2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER ECO mode

172
The center differential can be locked or
unlocked by pushing the center differential
lock switch.
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 VSC OFF"
indicator light turn off.
H2" (high speed position, two−wheel
drive): Multi−mode control switch knob at
H2"
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, four−wheel
drive) and center differential unlocked:
Multi−mode control switch knob at H4",
center differential unlocked
The four−wheel drive indicator light comes
on when the H4" mode is selected.
Use this for greater traction than two−
wheel drive. (When you experience a loss
of power, such as wheel slipping.) This
position provides greater traction than
two−wheel drive.
H4" (high speed position, four−wheel
drive) and center differential locked:
Multi−mode control switch knob at H4",
center differential locked
The four−wheel 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, four−wheel
drive) and center differential unlocked:
Multi−mode control switch knob at L4",
center differential unlocked
The four−wheel drive and 4LO" (low
speed four−wheel 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, 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, four−wheel drive)
and center differential locked mode.
L4" (low speed position, four−wheel
drive) and center differential locked:
Multi−mode control switch knob at L4",
center differential locked
The four−wheel drive and 4LO" (low
speed four−wheel drive) indicator lights
come on when the L4" mode is selected.

173
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, four−wheel drive) and
center 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 the center
differential lock switch to unlock the cen-
ter differential, 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 203 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 (c) Shifting procedure" for further in-
structions.
The A.D.D. can be engaged or disen-
gaged by the shifting operations de-
scribed in (c) Shifting procedure".
You should drive in four−wheel 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)

175
If the 4LO" (low speed four−wheel drive)
indicator light continues to blink and the
buzzer sounds when you operate the mul-
ti−mode 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 transmis-
sion 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 multi−mode 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 engine switch 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.
CY16073
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 self−check
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
(two−wheel drive models)

176
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 engine switch is turned
to ON". If the indicator light does not
come on when the engine switch is turned
on, contact your Toyota dealer.
The brake actuator temperature increases
during continuous operation of the traction
control system, the AUTO LSD" system,
the vehicle stability control system and
the hill−start assist control system such
as on slippery roads.
If the brake actuator temperature becomes
too high while any of the systems is oper-
ating, a buzzer will start to sound intermit-
tently to indicate that the traction control
system can no l onger operate. In this
case, immediately stop your vehicle at a
safe place.
If the system continues to operate, the
buzzer sound changes from intermittent to
continuous. (The continuous buzzer
sounds for about 3 seconds.) At the time the slip indicator light will
come on and the traction control system
temporarily stops operating in order to
protect the brake actuator. (Although the
traction control system does not operate,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing.) The system will be automatically re-
stored after a short time and the slip indi-
cator light goes out.
CY16075
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 interferes with
the process of freeing your wheels.
To turn off: Briefly push the VSC OFF"
switch.
The AUTO LSD" and slip indicator lights
will come on.
The vehicle stability control system is al-
ways activated, even if the traction control
system is turned off.

178
The active traction control system auto-
matically helps prevent the spinning of
4 wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the engine switch 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 4 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.
CY16073
NORMAL DRIVING MODE
Leave the system on during the ordi-
nary 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 ac-
tive traction control system is in the self−
check mode, but does not indicate a mal-
function.
When the active traction control system is
operating, the following conditions occur:
The system controls the spinning of the
4 wheels. At this time, the slip indica-
tor light blinks.
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 engine switch is turned
to ON". If the indicator light does not
come on when the engine switch is turned
on, contact your Toyota dealer.
The brake actuator temperature increases
during continuous operation of the active
traction control system, the vehicle stabil-
ity control system, the downhill assist con-
trol system and the hill−start assist control
system such as on sli ppery roads. If the
brake actuator temperature becomes too
high while any of the systems is operat-
ing, a buzzer will start to sound intermit-
tently to indicate that the active traction
control system can no longer operate. In
this case, immediately stop your vehicle at
a safe place.
If the system continues to operate, the
buzzer sound changes from intermittent to
continuous. (The continuous buzzer
sounds for about 3 seconds.)
Active traction control system
(four−wheel drive models)

182
CY16074
VSC OFF" warning light
The light flashing warns that there is a
problem somewhere in the following.
AUTO LSD" system
Vehicle stability control system
Traction control system
(two−wheel drive models)
Active traction control system
(four−wheel drive models)
Downhill assist control system
(four−wheel drive models)
Hill−start assist control system
Traction control system
Vehicle stability control systemWhen the system is normal and the en-
gine switch is turned to the ON" position,
the light will come on and will go off after
a few seconds.
If the VSC OFF" warning light flashes
while driving, the AUTO LSD" system
does not work. However, as the brakes
operate normally 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 engine switch is turned to the
ON" position.
The warning light remains on after the
engine switch is turned to the ON"
position.
The warning light flashes while driving.
NOTICE
Do not drive with the AUTO LSD"
switch continuously turned on.

183
The vehicle stability control system
helps provide integrated control of the
systems such as anti−lock brake sys-
tem, traction control, engine control,
etc. This system automatically controls
the output of the brakes or engine to
help prevent the vehicle from skidding
when cornering on a slippery road sur-
face or operating steering wheel abrupt-
ly.
The vehicle stability control system is acti-
vated when the vehicle speed is more
than 15 km/h (9 mph).
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 sys-
tem is in the self−check mode, but does
not indicate a malfunction.CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the ve-
hicle stability control system. Even
if the system is operating, it cannot
completely eliminate the possibility
of an accident. Always keep safe
driving in mind, as reckless driving
increases the risk of an accident. If
the slip indicator light blinks, spe-
cial care should be taken while
driving.
Only use tires of specified size. The
size, manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern for all 4 tires should be the
same. If you use the tires other
than specified, or different type or
size, the vehicle stability control
system may not function correctly.
When replacing the tires or wheels,
contact your Toyota dealer. (See
Checking and replacing tires" on
page 443 in Section 7−2.)
CY16073
If the vehicle is going to skid during driv-
ing, the slip indicator light blinks and an
alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
If the brake pedal is depressed while the
vehicle stability control system is active,
the brake pedal will become hard at an
earlier position than usual. However, the
brakes will respond to the pedal force if
depressed further.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the engine switch is turned
to ON". If the indicator light does not
come on when the engine switch is turned
on, contact your Toyota dealer.
Vehicle stability control
system

184
CY16061
Four−wheel drive models only
Pushing the center differential lock
switch automatically turns the vehicle
stability control system off. At this
time, the VSC OFF" indicator comes
on with the center differential lock indi-
cator light.
The VSC OFF" indicator light comes on
for a few seconds when the engine switch
is turned to ON". It will come on again
when you push the center differential lock
switch to turn on the system.In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The indicator light does not come on
when the engine switch is turned to
ON".
The indicator light remains on after the
engine switch is turned to ON".
The indicator light comes on when the
system is on while driving.
NOTICE
Make sure that the center differential
lock indicator light goes off before
normal driving.
CY16075
When getting the vehicle out of mud or
newly fallen snow, etc., turn off the
vehicle stability control system. This
system that controls engine perfor-
mance interferes with the process of
freeing rear wheels (two−wheel drive
models) or 4 wheels (four−wheel drive
models).
To turn off: First, push the VSC OFF"
switch to turn off the traction control
system and check that the AUTO LSD"
and slip indicator lights come on. Then,
push and hold the VSC OFF" switch
for 3 seconds or more with the vehicle
stopped.
The VSC OFF" and slip indicator lights
will come on.