2015 TOYOTA TACOMA wheel

187
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■After unlocking the rear differential
To check that the indicator goes off, turn the engine switch to the ON posi-
tion, but do not start the engine.
CAUTION
■To avoid an accident
●Do not use the rear differential lock system except when wheel spinning
occurs in a ditch or on a slippery or ragged surface. Large steering effort
and careful cornering control will be required.
● Do not lock the rear differential until the wheels have stopped spinning.
Otherwise, the vehicle may move in an unexpected direction when the dif-
ferential lock is engaged, resulting in an accident. This may also lead to
possible damage to differential lock component parts.
● Do not drive over 5 mph (8 km/h) when the differential is locked.
● Do not keep driving with the RR DIFF LOCK switch on.

188
2-4. Using other driving systems
Downhill Assist Control system
: If equipped
The downhill assist control system helps to prevent excessive speed
on steep downhill descents.
■System operation
The system will operate when the vehicle is traveling under
15 mph (25 km/h) and the front-wheel drive control switch is in
the L4 position.
Press the DAC switch. The
indicator will come on, and the
system will operate.
With the vehicle traveling at a
speed of 15 mph (25 km/h) or
less, release your foot from
the accelerator or brake pedal
to activate the system.
When the system is in opera-
tion, the slip indicator will flash,
and the stop lights/high
mounted stop light will come
on. A sound may also occur
during the operation. This does
not indicate a malfunction.
■Turning off the system
Press the DAC switch while the syst em is in operation. The indi-
cator will flash as the system gradually ceases operation, and
will turn off when the system is fully off.
Pressing the DAC switch while the indicator is flashing will start
the system again.

189
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Operating tips
The system will operate when the shift lever is in a position other than P.
However, to make effective use of the system it is recommended that the
shift lever be shifted to 2 or L.
■ The system will not operate when
●The front-wheel drive control switch is in the H2 or H4 position.
● The rear differential is locked.
■ The downhill assist control system indicator light flashes when
● The shift lever is in the N position.
● The front-wheel drive control switch is in the H2 or H4 position.
● The rear differential is locked.
■ If the brake system overheats
The system will cease operation and a buzzer will sound to alert the driver.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place. (Ther e is no problem with continuing normal
driving.)
■ System malfunction
●The downhill assist control system indicator does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the ON position.
● The downhill assist control system indicator does not come on when the
DAC switch is pressed.
In the above cases have your vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■Do not rely excessively on the downhill assist control system
It may not be able to maintain a low speed over road surfaces on which slid-
ing can easily occur, such as extremely steep slopes or icy or muddy roads.

191
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavi ly when operating the vehicle.
■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.
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, while 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 (vehicl es with towing hitch and 7 pin
connector)
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 maintains drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■Hill-start assist control (if equipped)
Helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on an
incline or slippery slope. It operates for approximately 5 seconds at
maximum.

192 2-4. Using other driving systems
When the VSC/Trailer Sway Control/TRAC/hill-start assist control
systems are operatingThe slip indicator will flash while
the VSC/Trailer Sway Con-
trol/TRAC/hill-start assist control
systems are operating.
The stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on when the
hill-start assist control system or
Trailer Sway Control is operating.
To disable VSC, Trailer Sway Control and TRAC (2WD models
and 2WD mode on 4WD models)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, VSC, Trailer Sway
Control and TRAC 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 TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control
Press and hold the VSC OFF
switch for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped to
turn off TRAC, VSC and Trailer
Sway Control.
The VSC OFF and TRAC OFF
indicators will come on.
Push the switch again to turn both
systems back on.

193
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
To disable VSC, Trailer Sway C ontrol and/or TRAC (4WD mode
on 4WD models)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, VSC, Trailer Sway
Control and TRAC 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 TRAC
Quickly push and release the
VSC OFF switch to turn off
TRAC.
The TRAC OFF indicator will
come on.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control
Press and hold the VSC OFF
switch for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped to
turn off TRAC, VSC and Trailer
Sway Control.
The VSC OFF and TRAC OFF
indicators will come on.
Push the switch again to turn both
systems back on.

196 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the appro-
priate tire pressure level.
The ABS, VSC, TRAC 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 suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the 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 sys-
tem 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. 229)

200 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of serious
injury or damage to your vehicle:
●Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving
in dangerous places.
● Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and espe-
cially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
● Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in
sand, mud, water or snow.
● After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that
there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped
on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the
vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody,
a breakdown or fire could occur.
● In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
● When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.