2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Owners Manual

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Your automatic transmission has a shift
lock system to minimize the possibility of
incorrect operation. This means you can
only shift out of “P” position when the
brake pedal is depressed (with the ignition
switch in “ON” position).
(a) Selector lever
The shift position is also displayed on the
instrument cluster.
P:Parking, engine starting and key
removal
R: Reverse
N: Neutral
D: Normal driving
(shifting into overdrive possible)
4: Engine braking
(shifting into overdrive not possible)
3, 2: Stronger engine braking
L: Maximum engine braking
Automatic transmission
With the brake pedal depressed
(The ignition switch must be in
“ON” position.)
Shift normally.

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(b) Normal driving
1. Start the engine as instructed in “How to start the engine” on page 356 in
Section 3. The transmission must be in
“P” or “N”.
Vehicles with four −wheel drive control—
When the four −wheel drive control switch
knob is in “L4” (low −speed position, center
differential locked), the driving pattern se-
lector setting has no effect on gear shift
timing. (See “Four −wheel drive system
(full −time four −wheel drive models)” on
page 164 in this Section for information of
the four −wheel drive control.)
Vehicles with multi −mode control—
When the multi −mode control switch knob
is in “L4” (low −speed position, four −wheel
drive, center differential locked), the driv-
ing pattern selector setting has no effect
on gear shift timing. (See “Four −wheel
drive system (multi −mode four −wheel drive
models)” on page 167 in this Section for
information of the multi −mode control.) 2. With your foot holding down the brake
pedal, shift the selector lever to “D”.
When the lever is in the “D” position, the
automatic transmission system will select
the most suitable gear for running condi-
tions such as normal cruising, hill climb-
ing, hard towing, etc.
Tw o −wheel drive models—
Always use the “D” position for better fuel
economy and quieter driving. If the engine
coolant temperature is low, the transmis-
sion will not shift into the overdrive gear
even in the “D” position.
Vehicles with four −wheel drive control—
Always use the “D” position for better fuel
economy and quieter driving. If the engine
coolant temperature is low or when the
four −wheel drive control switch knob is in
“L4” (low −speed position, center differential
locked), the transmission will not shift into
the overdrive gear even in the “D” posi-
tion. (See “Four −wheel drive system (full −
time four −wheel drive models)” on page
164 in this Section for information of the
four −wheel drive control.) Vehicles with multi
−mode control—
Always use the “D” position for better fuel
economy and quieter driving. If the engine
coolant temperature is low or when the
multi −mode control switch knob is in “L4”
(low −speed position, four −wheel drive,
c

enter differential locked), the transmission
will not shift into the overdrive gear even
in the “D” position. (See “Four −wheel drive
system (multi −mode four −wheel drive mod-
els)” on page 167 in this Section for in-
formation of the multi −mode control.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelera-
tor pedal while shifting.
3. Release the parking brake and brake
pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal
slowly for smooth starting.
If the automatic locking operation linked
with the shift position is set, all the side
doors and back door are automatically
locked when the shift lever is moved out
of the “P” position with the engine running
and all the side doors and back door are
closed. For details, see “—Automatic door
locking and unlocking functions” on page
25 in Section 1 −2.

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(c) Using engine braking
To use engine braking, you can downshift
the transmission as follows:
Shift into the “4” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to fourth gear
and engine braking will be enabled.
Shift into the “3” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to third gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than the following speed, and
stronger engine braking will be en-
abled.
Tw o −wheel drive models
4.0 L V6 (1GR −FE) engine
133 km/h (83 mph)
4.7 L V8 (2UZ −FE) engine
139 km/h (86 mph)
Four −wheel drive models
4.0 L V6 (1GR −FE) engine
Multi −mode control switch knob
at “H2” and “H4” 133 km/h (83 mph)
Multi −mode control switch knob
at “L4” 51 km/h (31 mph) 4.7 L V8 (2UZ
−FE) engine
Four −wheel drive control switch
knob at “H4”
139 km/h (86 mph)
Four −wheel drive control switch
knob at “L4” 54 km/h (34 mph)
Shift into the “2” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to second gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than the following speed, and
stronger engine braking will be en-
abled.
Tw o −wheel drive models
4.0 L V6 (1GR −FE) engine
88 km/h (54 mph)
4.7 L V8 (2UZ −FE) engine
94 km/h (58 mph)
Four −wheel drive models
4.0 L V6 (1GR −FE) engine
Multi −mode control switch knob
at “H2” and “H4”
88 km/h (54 mph)
Multi −mode control switch knob
at “L4”
34 km/h (21 mph) 4.7 L V8 (2UZ
−FE) engine
Four −wheel drive control switch
knob at “H4”
94 km/h (58 mph)
Four −wheel drive control switch
knob at “L4” 36 km/h (22 mph)Shift into the “L” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to first gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than the following speed, and
maximum engine braking will be en-
abled.
Tw o −wheel drive models
4.0 L V6 (1GR −FE) engine
42 km/h (26 mph)
4.7 L V8 (2UZ −FE) engine
40 km/h (25 mph)
Four −wheel drive models
4.0 L V6 (1GR −FE) engine
Multi −mode control switch knob
at “H2” and “H4”
42 km/h (26 mph)
Multi −mode control switch knob
at “L4”
16 km/h (9 mph)

