2008 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER towing

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24. Using other driving
systems ........................... 136
Cruise control ...................... 136
Intuitive parking assist......... 139
Four−wheel drive system
(4WD models with a manual
transmission) .................... 144
Four−wheel drive system
(4WD models with an
automatic transmission) .... 146
Active traction control
system .............................. 148
AUTO LSD system (2WD
models) ............................. 150
Rear differential lock
system .............................. 152
Clutch start cancel switch
(vehicles with a manual
transmission) .................... 155
Driving assist systems ........ 156
25. Driving information ........... 160
Off−road precautions ........... 160
Cargo and luggage ............. 165
Vehicle load limits ............... 168
Winter driving tips ............... 169
Trailer towing ...................... 172
Dinghy towing ..................... 182
31. Using the air conditioning
system and defogger...... 184
Air conditioning system ....... 184
Rear window defogger ........ 19032. Using the audio system ... 191
Audio system types ............ 191
Using the radio ................... 194
Using the CD player ........... 200
Playing back MP3 and
WMA discs ....................... 208
Optimal use of the audio
system .............................. 217
Operating the sub woofer ... 220
Changing display color
(type B only) ..................... 221
Using the AUX adapter....... 222
Using the steering wheel
audio switches.................. 224
33. Using the interior lights ... 226
Interior lights list ................. 226
 Interior lights.................... 227
34. Using the storage
features ........................... 228
List of storage features ....... 228
Glove box ......................... 228
Cup holders (front) ........... 229
Cup holders (rear) ............ 232
Bottle holders ................... 233
Auxiliary box ..................... 234
35. Other interior features ..... 235
Sun visors........................... 235
Vanity mirror ....................... 236
Clock .................................. 237
Outside temperature
display .............................. 238
Power outlet (12V DC) ....... 239
Power outlet
(if 115V AC equipped) ...... 240
Armrest ............................... 246
3Interior features

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

166 2−5. Driving information
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo
and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
Example on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are
riding in your vehicle, which has a
total load capacity of 1190 lb. (540
kg), the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be
as follows:
1190 lb. 366 lb. = 824 lb. (540 kg 166 kg = 374 kg)
In this condition, if 3 more pa ssengers with the combined weight of
388 lb. (176 kg) get on, the available cargo and luggage load will be
reduced as follows:
824 lb. 388 lb. = 436 lb. (374 kg 176 kg = 198 kg)
As shown in the above example, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage load equaling the combined weight
of the occupants who got on later,
by an amount. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants causes an excess of the total
load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus cargo and luggage
load), you must reduce the ca
rgo and luggage on your vehicle.

168
2−5. Driving information
Vehicle load limits
Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label.(
P. 292)
CAUTION
Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the ti
res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
 Total load capacity: 1190 lb. (540 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants,
cargo and luggage.
 Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the ma ximum number of occupants
whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants are within the seating capacity,
do not exceed the total load capacity.

Towing capacity: 5000 lb. (2265 kg)
Towing capacity means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer
weight plus its cargo weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.

Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants.

172
2−5. Driving information
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primar ily as a passengercarrying vehicle,
thus towing a trailer will have an ad
verse effect on handling, perfor
mance, braking, durability, and fu el consumption. For your safety
and the safety of others, do not overload the vehicle or trailer.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
 Weight limits
Confirm the total trailer weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.
 Gross vehicle weight
The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) indicated on the Certification Label. The
gross vehicle weight is the sum
weight of the unloaded vehicle,
driver, passengers, luggage, hitch and trailer tongue load. Also
included is the weight of any sp
ecial equipment installed on your
vehicle.

Gross axle weight
The load on either the front or
rear axle resulting from distribu−
tion of the gross vehicle weight on both axles must not exceed
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Certification
Label.
Certification label

173
2−5. Driving information
2
When driving
Towing a trailer
Consult your Toyota dealer for further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kits, etc.
Hitch and tow hitch receiver
 Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities estab−
lished by the hitch manufacturer
. Even though the vehicle may be
rated for towing a higher weight, the operator must never exceed
the maximum weight rating specified for the trailer hitch.  Trailer tongue load
The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue
load is 9 to 11% of the total trailer weight, not exceeding the
maximum 500 lb. (227 kg) (Tongue load / Total trailer weight
100 = 9 to 11%)
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weighing stations, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yards, etc.
Total trailer weight
Tongue load

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).

176 2−5. Driving information
CAUTION
 To avoid accident or injury
 The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) must not
exceed 5000 lb. (2265 kg)
If a trailer and cargo weight over 2000 lb. (907 kg), use a sway control
device with sufficient capacity.
 The gross combined weight (sum of your vehicle weight plus its load and
the total trailer weight) must not exceed the following.
2WD models
9200 lb. (4173 kg)
4WD models
9500 lb. (4309 kg)
Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight,
gross axle weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
 Never load more weight in the back than in the front of the trailer. About
60% of the load should be in the front half of the trailer, and the remaining
40% in the rear.
 The tow hitch receiver installed on your vehicle must never be used on
another vehicle.
Hitches
If you wish to install a trailer hitch, your Toyota dealer should be consulted.
Use only a hitch that conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.

Remove the trailer hitch whenever y ou are not towing a trailer to reduce
the possibility of additional damage caused by the hitch if your vehicle is
struck from behind.