2021 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Owners Manual (in English)

4657-1. Essential information
7
When trouble arises
4RUNNER (U)
●Remove the seat belt first.
● If the door can be opened, open the door and exit the vehicle.
● If the door can not be opened, open the window using the power
window switch and exit the vehicle through the window.
● If the window can not be opened using the power window switch,
remain calm, wait until the water level inside the vehicle rise s to the
point that the water pressure i nside of the vehicle equals the water
pressure outside of the vehicl e, and then open the door and exi t the
vehicle.
If the vehicle is trapped in rising water
In the event the vehicle is submerged in water, remain calm and
perform the following.
WARNING
■ Using an emergency hammer* for emergency escape
The front side windows and rear side windows, as well as the re ar window
can be shattered with an emergency hammer
* used for emergency escape.
However, an emergency hammer can not shatter the windshield as it is lam-
inated glass.
*: Contact your Toyota dealer or aftermarket accessory manufactur er for
further information about an emergency hammer.
■ Escaping the vehicle from the window
There are cases where escaping the vehicle from the window is n ot possi-
ble due to seating position, passenger body type, etc.
When using an emergency hammer, consider your seat location and the
size of the window opening to ensure that the opening is accessible and
large enough to escape.

466
4RUNNER (U)
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle
towed by your Toyota dealer or commercial towing service,
using a wheel-lift type t ruck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all stat e/
provincial and local laws.
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■ When towing the vehicle
2WD models: Be sure to transport the
vehicle with the rear wheels raised or
with all four wheels raised off the ground.
If the vehicle is towed with the rear
wheels contacting the ground, the drive-
train and related parts may be damaged
or an accident may occur due to a
change in direction of the vehicle.
4WD models: Be sure to transport the
vehicle with all four wheels raised off the
ground. If the vehicle is towed with the
tires contacting the ground, the drivetrain
or related parts may be damaged, the
vehicle may fly off the truck.

4677-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■While towing
● When towing using cables or chains, avoid sudden starts, etc. w hich place
excessive stress on the towing eyelets, cables or chains. The towing eye-
lets, cables or chains may become damaged, broken debris may hit peo-
ple, and cause serious damage.
● Vehicles with a smart key system: Do not turn the engine switch off.
There is a possibility that the steering wheel is locked and ca nnot be oper-
ated.
● Vehicles without a smart key system: Do not turn the engine switch to the
“LOCK” position.
There is a possibility that the steering wheel is locked and ca nnot be oper-
ated.
NOTICE
■ To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck
● Vehicles with a smart key system: Do not tow the vehicle from the rear
when the engine switch is off. The steering lock mechanism is n ot strong
enough to hold the front wheels straight.
● Vehicles without a smart key system: Do not tow the vehicle fro m the rear
when the engine switch is in the “LOCK” position or the key is removed.
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels
straight.
● When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.
■ To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or re ar.
■ To prevent damage to the vehic le during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components.
■ Recreational towing (behind mo tor home, etc.) (4WD models)
Never dinghy tow your vehicle to prevent
causing serious damage to the transmis-
sion. (P. 208)

4687-2. Steps to take in an emergency
4RUNNER (U)
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer or commercial towing service before towing.
● The engine is running but t he vehicle does not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
From the front
Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
From the rear (2WD models)
Turn the engine switch to the
“ACC” position (vehicles without a
smart key system) or ACCES-
SORY mode (vehicles with a
smart key system) so that the
steering wheel is unlocked.
From the rear (4WD models)
Use a towing dolly under the front
wheels.
Situations when it is necessary to contact dealers before towing
Towing with a wheel-lift type truck

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.

4707-2. Steps to take in an emergency
4RUNNER (U)
Vehicles with front covers only:
Before using the front emer-
gency towing eyelet(s), remove
the cover(s).Removing the clips
Installing the clips
Securely attach cables or
chains to the towing hook.
Take care not to damage the vehi-
cle body.
Enter the vehicle being towed and start the engine.
Vehicles with a smart key system: If the engine does not start, turn the
engine switch to ON.
Vehicles without a smart key system: If the engine does not sta rt, turn the
engine switch to the “ON” position.
Emergency towing procedure
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2
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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

4727-2. Steps to take in an emergency
4RUNNER (U)
●Fluid leaks un der the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning a fter use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points high er
than normal.
● Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
● Engine missing, stumb ling or running roughly
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one s ide when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touch es
the floor
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the followi ng symptoms, your vehicle proba -
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms