2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Owners Manual

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
139
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
“L4” (low speed position, center differ-
ential unlocked): Fourwheel drive control
switch knob at “L4”, center differential lock
switch left out
The “4LO” (low speed fourwheel drive)
indicator light comes on when the “L4”
mode is selected.
Use this for maximum power and traction.
Use this for climbing or descending steep
hills, offroad driving, and hard pulling in
sand or mud.
In this mode, the braking feeling that oc-
curs when the wheels are negotiating a
sharp corner is further reduced than in the
“L4” (low position, center differential
locked) mode.
“L4” (low speed position, center differ-
ential locked): Fourwheel drive control
switch knob at “L4”, center differential lock
switch pushed in
The “4LO” (low speed fourwheel drive)
indicator light comes on when the “L4”
mode is selected. Use this for maximum power and traction.
Use this for hard pulling in situations the
vehicle cannot negotiate even in the “L4”
(low speed position, center differential un-
locked) mode. Also, using this mode when
driving down steep offroad inclines will
help contribute to increased vehicle stabil-
ity.
The indicator light tells when the differen-
tial lock is engaged. Note that the differ-
ential is not still locked as long as the
indicator light remains off.
When the operation is not completed, the
indicator blinks. If the indicator light does
not go off when you push out the center
differential lock switch, drive straight
ahead while accelerating or decelerating,
or drive in reverse.
If the center differential lock system op-
eration is not completed within 5 seconds
while the cruise control system is set,
cancel the cruise control system. To can-
cel the cruise control system, see “Cruise
control” on page 164 in Section 16.
If the indicator blinks even if doing so,
contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. There may be a trouble in the
center differential lock system.
See “(b) Shifting procedure” for further in-
structions.Advice for driving on slippery roads in
“L4” (low speed position) mode
If the fourwheel drive control switch knob
is in the “L4” and the automatic transmis-
sion selector lever is in the “2” or “3”
when you drive in steep offroad areas,
the output of the brake can be controlled
effectively by the active traction control
system, which assists the driver to control
the driving power of 4 wheels.
Use the “L” position of the automatic
transmission selector lever for maximum
power and traction when your wheels get
stuck or when you drive down a steep
incline. In the following cases, the output
of the brake can be controlled by the
active traction control system if the engine
speed is under 3000 rpm (normally engine
speed is under 3000 rpm when the wheels
get unstuck).
The fourwheel drive control switch
knob in the “L4” position and the auto-
matic transmission selector lever in the
“L” position
The fourwheel drive control switch
knob in the “L4” position and the auto-
matic transmission selector lever in the
“D”, “4”, “3” or “2” with the transmis-
sion downshifting to first gear

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
140
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
The fourwheel drive control switch
knob in the “L4” position and the auto-
matic transmission selector lever in the
“R” position
(As for the automatic transmission selec-
tor lever positions, see “Automatic trans-
mission (5speed)” on page 129 in this
Section.) SHIFTING BETWEEN “H4” (UNLOCKED)
AND “H4” (LOCKED)
To shift between unlock and lock
modes in “H4”, push the center differen-
tial lock switch.
SHIFTING BETWEEN “L4” (UNLOCKED)
AND “L4” (LOCKED)
To shift between unlock and lock
modes in “L4”, push the center differen-
tial lock switch.
SHIFTING BETWEEN “H4” AND “L4”
To shift from “H4” to “L4”,
bring the
vehicle to a complete stop with the brake
pedal held down with your foot, shift the
automatic transmission selector lever into
“N” and push and turn the fourwheel
drive control switch knob fully clockwise.
To shift from “L4” to “H4”, bring the
vehicle to a complete stop with the brake
pedal held down with your foot, shift the
automatic transmission selector lever into
“N” and turn the fourwheel drive control
switch knob fully counterclockwise. If the “4LO” (low speed fourwheel drive)
indicator light continues to blink when you
operate the fourwheel drive control
switch knob to the “H4” or “L4” position,
drive forward or backward in a short dis-
tance, then stop the vehicle completely,
shift the automatic transmission selector
lever securely into “N” and operate the
switch knob again.
If the indicator continues to blink even if
doing so, contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible. There may be a trouble
in the fourwheel drive system.
CAUTION
Never operate the fourwheel drive
control switch knob if the wheels are
slipping. Stop the slipping or spin-
ning before operating.
(b) Shifting procedure

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
141
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
Multimode control switch knob
Center differential lock switch
Use the multimode control switch
knob and center differential lock switch
to select the transfer and center differ-
ential modes.
The “H4” and “L4” positions of the multi
mode control switch knob provide either
lock or unlock mode of the center differen-
tial depending on the center differential
lock switch position. Use the center differential lock system if
your wheels get stuck in a ditch, or when
you are driving on a slippery or bumpy
surface. When the center differential is
locked, the vehicle stability control system
is automatically turned off and the center
differential lock and “VSC OFF” indicator
lights come on because the function that
controls engine performance interferes
with the process of freeing your wheels.
NOTICE
As soon as the center differential lock
switch is turned on, the “VSC OFF”
indicator light comes on. After the
wheels are out of the ditch or off the
slippery or bumpy surface, turn the
center differential lock switch off.
Make sure that the center differential
lock indicator light and vehicle stabil-
ity control system off indicator light
turn off.
Fourwheel drive system
(multimode fourwheel drive
models)—
(a) Multimode control

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
142
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
“H2” (high speed position, twowheel
drive, center differential unlocked): Mul-
timode control switch knob at “H2”, cen-
ter differential lock switch left out
Use this for normal driving on dry hard
surfaced roads. This position gives greater
economy, quietest ride, least wear and
better vehicle control.
“H4” (high speed position, fourwheel
drive, center differential unlocked): Mul-
timode control switch knob at “H4”, cen-
ter differential lock switch left out
The fourwheel drive indicator light comes
on when the “H4” mode is selected.
Use this for normal driving on all types of
roads, from dry hardsurfaced roads to
wet, icy or snowcovered roads. This
position provides greater traction than
twowheel drive.
“H4” (high speed position, fourwheel
drive, center differential locked): Multi
mode control switch knob at “H4”, center
differential lock switch pushed in
The fourwheel drive indicator light comes
on when the “H4” mode is selected.
Use this for greater traction when you
experience a loss of power, such as
wheel slipping, in the center differential
unlock mode. “L4” (low speed position, fourwheel
drive, center differential unlocked):
Mul-
timode control switch knob at “L4”, cen-
ter differential lock switch left out
The fourwheel drive and “4LO” (low
speed fourwheel drive) indicator lights
come on when the “L4” mode is selected.
Use this for maximum power and traction.
Use this for climbing or descending steep
hills, offroad driving, and hard pulling in
sand or mud.
In this mode, the braking feeling that oc-
curs when the wheels are negotiating a
sharp corner is further reduced than in the
“L4” (low speed position, fourwheel drive,
center differential locked) mode.
“L4” (low speed position, fourwheel
drive, center differential locked): Multi
mode control switch knob at “L4”, center
differential lock switch pushed in
The fourwheel drive and “4LO” (low
speed fourwheel drive) indicator lights
come on when the “L4” mode is selected. Use this for maximum power and traction.
Use this for hard pulling in situations the
vehicle cannot negotiate even in the “L4”
(low speed position, fourwheel drive, cen-
ter differential unlocked) mode. Also, using
this mode when driving down steep off
road inclines will help contribute to in-
creased vehicle stability.
The indicator light tells when the differen-
tial lock is engaged. Note that the differ-
ential is not still locked as long as the
indicator light remains off.
When the operation is not completed, the
indicator blinks. If the indicator light does
not go off when you push out the center
differential lock switch, drive straight
ahead while accelerating or decelerating,
or drive in reverse.
If the center differential lock system op-
eration is not completed within 5 seconds
while the cruise control system is set,
cancel the cruise control system. To can-
cel the cruise control system, see “Cruise
control” on page 164 in Section 16.
If the indicator blinks even if doing so,
contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. There may be a trouble in the
center differential lock system.
See “(c) Shifting procedure” for further in-
structions.

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
143
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
Advice for driving on slippery roads in
“L4” (low speed position) mode
If the multimode control switch knob is
in the “L4” and the automatic transmission
selector lever is in the “2” when you drive
in steep offroad areas, the output of the
brake can be controlled effectively by the
active traction control system, which as-
sists the driver to control the driving pow-
er of 4 wheels.
Use the “L” position of the automatic
transmission selector lever for maximum
power and traction when your wheels get
stuck or when you drive down a steep
incline. In the following cases, the output
of the brake can be controlled by the
active traction control system if the engine
speed is under 3000 rpm (normally engine
speed is under 3000 rpm when the wheels
get unstuck).
The multimode control switch knob in
the “L4” position and the automatic
transmission selector lever in the “L”
position
The multimode control switch knob in
the “L4” position and the automatic
transmission selector lever in the “D”,
“3” or “2” with the transmission down-
shifting to first gear
The multimode control switch knob in
the “L4” position and the automatic
transmission selector lever in the “R”
position
(As for the automatic transmission selec-
tor lever positions, see “Automatic trans-
mission (4speed)” on page 134 in this
Section.) The A.D.D. can be engaged or disen-
gaged by the shifting operations de-
scribed in “(c) Shifting procedure”.
You should drive in fourwheel drive for
at least 16 km (10 miles) each month.
This will assure that the front drive com-
ponents are lubricated.
(b) A.D.D.
(automatic disconnecting
differential)

