Page 251 of 528

2514-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
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 252 of 528

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.
Page 253 of 528
2534-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)■
Crawl Control switch
Crawl Control∗
∗: If equipped
Allows travel on extremely rough o
ff-road surfaces at a fixed low
speed without pressing the acceler ator or brake pedal. Mini-
mizes loss of traction or vehicle slip when driving on slippery
road surfaces, allowing for stable driving.
“ON/OFF” switch
The Crawl Control indicator comes on and the slip indicator flashes when\
operating.
Speed selector dial
Turn the dial clockwise to increase the speed and counterclockwise to
decrease the speed.
Crawl Control indicator
Slip indicator
1
2
3
4
Page 260 of 528

2604-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
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 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 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 273 of 528

2734-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.
Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away
the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.
● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-
ditions.
● Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from
being released. If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking
brake, make sure to block the wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehi-
cle to move unexpectedly, pos sibly leading to an accident.
● If the vehicle is parked without se tting the parking brake, confirm
that the shift lever ca nnot be moved out of P
*.
*: The shift lever will be locked if it is attempted to be shifted from P to any
other position without depressing the brake pedal. If the shift lever can be
shifted from P, there may be a problem with the shift lock system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
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”.