automatic transmission TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2003 N210 / 4.G Owners Manual

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1. Side vents
2. Side defroster outlets
3. Instrument cluster
4. Center vents
5. Personal lights
6. Electric moon roof switch
7. Garage door opener
8. Auxiliary boxes
9. Glove box
10. Automatic transmission selector lever
11. Power door lock switches
12. Power window switches
13. Seat heater switches
14. “HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch
15. Rear vents
16. Trash holder
17. Height select switch
18. “DAC” switch
19. Front cup holders
20. Tilt steering lock release lever
Instrument panel overview

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or
Driver ’s seat belt reminder light∗
1
Low engine oil pressure warning light∗1
Engine oil replacement reminder light∗1
(for vehicles sold in U.S.A.) Brake system warning light
∗ 1
Malfunction indicator lamp∗1
Discharge warning light∗1
Antilock brake system warning light∗1
SRS warning light∗1
Open door warning light∗1
Front passenger ’s seat belt reminder light∗1
Vehicle stability control system warning
light∗1
Traction control system warning light∗1
(twowheel drive models)
Active traction control system warning light∗1
(fourwheel drive models)
Downhill assist control system warning
light∗1 (fourwheel drive models)
Hillstart assist control system warning
light∗1
Automatic transmission fluid temperature
warning light∗1
Low windshield washer fluid level warning
light∗1 (for vehicles sold in Canada)
Engine immobiliser/theft deterrent system
indicator light
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel

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Cruise control indicator light∗
5
Center differential lock indicator light∗3
(fourwheel drive models) Automatic transmission indicator lights
(5speed)
Traction control system off indicator light
(twowheel drive models) Vehicle stability control system off indicator light
(fourwheel drive models)
Slip indicator light
Turn signal indicator lights
Low speed fourwheel drive indicator light∗ 3
(fourwheel drive models)
Downhill assist control system indicator light
(fourwheel drive models)
Height control “OFF” indicator light
∗4
Height control indicator lights
∗1: For details, see “Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers” on page 117 in Section 15.
∗2: If this light flashes, see “Fourwheel drive system” on page
141 in Section 16.
∗3: If this light flashes, see “Fourwheel drive system” on page
138 and on page 141 in Section 16.
∗4: If this light flashes, see “Rear height control air suspension”
on page 158 in Section 16.
∗5: If this light flashes, see “Cruise control” on page 164 in
Section 16.
Headlight high beam indicator light
Automatic transmission indicator lights
(4speed)
Fourwheel drive indicator light∗2
(multimode fourwheel drive models)

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You can set the following automatic
door locking and unlocking functions.
(a) Locking linked with the shift posi-
tion
All the side doors and back door are
locked automatically when the automatic
transmission selector lever is moved out
of the “P” position with the engine running
(including ignition switch in the “ON” posi-
tion) and all the side doors and back door
are closed. This function is the default
setting for new vehicles.
(b) Unlocking linked with the shift posi- tion
All the side doors and back door are un-
locked automatically when the automatic
transmission selector lever is moved to
the “P” position with the ignition switch in
the “ON” position.
(c) Locking linked with the vehicle speed
All the side doors and back door are
locked automatically when the vehicle
speed reaches 20 km/h (12 mph) or high-
er. However, if any of the side doors and
back door is unlocked during driving, this
auto locking function will not operate until
the unlocked door is opened once. (d) Unlocking linked with opening the
driver ’s door
All the side doors and back door are un-
locked automatically when the driver’s
door is opened within 10 seconds after
the ignition switch is turned from “ON” to
the “ACC” or “LOCK” position.
SETTING THE FUNCTIONS
1. Close all the side doors and back door.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position.
3. Within 10 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position;
To set function (a)
Push and hold the front of the power
door lock switch for 5 seconds with the
automatic transmission selector lever in
the “P” position.
To set function (b)
Push and hold the rear of the power
door lock switch for 5 seconds with the
automatic transmission selector lever in
the “P” position.
To set function (c)
Push and hold the front of the power
door lock switch for 5 seconds with the
automatic transmission selector lever in
any position except “P”.
To set function (d)
Push and hold the rear of the power
door lock switch for 5 seconds with the
automatic transmission selector lever in
any position except “P”.
All the side doors and back door are auto-
matically lock and unlock when you re-
lease the power door lock switch. This
indicates that the function is set. If all the
side doors and back door do not lock and
unlock, the time the switch was held may
have been too short or too long. Perform
the procedure over again starting from
step 1.
If you want to cancel a function, repeat
the procedure. Each time you perform the
procedure, the function is set or can-
celled.
—Automatic door locking and
unlocking functions

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(f) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on when the ignition
key is turned to the “ON” position and
goes off after the engine starts. This
means that the warning light system is
operating properly.
If the lamp remains on, or the lamp
comes on while driving, first check the
followings.
Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immedi-
ately.
Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely
tighten it.
These cases are temporary malfunctions.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off
after taking several driving trips.
If the lamp will not go off even after the
several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.
If the fuel tank is not empty or the fuel
tank cap is not loose...
There is a problem somewhere in the
engine, emission control system, elec-
tronic throttle control system, automatic
transmission electrical system or warn-
ing light system itself. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
If the engine speed does not increase with
the accelerator pedal depressed down,
there may be a problem somewhere in
your electronic throttle control system.
At this time, vibration may occur. Howev-
er, 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.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erro-
neous pedal operation.
Emissions inspection and maintenance
(I/M) programs
Your vehicle may not pass a state
emission inspection if the malfunction
indicator lamp remains on. Contact your
Toyota dealer to check your vehicle’s
emission control system and OBD
(OnBoard Diagnostics) system before
taking your vehicle for the inspection.
For details, see “Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) programs” on page 314
in Section 6.
(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.
(h) Engine Oil Replacement Reminder
Light (for vehicles sold in U.S.A.)
This light reminds you when to replace
the engine oil.
This light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to “ON” and will go off after
about a few seconds.

