2021 TOYOTA 4RUNNER parking brake

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.

3304-6. Driving tips
4RUNNER (U)
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is fr ozen.
Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away
the water immediately to p revent 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 ic e 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 roa d 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 pa rking
brake, make sure t o block the wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerou s because it may cause the vehi-
cle to move unexpectedly, pos sibly leading to an accident.
● If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, confirm
that the shift lever c annot be moved out of P
*.
*: The shift lever will be locked if it is attempted to be shifte d 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 syst em. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle

4016-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly(without uneven pedal effort or catching).
Automatic transmis-
sion “Park” mecha-
nism• When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P,is the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearancefrom the floor? ( P. 527)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of
free play? ( P. 527)
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side when the
brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints• Do the head restraints move smoothly and locksecurely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake
• Does the parking brake pedal move smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is
on, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amountof free play?
• There should not be any strange sounds coming
from the steering wheel.

4697-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
4RUNNER (U)
When using a flat-bed truck to transport the vehicle, use tire strapping
belts. Refer to the owner's manual of the flat-bed truck for th e tire
strapping method.
Vehicles with a smart key system: In order to suppress vehicle move-
ment during transportation, set the parking brake and turn the engine
switch off.
Vehicles without a smart key system: In order to suppress vehic le
movement during transportation, set the parking brake and turn the
engine switch to the “LOCK” position.
If a tow truck is not available in an emergency, your vehicle m ay be
temporarily towed using cables or chains secured to the emergen cy
towing hooks. This should only be attempted on hard surfaced roads
for at most 80 km (50 miles) at under 30 km/h (18 mph).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes . The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, a xles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
NOTICE
■ Towing with a sling-type truck
Using a flatbed truck
Emergency towing
Do not tow with a sling-type truck to pre-
vent body damage.

4717-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
4RUNNER (U)
Part-time 4WD models:
Ty p e A
Shift the front-wheel drive control lever to H2.
Ty p e B
Push the “UNLOCK” button and turn the front-wheel drive control
switch to H2.
Full-time 4WD models: Push the “UNLOCK” button and turn the
four-wheel drive control switch to H4F. (The center differentia l is
unlocked.)
Shift the shift lever to N and release the parking brake.
When the shift lever cannot be shifted: P. 2 2 1
■While towing
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes a nd steering will
not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
4
5

4747-2. Steps to take in an emergency
4RUNNER (U)
If a warning light turns on or a war ning
buzzer sounds
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning ligh ts
comes on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then
goes off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the
system. However, if this continues to occur, have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
Warning light and w arning buzzer list
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning li ght (warning buzzer)
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system
This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is
fully released the system is operating normally.
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and
contact your Toyota dealer. Continuing to drive
the vehicle may be dangerous.
High coolant temperature warning light (warning
buzzer)
*4
Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too
high
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Handling method ( P. 514)
Charging system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging sys-
tem
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and
contact your Toyota dealer.
Low engine oil pressure warning light*4
Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and
contact your Toyota dealer.

4777-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
4RUNNER (U)
Low fuel level warning lightIndicates remaining fuel is approximately 3.5 gal. (13.1
L, 2.9 Imp. gal.) or less
 Refuel the vehicle.
Seat belt reminder light (warning buzzer)*3
Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their
seat belts
 Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger’s s eat is occupied, the front
passenger’s seat belt also needs to be fastened to
make the warning light (wa rning buzzer) turn off.
Brake Override System/Drive- Start Control warning
light (warning buzzer)
*4
When a buzzer sounds:
• Brake Override System is malfunctioning;
• Drive-Start Control is operating;
• Drive-Start Control is malfunctioning; or
 Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-
information display.
When a buzzer does not sound:
Brake Override System is operating
 Release the accelerator pedal and depress the
brake pedal.
(Flashes)
(U.S.A.)
(Flashes)
(Canada)Parking brake indicator (warning buzzer)*1
Indicates that the parking brake is engaged
 Release the parking brake.
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions