TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2001 Owners Manual

’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)
952001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)
(m) Shift front drive
control lever out of
“N”.
(n) Stop and check.
(o) Add washer fluid.
If the indicator or
buzzer comes on...Do this.
(l) Remove key.Key reminder
buzzer (k) Take vehicle to
To y o t a
d ealer
immediately. (j) Close all doors.
(a) Brake System Warning Light and
buzzer
This light comes on in the following cases
when the ignition key is in the “ON” posi-
tion.
When the parking brake is applied...
This light comes on for a few seconds
when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position on even after the parking
brake is released.
When the brake fluid level is low...
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving
normally when the brake fluid level is
low.
When the hydraulic brake booster
fails...
If the hydraulic booster causes a problem
resulting in poor braking performance, the
warning light comes on and buzzer sounds
continuously.Have your vehicle checked at your
Toyota dealer in the following cases:
The light does not come on even if the
parking brake is applied when the igni-
tion key is in the “ON” position.
The light does not come on even if the
ignition key is turned on with the park-
ing brake released.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If any of the following conditions oc-
curs, immediately stop your vehicle at
a safe place and contact your Toyota
dealer.
The light does not turn off even
after the parking brake is released
while the engine is running.
The warning buzzer comes on to-
gether with the warning light.
In either case, this can indicate that
the brakes may not work properly
and your stopping distance will be-
come longer. Depress the brake
pedal firmly and bring the vehicle
to an immediate stop.
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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)
962001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)
The brake system warning light re-
mains on together with the “ABS”
warning light.
In this case, not only the antilock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely un-
stable during braking.
Any of the following conditions may oc-
cur, but do not indicate the malfunc-
tion:
The light may stay on for about 60
seconds after the ignition key is turned
to the “ON” position. It is normal if it
turns off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the warning light and
buzzer. It is normal if the light turns off
and the buzzer stops sounding after a
few seconds.
You may hear a small sound in the
engine compartment after the engine is
started or the brake pedal is depressed
repeatedly. This is a pump pulsating
sound of the brake system, and it is
not a malfunction.(b) Driver’s Seat Belt Reminder Light
and Buzzer
This light and buzzer remind you to
buckle up the driver’s seat belt.
Once the ignition key is turned to “ON” or
“START”, the reminder light flashes and
buzzer come on if the driver’s seat belt
is not fastened. Unless the driver fastens
the belt, the light keeps on flashing and
the buzzer sounds for about 4 to 8 se-
conds.
(c) Front Passenger ’s Seat Belt Re-
minder Light
This light reminds you to buckle up the
front passenger ’s seat belt.
Once the ignition key is turned to “ON” or
“START”, the reminder light flashes if a
passenger sits in the front passenger seat
and does not fasten the seat belt. Unless
the front passenger fastens the belt, the
light stays flashing.
If luggage load is placed on the front
passenger seat, depending on its weight
and how it is placed on the seat, builtin
sensors in the seat cushion may detect
the pressure, causing the reminder light to
come on.(d) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being
discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, there
is a problem somewhere in the charging
system.
The engine ignition will continue to oper-
ate, however, until the battery is dis-
charged. Turn off the air conditioning,
blower, radio, etc., and drive directly to
the nearest Toyota dealer or repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine
drive belt is broken or loose.
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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)
972001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)
(e) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pres-
sure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are
driving, pull off the road to a safe place
and stop the engine immediately. Call a
Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when
the engine is idling or it may come on
briefly after a hard stop. There is no
cause for concern if it then goes out when
the engine is accelerated slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level
is extremely low. It is not designed to
indicate low oil level, and the oil level
must be checked using the level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the
warning light on—even for one block.
It may ruin the engine.
(f) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following
cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty.
(See “Fuel gauge” in this section for
instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened se-
curely. (See “Fuel tank cap” in Section
12 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your
engine, automatic transmission electri-
cal system or electronic throttle control
system.
If it comes on while you are driving in
case c, have your vehicle checked/re-
paired by your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.If this lamp comes on and the engine
speed does not increase with the acceler-
ator pedal depressed down to about the
middle position, there may be a problem
somewhere in your electronic throttle con-
trol system. At this time, if you depress
the accelerator pedal more firmly and
slowly, you can drive your vehicle at low
speeds. Have your vehicle checked by
your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic
throttle control system is corrected during
low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and
the ignition key is turned to “ACC” or
“LOCK” position.
(g) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the fuel level
in the tank becomes nearly empty. Fill up
the tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the move-
ment of fuel in the tank, the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than
usual.
