2013 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4WD

245
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
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Active traction control system
The active traction control system automatically helps prevent the
spinning of 4 wheels when the vehicle is started or accelerated on
slippery road surfaces.
■ System operation
Part-time 4WD models:
Stop the vehicle, shift the shift lever to N and shift the front-
wheel drive control lever into L4.
Full-time 4WD models:
Stop the vehicle, shift the shift lever to N and then push and
turn the four-wheel drive control switch to L4L.
Press the “A-TRAC” switch to
activate the system.
At this time, the “A-TRAC” indi-
cator will come on.
To cancel the system, push the
switch again.
STEP 1
STEP 2

: If equipped

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
Downhill assist control system
With the downhill assist control system, the vehicle is able to
descend a steep hill while maintaining a constant low speed of about
3 mph (5 km/h) without brake pedal operation.
■ Activating the system
The system will activate when
●The vehicle is traveling under 15 mph (25 km/h) with the
accelerator and brake pedals released.
● Part-time 4WD models: The front -wheel drive control lever or
switch is in L4.
Full-time 4WD models: The fou r-wheel drive control switch is
in L4L.
● The rear differential is unlocked (if equipped).
Press the “DAC” switch.
The downhill assist control sys-
tem indicator will come on to
indicate that the downhill assist
control system is activated.
Pressing the switch again turns
the system off.

: If equipped

254 2-4. Using other driving systems
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While the downhill assist control system is operating
The slip indicator will flash to
indicate that the downhill assist
control system is operating, and
the stop lights and high mounted
stoplight will turn on.
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■Operating tips
The system will operate when the shift lever is in any position other than P.
However, to make effective use of the system it is recommended that the
shift lever be shifted to the “2” or “1” range of S.
■ If the downhill assist control system indicator flashes
● In the following situations, the indicator flashes and the system will not
operate:
• The transfer mode is not in L4 (part-time 4WD models) or L4L (full-time
4WD models).
• The rear differential is locked.
• The brake system overheats. The system will cease operation and a buzzer will sound to alert the
driver. At this time, the “TRAC OFF” indicator will come on. Stop the
vehicle in a safe place. Refrain from using the system until the indicator
stops flashing and stays on. (There is no problem with continuing nor-
mal driving.)
● In the following situations, the indicator flashes to alert the driver, but the
system will still operate:
• The shift lever is in N. (Engine braking will not occur.)
• The “DAC” switch is turned off while the system is operating.
The system will gradually ceases operation. The indicator will flash dur-
ing operation, and then go off when the system is fully off.

264 2-4. Using other driving systems
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Messages displayed on the accessory meterDepending on switch operation, one of the following messages may
appear on the accessory meter to provide guidance on transfer mode
selection etc:
MessageDetailsProcedure
SHIFT TO 4WD
(When selecting MUD
& SAND mode) Indicates that the
transfer mode needs
to be changed to H4
or L4.Shift the front-wheel
drive control lever or
switch to H4 or L4.
SHIFT TO L4
(When selecting
LOOSE ROCK,
MOGUL or ROCK
mode) Indicates that the
transfer mode needs
to be changed to L4.
Shift the front-wheel
drive control lever or
switch to L4.
STOP THE VEHICLE
& SHIFT THE AUTO.
TRANSMISSION TO N
(When selecting any
mode) Indicates that the
transfer mode cannot
be changed to H4 or
L4.
Stop the vehicle com-
pletely and/or shift the
shift lever to N.
ACCELERATE OR
DECELERATE
(When shifting the
front-wheel control
lever to H4 or H2) Indicates that the
transfer mode may
not successfully
change.
Drive straight ahead
while accelerating or
decelerating, or drive in
reverse.
DRIVE THE VEHICLE
A SHORT DISTANCE
(When pressing the
rear differential lock
switch) Indicates that the rear
differential is not
locked.
Drive the vehicle for-
ward or backward a
short distance.
OP. NOT POSSIBLE
WHEN Multi-terrain
Select ACTIVATED
(When pressing the
VSC off switch or “A-
TRAC” switch) Indicates that VSC
and active traction
control cannot be dis-
abled while Multi-ter-
rain Select is
operating.
-

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When driving
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CANNOT BE
SELECTED
(When pressing the
“ON/OFF” switch) Indicates that Multi-
terrain Select cannot
be operated because
vehicle speed
exceeds approxi-
mately 7 mph
(12 km/h).
Reduce vehicle speed.
OP. NOT POSSIBLE
WHEN CRAWL CON-
TROL ACTIVATED
(When pressing the
“ON/OFF” switch) Indicates that Multi-
terrain Select cannot
be operated because
Crawl Control is oper-
ating.
Turn Crawl Control off.
Multi-terrain Select
HAS BEEN CAN-
CELED
(When pressing the
“ON/OFF” switch) Indicates that Multi-
terrain Select is
turned off.
-
Multi-terrain Select
N O T AVA I L A B L E
(When pressing the
“ON/OFF” switch) Indicates that Multi-
terrain Select cannot
be operated because
the VSC and/or 4WD
system may be mal-
functioning.
Contact your Toyota
dealer.
MessageDetailsProcedure

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When driving
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When the TRAC/VSC systems are operating (2WD models)
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 TRAC/VSC sys-
tems are operating.
When the TRAC/VSC/hill-start assist control systems are
operating (4WD models)If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or rolling backward when
starting on an incline, or if any of
the drive wheels spins, the slip
indicator flashes to indicate that
the TRAC/VSC/hill-start assist
control systems are operating.
The stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on and a buzzer
(intermittent) sounds when the
hill-start assist control system is
operating.
■KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) (if equipped)
Enhances ride comfort and handling response by using a hydraulic
control system to control the suspension stabilizer bars in response to
road surface and driving conditions dur ing cornering or off-road driving
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272 2-4. Using other driving systems
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Disabling the TRAC/VSC systems (4WD models)If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC/VSC sys-
tems 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 the TRAC system only
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the
switch.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator will
come on.
Press the switch again to turn the
system back on.
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When driving
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■Reactivation of the VSC system linked to vehicle speed (2WD models)
When the TRAC system is turned off and the AUTO LSD system is turned
on, the VSC system will turn on when vehicle speed increases. However,
when the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not turn
on even when vehicle speed increases.
■ Reactivation of the TRAC/VSC systems (4WD models)
If the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not turn on even
when vehicle speed increases.
CAUTION
■The ABS and Multi Terrain ABS do not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS or Multi Terrain ABS is operating may
exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS and Multi Terrain ABS are not designed to shorten the vehicle’s
stopping distance. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front
of you, especially in the following situations:
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven surfaces
■ TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control
may not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.