]

Originally Posted by Boodler

Hello all !

I have a question about a '99 Land Cruiser Prado.
Recently, I have noticed the hand / parking brake (the red "(!)" sign) coming on when:
- revving the engine up to about 3.000 and up (redline at 5.500), and then let the engine brake slow the car
- changing gear at 3.000+ rpm. (again, the light comes on when I release the gas pedal)
In the first case, the light stays on for a longer time, about 2-3 seconds, while in the second case it's only on for about 1 or 2 seconds.
(The car is 100 % stock)

#2.
Suggest a good winter tire please, and also, where can I read about winter tires, especially made for 4x4 cars?
My old Pirellis were causing some problems and surprises during winter which I don't want to re-live.

#3.
Can you post a performance and torque charts for the 3.4 gas modell ?

#4.
Anybody using aftermarket exhaust and can provide a sound clip ? (Although not likely I will change, i'm just interested how an exhaust can change the sound)

Thank you in advance !

Handbrake warning light will be the level indicator - either you are down on fluid or it's knacjered - unplug it if the level is OK and it should solve the problem.

For tires I can recommend BFG ATs or Cooper Discoverer ATR, or Kumho AT.

Alternatively for only on road use I like Goodyear. Pirellis I find are too hard a compound and while they wear well they don't stick so well - tread pattern is good though.

Not sure about the Petrol model performance but as has been said you might want to post on Yotatech as that engine is also fitted to the 4Runner.

For aftermarket exhaust, a good exhaust won't change the sound just increase performance. 3 litre engine works well with a 2 1/2 inch system or 3 inch if you can get one.

[Boodler]

Thank you for the information !

I'm still interested in a good winter tire. I have searched the forum for tire / michelin but didn't find a thread especially for tires.
Any idea where to try ?
(The same question applies to wheels, I will have to replace my current set it seems)

Thx in advance !

[crushers]

Nokia ice radials
Geolander I/T
factory grey steelies are about $80 each new..

[dhula]

Handbrake warning light will be the level indicator - either you are down on fluid or it's knacjered - unplug it if the level is OK and it should solve the problem.

Personally I wouldn't do this as the sensor and light also warn if your brake fluid level is low (or gone completely) due to a burst brake line.

Burst brake line = no brakes.

The light lets you know what's hapopening (hopefully) before it's too late.

[tundra]

Hello Boodler!
Winter Tyres? Here is my Opinion: look @ nokiantyres.com

My Favourite is the Nokian Hakkapelitta LT in 235/85 R16, mountet on a 6" Rim. It's the Choise of the official Street Services Departements here in the Swiss Alp's!

Greetings from Central-Switzerland!

Tundra