2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA transmission

193
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
Instrument panel light control
The brightness of the instrument panel lights can be adjusted.
Brighter
Darker
Vehicles with multi-information
display
With the dial turned fully up, the
intensity of the instrument panel
lights will not be reduced even
when the tail lights/headlights are
turned on.
NOTICE
■ To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
● The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is
in the red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place, and check the engine after it has cooled completely. ( P. 585)
■ While driving
●When the voltmeter indicates more than 19 V or less than 9 V, the battery
may be malfunctioning. Have your vehicle checked at your Toyota dealer.
● When the engine oil pressure gauge does not work properly, immediately
stop the engine and contact your Toyota dealer.
● When the automatic transmission fluid temperature gauge needle continu-
ally points higher than normal, immediately contact your Toyota dealer. (if
equipped)

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”.

265
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
●
Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway . Periodically check the rear to
prepare for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may
cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying occurs, firmly grip
the steering wheel, reduce speed immediately but gradually, and
steer straight ahead. Never increase speed. If you make no
extreme correction with the stee ring or brakes, your vehicle and
trailer will stabilize.
● Take care when passing other vehicles. Passing requires consider-
able distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of
your trailer, and be sure you hav e plenty of room before changing
lanes.
● In order to maintain engine braking efficiency when driving on a
long steep downgrade, do not use the transmission in D.
Transmission shift range position must be in 5 in the S mode (6-
speed models) or in 4 in the S mode (5-speed models).
● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may
overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when
driving up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, immedi ately turn off the air condition-
ing (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
(  P. 585)
● Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P. Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do
so only after performing the following:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in pl ace, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.

266 2-5. Driving information
Shift into P and turn off the engine.
● When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in P, start the engine. Be sure to keep
the brake pedal pressed.
Shift into D or R (if reversing).
Release the parking brake and brake pedal, and slowly pull or
back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.
■Service connector for towing br ake controller (with towing package)
■ Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height
Your vehicle is equipped with a service
connector for the trailer brake controller
as shown.
Access the service connector.
Remove the scuff plate.
Remove the clip (screw type)
and trim board.
Remove the connector cover.
No matter which class of tow hitch
applies, for a safe trailer hookup, the
trailer ball setup on must be the proper
height for the coupler on the trailer.

267
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■
Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 615)
● Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation.
● All trailer lights work to be legal.
● All lights work each time you connect them.
● The trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the t\
railer.
● The vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched.
Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper tongue
load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
● The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, instal l rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
● Depress TOW/HAUL button (if equipped)
■ Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components
(such as an engine, transmission, differential and wheel bearing), Toyota
recommends that you do not tow a trailer until it has been driven for over 500
miles (800 km).
After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can s\
tart
towing. However, drive the vehicle at a speed of less than 50 mph (80 km/h)
when towing a trailer for another 500 miles (800 km). In addition, avoid full
throttle acceleration.
Coupler
Trailer ball

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?