2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER overheating

64
CAUTION
Occupants must use caution when op-
erating the seat heater because it
may make them feel too hot or cause
burns at low temperatures (erythema,
varicella). Use extra caution for;
Babies, small children, elderly per-
sons, sick persons or persons with
physical disabilities
Persons who have sensitive skin
Persons who are exhausted
Persons who have taken alcohol or
drugs which induce sleep (sleeping
drug, cold remedy, etc.)
To prevent the seat overheating, do
not use the seat heater with a blan-
ket, cushion, or other insulating ob-
jects which cover the seat.
NOTICE
 Do not put unevenly weighed ob-
jects on the seat and do not stick
sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.)
into the seat.
 When cleaning the seats, do not
use organic substances (paint thin-
ner, benzine, alcohol, gasoline,
etc.). They may damage the heater
and seat surface.
 To prevent the battery from being
discharged, turn the system off
when the engine is not running.
Toyota strongly urges that the driver and
passengers in the vehicle be properly re-
strained at all times with the seat belts
provided. Failure to do so could increase
the chance of injury and/or the severity of
injury in accidents.
The seat belts provided for your vehicle
are designed for people of adult size,
large enough to properly wear them.
Child. Use a child restraint system ap-
propriate for the child until the child be-
comes large enough to properly wear the
vehicle’s seat belts. See Child restraint"
on page 96 in this Section for details.
If a child is too large for a child restraint
system, the child s hould sit in the rear
seat and must be restrained using the
vehicle’s seat belt. According to accident
statistics, the child is safer when properly
restrained in the rear seat than in the
front seat.
If a child must sit in the front seat, the
seat belts should be worn properly. If an
accident occurs and the seat belts are not
worn properly, the force of the rapid infla-
tion of the airbag may cause death or
serious injury to the child.
Seat belts
Seat belt precautions

167
Four−wheel drive models4.0 L V6 (1GR−FE) engineMulti−mode drive control
switch knob at H2" or H4"3" 146km/h(90mph) . . . . .
2" 100km/h(62mph) . . . . .
L" 58km/h(36mph) . . . . . .
Multi−mode drive control
switch knob at L4" 3" 57km/h(35mph) . . . . . .
2" 39km/h(24mph) . . . . . .
L" 22km/h(14mph) . . . . . .
4.7 L V8 (2UZ−FE) engine Four−wheel drive control
switch knob at H4"3" 146km/h(90mph) . . . . .
2" 100km/h(62mph) . . . . .
L" 58km/h(36mph) . . . . . .
Four−wheel drive control
switch knob at L4" 3" 57km/h(35mph) . . . . . .
2" 39km/h(24mph) . . . . . .
L" 26km/h(16mph) . . . . . . 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 engine switch in the
ON" position, rear view monitor system
will activate. For instructions, see Rear
view monitor system" on page 312 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 engine switch
is in the ON" position. For details, see
Automatic door locking and unlocking
functions" on page 25 in Section 1−2.

372
Vehicles with rear height control air
suspension: When you drive on a
bumpy road, it is recommended that
the vehicle height should be set in the
N" (normal) or H" (high) mode.
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure that
the parking brake is fully released
and the parking brake reminder
light is off.
Do not leave your vehicle unat-
tended while the engine is running.
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. It can cause
dangerous overheating, needless
wear, and poor fuel economy.
To drive down a long or steep hill,
reduce your speed and downshift.
Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and
not work properly.
Be careful when accelerating, up-
shifting, downshifting or braking on
a slippery surface. Sudden accelera-
tion or engine braking, could cause
the vehicle to skid or spin.
Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit. Even if the legal speed limit
permits it, do not drive over 140
km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle
has high−speed capability tires.
Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control
and possible injury. Be sure to con-
sult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle
are high−speed capability tires or
not before driving at such speeds.
Do not continue normal driving
when the brakes are wet. If they are
wet, your vehicle will require a
longer stopping distance, and it
may pull to one side when the
brakes are applied. Also, the park-
ing brake will not hold the vehicle
securely.
Vehicles with rear height control air
suspension: If you drive through
deep water over about 700 mm (28
in.) in depth, put the vehicle height
in the H" (high) mode with the
height select switch and then turn
off the rear height control air sus-
pension by pushing the HEIGHT
CONTROL OFF" switch. Drive your
vehicle at 30 km/h (19 mph) or low-
er speed.

