2008 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER suspension

84 1−7. Safety information
CAUTION
 Modification and disposal of SRS airbag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or perform any of the following modifications
without consulting your Toyota dealer.
The SRS airbags may malfunction or deploy (inflate) accidentally, causing
death or serious injury.
 Installation, removal, disassembly and repair of the SRS airbags.

Repairs, modifications, removal or replacement of the steering wheel,
instrument panel, dashboard, seats or seat upholstery, front and rear pil−
lars or roof side rails.
 Repairs or modifications of the front
fender, front bumper, or side of the
occupant compartment.
Installation of snow plows, winches, etc. to the front grille (bull bars, kan−
garoo bar etc.).
 Modifications to the vehicle’s suspension system.
Installation of electronic devices such as mobile two−way radios or CD
players.
 Modifications to your vehicle for a person with a physical disability.

113
2−1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
NOTICE
 If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
 It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. (
P. 342)
 When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
 Engine stalling
Short in electrical components
Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
Brake function
Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, trans−
mission, transfer (4WD vehicles), differentials, etc.
 Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints
(where possible) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

142 2−4. Using other driving systems
 Sensor detection information
 Certain vehicle conditions and the surrounding environment may affect
the ability of a sensor to correctly detect an obstacle. Particular instances
where this may occur are listed below.
There is dirt, snow or ice on a sensor.
A sensor is frozen.
A sensor is covered in any way.
The vehicle is leaning considerably to one side.
On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle
engines, air brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing
ultrasonic waves.
There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensors in the
vicinity.
A sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or radio antenna.
A bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
The vehicle is approaching a tall or right−angled curb.
In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
The area directly under the bumpers is not detected.
Objects lower than the sensors or thin stakes etc. may be detected ini−
tially, but as they draw closer, they may cease to be detected.
A towing hitch is mounted to the vehicle.
A non−genuine Toyota suspension (lowered suspension etc.) is
installed.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of
their shapes, signs and other objects may be judged by a sensor to be closer
than they are.
 The shape of the obstacle may prevent a sensor from detecting it. Pay
particular attention to the following obstacles:
Wires, fences, ropes, etc.
Cotton, snow and other materials that absorb radio waves
Sharply−angled objects
Low obstacles
Tall obstacles with upper sections projecting outwards in the direction
of your vehicle

159
2−4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
 The ABS does not operate effectively when
 The limits of the gripping performance have been exceeded.
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
 Stopping distance when the ABS is
operating will exceed that of nor
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ−
ations.
 When driving on dirt, gravel or snow−covered roads
When driving with tire chains
When driving over bumps in the road
When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven roads
When VSC is activated
The slip indicator flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive care−
fully. Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when
the indicator flashes and a buzzer sounds.
 TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip−
pery road surfaces, even if TRAC is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
 Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the appro−
priate tire pressure level.
The ABS and VSC will not function correctly if different tires are fitted on the
vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
 Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

161
2−5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
 Offroad vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of serious per−
sonal injury or damage to your vehicle:
 In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
 Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury.
 Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehi−
cle gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden
braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly.
 Always slow down in gusty crosswi
nds. Because of its profile and higher
center of gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordi−
nary passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control.
 When driving off−road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
 Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or
straight down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off−road vehicle)
can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or backward.

163
2−5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
 Offroad driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of serious per−
sonal injury or damage to your vehicle:
 Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving
in dangerous places.
Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off−road. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and espe−
cially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
 Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in
sand, mud, water or snow.
After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that
there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped
on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the
vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody,
a breakdown or fire could occur.
 In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
 When driving off−road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.

175
2−5. Driving information
2
When driving
 Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:

Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 370)
 Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer ’s rec−
ommendation.
All trailer lights work to be legal.
Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
The trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer
is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper
tongue load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
 Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial
or local regulations. If they do not, in
stall rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
Breakin schedule
Toyota recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with
any new power train components (engine, transmission, differential,
wheel bearings, etc.) to tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of
driving.
 Maintenance
 If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner ’s Manual Supplement”.)
 Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approxi−
mately 600 miles (1000 km).

5
When trouble arises
327
5−1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the followin g symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
 Visible symptoms
 Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)

Flat−looking tires or uneven tire wear
Engine coolant temperature g auge needle continually points
higher than normal
 Voltmeter continually points higher or lower than normal.
Audible symptoms

Changes in exhaust sound

Excessive tire squeal when cornering
Strange noises related to the suspension system

Pinging or other noises related to the engine

Operational symptoms
Engine missing, stumbling or running rough

Appreciable loss of power

Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road

Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor