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246 2-5. Driving information
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer collid-
ing with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approach-
ing turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid sudden
braking.
Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve
than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the
turns wider than you would normally do.
Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when mov-
ing alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement
occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly apply-
ing the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while brak-
ing.
Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before exe-
cuting lane changes.
Transmission information
To maintain engine braking efficiency when using engine braking,
do not use the transmission in D (automatic transmission) or in the
5th gear (manual transmission). (P. 166, 170)
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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 453 of 636

453 3-6. Other interior features
3
Interior features
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause the driver’s floor mat to slip, possibly interfering
with the pedals while driving. An unexpectedly high speed may result or it may
become difficult to stop the vehicle, leading to a serious accident.
When installing the driver’s floor mat
Do not use floor mats designed for other models or different model year
vehicles, even if they are Toyota Genuine floor mats.
Only use floor mats designed for the driver’s seat.
Always install the floor mat securely using the retaining hooks (clips) pro-
vided.
Do not use two or more floor mats on top of each other.
Do not place the floor mat bottom-side up or upside-down.
Before driving
Check that the floor mat is securely
fixed in the correct place with all the
provided retaining hooks (clips). Be
especially careful to perform this check
after cleaning the floor.
With the engine stopped and the shift
lever in P (automatic transmission) or N
(manual transmission), fully depress
each pedal to the floor to make sure it
does not interfere with the floor mat.
Page 541 of 636
5
541
5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towing
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional, before towing.
The engine is running but the vehicle will not move.
The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional, such as or a commercial towing service,
using a lift-type truck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
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546 5-1. Essential information
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
NOTICE
To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission and transfer
(4WD models) when towing using a wheel-lift type truck (vehicles with
automatic transmission)
Pre Runner: 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 (vehicles with manual transmission)
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.
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.
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.
Page 551 of 636
5
551 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
When trouble arises
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Warning lightWarning light/Details
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system
ABS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system (vehicles with VSC system)
(flashes)
and
VSC OFF and slip indicator lights (if equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in:
• Vehicle stability control; or
• Traction control
(flashes rapidly)
Four-wheel drive indicator light
Indicates a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system
(P. 211)
(flashes)
Cruise control indicator light (if equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the cruise control system
(P. 202)
Automatic transmission fluid temperature warning
light (if equipped)
Indicates that the automatic transmission fluid tempera-
ture is too high.
Timing belt replacement warning light
Indicates that the timing belt should be replaced
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554 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
*: Driver’s seat belt buzzer:
The driver’s seat belt buzzer sounds to alert the driver that his or her seat
belt is not fastened. The buzzer sounds intermittently for 30 seconds after
the vehicle reaches a speed of 15 km/h (9 mph). Then, if the seat belt is still
unfastened, the buzzer will sound in a different tone for 90 more seconds.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure
(for front
passenger)
Front passenger’s seat
belt reminder light
Warns the front passen-
ger to fasten his/her seat
belt
Fasten the seat belt.
Unengaged “Park” warn-
ing light (if equipped)
The transmission “Park”
mechanism is not
engaged.Shift front drive control lever
to “H2” or “H4” or “L4”.
Low engine oil level warn-
ing light
Indicates that engine oil
level is lowCheck the level of engine oil
and add more oil if neces-
sary.
(remains on)Engine oil change
reminder light
Indicates that the engine
oil should be changed
Comes on approximately
30000 km (18000 miles)
after the engine oil has
been changed (and the oil
maintenance date has
been reset)Have the engine oil and oil
filter checked and/or
changed by any authorized
Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and
equipped professional. After
changing the engine oil, the
oil change system should
be reset. (P. 484)
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.