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2-4. Using other driving systems
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Rear differential lock system
: If equipped
The rear differential lock system is provided for use only when wheel
spinning occurs in a ditch or on a slippery or ragged surface.
This differential lock system is effective in case one of the rear
wheels is spinning.
Press the rear differential lock
switch to lock the rear differen-
tial.
At this time, the rear differential
lock indicator will blink. Wait a
few seconds for the system to
complete operation. After the
rear differential is locked, the
indicator will stop blinking and
remain on.
To unlock the rear differential,
push the switch again.
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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
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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.
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219 2-4. Using other driving systems
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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.
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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
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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.
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When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
CAUTION
Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are
installed on the vehicle.
Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.
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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.