
3
1
8 7
6
5
4
3
2
9
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)4-1. Before driving
Driving the vehicle ............. 160
Cargo and luggage............ 170
Vehicle load limits ............. 175
Trailer towing..................... 176
Dinghy towing.................... 192
4-2. Driving procedures Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without a 
smart key system) ........... 193
Engine (ignition) switch  (vehicles with a 
smart key system) ........... 196
Automatic transmission ..... 201
Turn signal lever................ 206
Parking brake .................... 207
4-3. Operating the lights  and wipers
Headlight switch ................ 208
Fog light switch ................. 214
Windshield wipers and  washer ............................ 216
Rear window wiper and  washer ............................ 219
4-4. Refueling Opening the fuel tank cap .................................. 222 4-5.  Using the driving 
support systems
Cruise control .................... 225
Intuitive parking assist ....... 229
Four-wheel drive system  (part-time 4WD 
models)............................ 235
Four-wheel drive system  (full-time 4WD 
models)............................ 239
Active traction control  system ............................. 243
AUTO LSD system ............ 245
Rear differential lock  system ............................. 247
Downhill assist control  system ............................. 250
Crawl Control ..................... 253
Multi-terrain Select............. 256
Driving assist systems ....... 263
4-6. Driving tips Winter driving tips .............. 272
Off-road precautions .......... 276
4Driving 

159
Driving4
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)4-1. Before driving
Driving the vehicle ............. 160
Cargo and luggage ........... 170
Vehicle load limits ............. 175
Trailer towing..................... 176
Dinghy towing ................... 192
4-2. Driving procedures Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without a 
smart key system) ........... 193
Engine (ignition) switch  (vehicles with a 
smart key system) ........... 196
Automatic transmission ..... 201
Turn signal lever................ 206
Parking brake .................... 207
4-3.  Operating the lights  and wipers
Headlight switch ................ 208
Fog light switch ................. 214
Windshield wipers and  washer ............................ 216
Rear window wiper and  washer ............................ 219 4-4. Refueling
Opening the fuel tank cap .................................. 222
4-5.  Using the driving  support systems
Cruise control .................... 225
Intuitive parking assist....... 229
Four-wheel drive system  (part-time 4WD 
models) ........................... 235
Four-wheel drive system  (full-time 4WD 
models) ........................... 239
Active traction control  system ............................ 243
AUTO LSD system............ 245
Rear differential lock  system ............................ 247
Downhill assist control  system ............................ 250
Crawl Control .................... 253
Multi-terrain Select ............ 256
Driving assist systems ...... 263
4-6. Driving tips Winter driving tips ............. 272
Off-road precautions ......... 276 

2014-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
Vehicles without a smart key systemWhile the engine switch is in t he “ON” position, move the shift
lever with the brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped.
Vehicles with a smart key system
While the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode, move the
shift lever with the brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped. 
Automatic transmission
Shifting the shift lever 

2044-2. Driving procedures
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)■
If the shift lever canno t be shifted from P
First, check whether the brake pedal is being depressed. 
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake pedal, there may
be a problem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by y\
our
Toyota dealer immediately.
The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to ensure that
the shift lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:
Set the parking brake.
Vehicles without a smart key system: Turn the engine switch to the “LOCK”
position. 
Vehicles with a smart key system: Turn the engine switch is off.
Depress the brake pedal.
■ If the “S” indicator does not come on  even after shifting the shift lever to
S
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately. 
(In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same manner as when
the shift lever is in D.)
■ Downshift restriction warning buzzer (S mode)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be
possible even when the shift lever is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.) Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-
driver or equivalent tool.
To prevent damage to the cover, cover
the tip of the screwdriver with a rag.
Press the shift lock override button.
The shift lever can be shifted while the
button is pressed.
1
2
3
4
5 

2524-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)■
System malfunction
In case of a system malfunction, the following may occur:
●The downhill assist control system indicator flashes in a situation other than
those listed above.
● The downhill assist control system indicator does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without a smart key
system) or the engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with
a smart key system).
Have your vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■ Conditions which may affect the downhill assist control system opera-
tion
● Do not rely too heavily on the downhill assist control system. On extremely
steep inclines, icy surfaces or muddy roads, the vehicle may slip and the
system may not be able to maintain the constant low vehicle speed of
about 3 mph (5 km/h), leading to an accident causing death or serious
injury. 
● Do not shift the shift lever to R while driving forward, or to D while driving
backward. Doing so may cause the wheels to lock up, leading to an acci-
dent causing death or serious injury. In addition, excessive stress will be
applied to the automatic transmission, possibly resulting in damage. 

2554-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)■
Automatic system cancelation
In the following situations, the system will cease operation and a buzzer will
sound to alert the driver. The Crawl Cont rol indicator will flash until the system
is turned off completely.
● When the shift lever is shifted to P or N
● When the front-wheel drive control lever or switch is shifted to H4
● When the driver’s door is opened
● When the system is malfunctioning
● When the brake system overheats
Stop the vehicle in a safe place. (There is no problem with continuing normal
driving.)
● When the automatic transmission system overheats
Stop the vehicle in a safe place until the automatic transmission fluid tem-
perature warning light goes off.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused  by the Crawl Control system
● 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 Crawl Control system.
● Either of the following conditions may occur when the Crawl Control system
is 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.
CAUTION
■When using Crawl Control
● Do not overly rely on Crawl Control. This function does not extend the
vehicle’s performance limitations. Always check the terrain thoroughly and
drive safely.
● The recommended speed modes for the listed terrains ( →P. 254) are only
a reference. The selected mode may not be suitable to actual off-road con-
ditions due to factors such as the type or unevenness of the terrain or the
degree of incline. Check the actual terrain thoroughly and drive safely.
● After activating Crawl Control, make sure that the Crawl Control indicator
comes on. If the indicator flashes, the vehicle is not under system control.
■ Conditions under which the syst em may not operate correctly
When driving on the following surfaces, the system may not be able to
maintain a fixed low speed, which may result in an accident:
● Extremely steep inclines
● Extremely uneven surfaces
● Snow-covered roads, or other slippery surfaces 

2804-6. Driving tips
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
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”. 

3516-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
Fuses (→P. 386)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs (→P. 389)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as
original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver• Wrench
Power steering fluid
level ( →P. 363)• Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
• Rag or paper towel• Clean funnel
Radiator and con-
denser (→P. 360)⎯
Tire inflation pressure
(→ P. 375)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(→P. 367)
• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for
winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washerfluid)
ItemsParts and tools