2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA automatic transmission

225
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■If the 4LO indicator light blinks
●If the 4LO indicator continues to blink when shifting between 4H and 4L,
stop the vehicle completely, move the shift lever to N and operate the
switch again.
● If the shift lever is moved before the 4LO indicator turns on/off, the trans-
fer mode may not be shifted completely. The transfer mode disengages
both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and allows the
vehicle to move regardless of the shift position. (At this time, the indicator
blinks and the buzzer sounds.)
Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic transmission is in
P. You or someone else could be seriously injured. You must complete the
shifting of the transfer mode.
To complete the shifting, stop the vehicle completely, return the shift lever
to N, and confirm that the shift was completed (The indicator turns on/off).
● If the engine coolant temperature is too low, the transfer mode may not
be able to be shifted. When the engine is warmer, operate the switch
again.
If the 4LO indicator light continues to blink even after attempting the above,
there may be a malfunction in the engine, the brake system or the four-
wheel drive system. In this case, you may not be able to shift between 4H
and 4L. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Shifting to 4L
VSC is automatically turned off.
■ Four-wheel drive usage frequency
You should drive in four-wheel drive for at least 10 miles (16 km) each
month.
This will assure that the front drive components are lubricated.

226 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■Caution while driving
Never operate the front-wheel drive control switch if the wheels are slipping.
Stop the slipping or spinning before shifting.
■ When the vehicle is parked
If the shift lever is moved before the 4LO indicator turns on/off, the transfer
mode may not be shifted completely. The transfer mode disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the power train and allows the vehicle to move
regardless of the shift position. (At this time, the indicator blinks and the
buzzer sounds.)
Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic transmission is in P.
You or someone else could be seriously injured. You must complete the
shifting of the transfer mode. (P. 225)

240 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”.

468 4-2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal • Moves smoothly (without uneven
pedal effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission “Park”
mechanism • Can the vehicle be held securely
on an incline with the shift lever in
P?
Brake pedal • Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clear-
ance and correct amount of free
play?
Brakes • Not pull to one side when
applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints • Move smoothly and lock
securely?
Indicators/buzzers • Function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly?
Parking brake • Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on
an incline?
Seat belts • Does the seat belt system oper-
ate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats • Do the seat controls operate
properly?
Steering wheel • Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?

472 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
ItemsParts and tools
Light bulbs ( P. 522)• Bulb with same number and watt-
age rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
Power steering fluid level (P. 488) • Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
® II or III
• Rag or paper towel
Radiator and condenser (P. 486) 
Tire inflation pressure (
P. 501) • Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(P. 492) • Water
• Washer fluid containing antifreeze
(for winter use)

488 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Power steering fluid■ Fluid level
The fluid level should be within the appropriate range.
Full (when cold)
Add fluid (when cold)
Full (when hot)
Add fluid (when hot)
Hot: Vehicle has been driven around 50 mph (80 km/h) for 20 minutes, or slightly longer in frigid temperatures. (Fluid
temperature, 140°F - 175°F [60°C - 80°C])
Cold: Engine has not been run for about 5 hours. (Room tem- perature, 50°F - 85°F [10°C - 30°C])
■ Checking the fluid level
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall and remove the reservoir cap again.
Check the fluid level.
Fluid type Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
Items Rag or paper towel
CAUTION
■Checking the fluid level
Take care, as the reservoir may be hot.

5
When trouble arises
541
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
(if equipped)
● Engine oil pressure gauge continually points lower than nor-
mal (if equipped)
● 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

546 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
*1: Vehicles without tachometer
*2: The light may come on when the oil level is extremely low. It is not designedto 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
*1Low engine oil pressure warning light
Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low*2.
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.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada) ABS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system.