385

Because stopping distance may be in-
creased, vehicle−to−vehicle distance
should be increased when towing a
trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of
speed, allow at least one vehicle and
trailer length between you and the ve-
hicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as
you may skid, resulting in jackknifing
and loss of control. This is especially
true on wet or slippery surfaces.
Avoid jerky starts or sudden accelera-
tion.
Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns.
The trailer could hit your vehicle in a
tight turn. Slow down before making a
turn to avoid the necessity of sudden
braking.
Remember that when making a turn,
the trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the
turn. Therefore, compensate for this by
making a larger than normal turning
radius with your vehicle.
Crosswinds and rough roads will ad-
versely affect handling of your vehicle
and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention
to the rear from time to time to pre-
pare yourself for being passed by large
trucks or buses, which may cause your
vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying
happens, firmly grip the steering wheel
and reduce speed immediately but
gradually. Never increase speed. Steer
straight ahead. If you make no extreme
correction with the steering or brakes,
the vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
Be careful when passing other ve-
hicles. Passing requires considerable
distance. After passing a vehicle, do
not forget the length of your trailer and
be sure you have plenty of room befo-
re changing lanes.
In order to maintain engine braking effi-
ciency, do not put the transmission in
D".
Because of the added load of the trail-
er, your vehicle’s engine may overheat
on hot days (at temperatures over
30
C [85 F]) when going up a long or
steep grade with a trailer. If the engine
coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, immediately turn off the air
conditioning (if in use), pull off the road
and stop in a safe spot. Refer to If
your vehicle overheats" on page 394 in
Section 4.
Always place wheel blocks under both
the vehicle and trailer wheels when
parking. Apply the parking brake firmly.
Put the transmission in P". Avoid park-
ing on a slope with a trailer, but if it
cannot be avoided, do so only after
performing the following:
1. Apply the brakes and hold.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks un- der both the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release your brakes slowly until the
blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Shift into P" and turn off the engine.

387

Avoid long engine idling.
If you have
a long wait and you are not in traffic,
it is better to turn off the engine and
start again later.
Avoid engine lugging or over−rev-
ving. Use a gear position suitable for
the road on which you are travelling.
Avoid continuous speeding up and
slowing down. Stop−and−go driving
wastes fuel.
Avoid unnecessary stopping and
braking. Maintain a steady pace. Try
to time the traffic signals so you only
need to stop as little as possible or
take advantage of through streets to
avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper dis-
tance from other vehicles to avoid sud-
den braking. This will also reduce wear
on your brakes.
Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams
whenever possible.
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal. This causes premature wear,
overheating and poor fuel economy.
Maintain a moderate speed on high-
ways. The faster you drive, the greater
the fuel consumption. By reducing your
speed, you will cut down on fuel con-
sumption.
Keep the front wheels in proper
alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and
slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire
wear but also puts an extra load on
the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.
Keep the bottom of your vehicle free
from mud, etc. This not only lessens
weight but also helps prevent corro-
sion.
Keep your vehicle tuned−up and in
top shape. A dirty air cleaner,
improper valve clearance, dirty plugs,
dirty oil and grease, brakes not
adjusted, etc. all lower engine
performance and contribute to poor fuel
economy. For longer life of all parts
and lower operating costs, keep all
maintenance work on schedule, and if
you often drive under severe
conditions, see that your vehicle
receives more frequent maintenance.
(For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide" or
Owner ’s Manual Supplement".)
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast
down hills. Your power steering and
brake booster will not function with-
out the engine running. Also, the
emission control system operates
properly only when the engine is run-
ning.

394
If engine speed does not increase when
the accelerator pedal is depressed, there
may be a problem somewhere in the elec-
tronic throttle control system.
At this time, vibration may occur. Howev-
er, if you depress the accelerator pedal
more firmly and slowly, you can drive your
vehicle at low speeds. Have your vehicle
checked by your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic
throttle control system is corrected during
low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and
the engine switch is turned to the ACC"
or LOCK" position.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erro-
neous pedal operation.
If your engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, if you ex-
perience a loss of power, or if you hear
a loud knocking or pinging noise, the
engine has probably overheated. You
should follow this procedure...1. Pull safely off the road, stop the ve- hicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Put the transmission in P"
and apply the parking brake. Turn off
the air conditioning if it is being used.
2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator or reservoir, stop the engine.
Wait until the steam subsides before
opening the hood. If there is no coolant
boiling over or steam, leave the engine
running.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep
the hood closed until there is no
steam. Escaping steam or coolant is
a sign of very high pressure.
3. Look for obvious coolant leaks from theradiator, hoses, and under the vehicle.
However, note that water draining from
the air conditioning is normal if it has
been used.
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
hands and clothing away from the
moving fan and engine drive belts.
4. If the engine drive belt is broken or thecoolant is leaking, stop the engine im-
mediately. Call a Toyota dealer for as-
sistance.
5. If the engine drive belt is O.K. and there are no obvious leaks, you may
help the engine cool down more quickly
by running it at about 1500 rpm for a
few minutes with the accelerator pedal
lightly depressed.
6. Check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add coolant to the reservoir while the
engine is running. Fill it about half full.
For the coolant type, see Coolant type
selection" on page 438 in Section 7−2.
If you cannot increase engine
speed If your vehicle overheats

