2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA transmission

2254-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Automatic transmission
Floor shift typeWhile the engine switch is in ON, move the shift lever with the
brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that t he vehi-
cle is completely stopped.
Shifting the shift lever

2314-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■If the “S” indicator does not come on even after shifting the s hift lever to
S
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission s ystem. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer, immediately.
(In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same m anner as when
the shift lever is in D.)
■ Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer (S mode)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting ope ration may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting ma y not be
possible even when the shift lever is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
■ Transmission protection function
If the tires spin continually when the vehicle becomes stuck in mud, dirt or
snow, the automatic transmission temperature may become too high and
cause damage.
To avoid the damaging the automatic transmission, the system may tempo-
rarily lock the gear in 1st.
If the automatic transmission temperature falls, the gear locki ng is canceled
and returns the automatic transmission to the normal operation.
WARNING
■ When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.
■ To prevent an accident when releasing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override button, make sure to se t the parking
brake and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed instead of t he brake pedal
when the shift lock override button is pressed and the shift le ver is shifted
out of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, possibly leading to a n accident
resulting in death or serious injury.

3174-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■When the front-wheel drive cont rol switch is shifted to “4L”
VSC is automatically turned off.
■ If the “4HI” indicator flashes
The transfer mode may not successfully change. Drive straight a head while
accelerating or decelerating, or drive in reverse.
■ If the “4LO” indicator continues to flash
The transfer mode may not successfully change. Operate the fron t-wheel
drive control switch again.
■ If the “4LO” indicator continues to flash and a buzzer sounds
The shift lever is not in N and/or the vehicle is moving. Stop the vehicle com-
pletely, shift the shift lever to N and make sure that the indi cator stops flash-
ing.
■ If the “4HI” or “4LO” indicator flashes rapidly
There may be a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Four-wheel drive usage frequency
You should drive in four-wheel drive for at least 10 miles (16 km) each month.
This will assure that the front drive components are lubricated .
WARNING
■Shifting the front-wheel drive control switch from “2WD” to “4H ” while
driving
Never operate the front-wheel drive control switch if the wheels are slipping.
Stop the slipping or spinning before shifting.
■ When the vehicle is parked
If the shift lever is moved before the “4LO” indicator turns on/off, the transfer
mode may not be shifted completely. The transfer mode disengage s both
the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and allows t he vehicle to
move regardless of the shift position. (At this time, the indic ator blinks and
the buzzer sounds.)
Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic tr ansmission is in
P. You or someone else could be seriously injured. You must com plete the
shifting of the transfer mode before placing transmission in P.

3384-6. Driving tips
NOTICE
■To prevent the 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 d amage.
● Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deteriorat ion in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibrati on, 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 river bed for firm ness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
■ Inspection after off-road driving
● Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums and around bra ke
discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system compo-
nents.
● Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-r oad driv-
ing that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or wat er. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Main tenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

4096-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly(without uneven pedal effort or catching).
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism• When parked on a slope and the shift lever isin P, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clear-ance from the floor? ( P. 547)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of free play? ( P. 547)
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 andlock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function prop-erly?
Parking brake
• Does the parking brake pedal movesmoothly?
• 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 correctamount of free play?
• There should not be any strange sounds com-
ing from the steering wheel.

4126-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition
(  P. 422)• Warm water• Baking soda• Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
( P. 420)• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine coolant
level ( P. 418)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high
quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrite and non-borate coolant with long-
life hybrid organic acid technology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
55% coolant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level
(  P. 416)• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses
( P. 454)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
( P. 457)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as origi-
nal
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver• Wrench
Power steering
fluid level

(
P. 421)
• Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding power steering fluid)
Radiator and
condenser
(
P. 420)

Tire inflation
pressure
(  P. 442)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
( P. 425)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for win-
ter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

4226-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Checking the fluid level
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the cap by turni ng it counterclockwise.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall the cap and remove it again.
Check the fluid level.
Check the battery as follows:
■Battery exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
Fluid type Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
Items Rag or paper, clean funnel (only for adding fluid)
WARNING
■Checking the fluid level
Take care, as the reservoir may be hot.
NOTICE
■When adding fluid
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering may be damaged.
■ After replacing the reservoir cap
Check the steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or
damage.
Battery
1
2
3
4
5
1
2

4807-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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. Release the parking
brake.
From the rear
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