Page 226 of 665
226
2-4. Using other driving systems
4RUNNER_U
Four-wheel drive system (full-time 4WD models)
Use the four-wheel drive control switch to select the following trans-
fer modes:
H4F (high speed position)
Normal driving on all types of roads.
H4L (high speed position, c enter differential locked)
For when your vehicle’s wheel gets stuck in a ditch or when you are
driving on a slippery or bumpy surface.
L4L (low speed position, center differential locked)
For driving requiring maximum power and traction such as climbing or
descending steep hills, off-road driving and hard pulling in sand or mud,
etc.
Center differential lock indicator
Low speed four-wheel drive indicator
CTH24AS016
Page 227 of 665
227
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
Shifting between H4F and H4L
Push the “UNLOCK” button and
turn the four-wheel drive control
switch to H4L or H4F.
This can be done at any speed.
The center differential lock indica-
tor will turn on (H4L) or go off
(H4F).
Shifting between H4L and L4L■ Shifting from H4L to L4L
Stop the vehicle completely.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Push the “UNLOCK” button and
then push and turn the four-
wheel drive control switch to
L4L.
Maintain this condition until the
low speed four-wheel drive indi-
cator turns on.
CTH24AS017
STEP 1
STEP 2
CTH24AS062
STEP 3
Page 228 of 665

228 2-4. Using other driving systems
4RUNNER_U■
Shifting from L4L to H4L
Stop the vehicle completely.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Push the “UNLOCK” button and
turn the four-wheel drive control
switch to H4L.
Maintain this condition until the
low speed four-wheel drive indi-
cator goes off.
STEP 1
STEP 2
CTH24AS051
STEP 3
■The four-wheel drive control switch can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■ When the four-wheel drive cont rol switch is turned to L4L
VSC and TRAC (TRC) are automatically turned off.
■ If the center differential lock indicator flashes
Locking or unlocking of the center differential is not complete. Drive straight
ahead while accelerating or decelerating, or drive in reverse.
■ If the center differential lock in dicator flashes and a buzzer sounds
Locking of the center differential is not complete. Stop the wheels from slip-
ping or spinning and, if the indicator still flashes, operate the four-wheel drive
control switch again.
■ If the low speed four-wheel drive indicator continues to flash
The transfer mode may not successfully change. Operate the four-wheel
drive control switch again.
Page 229 of 665

229
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
■If the low speed four-wheel drive indicator continues to flash and a
buzzer sounds
The shift lever is not in N and/or the vehicle is moving. Stop the vehicle com-
pletely, shift the shift lever to N and make sure that the indicator stops flash-
ing.
■ If the low speed four-wheel drive indicator or the center differential
lock indicator flashes rapidly
There may be a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
CAUTION
■ Operating the four-wheel drive control switch
Never operate the four-wheel drive control switch if the wheels have lost
traction. Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
Stop the wheels from slipping or spinning before operating the switch.
NOTICE
■ To prevent damage to the center differential
● For normal driving on dry and hard surface roads, unlock the center differ-
ential.
● Unlock the center differential after the wheels are out of the ditch or off the
slippery or bumpy surface.
● Do not lock or unlock the center differential when the vehicle is turning or
when its wheels are spinning freely off the ground.
Page 231 of 665

231
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
When the active traction control system is operating
If all wheels spin, the slip indica-
tor flashes to indicate that the
active traction control system
has been engaged.
CTH24AS047
■When the rear differential is locked (vehicles with a rear differential
lock system)
The active traction control system is activated only when vehicle speed is
less than 4 mph (6 km/h).
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the active traction control system
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred in the system.
● Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering. This may
occur when the system is operating.
■ If the brake system overheats
The system will cease operation and a buzzer will sound to alert the driver.
At this time, the “A-TRAC” indicator will go off and the “TRAC OFF (TRC
OFF)” indicator will come on. 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
■The active traction control system m ay not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the active traction control system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
Page 235 of 665
235
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
Rear differential lock system
The rear differential lock system is provided for use only when wheel
spinning occurs in a ditch or on a slippery or rugged surface.
The rear differential lock system is effective in case one of the rear
wheels is spinning.
Press the switch to lock the
rear differential.
At this time, the rear differential
lock indicator will flash. Wait a
few seconds for the system to
complete operation. After the
rear differential is locked, the
indicator will stop flashing and
remain on.
To unlock the rear differential,
press the switch again.
CTH24AS056
: If equipped
Page 236 of 665

236 2-4. Using other driving systems
4RUNNER_U
Using the rear differential lock systemBefore using the rear differential lock system:
Stop the vehicle, shift the shift lever to N and shift the front-
wheel drive control lever into L4 to see if this is sufficient. If
this has no effect, additionally use the rear differential lock
system.
Be sure the wheels have stopped spinning.
Press the rear differential lock switch.
Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
After the rear differential is locked, the indicator will come on.
Unlock the rear differential as soon as the vehicle moves.
To unlock the rear differential, press the switch again.
■ Locking the rear differential
The following systems do not operate when the rear differential is locked. It
is normal operation for the ABS warning light and VSC off indicator to be on
at this time.
•ABS
• Multi Terrain ABS
• Brake assist system
•VSC
• Hill-start assist control
■ The rear differential lock is disengaged when
The front-wheel drive control lever is shifted to H2 or H4.
Never forget to turn off the switch after using this feature.
■ After unlocking the rear differential
Check that the indicator goes off.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
Page 237 of 665
237
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
CAUTION
■To avoid an accident
● Do not use the rear differential lock system except when wheel spinning
occurs in a ditch or on a slippery or rugged surface. Large steering effort
and careful cornering control will be required.
● Do not lock the rear differential until the wheels have stopped spinning.
Otherwise, the vehicle may move in an unexpected direction when the dif-
ferential lock is engaged, resulting in an accident. This may also lead to
possible damage to rear differential lock component parts.
● Do not drive over 5 mph (8 km/h) when the rear differential is locked.
● Do not keep driving with the rear differential lock switch on.