2012 TOYOTA 4RUNNER engine

181
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
Changing shift ranges in S mode
When the shift lever is in the S position, the shift lever can be oper-
ated as follows:
Non-Optitron type meter For upshifting
For downshifting
Optitron type meter For upshifting
For downshifting
The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to “4” according
to vehicle speed. However, the initial shift range may be set to “3” if
AI-SHIFT has operated while the shift lever was in the D position.
(  P. 182)
■ Shift ranges and their functions
●You can choose from 5 levels of engine braking force.
● A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking force than
a higher shift range, and the engine speed will also increase.
CTH21AS025
CTH21AS015

182 2-1. Driving procedures
4RUNNER_U
■S mode
When the shift range is “3” or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets
the shift range to “5”.
■ AI-SHIFT
AI-SHIFT automatically selects the optimal gear according to driver perfor-
mance and driving conditions.
AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position.
(Shifting the shift lever to the S position cancels the function.)
The engine speed may remain high after releasing the accelerator pedal.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ When driving with the cruise control system
Engine braking will not occur in S mode, even when downshifting to “4”.
(P. 217)
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
 P. 618
■ If the “S” indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever
to S
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same manner as when
the shift lever is in D.)
■ Downshift restriction warning buzzer (S mode)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be
possible even when the shift lever is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
CAUTION
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.

183
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
Tur n signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
Vehicles without a smart key system: The engine switch is in the “ON” posi-
tion.
Vehicles with a smart key system: The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in
IGNITION ON mode.
■ If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
The turn signal lever can be used to show the following intentions
of the driver:
Right turn
Left turn
Lane change to the right
(push and hold the lever
partway)
The right hand signals will
flash until you release the
lever.
Lane change to the left
(push and hold the lever
partway)
The left hand signals will flash
until you release the lever.
CTH21AS028

187
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed
Display change button

P. 188
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank
Eco Driving Indicator Zone Display
P. 189
Odometer, trip meter and average fuel consumption display
P. 188
Shift position and shift range indicators
P. 179
Vo l t m e t e r
Displays the charge state

192 2-2. Instrument cluster
4RUNNER_U
■The meters and display illuminate when (Optitron type meter)
Vehicles without a smart key system:
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with a smart key system:
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■ Eco Driving Indicator Light will not operate in the following conditions
● The shift lever is anything other than D.
● The vehicle speed is approximately 80 mph (130 km/h) or higher.
■ When the average fuel consumption is reset
The average fuel consumption displayed on the accessory meter and “Past
Record” screen of the Display Audio system (if equipped) or the navigation
system (if equipped) will be reset at the same time.
■ The brightness of the instrument panel lights (Optitron type meter)
When the headlight switch is turned to on, the brightness will be reduced
slightly unless the control dial is turned fully upward.
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. 627)
■ While driving (Optitron type meter)
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.

196 2-2. Instrument cluster
4RUNNER_U
*1: These lights turn on when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch isturned to IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system) or
the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without a
smart key system) to indicate that a system check is being per-
formed. They will turn off after the engine is started, or after a few
seconds. There may be a malfunction in a system if a light does not
come on, or if the lights do not turn off. Have the vehicle inspected
by your Toyota dealer.
*2: The light flashes to indicate that the system is operating.
(if equipped)
Crawl Control indicator
(P. 254) Security indicator
(P. 11 3 , 11 6 )
Eco Driving Indicator
Light ( P. 189)
(if equipped)
Intuitive parking assist
indicator ( P. 221)
SRS airbag on-off indi-
cator (P. 136)
(if equipped)
Automatic running
boards indicator
(P. 59)
*1
*1
*1*1, 2

197
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
■
Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in any of the
vehicle’s systems. ( P. 587)
*1: These lights turn on when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is
turned to IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system) or
the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without a
smart key system) to indicate that a system check is being per-
formed. They will turn off after the engine is started, or after a few
seconds. There may be a malfunction in a system if a light does not
come on, or if the lights do not turn off. Have the vehicle inspected
by your Toyota dealer.
*2: The light flashes to indicate a malfunction.
*3: The light flashes rapidly to indicate a malfunction.
*4: The light flashes continuously to indicate a malfunction.
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)
(Canada)(if equipped)(if equipped)(if equipped)(if equipped)(if equipped)
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(if equipped)
(if equipped)(if equipped)(if equipped)
*1*1*1*1*1*1*1*1
*1*2*1*3*3*3*3*4
*1*1*1
*1*1*1*1, 2

198 2-2. Instrument cluster
4RUNNER_U
CAUTION
■If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as the ABS or SRS warning light not come
on when you start the engine, this could mean that these systems are not
available to help protect you in an accident, which could result in death or
serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately
if this occurs.