Page 246 of 528
2464-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)■
Activating the system
The system will activate when
●The vehicle is traveling under 15 mph (25 km/h) with the acceler-
ator and brake pedals released.
●Part-time 4WD models: The front-wheel drive control lever or
switch is in L4.
Full-time 4WD models: The four-wheel drive control switch is in
L4L.
●The rear differential is unlocked (if equipped).
Press the “DAC” switch.
The downhill assist control sys-
tem indicator will come on to
indicate that the downhill assist
control system is activated.
Pressing the switch again turns
the system off.
Downhill assist control system
: If equipped
With the downhill assist control system, the vehicle is able to
descend a steep hill while maintaining a constant low speed of
about 3 mph (5 km/h) without brake pedal operation.
Page 247 of 528

2474-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)
The slip indicator will flash to indi-
cate that the downhill assist con-
trol system is operating, and the
stop lights and high mounted
stoplight will turn on.
■Operating tips
The system will operate when the shift lever is in any position other than P.
However, to make effective use of the system it is recommended that the shift
lever be shifted to the “2” or “1” range of S.
■If the downhill assist control system indicator flashes
●In the following situations, the indicator flashes and the system will not oper-
ate:
• The transfer mode is not in L4 (part-time 4WD models) or L4L (full-time
4WD models).
• The rear differential is locked.
• The brake system overheats.
The system will cease operation and a buzzer will sound to alert the
driver. At this time, the “TRAC OFF” indicator will come on. Stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place. Refrain from using the system until the indicator stops
flashing and stays on. (There is no problem with continuing normal driv-
ing.)
●In the following situations, the indicator flashes to alert the driver, but the
system will still operate:
• The shift lever is in N. (Engine braking will not occur.)
• The “DAC” switch is turned off while the system is operating.
The system will gradually ceases operation. The indicator will flash during
operation, and then go off when the system is fully off.
While the downhill assist control system is operating
Page 256 of 528

2564-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)
Depending on switch operation,
one of the following messages
may appear on the multi-informa-
tion display to provide guidance
on transfer mode selection etc:
Messages displayed on the multi-information display
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 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 to
L4.
STOP THE VEHICLE
AND SHIFT THE
AUTOMATIC TRANS-
MISSION 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.
Page 257 of 528

2574-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)
OPERATION 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.
-
RETURN THE FOUR-
WHEEL DRIVE CON-
TROL SWITCH (When
shifting the front-wheel
control lever)
Indicates that the trans-
fer mode cannot be
changed to H4 or L4.Return the front-wheel
control lever to H4 or
L4.
CANNOT BE
SELECTED
(When pressing the
“ON/OFF” switch)
Indicates that Multi-ter-
rain Select cannot be
operated because vehi-
cle speed exceeds
approximately 7 mph
(12 km/h).
Reduce vehicle speed.
OPERATION NOT
POSSIBLE WHEN
CRAWL CONTROL
A C T I VAT E D ( W h e n
pressing the “ON/OFF”
switch)Indicates that Multi-ter-
rain Select cannot be
operated because
Crawl Control is operat-
ing.
Turn Crawl Control off.
MULTI-TERRAIN
SELECT HAS BEEN
CANCELED
(When pressing the
“ON/OFF” switch)Indicates, along with a
beep, that Multi-terrain
Select has been dis-
abled.
-
MULTI-TERRAIN
SELECT NOT AVAIL-
ABLE (When pressing
the “ON/OFF” switch)
Indicates that Multi-ter-
rain Select cannot be
operated because the
VSC and/or 4WD sys-
tem may be malfunc-
tioning.
Contact your Toyota
dealer.
MessageDetailsProcedure
Page 260 of 528

2604-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)
◆Hill-start assist control (if equipped)
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on
an incline or slippery slope
◆LSD (Limited Slip Differential) (if equipped)
Transfers drive power to the rear tires when front tires spin, and
vice versa, in order to improve traction
◆KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) (if equipped)
Enhances ride comfort and handling response by using a hydraulic
control system to control the suspension stabilizer bars in response
to road surface and driving conditions during cornering or off-road
driving
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or if any of the drive wheels
spins, the slip indicator flashes to
indicate that the TRAC/VSC/
Trailer Sway Control systems are
operating.
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or rolling backward when
starting on an incline, or if any of
the drive wheels spins, the slip
indicator flashes to indicate that
the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Con-
trol/hill-start assist control sys-
tems are operating.
The stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on and a buzzer
(intermittent) sounds when the hill-
start assist control system is oper-
ating.
When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are operating
(2WD models)
When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control/hill-start assist control
systems are operating (4WD models)
Page 263 of 528
2634-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC/VSC/Trailer
Sway Control systems 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 the TRAC system only
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the
switch.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator will
come on.
Press the switch again to turn
the system back on.
Disabling the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems (4WD
models)
Page 266 of 528

2664-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)■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/Trailer Sway Control systems (4WD mod-
els)
If the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control 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 operate 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 does 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.
Page 408 of 528

4087-2. Steps to take in an emergency
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)
Securely attach cables or
chains to the towing eyelet.
Take care not to damage the vehi-
cle body
Vehicles without a smart key system: Enter the vehicle being towed
and start the engine.
If the engine does not start, turn the engine switch to the “ON” posi-
tion.
Vehicles with a smart key system: Enter the vehicle being towed
and start the engine.
If the engine does not start, turn the engine switch to IGNITION ON
mode.
Part-time 4WD models:
Ty p e A
Shift the front-wheel drive control lever to H2.
Ty p e B
Push the “UNLOCK” button and turn the front-wheel drive control
switch to H2.
Full-time 4WD models: Push the “UNLOCK” button and turn the
four-wheel drive control switch to H4F. (The center differential is
unlocked.)
Shift the shift lever to N and release the parking brake.
When the shift lever cannot be shifted: P. 4 4 4
■While towing
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will
not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
■Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is stored in the tool bag. (P. 429)
2
3
4
5