Page 201 of 592

201
2-4. Using other 
driving systems
2
When driving
L/C200_U
CAUTION
■While driving
Never move the four-wheel drive control switch if the wheels have lost trac-
tion. Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ If the low speed four-wheel drive in dicator light or the center differen-
tial lock indicator light blinks
If the shift lever is moved before the low speed four-wheel drive indicator
turns on/off, the transfer 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. ( P. 197)
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 push the center differential lock/unlock button when the vehicle is
turning or when its wheels are spinning freely off the ground. 
     
        
        Page 204 of 592

204 2-4. Using other driving systems
L/C200_U
■Function limitations
● In the following situations, brake control can be used to drive downhill at
a constant speed. However, engine control is not available when driving
uphill at a constant speed.
• When switched to second start mode
• When the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
● In the following situation, engine control and brake control will be tempo-
rarily canceled.
• When the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 15 mph (25 km/h).
■ 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.)
■ If the automatic transmission system overheats
The system will cease operation, a buzzer will sound and a warning mes-
sage will be displayed to alert the driver. Stop the vehicle in a safe place until
the warning message turns off.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused  by the Crawl 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 Crawl Control system.
● Either of the following conditions may occur when the Crawl Control sys-
tem is operating. None of these are indicators 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. 
     
        
        Page 217 of 592

217
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
L/C200_U
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”. 
     
        
        Page 238 of 592

238 2-5. Driving information
L/C200_U●
Note that when making a turn, th e trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making
a larger than normal turning radius.
● 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 v ehicles. Passing requires consider-
able distance. After passing a vehi cle, 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 overdrive. Transmission shift
range position must be in “4”, in “S” mode.
● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may
overheat on hot days (at temperatur es over 85°F [30°C] when driv-
ing up a long or steep grade. If  the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air condition-
ing (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
(  P. 537) 
     
        
        Page 239 of 592

239
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
L/C200_U
●
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.
Shift into “P” and turn off the engine.
● When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in the “P ” position, start the engine. Be
sure to keep the brake pedal pressed.
Shift into “3”, “2”, “1”, or “R” position (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.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4 
     
        
        Page 240 of 592

240 2-5. Driving information
L/C200_U
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
● The vehicle’s tires are properly inflated.
● Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recom-
mendation.
● All trailer lights work.
● 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, install rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any
new power train components (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bear-
ings, etc.) to tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
■ Maintenance
● If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner’s Manual Supplement”.)
● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball after approximately 600 miles
(1000 km) of trailer towing. 
     
        
        Page 421 of 592
421
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
L/C200_U
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal • Moves smoothly (without uneven 
pedal effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission “Park” 
mechanism • Can the vehicle be hold 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 • Pulls 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? 
     
        
        Page 425 of 592
425
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
L/C200_U
ItemsParts and tools
Power steering fluid  (
P. 438)
• Automatic transmission fluid 
DEXRON®II or III
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding  power steering fluid)
Radiator and condenser (P. 435)
Tire inflation pressure ( P. 452)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 442)
• Water
• Washer fluid containing antifreeze 
(for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding  washer fluid)