2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER lock

184
2-4. Using other driving systems
Rear differential lock system (if equipped)
Using the rear differential lock systemBefore using the rear differential lock system.
Stop the vehicle, shift the shift lever to N and turn the four-
wheel drive control switch to the L4 position to see if this is
sufficient. If this has no effect, additionally use the rear differ-
ential lock system.
Be sure to stop the wheels.
Press the RR DIFF LOCK switch.
After the rear differential is locked, the rear differential lock indicator
will come on.
The rear differential lock system is provided for use only when wheel
spinning occurs in a ditch or on a slippery or rugged surface.
The rear differential lock system is effective in case one of the rear
wheels is spinning.
Press the RR DIFF LOCK
switch to lock the rear differen-
tial.
At this time, the rear differential
lock indicator will blink. Wait a
few seconds for the system to
complete operation. After the
rear differential is locked, the
indicator will stop blinking and
remain on.
To unlock the rear differential,
push the switch again.

185
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
Unlock the rear differential as soon as the vehicle moves out.
To unlock the rear differential, push the switch again.
■Locking the rear differential
●When the rear differential is locked, VSC is automatically turned off.
(The rear differential lock and VSC OFF indicators come on.)
● The following systems do not operate when the rear differential is locked.
It is normal operation for the ABS warning light, VSC OFF indicator and
slip indicator to be on at this time.
•ABS
• Brake assist system
•VSC
•TRAC
■ The rear differential lock is disengaged when
●Turn the four-wheel drive control switch to the H2 or H4 position.
Never forget to turn off the switch after using this feature.
■ After unlocking the rear differential
Check that the indicator goes off.
CAUTION
■To avoid an accident
●Do not use the rear differential lock system except when wheel spinning
occurs in a ditch or on a slippery or ragged surface. Large steering effort
and careful cornering control will be required.
● Do not lock the rear differential until the wheels have stopped spinning.
Otherwise, the vehicle may move in an unexpected direction when the dif-
ferential lock is engaged, resulting in an accident. This may also lead to
possible damage to rear differential lock component parts.
● Do not drive over 5 mph (8 km/h) when the rear differential is locked.
● Do not keep driving with the RR DIFF LOCK switch on.

188
2-4. Using other driving systems
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too h eavily when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■Brake Assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the rear wheels (2WD models and
H2 mode on Multi-mode 4WD models) or all wheels (4WD models
except on L4 mode) from spinning when starting the vehicle or acceler-
ating on slippery roads.
■A-TRAC (Active Traction Contro l) for L4 mode on 4WD mod-
els (vehicles with the A-TRAC switch except when the cen-
ter differential lock is locked)
Maintains drive power and prevents the all wheels from spinning when
starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■ Hill-start assist control (if equipped)
Helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on an
incline or slippery slope. It operates for approximately 5 seconds at
maximum.

194 2-4. Using other driving systems
To disable TRAC (four-wheel drive control switch is in H4 mode
and center differential lock is locked on 4WD models)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC may reduce
power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn the sys-
tem off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
■ VSC OFF mode
Stop the vehicle completely, and
press the VSC OFF switch for
more than 3 seconds.
The slip indicator will come on.
The system is in TRAC off mode.

202 2-5. Driving information
NOTICE
■To prevent the water damage
●Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the
engine or other components does not occur.
● Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
● Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ulti-
mately damage.
● Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and pre-
mature failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and
transfer case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■ When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check
the depth of the water and the bottom of the river bed for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
■ Inspection after off-road driving
●Sand and mud that has accumulate d in brake drums and around brake
discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system compo-
nents.
● Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driv-
ing that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

204 2-5. Driving information
Adjustment the position of cross railsTurn the knobs counterclockwise
to loosen the cross rails.
Slide the cross rails to the appro-
priate position for loading lug-
gage.
After adjusting, be sure to
tighten the cross rails by turning
knobs clockwise.

209
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■Roof luggage carrier precautions
To use the roof rails as a roof luggag
e carrier, you must fit the roof rails
with two or more genuine Toyota cross rails or their equivalent.
When you load cargo on the roof luggage carrier, observe the following:
●Before driving, make sure the cargo is securely fastened on the roof
luggage carrier.
●Loading cargo on the r oof luggage carrier will make the center of the
vehicle 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
and result in death or serious injury.
●If driving for a long distance, on rough roads, or at high speeds, stop
the vehicle now and then during the trip to make sure the cargo
remains in its place.
●Do not exceed 120 lb. (54 kg) cargo weight on the roof luggage carrier.
■ Cross rail adjustment
Make sure the cross rails are locked securely by pushing forward and rear-
ward them.
Failure to do so may cause an unexpected accident or severe injury in the
event of emergency braking or a collision.
●Place the cargo so that its weight is
distributed evenly between the front
and rear axles.
●If loading long or wide cargo never
exceed the vehicle overall length or
width.
( P. 470)

220 2-5. Driving information
Selecting trailer ballUse the correct trailer ball for your application. Trailer ball load rating
Matches or exceeds the gross
trailer weight rating of the trailer.
Ball diameter
Matches the size of the trailer
coupler. Most couplers are
stamped with the required trailer
ball size.
Shank length
Protrudes beyond the bottom of
the lock washer and nut at least 2
threads.
Shank diameter
Matches the ball mount hole
diameter size.
Trailer
classTypical trailer ball
size
IV2 5/16 in.
II and III2 in.
I1 7/8 in.