
109
1
1-6. Theft deterrent system
Before driving
4RUNNER_U
Alarm
: If equipped
The system sounds the alarm and flashes the lights when forced
entry is detected.
■ Triggering of the alarm
The alarm is triggered in the fo llowing situations when the alarm
is set:
● A locked door is unlocked or opened in any way other than
using the entry function, wireless remote control or mechani-
cal key. (The doors will lock again automatically.)
● The hood is opened.
■ Setting the alarm system
Close the doors and hood,
and lock all the doors. The
system will be set automati-
cally after 30 seconds.
The indicator light changes
from being on to flashing when
the system is set.
■Deactivating or stopping the alarm
Do one of the following to deactivate or stop the alarms:
●Unlock the doors.
● Start the engine. (The alarm will be deactivated or stopped
after a few seconds.)
CTH16AS004

128 1-7. Safety information
4RUNNER_U
Deactivating the curtain shield airbags in a vehicle rollover
On/off (hold for a few seconds)
Vehicles without a smart key sys-
tem: The “RSCA OFF” indicator
turns on. (only when the engine
switch is in the “ON” position).
The roll sensing function for the
curtain shield airbags and seat
belt pretensioners will turn back
on automatically each time the
engine switch is turned to the
“ON” position.
Vehicles with a smart key system:
The “RSCA OFF” indicator comes
on. (only when the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch is in IGNI-
TION ON mode).
The roll sensing function for the
curtain shield airbags and seat
belt pretensioners will turn back
on automatically each time the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch is
turned to IGNITION ON mode.
CTH17AS084
■This switch only should be used
In a situation where the inflation is not desired (such as during extreme off-
road driving).
■ Operating conditions when the “RSC A OFF” indicator is illuminated
● The curtain shield airbags and seat belt pretensioner will not activate in a
vehicle rollover.
● The curtain shield airbags will activate in a severe side impact.

When driving2
153
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2-1. Driving proceduresDriving the vehicle............ 154
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without a
smart key system).......... 164
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles with a smart
key system).................... 167
Automatic transmission .... 173
Turn signal lever .............. 179
Parking brake ................... 180
Horn ................................. 181
2-2. Instrument cluster Gauges and meters ......... 182
Indicators and warning lights .............................. 189
Accessory meter .............. 194
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Headlight switch ............... 198
Fog light switch ................ 204
Windshield wipers and washer ........................... 205
Rear window wiper and washer ........................... 207 2-4. Using other driving
systems
Cruise control ................... 209
Intuitive parking assist...... 213
Rear view monitor system ........................... 218
Four-wheel drive system (part-time 4WD
models) .......................... 223
Four-wheel drive system (full-time 4WD
models) .......................... 226
Active traction control system ........................... 230
AUTO LSD system........... 232
Rear differential lock system ........................... 235
Downhill assist control system ........................... 238
Crawl Control ................... 241
Multi-terrain Select ........... 245
Driving assist systems ..... 253
2-5. Driving information Off-road precautions ........ 262
Cargo and luggage .......... 267
Vehicle load limits ............ 273
Winter driving tips ............ 275
Trailer towing ................... 280
Dinghy towing .................. 293

154
4RUNNER_U
2-1. Driving procedures
Driving the vehicle
The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe driv-
ing:
■ Starting the engine
P. 164, 167
■ Driving
With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to D.
( P. 173)
Release the parking brake. ( P. 180)
Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the
accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
■ Stopping
With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.
If necessary, set the parking brake.
If the vehicle is to be stopped for an extended period of time, shift
the shift lever to P or N. ( P. 173)
■Parking the vehicle
With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.
Set the parking brake. ( P. 180)
Shift the shift lever to P. ( P. 173)
If parking on a hill, block the wheels as needed.
Vehicles without a smart key system:
Turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position to stop the
engine.
Vehicles with a smart key system:
Press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to stop the
engine.
Lock the door, making sure that you have the key on your
person.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5

156 2-1. Driving procedures
4RUNNER_U
■Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel. ( P. 615)
CAUTION
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the engine run-
ning. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■ When driving the vehicle
● Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accel-
erator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake
pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident
that could result in death or serious injury.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a diffi-
culty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle only slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and acceler-
ator pedals properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, result-
ing in an accident.
● Do not drive the vehicle over or st op the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot
parts may cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
● Do not let the vehicle roll backward while the shift lever is in a driving posi-
tion, or roll forward while the shift lever is in R.
Doing so may cause the engine to stall or lead to poor brake and steering
performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.
● If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and
check that the back door is closed. Large amounts of exhaust in the vehi-
cle can cause driver drowsiness and an accident, resulting in death or a
serious health hazard. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

157
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
CAUTION
●
Do not under any circumstances shift the shift lever to P while the vehicle
is moving.
Doing so can cause significant damage to the driveline and may result in a
loss of vehicle control.
● Do not under any circumstances shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle
is moving forward.
Doing so can cause significant damage to the driveline and may result in a
loss of vehicle control.
● Do not shift the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so may cause insufficient engine braking, resulting in an accident.
● Do not turn the engine off while driving.
The power steering and brake actuator will not operate properly if the
engine is not running.
● Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving
down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. ( P. 175)
● Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents,
resulting in death or serious injury.
● Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body
are not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-
speed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire
failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer
to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability
tires or not before driving at such speeds.

158 2-1. Driving procedures
4RUNNER_U
CAUTION
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
● Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
● Sudden changes in engine speed, such as engine braking caused by up-
shifting or down-shifting, may cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an
accident.
● After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make
sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent
the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in
an accident.
■ When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
Shifting the shift lever to a gear other than P or N may lead to unexpected
rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an accident and result in
death or serious injury.
■ If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indica-
tors)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon
as possible.
Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads
and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded.

159
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
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CAUTION
■
When the vehicle is stopped
● Do not race the engine.
If the vehicle is in any gear other than P or N, the vehicle may accelerate
suddenly and unexpectedly, causing an accident.
● Do not leave the vehicle with the engine running for a long time.
If such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space
and check that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.
● In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep
depressing the brake pedal while the engine is running, and apply the
parking brake as necessary.
● If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused
by the vehicle rolling forward or ba ckward, always depress the brake pedal
and securely apply the parking brake as needed.
● Avoid revving or racing the engine.
Running the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped may cause
the exhaust system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible
material is nearby.
■ When the vehicle is parked
● Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft drink cans in
the vehicle when it is in the sun.
Doing so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a
fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and plastic material of glasses to deform or crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehi-
cle's electrical components.
● Do not leave cigarette lighters in the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a
place such as the glove box or on the floor, it may be lit accidentally when
luggage is loaded or the seat is adjusted, causing a fire.
● Do not attach adhesive discs to the windshield or windows. Do not place
containers such as air fresheners on the instrument panel or dashboard.
Adhesive discs or containers may act as lenses, causing a fire in the vehi-
cle.