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AUTO LSD system
The AUTO LSD system aids traction by using the traction control
system to control engine performance and braking when one of the
rear wheels begins to spin.
The system can be used on 2WD models and in 2WD mode on 4WD
models.
The system should be used only wh en one of the rear wheels spin-
ning occurs in a ditch or rough surface.
The system is activated when driving at a speed under 62 mph (100
km/h).
The AUTO LSD system will be
activated with the following
two procedures.
● Press the VSC OFF switch
briefly.
At this time, the slip and AUTO
LSD indicators will come on.
●Stop the vehicle com-
pletely, and press the VSC
OFF switch for more than 3
seconds.
At this time, the slip, VSC OFF
and AUTO LSD indicators will
come on simultaneously.
To turn off the system, push
the switch again.
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220 2-4. Using other driving systems
When the AUTO LSD system is operatingIf the rear wheels spin, the slip
indicator flashes to indicate that
the AUTO LSD system has con-
trolled the spinning of the rear
wheels.
■If the engine is turned off and restarted
The AUTO LSD system and the indicators are automatically turned off.
■ If the brake system overheats
The system will cease operation and a buzzer will sound to alert the driver.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place. (There is no problem with continuing normal
driving.)
The system will be automatically restored after a short time.
CAUTION
■To avoid an accident
●Do not use the AUTO LSD system in conditions other than the above.
A much greater steering effort and more careful cornering control will be
required.
● Do not drive with the AUTO LSD system continuously turned on.
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222 2-4. Using other driving systems
To disable VSC or TRAC (2WD models and 2WD mode on 4WD models)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, VSC or TRAC may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn
the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
■ TRAC OFF mode
Press the VSC OFF switch
briefly.
The slip and AUTO LSD indica-
tors will come on.
The system is in TRAC off, AUTO
LSD on and VSC on mode.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.
■AUTO LSD mode
Stop the vehicle completely, and
press the VSC OFF switch for
more than 3 seconds, when the
system is in the TRAC OFF
mode.
The slip, VSC OFF and AUTO
LSD indicators will come on.
The system is in TRAC off, AUTO
LSD on and VSC off mode.
■VSC OFF mode
Stop the vehicle completely, and
press the VSC OFF switch for
more than 3 seconds, when the
system is in the AUTO LSD
mode.
The slip and VSC OFF indicators
will come on.
The system is all off mode.
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When driving
To disable VSC or A-TRAC (4H mode on 4WD models)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, VSC or A-TRAC may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn
the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
■ A-TRAC OFF mode
Press the VSC OFF switch
briefly.
The slip indicator will come on.
The system is in A-TRAC of
engine control off and VSC on
mode.
This mode can be used when the
transfer mode is 4H mode and
the center differential is unlocked.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.
■VSC OFF mode
Stop the vehicle completely, and
press the VSC OFF switch for
more than 3 seconds.
The slip and VSC OFF indicators
will come on.
The system is all off mode.
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224 2-4. Using other driving systems
To disable A-TRAC (4L mode on 4WD models)If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, A-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. Stop the vehicle completely, and
press the VSC OFF switch for
more than 3 seconds.
The slip indicator will come on.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.
■Automatic A-TRAC reactivat ion (A-TRAC OFF mode)
With A-TRAC OFF mode, slip indicator turn on. The A-TRAC system will turn
on when the vehicle speed increases.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, TRAC, A-TRAC, VSC and
brake assist system
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started and just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not
indicate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ If the brake system overheats
TRAC or A-TRAC will cease operation and a buzzer will sound to alert the
driver. Stop the vehicle in a safe place. (There is no problem with continuing
normal driving.)
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■Power steering system operation sound
When you turn the engine switch to ON after the battery has been discon-
nected and reconnected, a sound may be heard from the engine compart-
ment.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
CAUTION
Any of the following conditions may result in an accident which could cause
death or serious injury.
■ The ABS does not opera te effectively when
● The limits of the gripping performance have been exceeded.
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■ 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 or A-TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if TRAC or A-TRAC is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
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When driving
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 accumulat ed 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”.
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When driving
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
●Do not try to forcibly open a window, scrape an outside rear
view mirror surface or move a wiper or outside rear view mir-
ror that is frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to
melt the ice. Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it
from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of th e climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumu lated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow
that may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the
brakes.