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(l) 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.
This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, side and curtain shield airbag sen-
sors, curtain shield airbag sensors, driv-
er ’s seat position sensor, driver ’s seat belt
buckle switch, front seat belt pretensioner
assemblies, inflators, warning light, inter-
connecting 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. (m) 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.
(n) Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level Warning Light (for vehicles sold in
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” on page 343 in
Section 73.)
(o) 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.

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OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Ignition switch, Transmission and Parking brake
Ignition switch with steering lock 128
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
Fourwheel drive system 138
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
Traction control system 145
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Active traction control system 148
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle stability control system 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Downhill assist control system 152
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hillstart assist control system 155
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear height control air suspension 158
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 163
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 164
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1 6

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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).
(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
(shifting into overdrive possible)
4: Engine braking
(shifting into overdrive not possible)
3, 2: Stronger engine braking
L: Maximum engine braking
Automatic transmission (5speed)
With the brake pedal depressed
(The ignition switch must be in
“ON” position.)
Shift normally.

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(b) Normal driving
1. Start the engine as instructed in “How to start the engine” on page 260 in
Section 3. The transmission must be in
“P” or “N”.
When the fourwheel drive control switch
knob is in “L4” (lowspeed position, center
differential locked), the driving pattern se-
lector setting has no effect on gear shift
timing. (See “Fourwheel drive system
(fulltime fourwheel drive models)” on
page 138 in this Section for information of
the fourwheel drive control.) 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 use the “D” position for better fuel
economy and quieter driving. If the engine
coolant temperature is low or when the
fourwheel drive control switch knob is in
“L4” (lowspeed position, center differential
locked), the transmission will not shift into
the overdrive gear even in the “D” posi-
tion. (See “Fourwheel drive system (full
time fourwheel drive models)” on page
138 in this Section for information of the
fourwheel drive control.)
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.
If the automatic locking operation linked
with the shift position is set, all the side
doors and back door are automatically
locked when the shift lever is moved out
of the “P” position with the engine running
(including ignition switch in the “ON” posi-
tion) and all the side doors and back door
are closed. For details, see “—Automatic
door locking and unlocking functions” on
page 17 in Section 12. (c) Using engine braking
To use engine braking, you can downshift
the transmission as follows:
Shift into the “4” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to fourth gear
and engine braking will be enabled.
Shift into the “3” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to third gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than the following speed, and
stronger engine braking will be en-
abled.
Twowheel drive models 133 km/h (83 mph)
Fourwheel drive models
Fourwheel drive control switch
knob at “H4” 133 km/h (83 mph)
Fourwheel drive control switch
knob at “L4” 52 km/h (32 mph)

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Fourwheel drive models
Fourwheel drive control switch
knob at “H4”“3” 136 km/h (84 mph) . . . . . . .
“2” 93 km/h (57 mph) . . . . . . . .
“L” 54 km/h (33 mph) . . . . . . . .
Fourwheel drive control switch
knob at “L4” “3” 53 km/h (32 mph) . . . . . . . .
“2” 36 km/h (22 mph) . . . . . . . .
“L” 21 km/h (13 mph) . . . . . . . .
 Do not continue hill climbing or
hard towing for a long time in the
“3”, “2” or “L” position. This may
cause severe automatic transmis-
sion damage from overheating. To
prevent such damage, “4” position
should be used in hill climbing or
hard towing.(e) Backing up
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the selector lever to the
“R” position.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the ve-
hicle is moving.
(f) Parking
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal pressed down, fully depress the parking brake pedal
to apply the parking brake securely.
3. With the brake pedal pressed down, shift the selector lever to the “P” posi-
tion.
CAUTION
Never attempt to move the selector
lever into “P” position under any cir-
cumstances while the vehicle is mov-
ing. Serious mechanical damage and
loss of vehicle control may result.
If the automatic unlocking operation linked
with the shift position is set, all the side
doors and back door are automatically un-
locked when the selector lever is moved
to the “P” position with the ignition switch
is in the “ON” position. For details, see
“—Automatic door locking and unlocking
functions” on page 17 in Section 12.
(g) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly shifts up
and down between fourth gear and
overdrive when climbing a gentle slope,
shift the selector lever to the “4” posi-
tion. Be sure to shift the selector lever
to the “D” position immediately after-
ward.
When towing a trailer, in order to main-
tain engine braking efficiency, do not
use “D” position.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake
pedal while stopped with the engine
running. This prevents the vehicle
from creeping.