2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Owners Manual

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.

2664-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)■
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.

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)

268
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
4-6. Driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician ins pect the condition of the battery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter

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

2704-6. Driving tips
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
(0.20 in. [5 mm] in diameter)
Cross chain
(0.20 in. [5 mm] in diameter)
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Al ways check local regulations before installing
chains.
■ Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
● Install tire chains on the rear tires only. Do not install tire chains on the front
tires.
● Install tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 1/4  1/2 mile (0.5  1.0 km).
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
Selecting tire chains
1
2
Regulations on the use of tire chains

2714-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the specified size.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
● Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■ Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Toyota dealers or legiti-
mate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■ Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.

2724-6. Driving tips
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
●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