Page 193 of 528
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4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
4-2. Driving procedures
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the “START” position to start the engine.
“LOCK”
The steering wheel is locked and
the key can be removed. (The key
can be removed only when the
shift lever is in P.)
“ACC”
Some electrical components such
as the audio system can be used.
“ON”
All electrical components can be used.
“START”
For starting the engine.
Engine (ignition) swi tch (vehicles without a 
smart key system)
Starting the engine
Changing the engine switch positions
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1944-2. Driving procedures
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
■Turning the key from  “ACC” to “LOCK”
Shift the shift lever to P. 
■ If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( →P. 70)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ When the steering lock cannot be released
■ Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened, while the engine switch is in
the “LOCK” or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key.Push in the key and turn to the “LOCK”
position.
When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK”
position. To free it, turn the key while turn-
ing the steering wheel slightly left and
right.
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1964-2. Driving procedures
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
The engine switch indicator will turn green. If the indicator does not turn
green, the engine cannot be started.
Press the engine switch shortly
and firmly.
When operating the engine switch,
one short, firm press is enough. It
is not necessary to press and hold
the switch.
The engine will crank until it starts
or for up to 30 seconds, whichever
is less.
Continue depressing the brake
pedal until the engine is completely
started.
The engine can be started from
any engine switch mode.
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles with a 
smart key system)
Performing the following operati ons when carrying the elec-
tronic key on your person starts the engine or changes engine
switch modes.
Starting the engine
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1984-2. Driving procedures
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
If the engine is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than P,
the engine switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to
ACCESSORY mode. Perform the following procedure to turn the
switch off:
Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that the indicator on th e engine switch is illuminated in
amber and then press the engine switch once.
Check that the indicator on  the engine switch is off.
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or IGNI-
TION ON mode (the engine is not running) for more than an hour with th\
e
shift lever in P, the engine switch will  automatically turn off. However, this
function cannot entirely prevent battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle
with the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long peri-
ods of time when the engine is not running.
■ Electronic key battery depletion
→P.  9 4
■ Conditions affecting operation
→P. 107
■ Notes for the entry function
→P. 108
■ If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( →P. 70) 
Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Steering lock
After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the
steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the
engine switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.
When stopping the engine with the  shift lever in a position other
than P
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1994-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)■
When the steering lock cannot be released
■ Steering lock motor o verheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be sus-
pended if the engine is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time.
In this case, refrain from operating the engine. After about 10 seconds, the
steering lock motor will resume functioning.
■ When the engine switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
→P. 383
■ Operation of the engine switch
If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the engine switch mode may
not change or the engine may not start. The green indicator light on the engine
switch will flash. Press the engine switch
again while turning the steering wheel left
and right. 
         
        
        
     
        
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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 
         
        
        
     
        
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2034-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B37U)
■S mode
When the shift range is “3” or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the
shift range to “5”.
■ AI-SHIFT
AI-SHIFT automatically selects the optimal gear according to driver perfor-
mance and driving conditions.
AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position.
(Shifting the shift lever to the S position or paddle shifting cancels the func-
tion.)
The engine speed may remain high after releasing the accelerator pedal. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
■ When driving with cruise control system
Engine braking will not occur in S mode, even when downshifting to “4”.
(→P. 225)
■ Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent accidental operation of the shift
lever in starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only when the engine switch is in the
“ON” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or IGNITION ON mode
(vehicles with a smart key system) and the brake pedal is being depressed. 
         
        
        
     
        
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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.
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