2012 TOYOTA HILUX Owners Manual (in English)

217 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Using the rear differential lock system
Automatic transmission
4WD models only: Before using the rear differential lock sys-
tem, try shifting the front drive control lever into L4. If this is
not sufficient, use the rear differential lock system as well.
Be sure to stop the wheels.
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.
Manual transmission
4WD models only: Before using the rear differential lock sys-
tem, try shifting the front drive control lever into L4. If this is
not sufficient, use the rear differential lock system as well.
Be sure to stop the wheels.
Depress the clutch pedal.
Press the rear differential lock switch.
Slowly release the clutch pedal.
After the rear differential is locked, the indicator will come on.
Unlock the rear differential as soon as the vehicle moves.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

218 2-4. Using other driving systems
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
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, VSC OFF indicator (if
equipped) and slip indicator (if equipped) to be on at this time.
•ABS
• Brake assist (if equipped)
• VSC (if equipped)
• TRC (if equipped)
For easy unlocking
Slightly turn the steering wheel in either direction while the vehicle is in
motion.
Automatic unlocking feature (4WD models)
Shift the front drive control lever 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.

219 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
CAUTION
To avoid an accident
Failure to observe the following precautions may result in 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 8 km/h (5 mph) when the differential is locked.
Do not keep driving with the rear differential lock switch on.

220
2-4. Using other driving systems
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in response to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
Brake assist (if equipped)
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) (if equipped)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces
TRC (Traction Control) (if equipped)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
LSD (Limited Slip Differential) (if equipped)
Helps traction when one rear wheel begins to spin by automatically
transmitting driving force to the other rear wheel

221 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
When the VSC/TRC systems are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or if any of the drive wheels
spins, the slip indicator flashes to
indicate that the VSC/TRC sys-
tems are operating.
Disabling the TRC/VSC systems
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRC/VSC systems
may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to
turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
Turning off TRC system only
To turn the TRC system off,
quickly press and release the
button.
The slip indicator light will come
on.
Press the button again to turn the
system back on.

222 2-4. Using other driving systems
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)Turning off both TRC and VSC systems
To turn the TRC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the but-
ton for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped.
The slip indicator light and VSC
OFF indicator light will come on.
Press the button again to turn the
system back on.

223 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRC
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 any of these systems.
Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates 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.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
Reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems after turning off the engine
Turning off the engine after turning off the TRC/VSC systems will automati-
cally reactivate them.
Reactivation of the TRC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC system will turn on when
vehicle speed increases. However, when both TRC and VSC systems are
turned off, the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
If the VSC OFF indicator light blinks and the slip indicator light comes
on...
It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC and TRC. Consult any authorized
Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.

224 2-4. Using other driving systems
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
CAUTION
The ABS does not operate effectively when
Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn
tires on a snow covered road).
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations:
When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
When driving with tire chains
When driving over bumps in the road
When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes.
When the TRC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force,
do not turn the TRC/VSC systems off unless necessary.