2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA wheel

231
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
When VSC/TRAC/A-TRAC are operating
Vehicles with multi-information display If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, or if the rear wheels (2WD
models and 2WD mode on 4WD
models) or all wheels (4WD
mode on 4WD models) spin, the
slip indicator flashes to indicate
that VSC/TRAC/A-TRAC have
been engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.
Vehicles without multi-information displayIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, or if the rear wheels (2WD
models and 2WD mode on 4WD
models) or all wheels (4WD
mode on 4WD models) spin, the
slip indicator flashes to indicate
that VSC/TRAC/A-TRAC have
been engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.

232 2-4. Using other driving systems
To disable VSC and/or TRAC (2WD models and 2WD mode on 4WD models)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, VSC and 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.

233
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
To disable VSC and A-TRAC (4WD mode on 4WD models)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, VSC may reduce
power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn VSC and
A-TRAC 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 and VSC OFF indicators
will come on.
The system is all off mode.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC, A-TRAC and VSC
Turning the engine switch off after turning off the TRAC, A-TRAC and VSC
systems will automatically re-enable them.
■ 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.)

234 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
Any of the following conditions may result in an accident which could cause
death or serious injury.
■The ABS does not operate 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.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the appro-
priate tire pressure level.
The ABS and VSC will not function correctly if different tires are fitted on the
vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.

239
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of serious per-
sonal injury or damage to your vehicle:
●Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving
in dangerous places.
● Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and espe-
cially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
● Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in
sand, mud, water or snow.
● After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that
there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped
on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the
vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody,
a breakdown or fire could occur.
● In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
● When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.

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”.

246
2-5. Driving information
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.

248 2-5. Driving information
Regulations on the use of snow chains● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regu lations before install-
ing chains.
● Install the chains on the rear tires.
● Retighten the chains after drivi ng 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
■Snow chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains.
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
● Install tire chains on the rear tires only. Do not install tire chains on the
front tires.
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying
instructions.
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
●Use tires of the size specified for your vehicle.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h) regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
● Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
● 4WD models:
Do not mix tires of different makes, models, tread patterns or treadwear.