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253 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
L/C200_EE (OM60G38E)
Automatic leveling function
The vehicle is adjusted to a fixed height for each mode, regardless of the
number of occupants and the luggage load.
However the vehicle cannot be raised if the vehicle load exceeds the fol-
lowing limits:
• Up to 4 occupants
* plus approximately 300 kg (661 lb.) in the normal
mode
• Up to 4 occupants
* plus approximately 200 kg (441 lb.) in the high
mode
*: average weight 68 kg (150 lb.) per person
If the vehicle height cannot be raised when in the normal mode, and “LO”
appears on the display, the vehicle is loaded too heavily. Take extra care
when driving in this condition.
If the vehicle height cannot be raised even after unloading the vehicle,
press “ ” then “ ” on the height select switch. If the vehicle height still
cannot be raised, turn the ignition off then on again, then try once more.
When the vehicle is stopped during driving
The activation of the automatic leveling function may cause the vehicle
height to change. This is not a malfunction.
If the vehicle height does not change
If the vehicle is loaded too heavily, or the undercarriage has come into con-
tact with the road surface, the vehicle height cannot be raised/lowered.
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254 2-4. Using other driving systems
L/C200_EE (OM60G38E)
In the following cases the 4-Wheel AHC will not operate
The brake pedal has been depressed for a few seconds or longer while
the vehicle is stopped.
Vehicle height control has not been frequently used.
The suspension fluid temperature is lower than -30°C (-22°F).
There is ice on the suspension.
Driving on bumpy roads which may cause the suspension to fully elon-
gate.
If the steering wheel is abruptly turned more than 3/4 of a revolution with
the center differential lock system activated.
Cold weather operation
It may take longer for the vehicle height to change if the suspension fluid
temperature drops below -15°C (5°F).
The 4-Wheel AHC does not operate when the suspension fluid temperature
drops below -30°C (-22°F).
In this case, even if the height select switch is pressed, the vehicle height
will not change. Once the vehicle has been driven for a short time and
the suspension fluid has been warmed to within normal operating limits,
the 4-Wheel AHC will begin operating and the vehicle height will auto-
matically change to the selected mode.
When the suspension fluid is around -30°C (-22°F), the vehicle height
may not be able to be raised, even if the 4-Wheel AHC is operating. In
this case, push “ ” then “ ” on the height select switch after driving for
a short time longer to select the desired vehicle height.
Parking and stopping tips
If you immediately stop the engine after off-road driving, the vehicle
height may gradually lower. When parking, make sure there is nothing
under the vehicle that may come in contact with the underbody. The vehi-
cle will return to the set height when the engine is started.
The vehicle height may change as the temperature changes when the
engine is stopped. The vehicle will return to the set height when the
engine is started.
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255 2-4. Using other driving systems
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When driving
L/C200_EE (OM60G38E)
Propeller shaft noise
If the vehicle height is adjusted on a slope, or with the shift lever in a position
other than “P” or “N” while the vehicle is stopped, you may hear a sound
caused by the expansion and contraction of the propeller shaft. This does
not indicate a malfunction.
4-Wheel AHC failure warning
If a malfunction occurs in the 4-Wheel AHC, normal mode is automatically
selected. However, the system may not switch to normal mode depending
on the location of the malfunction.
The warning message is displayed on the multi-information display, and the
4-Wheel AHC cannot be activated until the malfunction is corrected.
Stop the engine and start it again. If the warning message turns off, the sys-
tem is operating correctly. If the warning message continues to be displayed,
have the vehicle checked at any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional as soon as possible.
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256 2-4. Using other driving systems
L/C200_EE (OM60G38E)
CAUTION
When switching the vehicle height mode
Before lowering the vehicle height, check that there are no people under or
around the vehicle, and check for obstacles.
If you do not do this, body parts may be caught in the vehicle, possibly lead-
ing to an accident.
Using the high mode
The high mode should only be used when driving on rough roads, for exam-
ple when driving off-road. Because the vehicle’s center of gravity will
become higher when in the mode, the vehicle may become unstable when
turning abruptly, resulting in an accident.
When jacking up the vehicle or installing tire chains
Turn off the height control and stop the engine, otherwise the vehicle height
may change due to the automatic leveling function, and you may catch part
of your body in the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
When crossing rivers
Select the high mode and turn off the height control. Drive at 30 km/h
(18 mph) or lower. Otherwise the vehicle height may change due to the auto-
matic leveling function, resulting in an accident.
If your vehicle must be towed
Put the vehicle height in the normal mode and turn off the height control, oth-
erwise the vehicle height may change due to the automatic leveling function
and you may catch part of your body in the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in a ditch
Turn off the height control, otherwise the vehicle height may change due to
the automatic leveling function, resulting in an accident.
When loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier
Do not switch to high mode. Sudden steering could cause the vehicle to lose
stability due to the vehicle’s higher center of gravity, possibly leading to an
accident.
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257 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
L/C200_EE (OM60G38E)
NOTICE
When parking in areas with limited overhead height
After leaving the vehicle or unloading the luggage, the vehicle height may be
slightly higher than normal. Take care when overhead height is limited.
To avoid damage to the vehicle
Normal mode will be switched to automatically even if the vehicle is started
off in low mode. Take care when overhead height is limited.
Do not select the low mode when driving on bumpy roads, as the under-
body of the vehicle may contact the road surface.
Avoid rapid changes to the vehicle height
As the pump may overheat. Leave at a few seconds between selections
when changing the vehicle height mode.
Page 313 of 692
313
2
When driving
L/C200_EE (OM60G38E)
2-5. Driving information
Off-road precautions
Off-road vehicle feature
Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity
than ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes
this type of vehicle to be more likely to rollover. And, utility vehicles
have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehi-
cles.
An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the
road allowing you to anticipate problems.
It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary
passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed
to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Therefore, sharp
turns at excessive speeds may cause rollover.
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has higher
ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its
center of gravity to make it capable of performing in a wide variety
of off-road applications.
Page 322 of 692

322 2-5. Driving information
L/C200_EE (OM60G38E)
CAUTION
Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
Use tires of the size specified for your vehicle.
Maintain the recommended level of tire inflation pressure.
Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit spec-
ified for the snow tires being used.
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used or 50 km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
When installing tire chains
Vehicles with the 4-Wheel AHC: Turn off the vehicle height control.
The vehicle height may change due to the automatic leveling function and
you may catch part of your body in the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
(P. 248)
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327 2-5. Driving information
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When driving
L/C200_EE (OM60G38E)
Connecting and disconnecting a trailer (vehicles with 4-Wheel
AHC)
Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and perform the following:
Connecting a trailer
Put the 4-Wheel AHC in the “LO” (low) mode.
Turn off the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the 4-Wheel
AHC.
Connect a trailer.
Turn on the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the 4-Wheel
AHC.
Select the “N” (normal) mode with the height select switch.
When a vehicle loaded with four occupants tows a trailer of about
1800 kg (4000 lb.) with more than about 180 kg (400 lb.) tongue
load, the normal mode may not be selected. However, there is no
problem to continue normal driving. Drive with sufficient care
because of large load.
Disconnecting a trailer
Put the 4-Wheel AHC in the “LO” (low) mode. (Make sure the
vehicle height is in the “LO” mode by pushing
“” on the
height select switch.)
Turn off the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the 4-Wheel
AHC.
Set the supporting leg of a trailer on the ground and raise the
hitch by 100 mm (4 in.).
Turn on the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the 4-Wheel
AHC.
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