engine TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2003 N210 / 4.G Service Manual

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If the “4LO” (low speed fourwheel drive)
indicator light continues to blink when you
operate the multimode control switch
knob to the “H4” or “L4” position, drive
forward or backward in a short distance,
then stop the vehicle completely, shift the
automatic transmission selector lever se-
curely into “N” and operate the switch
knob again.
If the indicator continues to blink even if
doing so, contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible. There may be a trouble
in the fourwheel drive system.
CAUTION
Never operate the multimode control
switch knob if the wheels are slip-
ping. Stop the slipping or spinning
before operating.
The traction control system automatical-
ly helps prevent the spinning of rear
wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition key is turned to “ON”,
the system automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicle and
power to the rear wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction
control system is in operation. Do not
drive the vehicle under any speed or
maneuvering conditions which may
cause the vehicle to lose traction
control. In situations where the road
surface is covered with ice or snow,
your vehicle should be fitted with
snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious
speed for the present road condi-
tions.
NORMAL DRIVING MODE
Leave the system on during ordinary
driving so that it can operate when
needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the trac-
tion control system is in the selfcheck
mode, but does not indicate a malfunction.
When the traction control system is oper-
ating, the following conditions occur:
The system controls the spinning of the
rear wheels. At this time, the slip indi-
cator light blinks.
Traction control system
(twowheel drive models)

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You may feel vibration or noise in your
vehicle, caused by operation of the
brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition key is turned
to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on,
contact your Toyota dealer.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF MODE
If your wheels get stuck in an ditch
when you are driving on a severe off
road and sand, turn off the traction
control system. This system that con-
trols engine performance may interfere
with the process of freeing your
wheels.
To turn off: Push “TRAC OFF” switch.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come
on.
The vehicle stability control system is al-
ways activated, even if the traction control
system is turned off. To turn on: Push “TRAC OFF” switch
once again.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will go off.
The traction control system will automati-
cally go on, and the “TRAC OFF” indicator
light will go off when you drive over 30
km/h (19 mph) even if the “TRAC OFF”
switch is pushed to cancel the traction
control system.
“TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on for
a few seconds when the ignition key is
turned to “ON”. It will come on again
when you push the “TRAC OFF” switch to
turn off the system.
The light may come on for 60 seconds
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”. It
is normal if they go out after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the “TRAC OFF” indicator
light. It is normal if it goes out after a few
seconds.

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If the light comes on while driving, the
traction control system does not work.
However, as normal braking operates
when being applied, there is no problem
to continue your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come
on when the “VSC TRAC” warning light
comes on even if the “TRAC OFF” switch
is not pushed. The active traction control system auto-
matically helps prevent the spinning of
4 wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition key is turned to “ON”,
the system automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicle and
power to the 4 wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction
control system is in operation. Do not
drive the vehicle under any speed or
maneuvering conditions which may
cause the vehicle to lose traction
control. In situations where the road
surface is covered with ice or snow,
your vehicle should be fitted with
snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious
speed for the present road condi-
tions.
Leave the system on during the ordi-
nary driving so that it can operate
when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the ac-
tive traction control system is in the self
check mode, but does not indicate a mal-
function.
When the active traction control system is
operating, the following conditions occur:
The system controls the spinning of the
4 wheels. At this time, the slip indica-
tor light blinks.
Active traction control system
(fourwheel drive models)

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If the light comes on while driving, the
active traction control system does not
work. However, as normal braking oper-
ates when being applied, there is no prob-
lem to continue your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing. The vehicle stability control system
helps provide integrated control of the
systems such as antilock brake sys-
tem, traction control, engine control,
etc. This system automatically controls
the output of the brakes or engine to
help prevent the vehicle from skidding
when cornering on a slippery road sur-
face or operating steering wheel abrupt-
ly.
The vehicle stability control activates
when the vehicle speed is more than 15
km/h (9 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the sys-
tem is in the selfcheck mode, but does
not indicate a malfunction.
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the ve-
hicle stability control system. Even
if the vehicle stability control sys-
tem is operating, you must always
drive carefully and attentively to
avoid serious injury. Reckless driv-
ing will result in an unexpected ac-
cident. If the slip indicator light
blinks and an alarm sounds, special
care should be taken while driving.
Only use tires of specified size. The
size, manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern for all 4 tires should be the
same. If you use the tires other
than specified, or different type or
size, the vehicle stability control
system may not function correctly.
When replacing the tires or wheels,
contact your Toyota dealer. (See
“Checking and replacing tires” on
page 333 in Section 72.)
Vehicle stability control
system

