2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Owners Manual

When trouble arises5
425
5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ......... 426
If your vehicle needs to be towed ............................. 427
If you think something is wrong ............................. 432
Fuel pump shut off system ........................... 433
Event data recorder ......... 434
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... ........................ 436
If you have a flat tire......... 445
If the engine will not start ................................ 456
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P................. 457
If you lose your keys ........ 458
If the vehicle battery is discharged ..................... 459
If your vehicle overheats ....................... 463
If the vehicle becomes stuck .............................. 466

426
5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the emergency flashers on longer than necessary when the
engine is not running.
Use the emergency flashers if th e vehicle malfunctions or is
involved in an accident.
Press the switch to flash all
the turn signal lights. To turn
them off, press the switch
once again.

5
When trouble arises
427
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The engine is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet. This should only attempted on hard, surfaced roads for
short distances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
Towing eyelet
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
The wheels and axle on the groun d must be in good condition.
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

428 5-1. Essential information
■Emergency towin g procedure
The engine switch must be in the ACC (engine off) or the ON
(engine running) position.
4WD models:
On multi-mode 4WD models, put the four-wheel drive control switch
in H2.
On full-time 4WD models, unlock the center differential.
Put the shift lever in N.
Release the parking brake.
CAUTION
■ Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelet and the cables or chains.
● If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering
will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
■ Emergency towing eyelet precautions
● Before emergency towing, check that the eyelet is not broken or damaged.
● Fasten the towing cable or chain securely to the eyelet.
● Do not jerk the eyelet. Apply steady and even force.
● To avoid damaging the eyelet, do not pull from the side or at a vertical
angle. Always pull straight ahead.

5
When trouble arises
429
5-1. Essential information
Towing with a sling-type truck
Towing with a wheel lift-type truck from the front
Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
NOTICE
■To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious da mage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle wheels on the ground.

430 5-1. Essential information
Towing with a wheel lift-type truck from the rear2WD models Turn the engine switch to the
ACC position.
4WD models Full-time 4WD models: Use a
towing dolly under the front
wheels.
Multi-mode 4WD models: When
not using a towing dolly, turn the
engine switch to the ACC posi-
tion, shift the shift lever to N and
put the four-wheel drive control
switch in H2.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission (4WD models)
Never tow this vehicle wheels on the ground.
■ To prevent damaging the vehicle
●Do not tow the vehicle with the key removed or in the LOCK position.
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheel
straight.
● When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.

5
When trouble arises
431
5-1. Essential information
Using a flat bed truck
If your Toyota is transported by a
flat bed truck, it should be tied
down at the locations shown in
the illustration.
If you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45.
Do not overly tighten the tie
downs or the vehicle may be
damaged.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Front

432
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
■ 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