2674-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
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 help 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. 186)
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
3426-2. Maintenance
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly(without uneven pedal effort or catching).
Automatic transmis-
sion “Park” mecha-
nism• When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P,is the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearancefrom the floor? ( P. 463)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of
free play? ( P. 463)
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side when the
brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints• Do the head restraints move smoothly and locksecurely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake
• Does the parking brake pedal move smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is on, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amountof free play?
• There should not be any strange sounds coming
from the steering wheel.
3576-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.
4127-2. Steps to take in an emergency
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
If a warning light turns on or a warning
buzzer sounds
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights
comes on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then
goes off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the
system. However, if this continues to occur, have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
Warning light and warning buzzer list
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)*1
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system
This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is
fully released the system is operating normally.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and
contact your Toyota dealer. Continuing to drive
the vehicle may be dangerous.
Charging system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging sys-
tem
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and
contact your Toyota dealer.
Low engine oil pressure warning light
Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and
contact your Toyota dealer.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp Indicates a malfunction in:
• The emission control system;
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The electronic automatic transmission control sys-tem
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
4137-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
SRS warning lightIndicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system;or
• The seat belt pretensioner system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada) ABS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
(Flashes)
Cruise control indicator light
Indicates a malfunction in the cruise control system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
Slip indicator
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The VSC system;
• Trailer Sway Control system;
• The TRAC system;
• The active traction control system;
• The AUTO LSD system;
• The downhill assist control system;
• The hill-start assist control system; or
• The Crawl Control system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
(Flashes rapidly)
Rear differential lock indicator light (if equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the rear differential lock sys-
tem
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
(Flashes rapidly)
Four-wheel drive indicat or light (if equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
4167-2. Steps to take in an emergency
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
*1: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approximately 3
mph (5 km/h) or more.
*2: Open door warning buzzer:The open door warning buzzer sounds to alert one or more of the doors is
not fully closed (with the vehicle having reached a speed of 3 mph [5 km/h]).
*3: Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt buzzer: The driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt buzzer sounds to alert the
driver and front passenger that
his or her seat belt is not fastened. The
buzzer sounds intermittently for 10 seconds after the vehicle reaches a
speed of 12 mph (20 km/h). Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the
buzzer will sound in a different tone for 20 more seconds.
■ SRS warning light
This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assembly, front impact
sensors, side impact sensors (front door), side impact sensors (rear), safing
sensor (rear), driver's seat belt buckle switch, front passenger occupant clas-
sification system (ECU and sensors) , “AIR BAG ON” and “AIR BAG OFF”
indicator lights, front passenger's seat belt buckle switch, seat belt preten-
sioners, airbags, interconnecting wiring and power sources. (P. 3 5 )
■ Key reminder buzzer (vehicles without a smart key system)
The buzzer indicates that the key has not been removed with the engine off
and the driver’s door opened.
■ Open moon roof reminder buzzer (if equipped)
The buzzer indicates that the moon roof is not fully closed with the engine off
and the driver’s door opened.
■ Front passenger detection sensor, passenger seat belt reminder and
warning buzzer
● If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger detec-
tion sensor may cause the warning light to flash and the warning buzzer to
sound even if a passenger is not sitting in the seat.
● If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sensor may not detect a passenger,
and the warning light may not operate properly.
■ If the malfunction indicator la mp comes on while driving
First check the following:
● Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.
● Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after several driving trips.
If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.
4197-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
CAUTION
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could
cause a loss of vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire
inflation pressure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pres-
sure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires.
If a tire is flat, change it with th e spare tire and have the flat tire
repaired by the nearest Toyota dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate,
you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.
■Maintenance of the tires
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label (tire and load information label). (If your vehicle has tires of a dif-
ferent size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label [tire and load information label], you should determine
the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS-ti re pressure warning system) that
illuminates a low tire pre ssure telltale (tire pressure warning light) when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly,
when the low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light) illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi ciency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s hand ling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS (tire pres sure warning system) is not a sub-
stitute for proper ti re maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached
the level to trigger illumina tion of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale (tire
pressure warning light).