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“VSC TRAC” warning light
This light warns that when there is a
problem somewhere in the following.
Vehicle stability control system
Traction control system
(twowheel drive models)
Active traction control system
(fourwheel drive models)
Downhill assist control system
(fourwheel drive models)
Hillstart assist control system
The light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to “ON”, and will go off after
about a few seconds. The light may come on for 60 seconds
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”. It
is normal if they go out after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the light. It is normal if they
go out after a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
vehicle stability control system does not
work. However, as normal braking oper-
ates when being applied, there is no prob-
lem to continue your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.
Twowheel drive models only—The “TRAC
OFF” indicator light will come on when the
“VSC TRAC” warning light comes on even
if the “TRAC OFF” switch is not pushed. The downhill assist control system is a
system that assists the deceleration of
the engine brake when you drive down
a steep hill. When you are driving down
a hill with the fourwheel drive control
switch knob (fulltime fourwheel drive
models) or multimode control switch
knob (multimode fourwheel drive
models) in the “L4” position, push the
“DAC” switch to limit the vehicle’s ac-
celeration. If the vehicle is traveling at
a speed of 25 km/h (15 mph) or less,
you can descend at a constant speed.
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the down-
hill assist control system. It may not
be able to maintain a low speed over
road surfaces or offroad surfaces on
which sliding can easily occur, such
as extremely steep slopes or icy or
muddy roads.
Downhill assist control system
(fourwheel drive models)

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TO ACTIVATE THE DOWNHILL ASSIST
CONTROL SYSTEM
1. Fulltime fourwheel drive models— Turn the fourwheel drive control
switch knob to the “L4” position.
The system will not operate if the four
wheel drive control switch knob is in the
“H4” position. Multimode fourwheel drive mod-
els—Turn the multimode control
switch knob to the “L4” position.
The system will not operate if the multi
mode control switch knob is in the “H4”
position. 2. In order to make full use of the en- gine brake, putting the transmission
in “L” or “2” is recommended.
5speed automatic transmission—The sys-
tem will operate even if the transmission
selector lever is in “D”, “4”, “3” or “N”.
However, when it is in “L” or “2” the en-
gine brake can also be utilized enabling
the system to operate more effectively.
4speed automatic transmission—The sys-
tem will operate even if the transmission
selector lever is in “D”, “3” or “N”. Howev-
er, when it is in “L” or “2” the engine
brake can also be utilized enabling the
system to operate more effectively.
3. Push the “DAC” switch to turn the
system on. The downhill assist con-
trol system indicator light on the in-
strument panel will come on.
Fulltime fourwheel drive models—If the
downhill assist control system indicator
light flashes, the selector lever may be in
“N” or the fourwheel drive control switch
knob may be in the “H4” position.
If the indicator light does not come on
when the switch is pushed, contact your
Toyota dealer.
Multimode fourwheel drive models—If
the downhill assist control system indica-
tor light flashes, the selector lever may be
in “N” or the multimode control switch
knob may be in the “H2” or “H4” position. If the indicator light does not come on
when the switch is pushed, contact your
Toyota dealer.

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This rear height control air suspension
controls the vehicle height depending
on the vehicle driving conditions. Select
your desired height among the “HI”
(high), “N” (normal) and “LO” (low)
modes with the height select switch.
(a) Vehicle height modes
“N” (normal) mode—
The vehicle height in this mode is standard.
Regardless of the number of occupants or the
luggage loading condition, the vehicle height
is always automatically adjusted to a fixed
height in this mode while the engine is
running.
This mode is suitable for ordinary driving. “HI” (high) mode—
The vehicle height is about 40 mm (1.6 in.)
higher at rear than the
“N” mode height.
This mode is suitable when driving on the
bumpy roads and through water.
However, when the vehicle speed exceeds
about 30 km/h (19 mph) or over in the
“HI” mode, the “N” mode is automatically
selected.
CAUTION
The “HI” mode should be used for
severe offroad driving condition
only. Because the vehicle’s center of
gravity is higher in this setting, the
vehicle may become unstable when
turning abruptly, resulting in accident.
“LO” (low) mode—
The vehicle height is about 20 mm (0.8 in.)
lower at rear than the “N” mode height.
This mode allows you easy access to the
vehicle (getting in and out) and easy load-
ing and unloading operation.
This mode is available when the vehicle
speed is under about 12 km/h (7 mph).
NOTICE
Use the “LO” mode when the vehicle
is stopped. Otherwise, when the ve-
hicle speed exceeds about 12 km/h (7
mph), “N” mode is selected automati-
cally. So be careful when you drive in
any place where the overhead height
is limited.
(b) Vehicle height mode changing con- dition
To change the vehicle height, it is necessary
to meet the following conditions.
The engine should be running.
The height control “OFF” indicator light
should go off.
Rear height control air
suspension

