
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

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.

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)

2654-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)
■When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light 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 control 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.

2764-6. Driving tips
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)
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”.

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

4147-2. Steps to take in an emergency
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)
SRS warning light
Indicates 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 indicator 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

4157-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)
(Flashes rapidly)
Low speed four-wheel drive indicator light (if
equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
(Flashes rapidly)
Center differential lock indicator light (if equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
(Flashes contin-
uously)
Multi-terrain Select indicator light (if equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the Multi-terrain Select sys-
tem
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
Power steering warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the power steering system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
Unengaged “Park” warning light (if equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the transmission “Park”
mechanism.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
KDSS warning light (if equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in KDSS
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
(Flashes)
Automatic running boards indicator light (if
equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in Automatic running boards
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
Open door warning light (warning buzzer)*2
Indicates that a door is not fully closed
Check that all the doors are closed.
Low fuel level warning light
Indicates remaining fuel is approximately 3.5 gal. (13.1
L, 2.9 Imp. gal.) or less
Refuel the vehicle.
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions