2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER automatic transmission

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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

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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)

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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

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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)

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TO ACTIVATE THE DOWNHILL ASSIST
CONTROL SYSTEM
1. Fulltime fourwheel drive models— Turn the fourwheel drive control
switch knob to the “L4” position.
The system will not operate if the four
wheel drive control switch knob is in the
“H4” position. Multimode fourwheel drive mod-
els—Turn the multimode control
switch knob to the “L4” position.
The system will not operate if the multi
mode control switch knob is in the “H4”
position. 2. In order to make full use of the en- gine brake, putting the transmission
in “L” or “2” is recommended.
5speed automatic transmission—The sys-
tem will operate even if the transmission
selector lever is in “D”, “4”, “3” or “N”.
However, when it is in “L” or “2” the en-
gine brake can also be utilized enabling
the system to operate more effectively.
4speed automatic transmission—The sys-
tem will operate even if the transmission
selector lever is in “D”, “3” or “N”. Howev-
er, when it is in “L” or “2” the engine
brake can also be utilized enabling the
system to operate more effectively.
3. Push the “DAC” switch to turn the
system on. The downhill assist con-
trol system indicator light on the in-
strument panel will come on.
Fulltime fourwheel drive models—If the
downhill assist control system indicator
light flashes, the selector lever may be in
“N” or the fourwheel drive control switch
knob may be in the “H4” position.
If the indicator light does not come on
when the switch is pushed, contact your
Toyota dealer.
Multimode fourwheel drive models—If
the downhill assist control system indica-
tor light flashes, the selector lever may be
in “N” or the multimode control switch
knob may be in the “H2” or “H4” position. If the indicator light does not come on
when the switch is pushed, contact your
Toyota dealer.

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The hillstart assist control system will
operate for 5 seconds maximally when
all of the following conditions apply.
5speed automatic transmission—
When the transmission is in any of
positions “D”, “4”, “3”, “2” or “L”
4speed automatic transmission—
When the transmission is in any of
positions “D”, “3”, “2” or “L”
When the brake pedal is not de-
pressed
The system is designed to operate when
the vehicle is starting on an uphill slope;
therefore, if the transmission is in “P” or
“N” it will not operate. It will not operate
either if the vehicle starts to move in
reverse on a slope with the transmission
in the “R”.
When the hillstart assist control system
is operating, the slip indicator light flashes
and an alarm sounds intermittently. At the
same time, the stop lamps and high
mounted stoplight are lit.
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. Keep in mind the following when driv-
ing.
The hillstart assist
control system op-
erates for 5 seconds maximally. If both
the brake and accelerator pedals re-
main undepressed for longer than 5
seconds, the buzzer will sound at more
frequent intervals and the system will
gradually stop operating.
The hillstart assist control system is
not designed as a function for stopping
the vehicle on a uphill slope. When
stopping the vehicle, be sure to de-
press the brake pedal.
If the system is used frequently, the
brake actuator temperature may become
too high and a buzzer will sound inter-
mittently.
In this case, a buzzer will sound intermit-
tently. When the temperature of the brake
actuator goes down, the system will begin
to operate again. Until it restarts, the trac-
tion control system (twowheel drive mod-
els), active traction control system (four
wheel drive models) and downhill assist
control system will not operate; however,
the conventional brake can be operated.

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SETTING AT A DESIRED SPEED
The transmission must be in “D” before
you set the cruise control speed.
Bring your vehicle to the desired speed,
push the lever down in the “ SET” direc-
tion and release it. This sets the vehicle
at that speed. If the speed is not satisfac-
tory, tap the lever up for a faster speed,
or tap it down for a slower speed. Each
tap changes the set speed by 1.6 km/h
(1.0 mph). You can now take your foot off
the accelerator pedal. If you need acceleration—for example,
when passing—depress the accelerator
pedal enough for the vehicle to exceed
the set speed. When you release it, the
vehicle will return to the speed set prior
to the acceleration.
CANCELLING THE PRESET SPEED
You can cancel the preset speed by:
a. Pulling the lever in the “CANCEL” di-
rection and releasing it.
b. Depressing the brake pedal.
If the vehicle speed falls below about 40
km/h (25 mph), the preset speed will auto-
matically cancel out.
If the vehicle speed drops 16 km/h (10
mph) below the preset speed, the preset
speed will also automatically cancel out.
If the preset speed automatically cancels
out other than for the above cases, have
your vehicle checked by your Toyota deal-
er at the earliest opportunity. RESETTING TO A FASTER SPEED
Push the lever up in the “+ RES” direction
and hold it. Release the lever when the
desired speed is attained. While the lever
is held up, the vehicle will gradually gain
speed.
However, a faster way to reset is to ac-
celerate the vehicle and then push the
lever down in the “ SET” direction.
RESETTING TO A SLOWER SPEED
Push the lever down in the “ SET” direc-
tion and hold it. Release the lever when
the desired speed is attained. While the
lever is held down, the vehicle speed will
gradually decrease.
However, a faster way to reset is to de-
press the brake pedal and then push the
lever down in the “ SET” direction.
Even if you downshift from “D” to “4”
(5speed automatic transmission) or “3”
(4speed automatic transmission), with the
cruise control on, engine braking will not
be enabled because the cruise control is
not cancelled. To decrease the vehicle
speed, reset to a slower speed with the
cruise control lever or depress the brake
pedal. If you use the brake pedal, cruise
control is cancelled.

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When restarting out after parking on a
slope:
1. With the transmission in “P” position, start the engine. Be sure to keep the
brake pedal depressed.
2. Shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull or back away
from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply
your brakes.
4. Have someone retrieve the blo cks.
CAUTION
Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or
the posted towing speed limit,
whichever is lower. Because insta-
bility (swaying) of a towing vehicle
trailer combination usually in-
creases as the speed increases, ex-
ceeding 72 km/h (45 mph) may
cause loss of control.
Slow down and downshift before
descending steep or long downhill
grades. Do not make sudden down-
shifts.
Avoid holding the brake pedal down
too long or too frequently. This
could cause the brakes to overheat
and result in reduced braking effi-
ciency.
Improving fuel economy is easy—just take
it easy. It will help make your vehicle last
longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and
repairs:
Keep your tires inflated at the cor-
rect pressure. Underinflation causes
tire wear and wastes fuel. See page
332 in Section 72 for instructions.
Do not carry unneeded weight in
your vehicle. Excess weight puts a
heavier load on the engine, causing
greater fuel consumption.
Avoid lengthy warmup idling. Once
the engine is running smoothly, begin
driving—but gently. Remember, howev-
er, that on cold winter days this may
take a little longer.
Put the selector lever into the “D”
when engine braking is not required.
5speed automatic transmission—Driv-
ing with the selector lever in “4” will
reduce the fuel economy. (For details,
see “Automatic transmission (5speed)”
on page 129 in Section 16.)
4speed automatic transmission—Driv-
ing with the selector lever in “3” will
reduce the fuel economy. (For details,
see “Automatic transmission (4speed)”
on page 134 in Section 16.)
How to save fuel and make
your vehicle last longer