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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)
982001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)
(h) “ABS” Warning Light
The light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to the “ON” position. If the anti
lock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns off
after a few seconds. Thereafter, if either
of the systems malfunctions, the light
comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
antilock brake system, the brake assist
system, the traction control system (two
wheel drive vehicles), the active traction
control system (fourwheel drive vehicles)
and the vehicle skid control system do not
operate, but the brake system still oper-
ates conventionally.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
antilock brake system does not operate
so that the wheels could lock up during
a sudden braking or braking on slippery
road surfaces.If either of the following conditions oc-
curs, this indicates a malfunction some-
where in the parts monitored by the
warning light system. Contact your To-
yota dealer as soon as possible to ser-
vice the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, or remains on.
The light comes on while you are dri-
ving.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on
together with the brake system warn-
ing light, immediately stop your ve-
hicle at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.
Either of the following conditions may
occur, but do not indicate the malfunc-
tion:
The light may stay on for about 60
seconds after the ignition key is turned
to the “ON” position. It is normal if it
turns off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the light. It is normal if it
turns off after a few seconds.
(i) Vehicle Skid Control System and
Traction Control System (twowheel
drive models) or Active Traction
Control System (fourwheel drive
models) Warning Lights
These lights warn that there is a problem
somewhere in the vehicle skid control sys-
tem and traction control system (two
wheel drive models) or active traction con-
trol system (fourwheel drive models).
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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)
992001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)
If the “VSC/TRAC” warning light and
“TRAC OFF” (twowheel drive models) or
“VSC OFF” (fourwheel drive models) indi-
cator light come on, have your vehicle
checked by Toyota dealer as soon as pos-
sible. However, there is no problem when
the “VSC/TRAC” warning light comes on
when the brake actuator temperature be-
comes high. (For details, see “Traction
control system” and “Active traction con-
trol” in Section 16.)
The lights will come on when the ignition
key turned to “ON”, and will go off after
a few seconds.
The lights may come on for 60 seconds
after the ignition key is turned to the “ON”
position. It is normal if they go out after
a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the lights. It is normal if they
go out after a few seconds.
When the “VSC/TRAC” warning light and
“TRAC OFF” (twowheel drive models) or
“VSC OFF” (fourwheel drive models) indi-
cator light come on the vehicle skid sys-
tem and/or traction control system (two
wheel drive models) or active traction
control system (fourwheel drive models)
do not operate, but there is no problem
to continue your driving.(j) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors
and back door are completely closed.
(k) SRS Warning Light
This light will come on when the igni-
tion key is turned to the “ON” position.
After about 6 seconds, the light will go
off. This means the system of the air-
bag and front seat belt pretensioner are
operating properly.
The warning light system monitors the air-
bag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, front seat belt pretensioner assem-
blies, inflators, warning light,
interconnecting wiring and power sources.
If either of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction somewhere in
the parts monitored by the warning light
system. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion or remains on.
The light comes on or flashes while
driving.(l) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the
key when you open the driver ’s door with
the ignition key in the “ACC” or “LOCK”
position.
(m) Unengaged “Park” Warning
Light
( fourwheel drive vehicles)
This light warns that the transmission
“Park” mechanism is not engaged. If the
front drive control lever is in the “N” posi-
tion while the selector lever is in the “P”
position, the transmission will disengage
and the wheels will not lock.
CAUTION
To restore the park function, shift the
front drive control lever out of “N”,
or the vehicle can move.
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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)
1002001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)
(n) Automatic Transmission Fluid
Temperature Warning Light
This light warns that the automatic trans-
mission fluid temperature is too high.
If this light comes on while you are driv-
ing, slow down and pull off the road. Stop
the vehicle at a safe place and put the
selector lever in “P”. With the engine id-
ling, wait until the light goes off. If the
light goes off, you may start the vehicle
again. If the light does not go off, call a
Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
NOTICE
Continued driving with the warning
light on may damage the automatic
transmission.
(o) Low windshield Washer Fluid Level
Warning Light (Canada)
The light warns that the windshield washer
fluid level is too low. Add washer fluid at
your earliest opportunity. (For instructions,
see “Adding washer fluid” in Section 73.)CHECKING SERVICE REMINDER
INDICATORS (except the low fuel level
warning light and low windshield
washer fluid level warning light)
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Open one of the side doors or back
door.
The open door warning light should
come on.
3. Close the door.
The open door warning light should go
off.
4. Turn the ignition key to “ON”, but do
not start the engine.
