Where is the power steering pressure switch on a 1994 Toyota 4runner?

Answer 1

Exactly where the switch is located depends on the type of engine installed in the vehicle, as this also would determine exactly which type of Power Steering pump is used. There are two engines that were available in the "2nd Generation" 4Runner, which was made from mid-1989 through 1995. Technically, the "switch" is NOT electrical, it controls a vacuum signal that changes the engine idle to maintain RPMs if the steering wheel is turned at low engine speeds. These type of vacuum switches have been known to start leaking power steering fluid after some time, and can actually cause power steering fluid to be drawn into the engine intake manifold if they totally fail. This causes the engine to emit a LOT of white smoke when that happens, but will not permanently damage the engine itself. Replacement of the faulty switch will stop this, and the engine will clean itself out after some driving time.

The 6-cylinder engines have the switch mounted on the left side (looking at the pump from the pulley side) that has a slight upward tilt combined with a lean towards the rear of the engine compartment. The 4-cylinder engine has the switch mounted on the left rear side of the pump, with about a 45-degree upward tilt towards the rear of the engine compartment.

I have had a 1995 4Runner for some years now, purchased used. It has proven to be one of the best vehicles I have ever owned!