Page 259 of 524

2594-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
◆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 265 of 524

2654-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
■When the “TRAC OFF” indicator li ght comes on even if the VSC off
switch has not been pressed
TRAC, hill-start assist control, downhill assist control and Crawl Control can-
not be operated. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Hill-start assist contro l operation conditions
● The shift lever is in D or S.
● The brake pedal is not depressed.
● The rear differential is unlocked (if equipped).
■ If the brake system overheats
The hill-start assist control 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. (There is no problem with continuing with normal driv-
ing.)
The system will be automatically restored after a short time.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, Multi Terrain ABS (if
equipped), brake assist, VSC, Trailer Sway Control, TRAC and hill-start
assist control (if equipped) systems
● 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 any of these systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
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.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS or Multi Terrain ABS is
activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS or Multi Terrain ABS is activated.
■ Reactivation of the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems after turn-
ing off the engine
Turning off the engine after turning off the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control
systems will automatically reactivate them.
Page 269 of 524

2694-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
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 276 of 524

2764-6. Driving tips
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
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 277 of 524

277
Interior features5
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)5-1. Using the air
conditioning system
and defogger
Manual air conditioning system............................. 278
Automatic air conditioning system............................. 284
Seat heaters/ seat ventilators ................ 291
5-2. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ................ 293
• Interior lights ................. 294
• Personal lights .............. 294 5-3. Using the storage
features
List of storage features ..... 296
• Glove box...................... 297
• Console box .................. 297
• Cup holders .................. 298
• Auxiliary box ................. 300
• Coin holder/tissue pocket/
pen holder ..................... 301
• Bottle holders ................ 302
Luggage compartment features ........................... 303
5-4. Other interior features Other interior features ....... 308
• Sun visors ..................... 308
• Vanity mirrors................ 308
• Clock ............................. 309
• Outside temperature display........................... 310
• Power outlets (120 V AC) .................... 311
• Power outlets ................ 316
• Armrest ......................... 318
• Assist grips ................... 319
Garage door opener.......... 320
Safety Connect ................. 327
Page 278 of 524
278
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Adjusting the temperature setting
To adjust the temperature settin g, turn clockwise (warm) or
counterclockwise (cool).
If is not pressed, the system will blow ambient temperature air or
heated air.
For quick cooling, turn the temperat ure control knob to “MAX A/C”. The
air conditioning will automatically turn on and, if an air outlet positi\
on
other than or is selected, the system will be set to recir-
culated air mode. While “MAX A/C” is selected, it is not possible to turn
off the air conditioning.
Manual air conditioning system
: If equipped
Air conditioning controls
Page 279 of 524
2795-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
5
Interior features
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)■
Fan speed setting
To adjust the fan speed, turn
clockwise (increase) or coun-
terclockwise (decrease).
Turning the knob to “OFF” turns off the fan.
■
Change the airflow mode
To select the air outlets, set to the desired position.
The positions between the air outlet selections shown below can also be
selected for more delicate adjustment.
■
Other functions
● Switching between outside air and recirculated air modes
( P. 279)
● Defogging the windshield ( P. 280)
● Defogging the rear window and outside rear view mirrors
( P. 280)
● Windshield wiper de-icer (if equipped) ( P. 280)
■Switching between outside air and recirculated air modes
Press .
The mode switches between outside air mode (introduces air from out-
side the vehicle) (indicator off) and recirculated air mode (recycles air
inside the vehicle) (indicator on) each time the button is pressed.
Other functions
Page 283 of 524

2835-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
5
Interior features
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)■
When the outside temperature falls to nearly 32 F (0 C)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when is pressed.
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air mode.
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
CAUTION
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
● Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, block-
ing your vision.
■ To prevent burns
● Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces when the outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers are on.
● Do not touch the glass at lower part of the windshield or to the side of the
front pillars when the windshield wiper de-icer is on.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
engine is stopped.
● Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover the air outlets.
Otherwise, air flow may be obstructed,
preventing the windshield defoggers
from defogging.