Page 263 of 528

2634-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
◆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
◆Multi Terrain ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) (if equipped)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,
or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface,
or in off-road conditions (such as rough roads, sand and mud)
The Multi Terrain ABS operates in synchronization with the Multi-
terrain Select.
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal
is depressed when 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
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 maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following
systems operate automatically in response to various driving
situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supple-
mentary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operat-
ing the vehicle.
Page 265 of 528
2654-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
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 (turning on the AUTO LSD
system [ →P. 245])
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the
switch.
The VSC OFF and “AUTO LSD”
indicators will come on.
Press the switch again to turn
the system back on.
Disabling the TRAC/VSC/Traile r Sway Control systems (2WD
models)
Page 267 of 528
2674-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
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/Traile r Sway Control systems (4WD
models)
Page 269 of 528

2694-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
■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 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 a fter 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/Trail er 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.
Page 272 of 528
272
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
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. Al ways drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Page 275 of 528

2754-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
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.
Page 280 of 528

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”.
Page 286 of 528

2865-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
■Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Turning on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
● If you turn off, the windows may fog up more easily.
● The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■ Outside/recirculated air mode
When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in
preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interior. During cooling opera-
tion, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle inter\
ior effec-
tively.
■ When the outside temperature exceeds 75°F (24°C) and the air condition-
ing system is on
● In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the air condition-
ing system may switch to recirculated air mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption.
● Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode 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).
● It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pressing
.
■When the indicator light on flashes
Press
to turn off the cooling and dehumidification function and turn it on
again. There may be a problem in the air conditioning system if the indicator
light continues to flash. Turn the air conditioning system off and have it
inspected by your Toyota dealer.