2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER check engine

5
When trouble arises
437
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The following warnings indicate the possibility of damage to the vehi-
cle that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.
*: The light may come on when the oil level is extremely low. It is not designed to indicate low oil level, and the oil level must be checked using the engine
oil level dipstick.
Have the vehicle inspected immediately.
Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to
the system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning light Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging sys-
tem.
Low engine oil pressure warning light Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low*.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Malfunction indicator lamp Indicates a malfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system;
• The electronic automatic transmission control sys-tem; or
• The emission control system.
SRS warning light Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system.

440 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
*1: Driver’s seat belt reminder:The driver’s seat belt reminder sounds to alert the driver that his or her seat
belt is not fastened. Once the engine switch is turned to the ON or START
position, the buzzer sounds for about 4 to 8 seconds. If the vehicle has
reached a speed of at least 12 mph (20 km/h), the buzzer sounds for about
10 seconds. Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will sound in
a different tone for about 20 seconds.
*2: Front passenger’s seat belt reminder:
The front passenger’s seat belt reminder sounds to alert the front passenger
that his or her seat belt is not fastened. The buzzer sounds for about 10 sec-
onds after the vehicle has reached a speed of at least 12 mph (20 km/h).
Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will sound in a different
tone for about 20 seconds. (U.S.A.)
Engine oil replacement
reminder light
• Illuminates for about 3
seconds and then flashes
for about 12 seconds: Indi-
cates that the engine oil is
scheduled to be changed. Check the engine oil,
and change if neces-
sary.
• Comes on and remains: Indicates that the engine
oil should be changed. Check and change the
engine oil.
(if equipped) Low washer fluid warn-
ing light
Low level of washer fluid. Fill the tank.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure

5
When trouble arises
441
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■
Key reminder buzzer
The buzzer indicates that the key has not been removed (with the engine
switch in the ACC or LOCK position and the driver’s door opened).
■ If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
First check the following:
● Is your vehicle low on gas?
If it is, refuel the vehicle immediately.
● Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after taking several driving trips.
If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.
■ Front passenger detection sensor and passenger seat belt reminder
If luggage or other load is placed on the front passenger seat, depending on
its weight, the reminder light to flash and buzzer to sound.
■
When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level.
■The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes such
as natural air leaks or tire inflation pressure changes caused by temper-
ature. In this case, adjusting the ti re inflation pressure will turn off the
warning light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with a spare tire
The spare tire is also equipped with the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter. The tire pressure warning li ght will turn on if the tire inflation
pressure of the spare tire is low. If a tire goes flat, even though the flat
tire is replaced with the spare tire, the tire pressure warning light does
not turn off. Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire and adjust the
proper tire inflation pressure. The ti re pressure warning light will turn off
after a few minutes.

442 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■If the tire pressure warning system is inoperative
The tire pressure warning system will be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters are used.
●If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is
not registered in the tire pressure warning computer.
●If the tire inflation pressure is 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm2 or bar) or
higher.
The tire pressure warning system may be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●
If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies
are nearby.
●If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle.
●If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
●If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular around the
wheels or wheel housings.
●If non-genuine Toyota wheels are used. (Even if you use Toyota
wheels, the tire pressu re warning system may not work properly with
some types of tires.)
●If tire chains are used.
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1
minute frequently
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute fre-
quently when the engine switch is turned to the ON position, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer.
■After changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
Make sure to reset the oil maintenance data. ( P. 378)
■Customization that can be configured at Toyota dealer
The vehicle speed linked seat belt reminder buzzer can be disabled.
(Customizable features P. 495)

454 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
■Using the jack
Improper use of the jack may lead to death or serious injuries due to the
vehicle suddenly falling off the jack.
●Do not use the jack for any purpose ot her than replacing tires or install-
ing and removing tire chains.
●Only use the jack that comes with this vehicle for replacing a flat tire.
Do not use it on other vehicles, an d do not use other jacks for replac-
ing tires on this vehicle.
●Always check that the jack is securely set to the jack point.
●Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle supported by a jack.
●Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is supported by the
jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in it.
●When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle to a hei ght greater than that required to
replace the tire.
●Use a jack stand if it is necessary to get under the vehicle.
Take particular care when lowering the vehicle to ensure that no one
working on or near the vehicle will be injured.
■Using the jack handle
Tighten all the square head bolts securely to prevent the extension parts
from coming apart unexpectedly.
■Replacing a flat tire
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious
injury.
●Lower the spare tire completely to the ground before removing it from
under the vehicle.
●Do not try to remove the wheel ornament by hand. Take due care in
handling the ornament to avoid unexpected personal injury.

460 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■Starting the engine when the battery is discharged
The engine cannot be started by push-starting.
■ Avoiding a discharged battery
●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the engine is turned
off.
● Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is run-
ning at a low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic, etc.
■ When the battery is removed or discharged
The power windows, power back window, back door and moon roof must be
initialized. ( P. 498)
Positive (+) battery terminal on your vehicle
Positive (+) battery terminal on the second vehicle
Negative (-) battery terminal on the second vehicle
Connect the jumper cable to ground on your vehicle as shown in
the illustration.
Start the engine of the second vehicle. Increase the engine
speed slightly and maintain at that level for approximately 5
minutes to recharge the battery of your vehicle.
Maintain the engine speed of the second vehicle and start
the vehicle’s engine.
Once the vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper
cables in the exact reverse order in which they were con-
nected.
Once the engine starts, have the vehicle checked at your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.

5
When trouble arises
463
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats
If your engine overheats:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air condi-
tioning system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam: Stop the engine. Carefully lift the hood after the steam
subsides and then restart the engine.
If you do not see steam: Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating: Wait until the temperature of the engine (shown on the
instrument cluster) begins to fall and then stop the
engine.
If the fan is not operating: Stop the engine immediately and call your local Toyota
dealer.

464 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The engine has cooled down sufficiently.
The engine coolant temperature gauge indicates C.
Check the engine coolant level.
Look for obvious coolant leaks from the radiator, hoses and
under the vehicle.
Note that water draining from the air conditioning is normal if it has
been used.
Add engine coolant if required.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if engine coolant is
unavailable. ( P. 475)
Have the vehicle checked at your nearest Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.