Page 3 of 636

1
2
3
4
5
6
3
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters ............ 176
Indicators and warning
lights ................................. 180
Multi-information display ..... 185
2-3. Operating the lights and
wipers
Headlight switch.................. 191
Fog light switch ................... 195
Windshield wipers and
washer .............................. 199
Headlight cleaner switch ..... 201
2-4. Using other driving systems
Cruise control...................... 202
Rear view monitor
system .............................. 206
Four-wheel drive system..... 211
Rear differential lock
system .............................. 216
Driving assist systems ........ 220
DPF (Diesel Particulate
Filter) system .................... 226
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage ............. 231
Winter driving tips ............... 234
Trailer towing ...................... 2383-1. Using the air conditioning
system and defogger
Manual air conditioning
system.............................. 250
Automatic air conditioning
system.............................. 256
Power heater ...................... 263
Rear window defogger
switch ............................... 264
3-2. Using the audio system
Audio system types ............ 266
Using the radio ................... 268
Using the CD player ........... 271
Playing MP3 and WMA
discs ................................. 279
Operating an iPod .............. 288
Operating a USB
memory ............................ 296
Optimal use of the audio
system.............................. 305
Using the AUX port ............ 309
Using the steering wheel
audio switches ................. 310
3Interior features
Page 145 of 636

2When driving
145
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
2-1. Driving procedures
Driving the vehicle ............ 146
Engine (ignition) switch..... 162
Automatic transmission .... 166
Manual transmission......... 170
Turn signal lever ............... 173
Parking brake ................... 174
Horn .................................. 175
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters .......... 176
Indicators and
warning lights.................. 180
Multi-information
display ............................ 1852-3. Operating the lights and
wipers
Headlight switch................ 191
Fog light switch ................. 195
Windshield wipers and
washer ............................ 199
Headlight cleaner
switch.............................. 201
2-4. Using other driving systems
Cruise control.................... 202
Rear view monitor
system ............................ 206
Four-wheel drive
system ............................ 211
Rear differential lock
system ............................ 216
Driving assist systems ...... 220
DPF (Diesel Particulate
Filter) system .................. 226
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage ........... 231
Winter driving tips ............. 234
Trailer towing .................... 238
Page 149 of 636

149 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Driving in the rain
Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the
windows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be
especially slippery.
Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain,
because there may be a layer of water between the tires and the road
surface, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.
Breaking in your new Toyota
To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is rec-
ommended:
For the first 300 km (200 miles):
Avoid sudden stops.
For the first 800 km (500 miles):
Do not tow a trailer.
For the first 1000 km (600 miles):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in the low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.
• Do not drive slowly with the manual transmission in a high gear.
Page 157 of 636

157 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
CAUTION
Do not touch the exhaust pipes while the engine is running or immediately
after turning the engine off.
Doing so may cause burns.
Do not leave the engine running in an area with snow build-up, or where it
is snowing. If snowbanks build up around the vehicle while the engine is
running, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle. This may lead
to death or a serious health hazard.
Exhaust gases
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless
and odorless. Inhaling exhaust gases may lead to death or a serious health
hazard.
If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area, stop the engine. In a closed
area, such as a garage, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle.
This may lead to death or a serious health hazard.
The exhaust system should be checked occasionally. If there is a hole or
crack caused by corrosion, damage to a joint or abnormal exhaust noise,
be sure to have the vehicle inspected and repaired by any authorized
Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional. Failure to do so may allow exhaust gases to enter the vehicle,
resulting in death or a serious health hazard.
Toyota does not recommend occupying the rear cargo area when it is fitted
with a slide-in camper, camper shell or other type cover while the engine is
running. This caution applies to both driving and stopped or parked situa-
tions with the engine running. Particular care should be taken to prevent
exhaust gases from entering camper bodies, trailers or other enclosures
on or around your vehicle. If exhaust fumes are detected, open all win-
dows and thoroughly ventilate the area.
Page 205 of 636
205 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
CAUTION
To avoid operating the cruise control by mistake
Switch the cruise control off using the “ON-OFF” button when not in use.
Situations unsuitable for cruise control
Do not use cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in loss of control and could cause an accident resulting
in death or serious injury.
In heavy traffic
On roads with sharp bends
On winding roads
On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
On steep hills
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.
When your vehicle is towing a trailer or during emergency towing
Page 238 of 636

238
2-5. Driving information
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger carrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, perfor-
mance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. Your safety and
satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cau-
tious driving habits. For your safety and the safety of others, do not
overload the vehicle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in
accordance with the trailer’s characteristics and operating condi-
tions.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Ask your local authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional for further details before towing,
as there are additional legal requirements in some countries.
Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle
Mass), MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and per-
missible draw bar load before towing. (P. 595)
Towing hitch/bracket
Toyota recommends the use of the Toyota hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. Other products of a suitable nature and comparable
quality may also be used.
Page 239 of 636
239 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Important points regarding trailer loads
Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load
Total trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus the
trailer load should be within the
maximum towing capacity.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous. (P. 595)
When towing a trailer, use a fric-
tion coupler or friction stabilizer
(sway control device).
When the total trailer weight is
over 2000 kg (4409 lb.), a friction
stabilizer (sway control device) is
required.
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that
the drawbar load is greater than
25 kg (55.1 lb.) or 4% of the tow-
ing capacity. Do not let the draw-
bar load exceed the indicated
weight. (P. 595)
Page 243 of 636

243 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Tire information
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (P. 612)
Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total
trailer weight and according to the values recommended by the manufac-
turer of your trailer.
Trailer lights
Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every
time you hitch up the trailer. Directly wiring up to your vehicle may damage
the electrical system and stop the lights from functioning correctly.
Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components
should not be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
Safety checks before towing
Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket hitch ball
is not exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer will
add to the load exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that the total load
exerted on the vehicle is within the range of the weight limits. (P. 239)
Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle
if the traffic behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust
the extending arms of these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that
they always provide maximum visibility of the road behind.