2012 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Owners Manual

When trouble arises5
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4RUNNER_U
5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ......... 578
If your vehicle needs to be towed ........................ 579
If you think something is wrong ............................. 585
Fuel pump shut off system ........................... 586
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ........................... 587
If you have a flat tire......... 603
If the engine will not start ................................ 616
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P ............ 618
If you lose your keys ........ 619
If you cannot operate back door opener ........... 620
If the electronic key does not operate properly....... 621
If the vehicle battery is discharged ..................... 623
If your vehicle overheats ....................... 627
If the vehicle becomes stuck .............................. 630
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ..................... 631

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5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the emergency flashers on longer than necessary when the
engine is not running.
Use the emergency flashers if th e vehicle malfunctions or is
involved in an accident.
Press the switch to flash all
the turn signal lights. To turn
them off, press the switch
once again.
CTH51AS005

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5-1. Essential information
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If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The engine is running but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available in
an emergency, your vehicle may
be temporarily towed using a
cable or chain secured to the
emergency towing eyelet(s).
This should only be attempted
on hard surfaced roads for short
distances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to
steer and operate the brakes.
The vehicle’s wheels, drive train,
axles, steering and brakes must
be in good condition.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
CTH51AS010

580 5-1. Essential information
4RUNNER_UVehicles with a front spoiler only:
Before using the front emer-
gency towing eyelet(s), remove
the cover(s).
Removing the clips
Installing the clips
Towing with a sling-type truck Do not tow with a sling-type truck
to prevent body damage.
CTH51AS007
CTH51AS008

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5-1. Essential information
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Towing with a wheel lift-type truck
From the front Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
From the rear (2WD models) Vehicles without a smart key
system: Turn the engine switch
to the “ACC” position so that the
steering wheel is unlocked.
Vehicles with a smart key sys-
tem: Turn the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch to ACCESSORY
mode so that the steering wheel
is unlocked.
From the rear (4WD models) Full-time 4WD models: Use a
towing dolly under the front
wheels.
Part-time 4WD models: When
not using a towing dolly, turn the
engine switch to the “ACC” posi-
tion, shift the shift lever to N and
shift the front-wheel drive control
lever to H2.

582 5-1. Essential information
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Using a flatbed truckIf you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45.
Do not overly tighten the tie
downs or the vehicle may be
damaged.
CTH51AS011
■ Before emergency towing
Vehicles without a smart key system: Turn the engine switch to the
“ACC” (engine off) or “ON” position.
Vehicles with a smart key system: Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to ACCESSORY (engine off) or IGNITION ON mode
(engine running).
Part-time 4WD models: Shift the front-wheel drive control lever to
H2.
Full-time 4WD models: Put the four-wheel drive control switch in
H4F. (The center differential is unlocked.)
Shift the shift lever to N.
Release the parking brake.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4

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When trouble arises
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5-1. Essential information
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CAUTION
■
Caution while towing
● Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelets and the cables or chains. Always
be cautious of the surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
● Vehicles with a smart key system: Do not turn the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch off.
Doing so will lock the steering wheel and prevent operation, possibly caus-
ing an accident and resulting in death or serious injury.
● If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering
will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission and transfer
(4WD models) when towing using a wheel-lift type truck
2WD models: Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on
the ground.
4WD models: Never tow this vehicle with any of the wheels in contact with
the ground.
■ To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck
● 2WD models without a smart key system: Do not tow the vehicle from the
rear when the engine switch is in the “LOCK” position or the key is
removed. The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the
front wheels straight.
● 2WD models with a smart key system: Do not tow the vehicle from the rear
when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is off. The steering lock mecha-
nism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight.
● When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.

584 5-1. Essential information
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NOTICE
■To prevent body damage when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.
■ To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission and transfer
(4WD models) in emergency towing
Never tow a vehicle from the rear with four wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to the transmission and transfer.