Page 306 of 616
3064-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)
Ty p e B
The four-wheel drive indicator comes on when H4 or L4 mode is
selected. H2 (high speed position, two-wheel drive)
Use this for normal driving on dry hard-surfaced roads. This po sition gives
greater economy, quietest ride and least wear.
H4 (high speed positi on, four-wheel drive)
Use this for driving only on tracks that permit the tires slide , like off-road,
icy or snow-covered roads. This position provides greater tract ion than
two-wheel drive.
L4 (low speed position, four-wheel drive)
Use this for maximum power and traction. Use “L4” for climbing or
descending steep hills, off-road driving, and hard pulling in s and, mud or
deep snow.
Four-wheel drive indicator
Low speed four-whe el drive indicator
1
2
3
4
5
Page 309 of 616
3094-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)
H4F (high speed position)
Use this for normal driving on dry hard-surfaced roads. This position gives
greater economy, quietest ride and least wear.
H4L (high speed position, cent er differential locked)
Use this for driving only on tracks that permit the tires slide , like off-road,
icy or snow-covered roads.
L4L (low speed position, c enter differential locked)
Use this for maximum power and traction. Use “L4L” for climbing or
descending steep hills, off-road driving, and hard pulling in s and, mud or
deep snow.
Center differential lock indicator
Low speed four-whe el drive indicator
Four-wheel drive system (full-time 4WD
models)
Use the four-wheel drive contro l switch to select the following
transfer modes:
1
2
3
4
5
Page 334 of 616

3344-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward movement of the vehicle when start -
ing on an uphill
◆LSD (Limited Slip Diff erential) (if equipped)
Transfers drive power to the rear tires when front tires spin, and
vice versa, in order to improve traction
◆KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Susp ension System) (if equipped)
Enhances ride comfort and handli ng response by using a hydraulic
control system to control the su spension stabilizer bars in response
to road surface and driving conditions during cornering or off- road
driving
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway
Control system s are operating.
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway
Control/hill-start assist control
systems are operating.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds
when the hill-start assist control
system is operating.
When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are operating
(2WD models)
When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway C ontrol/hill-start assist control
systems are operating (4WD models)
Page 340 of 616

3404-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■The ABS and Multi Terrain ABS do not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such 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 o r Multi Terrain ABS is operating may
exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS and Multi Terrain ABS are not designed to shorten the vehicle’s
stopping distance. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle 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 driving 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-s tart assist control
may not operate effectively on a steep uphill and roads covered with ice.
Page 341 of 616

3414-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
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 Control 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 and driving
force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off 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. 202)
Page 342 of 616
342
4RUNNER (U)
4-6. Driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate t o the prevailing outside tempera-
tures. • Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspec t the condition of the battery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a ma n-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Page 343 of 616

3434-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
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
Page 344 of 616
3444-6. Driving tips
4RUNNER (U)
Use the correct tire chain size when mount ing the tire chains.
Chain size is regulate d for each tire size.
Side chain
(0.20 in. [5 mm] in diameter)
Cross chain
(0.20 in. [5 mm] in diameter)
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Always chec k local regulations before installing
chains.
■ Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
● Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
● Install tire chains on the rear tires only. Do not install tire chains on the front
tires.
● Install tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retig hten chains after
driving 1/4 1/2 mile (0.5 1.0 km).
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided with th e tire chains.
Selecting tire chains
1
2
Regulations on the use of tire chains