2006 TOYOTA TACOMA differential

1852006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The indicator light does not come on
when the ignition key is turned to
“ON”.
The indicator light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The indicator light comes on when the
system is on while driving.
LS17017
“VSC TRAC” warning light
This light warns that when there is a
problem somewhere in the following.
Vehicle stability control system
Traction control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Hill−start assist control system
Downhill assist control system
The light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to “ON”, and will go off after a
few seconds. 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 light. It is normal if they
go out after a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
vehicle stability control system does not
work. However, as the brakes operate nor-
mally when applied, it is no problem to
continue your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.
Four −wheel drive models, and two −wheel
drive models with the rear differential lock
system—
The “VSC OFF” indicator light comes on
when the “VSC TRAC” warning light
comes on, even when the front drive con-
trol switch knob is in the “H2” position or
the rear differential is unlocked.

1862006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
The downhill assist control system is a
system that assists the deceleration of
the engine brake when you drive down
a steep hill. When you are driving down
a hill with the front drive control switch
knob in the “L4” position, push the
“DAC” switch to limit the vehicle’s ac-
celeration. If the vehicle is traveling at
a speed of 25 km/h (15 mph) or less,
you can descend at a constant speed.
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the down-
hill assist control system. It may not
be able to maintain a low speed over
road surfaces or offroad surfaces on
which sliding can easily occur, such
as extremely steep slopes or icy or
muddy roads.
TO ACTIVATE THE DOWNHILL ASSIST
CONTROL SYSTEM1. Turn the front drive control switch knob to the “L4” position.
The system does not operate when the
front drive control switch knob is in the
“H2” or “H4” position, or the rear differen-
tial is locked.
2. In order to make full use of the en- gine brake, putting the transmission
in “L” or “2” is recommended.
The system will operate even if the trans-
mission selector lever is in “D”, “4”, “3”
or “N”. However, when it is in “L” or “2”
the engine brake can also be utilized en-
abling the system to operate more effec-
tively.
LS17016
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.
If the downhill assist control system indi-
cator light flashes, one of the following
may be the cause:
The selector lever is in the “N” posi-
tion.
The front drive control switch knob is
in the “H2” or “H4” position.
The rear differential is locked.
If the indicator light does not come on
when the switch is pushed, contact your
Toyota dealer.
Downhill assist control system

1892006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
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” or the rear differential is locked.
(with the rear differential lock)
LS17007
When the hill −start 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 hill−
start assist control system op-
erates for 5 seconds maximally. If both
the brake and accelerator pedals re-
main unexpressed for longer than 5
seconds, the buzzer will sound at more
frequent intervals and the system will
gradually stop operating.
The hill −start 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, “AUTO LSD” system,
hill −start assist control system and down-
hill assist control system will not operate;
however, the conventional brake can be
operated.

1912006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
LS17011
The rear differential lock system is pro-
vided for use only when wheel spinning
occurs in a ditch or on a slippery or
ragged surface.
This differential lock system is effective in
case one of the rear wheels is spinning.
Four−wheel drive models—
Before using the rear differential lock sys-
tem, first shift the four −wheel drive control
into “L4” to see if this is sufficient. If this
has no effect, additionally use the rear
differential lock system.
CAUTION
Do not use the rear differential lock
in the conditions other than above.
Large steering effort and careful cor-
nering control will be required.
LS17013
To lock the rear differential, push the
switch.
Be sure to stop the wheels before locking
the differential.
For easy locking, depress the clutch ped-
al, push the lock switch and slowly re-
lease the clutch pedal.
The indicator light will blink when the
switch is turned on. Wait a few seconds
for the system to complete operation. Af-
ter the differential is locked, the light will
stop blinking and remain on.
Rear differential lock system

1922006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
The following systems do not operate
when the rear differential is locked. It is
normal operation for the “ABS” warning
light ,“VSC OFF” indicator light and slip
indicator light to be on at this time.
With the downhill assist control system: If
the “DAC” switch turns on, the downhill
assist control system indicator light
flashes.
Anti−lock brake system
Brake assist system
Vehicle stability control system
Traction control system
Downhill assist control system
Hill− start assist control system
CAUTION
Do not lock the differential until the
wheels have stopped spinning.
Otherwise, the vehicle may move in
an unexpected direction when the
differential lock is engaged, result-
ing in an accident. This may also
lead to possible damage to differen-
tial lock component parts.
Do not drive over 8 km/h (5 mph)
when the differential is locked.
To unlock the differential, push the
switch once again.
Unlock the differential as soon as the ve-
hicle moves out.
For easy unlocking, slightly turn the steer-
ing wheel in either direction while the ve-
hicle is in motion.
When the differential lock is disengaged,
the indicator light will go out.
Four −wheel drive models—
The differential will also unlock if you shift
the front drive control switch knob to the
“H2” or “H4” position. Never forget to turn
off the switch after using this feature.
To check the indicator bulb, turn the igni-
tion key to the “ON” position, but do not
start the engine.
CAUTION
Do not keep driving with the differen-
tial lock switch on.
The tire pressure warning system is de-
signed to provide warning when tire
inflation pressure of one or more of
your tires (including the spare tire) is
low. The low tire pressure warning light
comes on to inform you that low tire
inflation pressure may hamper driving.
Tire pressure warning
system—

2672006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR
TOYOTA
Information before driving your Toyota
Off−road vehicle precautions 268
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break −in period 269
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . .
Fuel 269
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 271
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 272
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Three− way catalytic converters 272
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust cautions 273
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
Facts about engine oil consumption 274
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Iridium −tipped spark plugs 275
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 275
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 281
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear step bumper 281
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . .
Limited −slip differential 281
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Your Toyota’s identification 282
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft prevention labels 283
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Suspension and chassis 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
Tire information 285
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . .
Vehicle load limits 293
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . .
Cargo and luggage 294
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . .
Types of tires 296
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 2

2792006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
The light comes on while you are driv-
ing.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on
together with the brake system warn-
ing light, immediately stop your ve-
hicle at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.
With rear differential lock: However, it is
a normal operation for the light to be on
with rear differential locked. At this time,
the anti −lock brake system does not oper-
ate. “ABS” warning light (with the vehicle
stability control system)
The light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to the “ON” position. If the anti
−
lock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns off
after a few seconds. Thereafter, if either
of the systems malfunctions, the light
comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
following systems do not operate, but the
brake system still operates conventionally.
Anti −lock brake system
Brake assist system
Traction control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Vehicle stability control system
Downhill assist control system
Hill− start assist control system
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti −lock brake system does not operate
so that the wheels will lock up during a
sudden braking or braking on slippery
road surfaces. “VSC TRAC” warning light may come on
with the “ABS” warning light (brake assist
system warning light) when there is a mal-
function somewhere in the anti
−lock brake
system (brake assist system).
If either of the following conditions oc-
curs, this indicates a malfunction some-
where in the components monitored by
the warning light system. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible to
service the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, or remains on.
The light comes on while you are dri-
ving.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.

2802006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on
together with the brake system warn-
ing light, immediately stop your ve-
hicle at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.
Any of the following conditions may oc-
cur, but do not indicate a malfunction:
The light may stay on for about 60
seconds after the ignition key is turned
to the “ON” position. It is normal if it
turns off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the light. It is normal if it
turns off after a few seconds.
With rear differential lock: The light
comes on with rear differential locked.
At this time, the anti−lock brake sys-
tem, the brake assist system, the ve-
hicle stability control system, the trac-
tion control system, the downhill assist
control system and the hill −start assist
control system do not operate. BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM
When you slam the brakes on, the
brake assist system judges as an emer-
gency stop and provides more powerful
braking for a driver who cannot hold
down the brake pedal firmly.
When you slam the brakes on, more pow-
erful braking will be applied. At this time,
you may hear a sound in the engine
compartment and feel the vibrations of the
brake pedal. This does not indicate a mal-
function.
Vehicles with the vehicle stability control
system—
The brake assist system becomes opera-
tive after the vehicle has accelerated to
a speed in excess of approximately 10
km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the
vehicle decelerates to a speed below
approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
For an explanation of this system’s warn-
ing light, see “Service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers” on page 151 in Sec-
tion 1
−6.