All the service reminder indicators ex-
cept the open door warning light should
come on. The “ABS” and “VSC/TRAC”
warning lights, “TRAC OFF” (twowheel
drive models) or “VSC OFF” (four
wheel drive models) indicator light and
slip indicator light go off after a few
seconds. The SRS warning light goes
off after about 6 seconds.There may be the case that the “ABS”
warning light (brake assist system
warning light), “VSC/TRAC” warning
light and “TRAC OFF” (twowheel drive
models) or “VSC OFF” (fourwheel
drive models) indicator light stay on for
about 60 seconds after the ignition key
is turned to the “ON” position. It is
normal if they go out after a while.
If any service reminder indicator or warn-
ing buzzer does not function as described
above, either the bulb is burned out or the
circuit is in need of repair. Have it
checked by your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)
1012001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Ignition switch, Transmission and Parking brake
Ignition switch with steering lock102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourwheel drive system11 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system11 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Active traction control system120 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system122 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake124 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1 6
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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)
1022001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)
“START”—Starter motor on. The key
will return to the “ON” position when
released.
For starting tips, see Section 3.
“ON”—Engine on and all accessories
on.
This is the normal driving position.
“ACC”—Accessories such as the radio
operate, but the engine is off.
If you leave the key in the “ACC” or
“LOCK” position and open the driver’s
door, a buzzer will remind you to remove
the key.
“LOCK”—Engine is off and the steering
wheel is locked. The key can be re-
moved only at this position.You must shift the selector lever into the
“P” position before turning the key from
“ACC” to the “LOCK” position.
Vehicles with engine immobiliser system—
Once you remove the key, the engine im-
mobiliser system is automatically set. (See
“Engine immobiliser system” in Section
12.)
When starting the engine, the key may
seem stuck at the “LOCK” position. To
free it, first be sure the key is pushed all
the way in, and then rock the steering
wheel slightly while turning the key gently.NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the “ON”
position if the engine is not running.
The battery will discharge and the
ignition could be damaged.
Ignition switch with steering
lock
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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)
1032001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)
Your automatic transmission has a shift
lock system to minimize the possibility of
incorrect operation. This means you can
only shift out of “P” position when the
brake pedal is depressed (with the ignition
switch in “ON” position and the lock re-
lease button depressed).
(a) Selector lever
The shift position is also displayed on the
instrument cluster.
P:Parking, engine starting and
key removal
R:Reverse
N:Neutral
D:Normal driving (with overdrive on)
2:Stronger engine braking
L:Maximum engine braking
Automatic transmission
Twowheel drive models
Lock release button
To prevent misshifting
With the brake pedal depressed,
shift while holding the lock release
button in. (The ignition switch must
be in “ON” position.)
Shift while holding the lock
release button in.
Shift normally.Selector lever
Overdrive switch
Driving pattern
selector button
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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)
1042001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)
(b) Overdrive switch
You can select either third gear (with
overdrive off) or fourth gear (with over-
drive on) by pushing this switch.
To turn the overdrive off, push the switch.
The “O/D OFF” indicator light should come
on. To turn the overdrive on again, push
the switch again. The “O/D OFF” indicator
light should go off.
Always drive your vehicle with the over-
drive on for better fuel economy and
quieter driving.
If the engine is turned off when the over-
drive is off and restarted, the overdrive
will be on automatically.Vehicles with cruise control—When the
cruise control is being used, even if you
downshift the transmission by pushing and
releasing the overdrive switch, engine
braking will not be enabled because the
cruise control is not cancelled.
For ways to decrease the vehicle speed,
see “Cruise control” in this section.
(c) Normal driving
1. Start the engine as instructed in “How
to start the engine” in Section 3. The
transmission must be in “P” or “N”.
2. With your foot holding down the brake
pedal, shift the selector lever to “D”.
When the lever is in the “D” position, the
automatic transmission system will select
the most suitable gear for running condi-
tions such as normal cruising, hill climb-
ing, hard towing, etc.
Always turn the overdrive on for better
fuel economy and quieter driving. If the
engine coolant temperature is low, the
transmission will not shift into the over-
drive gear even with the overdrive on.
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelera-
tor pedal while shifting.
3. Release the parking brake and brake
pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal
slowly for smooth starting.
(d) Using engine braking
To use engine braking, you can downshift
the transmission as follows:
Push the overdrive switch. The “O/D
OFF” indicator light will come on and
the transmission will downshift to third
gear.
Shift into the “2” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to second gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than 119 km/h (73 mph), and
stronger engine braking will be en-
abled.
Shift into the “L” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to first gear
When the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than 58 km/h (36 mph), and
maximum engine braking will be en-
abled.
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