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When selecting a mode, there is a ve-
hicle speed limit. Refer to the following
table.
Yes = The mode can be selected.
No = The mode cannot be selected.
“LO”
mode“N”
mode“HI”
mode
Under about
12 km/h
(7 mph)
Ye sYe sYe s
Under about
30 km/h
(19 mph)
NoYe sYe s
About
30 km/h
(19 mph) or
over
NoYe sNo
In the following cases, the rear height
control suspension will not operate.
The underbody of the vehicle has
touched the surface on bumpy roads.
The area around the rear suspension
is coated with ice. If the vehicle is moved to its usual loca-
tion or the ice is removed and the height
select switch is pressed, the vehicle
height control cannot be operated. In this
case, turn off and restart the engine, then
push the control switches.
(c) Vehicle height adjustment
To change the mode, push the height
select switch on either side of “
”
(higher) or “ ” (lower).
The height control indicator light indicates
which mode is selected. (See “(e) Height
control indicator light” described below.)
Selecting the “HI” mode—
Push the height select switch on the “ ”
side when the vehicle speed is under
about 30 km/h (19 mph).
To change the “N” mode to “HI”, push
the switch once.

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To change the “LO” mode to “HI”, push
the switch twice. It takes about 30 sec-
onds until the “LO” mode changes to the
“HI” mode.
Selecting the “N” mode—
To change the “HI” mode to “N”, push
the height select switch on the “ ” side
once.
To change the “LO” mode to “N”, push
the height select switch on the “ ” side
once.
Selecting the “LO” mode—
Push the height select switch on the “ ”
side while the vehicle is stopped.
To change the “N” mode to “LO”, push
the switch once.
To change the “HI” mode to “LO”, push
the switch twice.
Even if the engine is stopped while the ve-
hicle height is being lowered, the operation
continues for up to 25 seconds. If , within
this 25 seconds, any of the side doors or the
back door is opened, operation will continue
for a further 15 seconds.NOTICE
If the vehicle height is changed fre-
quently when the vehicle is heavily
loaded, the compressor may over-
heat, causing the vehicle height ad-
justment operation to stop.
 Before you lower the vehicle height
with the height select switch, check
under the vehicle to make sure
nothing to damage the vehicle or
no one to be injured is there and
that the underbody of the vehicle
does not touch the ground.
 After unloading, the height of a ve-
hicle equipped with the rear height
control air suspension becomes
slightly higher than the normal ve-
hicle height. Take sufficient care
where the overhead height is re-
stricted.
 Do not select the “LO” mode in the
bumpy roads. If the underbody of
the vehicle touches the rugged road
surface, the vehicle may be dam-
aged.

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(d) Turning off the rear height control
air suspension
To turn off the rear height control air
suspension with the vehicle stopped,
push the “HEIGHT CONTROL OFF”
switch. The height control “OFF” indi-
cator light comes on and the vehicle
height is fixed in the same mode as the
height control switch is pushed.
This status is memorized in the system
even after the engine is stopped.
If you push the switch again, the height
control “OFF” indicator light goes out and
the rear height control air suspension is
turned on.
Even after the rear height control air suspen-
sion is turned off with the “HEIGHT CON-
TROL OFF” switch, if the vehicle speed ex-
ceeds 30 km/h (19 mph), the rear height
control air suspension automatically selects
the “N” mode.CAUTION
If you drive through deep water over
about 700 mm (28 in.) in depth, put
the vehicle height in the “HI” mode
with the height select switch and then
turn off the rear height control air
suspension by pushing the “HEIGHT
CONTROL OFF” switch.
NOTICE
When jacking up or insta lling tire
chains, be sure to turn off the rear
height control air suspension by
pushing the “HEIGHT CONTROL
OFF” switch and stop the engine.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change because of the automatic
leveling function, resulting in an un-
expected accident.
 If your vehicle must be towed, put
the vehicle height in the “N” mode
and turn off the rear height control
air suspension. Otherwise, the ve-
hicle height may change because of
the automatic leveling function, re-
sulting in an unexpected accident.
If your vehicle gets ditched, turn off
the rear height control air suspen-
sion with the “HEIGHT CONTROL
OFF” switch. Otherwise, the vehicle
height may change because of the
automatic leveling function resulting
in an unexpected accident.