2008 TOYOTA SEQUOIA suspension

207
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension System) (if equipped)
■Driving mode
●Sport mode is suitable for winding mountain road driving, high speed
driving or towing a trailer.
● Normal mode is suitable for ordinary driving.
Adaptive variable suspension system controls the suspension
according to the road and driving conditions. Selecting an optimum
driving mode allows good vehicle posture and steering wheel opera-
tion.
Sport mode
For winding mountain road
driving or high speed driving.
Normal mode
For ordinary driving.
Comfort mode
For driving on a bumpy road.

218 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■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 pothol es 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.

220 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Off-road 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 crosswinds. 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.

222 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Off-road 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.

243
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. 553)
● Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation.
● All trailer lights work to be legal.
● All lights work each time you connect them.
● The trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the t\
railer.
● The 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.
● The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, instal l rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
● Depress TOW/HAUL button (if equipped)
■ When connecting and disconnecting a trailer
Set the electronically modulated air suspension system to MAN., or turn off
the engine, when the system is in N mode. (if equipped)
■ AVS (adaptive variable suspension system) (if equipped)
The suspension can be switched for improvement in driveability. ( P. 207)
■ Break-in 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.
● Drive the vehicle at a speed of less than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing a
trailer for another 500 miles (800 km/h).
● Avoid full throttle acceleration.
■ 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”.)

5
When trouble arises
501
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following 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 cond itioning 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
● Automatic transmission fluid temperature gauge needle con-
tinually points higher than normal (if equipped)
■ 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

582
Abbreviation list
Abbreviation/Acronym list
ABBREVIATIONSMEANING
2WDTwo Wheel Drive
4WD Four Wheel Drive ABS Anti-Lock Brake System
ACC Accessory
AI-SHIFT Artificial Intelligence shifting ALR Automatic Locking Retractor
A-TRAC Active Traction Control
AUTO LSD Automatic Limited Slip Differential AVS Adaptive Variable Suspension System
CRS Child Restraint System
ECU Electronic Control Unit
EDR Event Data Recorder ELR Emergency Locking Retractor
GAWR Gross Axle Weight Rating
GCWR Gross Combination Weight Rating GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
I/M Emission inspection and maintenance
INT Intermittent
INFO Information
LED Light Emitting Diode LT Light truck
M + S Mud + Snow
MMT Methylcy clopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl
MTBE Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether OBD On Board Diagnostics
PWR Power RES Resume

584
Alphabetical index
Alphabetical index
A/C ..................................... 250, 258
ABS ........................................... 214
Adaptive variable suspension system .................................... 207
Air conditioning filter............... 467
Air conditioning system Air conditioning filter .............. 467
Front air conditioning
system ................................ 250
Rear air conditioning
system ................................ 258
Airbags Airbag operating
conditions............................ 106
Airbag precautions for your child .................................... 110
Airbag warning light............... 506
Curtain shield airbag operating conditions............................ 106
Curtain shield airbag precautions ......................... 110
Front passenger occupant
classification system ........... 116
General airbag precautions ......................... 110
Locations of airbags .............. 103
Modification and disposal of airbags ................................ 114
Proper driving posture ........................ 101, 110
Side airbag operating
conditions............................ 106
Side airbag precautions ........ 110
SRS airbags .......................... 103
Alarm ...........................................98
Antenna..................................... 272
Anti-lock brake system............ 214
Armrest ..................................... 402
Ashtrays.................................... 390
Audio input ............................... 294
Audio system
A/V input adapter .................. 319
Antenna ................................. 272 Audio input ............................ 294
Audio visual input .................. 319
AUX adapter ......................... 294
CD player/changer ................ 275
DVD player............................ 305
MP3/WMA disc ..................... 283
Optimal use ........................... 292
Portable music player ........... 294
Radio..................................... 269
Rear seat entertainment
system ................................ 298
Steering wheel audio switch.................................. 296
Type ...................................... 266
Audio visual input.................... 319
AUTO LSD system ................... 212
Automatic light control system .................................... 176
Automatic
transmission .................. 148, 152
AUX adapter ............................. 294
Auxiliary box ........................... 382
A/V input adapter ..................... 319
AVS ........................................... 207
Back-up lights Replacing light bulbs ............. 483
Wattage................................. 554
Back door Back door ................................ 41
Wireless remote control .......... 33
Back window ........................... 87
Battery Checking ............................... 450
If the vehicle has discharged
battery................................. 532
Preparing and checking before
winter .................................. 229
Bluetooth
................................ 333
Bottle holder............................. 381
Brakes
Fluid ...................................... 446
Parking brake ........................ 156
A
B