477
Cleaning the interior417
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 305
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coin holder 326
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cold weather
Operation 375
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc changer 208
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc changer controller 208 . . . . . . .
Compact disc player 208
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compass 307
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Condenser
Checking the condenser 439
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Console box
Rear 324
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, Instrument panel 2,6
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system
Coolant level 438
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine overheating 394
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and reservoir 438
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator cap 394
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 375
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion prevention 414
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cranking hold function 370
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 203
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise information display 306
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder
Front 327
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 328,330
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D
Defogger
Back window 142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside rear view mirror 142 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Differential, Limited slip 349 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimmer switch, Headlight 130,132 . . . . . . . . .
Dinghy towing 376 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Directional signals 130,132 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Do−it−yourself maintenance
Parts and tools 432 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service precautions 430 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 425 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doors
Side doors 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Double deck 333 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Downhill assist control system 186 . . . . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt reminder buzzer 149 . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt reminder light 149 . . . . . . . .
Driving
Automatic transmission 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips 370 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in the rain 373 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving position memory system 48 . . . . . . . .
Driving tips
Driving in the rain 373 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips in various conditions 371 . . . . .
Driving with an automatic transmission 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economical driving 386 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 375 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During
Break−in 339 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DVD player 240 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E
Economical driving
Saving money on both fuel and repairs 386 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric moon roof 39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical system
Battery 450,451 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 430 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 452 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 135 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency, In case of
Blown fuse 452 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 135 . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 395 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot increase engine speed 394 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever 410 . . . . . . . .
If you lose your keys 411 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you lose your wireless remote control transmitter 411 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your engine stalls while driving 393 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle becomes stuck 405 . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 405 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 390 . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 391 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 394 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 405 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) programs 426 . . . . . . . . .

478
EngineBefore starting the engine 370 . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the coolant level 438 . . . . . . . . . .
Emission control device 342 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment 428 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 343 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification number 350 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil consumption 344 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil level 436 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 394 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting procedure 370 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Three−way catalytic converters 342 . . . . . .
Engine coolant
Temperature gauge 146 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 375 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 146 . . . . .
Engine immobilizer system 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil
Winter driving tips 375 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil replacement reminder light 149 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine switch 162 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine switch light 139 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 343 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F
Facts about engine oil
consumption 344 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flasher, Headlight 130,132 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire
After changing wheels 404 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing tire 401 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If you have a flat tire 395
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack point 399 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking precautions 395 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking up 400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loosening wheel nuts 399 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lowering vehicle 403 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reinstalling w heel ornament 403 . . . . . . . . .
Removing wheel ornament 398 . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel block 398 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel nuts 402 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 336 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level
Brake 439 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 440 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid 453 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light switch, Front 136 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign countries, Operation in 341 . . . . . . . .
Four−wheel drive
Operating the four−wheel drive system 168,171 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front cup holder 327 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front fog light switch 136 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger occupant classification system 91 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger ’s seat belt reminder light 149 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seat
Driving position memory system 48 . . . . . .
Seatback flattening 46,47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seats 43,44,45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
Filler door o pener 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel economy 386 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 341 . . . . . . . . . . Gauge 146
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 341 . . . . . . .
Tank cap 37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel information 339 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 341 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse
Fuse box 452 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 430 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G
Garage door opener 318
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature 146
. . . . . . . . .
Fuel 146
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove box 317
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 163
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grocery bag hooks 331
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
H
Hazard switch 135
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight switch 130,132
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height control
Rear height control air suspension 191
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High speed operation
During break−in 339
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill−start assist control system 189 . . . . . . . .
Hood release, Engine 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 370
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .