Page 235 of 636

235 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
Remove any ice that has accumulated on the vehicle chassis.
Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow
that may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the
brakes.
When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suit-
able to road conditions.
When parking the vehicle (in the winter time or in the cold
latitudes)
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P (automatic trans-
mission) or 1 or R (manual transmission) without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it
from being released. If necessary, block the wheels to prevent
inadvertent sliding or creeping.
Page 247 of 636

247 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30C (85F) may result in the engine overheating. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the
road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 584)
When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle
and trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P
for automatic transmissions, and 1 or R for manual transmissions.
CAUTION
Follow all the precautions described in this section. Failure to do so could
cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
Trailer towing precautions
When towing, make sure that none of the weight limits are exceeded.
(P. 239)
Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while
descending steep or long down hill grades.
Operation of the brake pedal
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.
Page 544 of 636
544 5-1. Essential information
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Towing with a wheel-lift type truck
From the front
Vehicles with automatic trans-
mission: Use a towing dolly
under the rear wheels.
Vehicles with manual transmis-
sion: We recommend using a
towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
When not using a towing dolly,
release the parking brake and
shift the shift lever to N.
From the rear (Pre Runner)
Turn the engine switch to the
“ACC” position so that the steer-
ing wheel is unlocked.
From the rear (4WD models)
Use a towing dolly under the
front wheels.
Page 545 of 636
5
545 5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Using a flatbed truck
If 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.
Before emergency towing
Release the parking brake.
4WD models: Shift the front drive control lever to H2.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Turn the engine switch to the “ACC” (engine off) or “ON” (engine
running) position.
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.
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering
will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
Page 549 of 636

5
549
When trouble arises
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light tur ns on or a warning buzzer sounds
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle
may be dangerous.
The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake sys-
tem. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Brake system warning light
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system
This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is
fully released the system is operating normally.
• Low negative pressure in the vacuum tank
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights
comes on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then goes
off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the system.
However, if this continues to occur, have the vehicle inspected by
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional.
Page 557 of 636
5
557
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
When trouble arises
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
If you have a flat tire
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare tire provided.
Before jacking up the vehicle
Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.
Set the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to P (automatic transmission) or R (manual
transmission).
Stop the engine.
Turn on the emergency flashers. (P. 540)
Location of the spare tire
Location of the jack and tools
Single-cab models
The jack and tools are stored
behind the seat.
Page 577 of 636
5
577
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
When trouble arises
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
: If equipped
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake pedal,
there may be a problem with the shift lock system (a system to pre-
vent accidental operation of the shift lever). Have the vehicle
inspected by any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another
duly qualified and equipped professional immediately.
The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to
ensure that the shift lever can be shifted:
Set the parking brake.
Turn the engine switch to the “ACC” position.
Depress the brake pedal.
Press the shift lock override
button.
The shift lever can be shifted
while the button is pressed.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
Page 588 of 636

588
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
If the vehicle becomes stuck
CAUTION
When attempting to free a stuck vehicle
If you choose to push the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the sur-
rounding area is clear to avoid striking other vehicles, objects or people. The
vehicle may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes free.
Use extreme caution.
When shifting the shift lever
For vehicles with automatic transmission, be careful not to shift the shift
lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may
cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle
becomes stuck in mud, dirt or snow:
Stop the engine. Set the parking brake and shift the shift
lever to P (automatic transmission) or N (manual transmis-
sion).
Remove the mud, snow or sand from around the stuck tire.
Place wood, stones or some other material under the tires
to help provide traction.
Restart the engine.
Lock the rear differential.
(P. 216)
Shift the shift lever to the D or R position (automatic trans-
mission) or 1 or R position (manual transmission) and care-
fully apply the accelerator to free the vehicle.
For vehicles with VSC system, turn off TRC and VSC if these
functions are hampering your attempts to free the vehicle.
(P. 221)
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6