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
144
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
SHIFTING BETWEEN “H2” AND “H4”
(UNLOCKED)
To shift from “H2” to “H4” (unlocked),
reduce the vehicle speed to less than 100
km/h (62 mph) and turn the multimode
control switch knob fully clockwise.
If the fourwheel drive indicator light con-
tinues to blink when you operate the mul-
timode control switch knob from the “H2”
to the “H4” position, this reminds you that
the transfer mode is not securely in “H4”
mode. Drive straight ahead while acceler-
ating or decelerating.
If the fourwheel drive indicator light con-
tinues to blink and the buzzer sounds
when you operate the multimode control
switch knob from the “H2” to the “H4”
position, this reminds you that the transfer
mode is not in “H4” mode. Stop the ve-
hicle or reduce the vehicle speed to less
than 100 km/h (62 mph). Operate the
switch knob again. To shift from “H4” (unlocked) to “H2”,
turn the multimode control switch knob
fully counterclockwise.
This can be done at any speed.
If the fourwheel drive indicator light con-
tinues to blink when you operate the mul-
timode control switch knob from the “H4”
to the “H2” position, this reminds you that
the transfer mode is not securely in “H2”
mode. Drive straight ahead while acceler-
ating or decelerating, or drive forward or
backward in a short distance.
If the indicator light continues to blink
even if doing so, contact your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible. There may be
a trouble in the fourwheel drive system.
CAUTION
Never operate the multimode control
switch knob if the wheels are slip-
ping. Stop the slipping or spinning
before operating.
SHIFTING BETWEEN “H4” (UNLOCKED)
AND “H4” (LOCKED)
To shift between unlock and lock
modes in “H4”, push the center differen-
tial lock switch.
SHIFTING BETWEEN “L4” (UNLOCKED)
AND “L4” (LOCKED)
To shift between unlock and lock
modes in “L4”, push the center differen-
tial lock switch.
SHIFTING BETWEEN “H4” AND “L4”
To shift from “H4” to “L4”,
bring the
vehicle to a complete stop with the brake
pedal held down with your foot, shift the
automatic transmission selector lever into
“N” and push and turn the multimode
control switch knob fully clockwise.
To shift from “L4” to “H4”, bring the
vehicle to a complete stop with the brake
pedal held down with your foot, shift the
automatic transmission selector lever into
“N” and turn the multimode control switch
knob counterclockwise.
(c) Shifting procedure

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
145
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
If the “4LO” (low speed fourwheel drive)
indicator light continues to blink when you
operate the multimode control switch
knob to the “H4” or “L4” position, drive
forward or backward in a short distance,
then stop the vehicle completely, shift the
automatic transmission selector lever se-
curely into “N” and operate the switch
knob again.
If the indicator continues to blink even if
doing so, contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible. There may be a trouble
in the fourwheel drive system.
CAUTION
Never operate the multimode control
switch knob if the wheels are slip-
ping. Stop the slipping or spinning
before operating.
The traction control system automatical-
ly helps prevent the spinning of rear
wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition key is turned to “ON”,
the system automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicle and
power to the rear wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction
control system is in operation. Do not
drive the vehicle under any speed or
maneuvering conditions which may
cause the vehicle to lose traction
control. In situations where the road
surface is covered with ice or snow,
your vehicle should be fitted with
snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious
speed for the present road condi-
tions.
NORMAL DRIVING MODE
Leave the system on during ordinary
driving so that it can operate when
needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the trac-
tion control system is in the selfcheck
mode, but does not indicate a malfunction.
When the traction control system is oper-
ating, the following conditions occur:
The system controls the spinning of the
rear wheels. At this time, the slip indi-
cator light blinks.
Traction control system
(twowheel drive models)

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
146
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
You may feel vibration or noise in your
vehicle, caused by operation of the
brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition key is turned
to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on,
contact your Toyota dealer.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF MODE
If your wheels get stuck in an ditch
when you are driving on a severe off
road and sand, turn off the traction
control system. This system that con-
trols engine performance may interfere
with the process of freeing your
wheels.
To turn off: Push “TRAC OFF” switch.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come
on.
The vehicle stability control system is al-
ways activated, even if the traction control
system is turned off. To turn on: Push “TRAC OFF” switch
once again.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will go off.
The traction control system will automati-
cally go on, and the “TRAC OFF” indicator
light will go off when you drive over 30
km/h (19 mph) even if the “TRAC OFF”
switch is pushed to cancel the traction
control system.
“TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on for
a few seconds when the ignition key is
turned to “ON”. It will come on again
when you push the “TRAC OFF” switch to
turn off the system.
The light may come on for 60 seconds
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”. It
is normal if they go out after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the “TRAC OFF” indicator
light. It is normal if it goes out after a few
seconds.