3194-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)
■Multi-terrain Select is temporarily canceled when
The front-wheel drive control lever is shifted to H4 when Multi -terrain Select is
in ROCK, MOGUL or LOOSE ROCK mode. The mode indicator will flas h until
the lever is shifted back to L4.
■ If the Multi-terrain Select indicator continues to flash
This may indicate a malfunction in the Multi-terrain Select system.
In this case, Multi-terrain Select is automatically canceled. Have your vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
■ If the Multi-terrain Select indicator goes off while Multi-terr ain Select is
operating
● One of the vehicle systems related to Multi-terrain Select may be malfunc-
tioning.
Have your vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
●
The brake actuator may be at risk of overheating.
A buzzer will sound, the “A-TRAC” indicator will go off and the “TRAC OFF”
indicator will come on. Stop the vehicle in a safe place. Refra in from using
Multi-terrain Select until the “A-TRAC” indicator comes back on and the
“TRAC OFF” indicator goes off. (The vehicle can still be driven , even if Multi-
terrain Select is inoperative.)
In the above cases, Multi-terrain Select is automatically cance led.
WARNING
■Before driving
To avoid an accident, observe the precautions relating to off-r oad driving.
( P. 333)
■ When using Multi-terrain Select
● Do not use the Multi-terrain Select system for normal (on-road) driving.
The Multi-terrain Select system is designed for off-road use on ly.
● Do not overly rely on Multi-terrain Select. This function does not extend
the vehicle’s performance limitations. Always check the terrain thoroughly
and drive safely.
● The recommended modes for the listed terrains ( P. 314) are only a refer-
ence. The selected mode may not be suitable to actual off-road conditions
due to factors such as the type or unevenness of the terrain or the degree
of incline. Check the actual terrain thoroughly and drive safel y.
● After selecting a mode, make sure that the Multi-terrain Select indicator
and the selected mode indicator come on. If any related indicator flashes,
the vehicle is not under Multi-terrain Select control.
3254-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)
■When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on even if has not
been pressed
TRAC, hill-start assist control, downhill assist control and cr awl control are
temporary deactivated. If the indicator light continues to rema in on, contact
your Toyota dealer.
■ When the VSC or TRAC system is turned off by pressing the VSC o ff
switch
On vehicles with pre-collision system, pre-collision brake assi st and pre-colli-
sion braking will also be disabled. The PCS warning light will come on and
the message will be shown on the multi-information display. ( P. 263)
■ Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following conditions are met, the hill-start assist co ntrol will operate:
2WD models
● The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/
backward on an upward incline)
● The vehicle is stopped
● The accelerator pedal is not depressed
● The parking brake is not engaged
4WD models
● The system has detected that the vehicle is moving backward
● The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/
backward on an upward incline)
● The brake pedal is not depressed.
● The rear differential is not locked.(if equipped)
■ Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control (2WD models)
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:
● The shift lever is shifted to P or N
● The accelerator pedal is depressed
● The parking brake is engaged
● 2 seconds at maximum elapsed after the brake pedal is released
■ When the brake system o perates continuously
The brake actuator may overheat. In this case, the TRAC and hil l-start assist
control systems will stop operating, a buzzer will sound and th e “TRAC OFF”
indicator will come on. Refrain from using the system until the “TRAC OFF”
indicator turns off. (There is no problem with continuing norma l driving.)
3274-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■The ABS and Multi Terrain ABS do not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (suc h as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or s lick roads.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS or Multi Terrain ABS is operatin g may
exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS and Multi Terrain ABS are not designed to shorten the v ehicle’s
stopping distance. Always maintain a safe distance from the veh icle in front
of you, especially in the following situations:
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■ TRAC/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while drivi ng on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and p ower may be
lost.
■ Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
2WD models
● Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control
may not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not inte nded to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may
lead to an accident.
4WD models
Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control
may not operate effectively on a steep uphill and roads covered with ice.
3284-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular car e when the
indicator light flashes.
■ When TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Co ntrol systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the r oad condi-
tions. As these are systems to help ensure vehicle stability an d driving
force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems of f unless
necessary.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, trea d pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, Multi Terrain ABS, TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control will not
function correctly if different tires are installed on the vehi cle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replaci ng tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspensio n will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
■ Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not able to reduce trailer sway in all situ-
ations.
Depending on many factors such as the conditions of the vehicle, trailer,
road surface and driving environment, the Trailer Sway Control system may
not be effective. Refer to your trailer owner’s manual for info rmation on how
to tow your trailer properly.
■ If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury.
● Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer sway by turning the steering whee l.
● Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very grad ually to
reduce speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle
and trailer should stabilize. ( P. 204)
3324-6. Driving tips
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of acciden ts.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and ca use 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 acciden ts.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be d riven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tir e 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 v ehicle con-
trol is maintained.
NOTICE
■ Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Toyota dealer s or legiti-
mate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affect s the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■ Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not funct ion correctly
when tire chains are fitted.
3344-6. Driving tips
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■Off-road vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk o f death, seri-
ous injury or damage to your vehicle:
● In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more l ikely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and al l passengers
should always fasten their seat belts.
● Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury.
● Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehi-
cle gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp tur ns, sudden
braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correct ly.
● Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher
center of gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordi-
nary passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control.
● When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may c ause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chass is.
● Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or
straight down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-ro ad vehicle)
can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or backward .
3364-6. Driving tips
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk o f death, seri-
ous injury or damage to your vehicle:
● Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risk s by driving
in dangerous places.
● Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and espe-
cially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
● Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in
sand, mud, water or snow.
● After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc. , check that
there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adherin g or trapped
on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the
vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody,
a breakdown or fire could occur.
● In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more l ikely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and al l passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
● When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may c ause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chass is.
3465-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
● Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weathe r.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and t hat of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, block-
ing your vision.
■ To prevent burns
● Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces when the outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers are on.
● Do not touch the glass at lower part of the windshield or to the side of the
front pillars when the windshield wiper de-icer is on.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessa ry when the
engine is stopped.
■ When repairing/replacing parts of the air conditioning system
Have repair/replacement performed by your Toyota dealer.
When a part of the air conditioning system, such as the evapora tor, is to be
replaced, it must be replaced with a new one.
● Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover the air outlets.
Otherwise, air flow may be obstructed,
preventing the windshield defoggers
from defogging.