Page 251 of 530

2494-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)■
System malfunction
In case of a system malfunction, the following may occur:
●The downhill assist control system indicator flashes in a situation other than
those listed above.
● The downhill assist control system indicator does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without a smart key
system) or the engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with
a smart key system).
Have your vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■ Conditions which may affect the downhill assist control system opera-
tion
● Do not rely too heavily on the downhill assist control system. On extremely
steep inclines, icy surfaces or muddy roads, the vehicle may slip and the
system may not be able to maintain the constant low vehicle speed of
about 3 mph (5 km/h), leading to an accident causing death or serious
injury.
● Do not shift the shift lever to R while driving forward, or to D while driving
backward. Doing so may cause the wheels to lock up, leading to an acci-
dent causing death or serious injury. In addition, excessive stress will be
applied to the automatic transmission, possibly resulting in damage.
Page 254 of 530

2524-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)■
Automatic system cancelation
In the following situations, the system will cease operation and a buzzer will
sound to alert the driver. The Crawl Control indicator will flash until the system
is turned off completely.
●When the shift lever is shifted to P or N
● When the front-wheel drive control lever or switch is shifted to H4
● When the driver’s door is opened
● When the system is malfunctioning
● When the brake system overheats
Stop the vehicle in a safe place. (There is no problem with continuing normal
driving.)
● When the automatic transmission system overheats
Stop the vehicle in a safe place until the automatic transmission fluid tem-
perature warning light goes off.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the Crawl Control system
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate
that a malfunction has occurred in Crawl Control system.
● Either of the following conditions may occur when the Crawl Control system
is operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
CAUTION
■When using Crawl Control
● Do not overly rely on Crawl Control. This function does not extend the
vehicle’s performance limitations. A lways check the terrain thoroughly and
drive safely.
● The recommended speed modes for the listed terrains ( P. 251) are only
a reference. The selected mode may not be suitable to actual off-road con-
ditions due to factors such as the type or unevenness of the terrain or the
degree of incline. Check the actual terrain thoroughly and drive safely.
● After activating Crawl Control, make sure that the Crawl Control indicator
comes on. If the indicator flashes, the vehicle is not under system control.
■ Conditions under which the syst em may not operate correctly
When driving on the following surfaces, the system may not be able to
maintain a fixed low speed, which may result in an accident:
● Extremely steep inclines
● Extremely uneven surfaces
● Snow-covered roads, or other slippery surfaces
Page 259 of 530

2574-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
Depending on switch operation, one of the following messages may
appear on the accessory meter to provide guidance on transfer mode
selection etc:
Messages displayed on the accessory meter
MessageDetailsProcedure
SHIFT TO 4WD
(When selecting MUD
& SAND mode) Indicates that the trans-
fer 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 trans-
fer 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 trans-
fer 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 trans-
fer mode may not suc-
cessfully 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 disabled
while Multi-terrain
Select is operating.
-
Page 279 of 530

2774-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
NOTICE
■To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the
engine or other components does not occur.
● Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
● Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ulti-
mately damage.
● Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and pre-
mature failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and
transfer case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■ When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check
the depth of the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
■ Inspection after off-road driving
● Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums and around brake
discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system compo-
nents.
● Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driv-
ing that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.
Page 356 of 530
3546-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
Fuses (P. 388)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs (P. 391)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as
original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver• Wrench
Power steering fluid
level ( P. 366)• Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
• Rag or paper towel• Clean funnel
Radiator and con-
denser (P. 363)
Tire inflation pressure
( P. 377)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(P. 370)
• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for
winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washerfluid)
ItemsParts and tools
Page 368 of 530
3666-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)■
Fluid level
The fluid level should be within the appropriate range.
Full (when cold)
Add fluid (when cold)
Full (when hot)
Add fluid (when hot)
Hot: Vehicle has been driven around 50 mph (80 km/h) for 20 min- utes, or slightly longer in frigid temperatures. (Fluid tempera-
ture, 140°F - 175°F [60°C - 80°C]).
Cold: Engine has not been run fo r about 5 hours. (Room tempera-
ture, 50°F - 85°F [10°C - 30°C]).
■Checking the fluid level
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the cap by turn ing it counterclockwise.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall the cap and remove it again.
Check the fluid level.
Power steering fluid
1
2
3
4
Fluid typeAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
ItemsRag or paper, clean funnel (only for adding fluid)
1
2
3
4
5
Page 413 of 530

411
7
When trouble arises
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
●The engine is running but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If a tow truck is not available in an
emergency, your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or
chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet(s). This should only
be attempted on hard surfaced
roads for short distances at low
speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to
steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train,
axles, steering and brakes must
be in good condition.
If your vehicle needs to be towed
If towing is necessary, we re commend having your vehicle
towed by your Toyota dealer or a commercial towing service,
using a lift-type truc k or flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/
provincial and local laws.
Before towing
Emergency towing
Page 417 of 530

4157-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
CAUTION
■Caution while towing
● Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelets and the cables or chains. Always
be cautious of the surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
● Vehicles with a smart key system: Do not turn the engine switch off.
Doing so will lock the steering wheel and prevent operation, possibly caus-
ing an accident and resulting in death or serious injury.
● If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering
will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission and transfer
(4WD models) when towing using a wheel-lift type truck
2WD models: Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on
the ground.
4WD models: Never tow this vehicle with any of the wheels in contact with
the ground.
■ To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck
● 2WD models without a smart key system: Do not tow the vehicle from the
rear when the engine switch is in the “LOCK” position or the key is
removed. The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the
front wheels straight.
● 2WD models with a smart key system: Do not tow the vehicle from the rear
when the engine switch is off. The steering lock mechanism is not strong
enough to hold the front wheels straight.
● When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.
■ To prevent body damage when towi ng with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.
■ To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission and transfer
(4WD models) in emergency towing
Never tow a vehicle from the rear with four wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to the transmission and transfer.