Page 121 of 636

121 1-7. Safety information
1
Before driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
CAUTION
SRS airbag precautions
Vehicles with SRS side and curtain shield airbags: Do not hang coat hang-
ers or other hard objects on the coat hooks. All of these items could
become projectiles and may cause death or serious injury, should the SRS
curtain shield airbags deploy.
Vehicles with SRS side and curtain shield airbags: Do not use seat acces-
sories which cover the parts where the SRS side airbags inflate as they
may interfere with inflation of the SRS airbags. Such accessories may pre-
vent the side airbags from activating correctly, disable the system or cause
the side airbags to inflate accidentally, resulting in death or serious injury.
Do not attach anything to or lean any-
thing against areas such as the dash-
board or steering wheel pad.
These items can become projectiles
when the SRS driver and front passen-
ger airbags deploy.
Vehicles with SRS side and curtain
shield airbags: Do not attach anything
to areas such as a door, windshield
glass, side door glass, front or rear pil-
lar, roof side rail and assist grip.
Page 122 of 636

122 1-7. Safety information
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
CAUTION
SRS airbag precautions
Do not strike or apply significant levels of force to the area of the SRS air-
bag components.
Doing so can cause the SRS airbags to malfunction.
Do not touch any of the component parts immediately after the SRS air-
bags have deployed (inflated) as they may be hot.
If breathing becomes difficult after the SRS airbags have deployed, open a
door or window to allow fresh air in, or leave the vehicle if it is safe to do
so. Wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent skin irritation.
If the areas where the SRS airbags are stored, such as the steering wheel
pad and front and rear pillar garnishes, are damaged or cracked, have
them replaced by any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional.
Modification and disposal of SRS airbag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or perform any of the following modifications
without consulting any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional. The SRS airbags may malfunction or
deploy (inflate) accidentally, causing death or serious injury.
Installation, removal, disassembly and repair of the SRS airbags
Repairs, modifications, removal or replacement of the steering wheel,
instrument panel, dashboard, seats or seat upholstery, front, side and rear
pillars or roof side rails
Repairs or modifications of the front fender, front bumper, or side of the
occupant compartment
Installation of snow plows, winches, etc. to the front grille (bull bars or kan-
garoo bar etc.)
Modifications to the vehicle’s suspension system
Installation of electronic devices such as RF-transmitter and CD players
Page 153 of 636

153 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
CAUTION
During normal driving, do not turn off the engine. Turning the engine off
while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the
power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to
steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it
is safe to do so.
However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible
to stop the vehicle in the normal way: P. 590
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. 167)
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.
On vehicles with manual transmission, do not operate the clutch halfway
for a long period of time unless it is necessary. Doing so could not only
speed up clutch wear, but could also damage the clutch or even cause a
fatal accident such as vehicle fire.
Page 160 of 636

160 2-1. Driving procedures
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
NOTICE
When parking the vehicle
On vehicles with automatic transmission, always shift the shift lever to P.
Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle may acceler-
ate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed.
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for
an extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering pump.
When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
Make sure to idle the engine immediately after high-speed driving or hill
climbing. Stop the engine only after the turbocharger has cooled down.
Failure to do so may cause damage to the turbocharger.
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire. (P. 557)
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163 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Changing the engine switch positions
“LOCK”
The steering wheel is locked
and the key can be removed.
(Vehicles with automatic trans-
mission: The key can be
removed only when the shift
lever is in P.)
“ACC”
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
“ON”
All electrical components can
be used.
“START”
For starting the engine.
Page 164 of 636
164 2-1. Driving procedures
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”
Shift the shift lever to P (automatic transmission) or N (manual
transmission). (P. 166, 170)
If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 103)
When the steering lock cannot be released
Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the engine switch is in
the “LOCK” or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key.
STEP1
Push in the key and turn to the “LOCK”
position.STEP2
When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK”
position. To free it, turn the key while turn-
ing the steering wheel slightly left and
right.
Page 175 of 636
175
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Horn
After adjusting the steering wheel
Make sure that the steering wheel is securely locked.
The horn may not sound if the steering wheel is not securely locked.
(P. 86)
To sound the horn, press on or
close to the mark.
Page 218 of 636
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.