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4.7 L V8 (2UZ−FE) engine
Four −wheel drive control switch
knob at “H4”
40 km/h (25 mph)
Four −wheel drive control switch
knob at “L4” 15 km/h (9 mph)
When the cruise control is being used,
even if you downshift from “D” to “4”,
engine braking will not be enabled be-
cause the cruise control is not cancelled.
For ways to decrease the vehicle speed,
see “Cruise control” on page 195 in this
Section.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to skid or
spin.
(d) Using “3”, “2” and “L” positions
The “3”, “2” and “L” positions are used for
strong engine braking as described pre-
viously.
With the selector lever in “3”, “2” or “L”,
you can start the vehicle in motion as
with the lever in “D”.
With the selector lever in “3” or “2”, the
vehicle will start in first gear and automat-
ically shift to third gear or second gear.
With the selector lever in “L”, the trans-
mission is engaged in first gear.NOTICE
 Be careful not to overrev the en-
gine. Watch the tachometer to keep
engine rpm from going into the red
zone. The approximate maximum al-
lowable speed for each position is
given below for your reference:
Twowheel drive models
4.0 L V6 (1GRFE) engine“3” 146 km/h (90 mph) . . . . . . .
“2” 100 km/h (62 mph) . . . . . . .
“L” 58 km/h (36 mph) . . . . . . . .
4.7 L V8 (2UZFE) engine “3” 146 km/h (90 mph) . . . . . . .
“2” 100 km/h (62 mph) . . . . . . .
“L” 58 km/h (36 mph) . . . . . . . .

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Fourwheel drive models
4.0 L V6 (1GRFE) engineMultimode drive control
switch knob at “H2” or “H4”“3” 146 km/h (90 mph) . . . . .
“2” 100 km/h (62 mph) . . . . .
“L” 58 km/h (36 mph) . . . . . .
Multimode drive control
switch knob at “L4” “3” 57 km/h (35 mph) . . . . . .
“2” 39 km/h (24 mph) . . . . . .
“L” 22 km/h (14 mph) . . . . . .
4.7 L V8 (2UZFE) engine Fourwheel drive control
switch knob at “H4”“3” 146 km/h (90 mph) . . . . .
“2” 100 km/h (62 mph) . . . . .
“L” 58 km/h (36 mph) . . . . . .
Fourwheel drive control
switch knob at “L4” “3” 57 km/h (35 mph) . . . . . .
“2” 39 km/h (24 mph) . . . . . .
“L” 26 km/h (16 mph) . . . . . . Do not continue hill climbing or
hard towing for a long time in the
“3”, “2” or “L” position. This may
cause severe automatic transmis-
sion damage from overheating. To
prevent such damage, “4” position
should be used in hill climbing or
hard towing.
(e) Backing up
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the selector lever to the
“R” position.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the ve-
hicle is moving.
Vehicles with rear view monitor system—
When the selector lever is shifted into “R”
position with the ignition switch in the
“ON” position, rear view monitor system
will activate. For instructions, see “Rear
view monitor system” on page 302 in Sec-
tion 1 −10. (f) Parking
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal pressed down, fully depress the parking brake pedal
to apply the parking brake securely.
3. With the brake pedal pressed down, shift the selector lever to the “P” posi-
tion.
CAUTION
Never attempt to move the selector
lever into “P” position under any cir-
cumstances while the vehicle is mov-
ing. Serious mechanical damage and
loss of vehicle control may result.
If the automatic unlocking operation linked
with the shift position is set, all the side
doors and back door are automatically un-
locked when the selector lever is moved
to the “P” position with the ignition switch
is in the “ON” position. For details, see
“—Automatic door locking and unlocking
functions” on page 25 in Section 1 −2.

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(g) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly shifts up
and down between fourth gear and
overdrive when climbing a gentle slope,
shift the selector lever to the “4” posi-
tion. Be sure to shift the selector lever
to the “D” position immediately after-
ward.
When towing a trailer, in order to main-
tain engine braking efficiency, do not
use “D” position.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake
pedal while stopped with the engine
running. This prevents the vehicle
from creeping.
NOTICE
Always use the brake pedal or the
parking brake to hold the vehicle on
an upgrade. Do not attempt to hold
the vehicle using the accelerator ped-
al, as this can cause the transmission
to overheat.
(h) If you cannot shift the selector le-
ver out of “P” position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from
the “P” position even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock
override button. For instructions, see “If
you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever” on page 394 in Section 4.
Fourwheel drive control switch knob
Center differential lock switch
Fourwheel drive system (fulltime
fourwheel drive models)—
(a) Fourwheel drive control

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Use the fourwheel drive control switch
knob and center differential lock switch
to select the transfer and center differ-
ential modes.
The “H4” and “L4” positions of the four −
wheel drive control switch knob provide
either lock or unlock mode of the center
differential depending on the center differ-
ential 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.
“H4” (high speed position, center differ-
ential unlocked): Four−wheel drive control
switch knob at “H4”, center differential
lock switch left out
Use this for normal driving on all types of
roads, from dry hard −surfaced roads to
wet, icy or snow −covered roads. This
position gives greater economy, quietest
ride, least wear and better vehicle control.
“H4” (high speed position, center differ-
ential locked): Four−wheel drive control
switch knob at “H4”, center differential
lock switch pushed in
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, center differ-
ential unlocked):
Four−wheel drive control
switch knob at “L4”, center differential lock
switch left out
The “4LO” (low speed four −wheel 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, off −road 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, center differential
locked) mode.
“L4” (low speed position, center differ-
ential locked): Four−wheel drive control
switch knob at “L4”, center differential lock
switch pushed in
The “4LO” (low speed four −wheel drive)
indicator light comes on when the “L4”
mode is selected.

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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 off −road 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 195 in Section 1 −7.
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. 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 four −wheel
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 four −wheel drive control
switch knob fully counterclockwise. If the “4LO” (low speed four
−wheel drive)
indicator light continues to blink when you
operate the four −wheel 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 four −wheel 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