Page 262 of 530

2604-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
◆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
◆Multi Terrain ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) (if equipped)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,
or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface,
or in off-road conditions (such as rough roads, sand and mud)
The Multi Terrain ABS operates in synchronization with the Multi-
terrain Select.
◆Brake assist
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)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road surfaces
◆Trailer Sway Control
Helps the driver to control trailer sway by selectively applying brake
pressure for individual wheels and reducing engine torque when
trailer sway is detected.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC system and will not operate
if VSC is turned off or experiences a malfunction.
◆TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following
systems operate automatically in response to various driving
situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supple-
mentary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operat-
ing the vehicle.
Page 264 of 530
2624-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC/VSC/Trailer
Sway Control 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 the TRAC system only (turning on the AUTO LSD
system [ P. 242])
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the
switch.
The VSC OFF and “AUTO LSD”
indicators will come on.
Press the switch again to turn
the system back on.
Disabling the TRAC/VSC/Traile r Sway Control systems (2WD
models)
Page 266 of 530
2644-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC/VSC/Trailer
Sway Control 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 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.
Disabling the TRAC/VSC/Traile r Sway Control systems (4WD
models)
Page 269 of 530

2674-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)■
Reactivation of the VSC and Trailer Sway Control system linked to vehi-
cle speed (2WD models)
When the TRAC system is turned off and the AUTO LSD system is turned on,
the VSC and Trailer Sway Control system will turn on when vehicle speed
increases. However, when the TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control systems
are turned off, the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed
increases.
■ Reactivation of the TRAC/VSC/Trail er Sway Control systems (4WD mod-
els)
If the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Contro l 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 operat e 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 do es 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.
Page 270 of 530

2684-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
CAUTION
■When the VSC and Trailer Sway Control are activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes.
■ When TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do
not turn the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off unless necessary.
■ 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, Multi Terrain ABS, VSC and Trailer Sway Control will not function
correctly if different tires are fitted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer 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 a system to malfunction.
■ Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not able to reduce trailer sway in all situ-
ations.
Depending on many factors such as the conditions of the vehicle, trailer,
road surface, and driving environment, the Trailer Sway Control system
may not be effective. Refer to your trailer owner’s manual for information on
how to tow your trailer properly.
■ If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury.
● Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.
● Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to
reduce speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle
and trailer should stabilize. ( P. 188)
Page 272 of 530

2704-6. Driving tips
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
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.
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, ve hicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.
● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-
ditions.
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the park-
ing brake. The parking brake may fr eeze up, preventing it from being
released. If necessary, block the wheels to prev ent inadvertent sliding
or creeping.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Page 275 of 530
2734-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
●Specific design characte ristics give it a higher center of gravity than
ordinary passenger cars. This vehi cle 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 vehicles.
● 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 pas-
senger cars any more than low-slung sports cars designed to per-
form satisfactorily under off-road co nditions. Therefore, sharp turns
at excessive speeds may cause rollover.
Off-road precautions
This vehicle belongs to the util ity vehicle class, which has
higher ground clearance and narrowe r 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.
Off-road vehicle feature
Page 296 of 530
2945-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
Vehicles with ventilator
Press the knob to release it,
and turn the knob to the
desired temperature setting.
OFF
Press the knob to lock it when
not in use.
Ventilation
Heat
Vehicles without ventilatorOn
The indicator light comes on.
Adjusts the seat temperature
The further you move the dial
forward, the warmer the seat
becomes.
Off
Move the dial fully backward.
The indicator light turns off.
■The seat heaters/seat ventilators can be used when
Vehicles without a smart key system
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with a smart key system
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
Seat heaters/ventilators
1
2
3
4
1
2
3