towing TOYOTA FJ CRUISER 2007 1.G Owners Manual

402007 FJ CRUISER from Oct. ’06Prod. (OM35873U)
TS13015
To release the belt, press the buckle
release button and allow the belt to
retract.
If the belt does not retract smoothly, pull
it out and check for kinks or twists. Then
make sure it remains untwisted as it re-
tracts.
TS13004a
The rear seat belt buckles can be
stowed when not in use.
Seat belt buckle must be stowed before
you fold the seatback. (See “—Folding
down rear seats” on page 31 or
“—Removing rear seat bottom cushions”
on page 33 in this Section.)If your seat belts cannot be fastened se-
curely because they are not long enough,
a personalized seat belt extender is avail-
able from your Toyota dealer free of
charge.
Please contact your local Toyota dealer so
that the dealer can order the proper re-
quired length for the extender. Bring the
heaviest coat you expect to wear for prop-
er measurement and selection of length.
Additional ordering information is available
at your Toyota dealer.CAUTION
When using the seat belt extender,
observe the following precautions.
Failure to follow these instructions
could reduce the effectiveness of the
seat belt restraint system in case of
an accident, increasing the chance of
death or serious injury.
Remember that the extender pro-
vided for you may not be safe when
used on a different vehicle, for
another person, or at a different
seating position than the one origi-
nally intended.
—Stowing rear seat belt
buckles
—Seat belt extender

992007 FJ CRUISER from Oct. ’06Prod. (OM35873U)
Idling for a long period with the air
conditioning on in stop−and− go traffic.
Towing a trailer.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in
the engine cooling system as this
may cause the engine to overheat.
The thermostat is designed to con-
trol the flow of coolant to keep the
temperature of the engine within
the specified operating range.
 Do not continue driving with an
overheated engine. See “If your ve-
hicle overheats” on page 252 in
Section 4.TS16005
The voltmeter tells whether the battery
is charged or discharged. Check it
while the engine is running—the needle
should always indicate as shown above.
If the needle reads below or above the
normal range while the engine is running,
it indicates the charging system needs im-
mediate repair.
However, it is normal for the needle to
drop below the normal range during en-
gine starting.
TS16003
The tachometer indicates engine speed
in thousands of rpm (revolutions per
minute). Use it while driving to select
correct shift points and to prevent en-
gine lugging and overrevving.
Driving with the engine running too fast
causes excessive engine wear and poor
fuel economy. Remember, in most cases
the slower the engine speed, the greater
the fuel economy.
Voltmeter Tachometer

11 62007 FJ CRUISER from Oct. ’06Prod. (OM35873U)
(b) Normal driving1. Start the engine as instructed in “How to start the engine” on page 232 in
Section 3. The transmission must be in
“P” or “N”.
Four −wheel drive models—
When the four −wheel drive control lever is
in “L4” (low −speed position, four −wheel
drive), the driving pattern selector setting
has no effect on gear shift timing. (See
“Four −wheel drive system (part −time four −
wheel drive models)” on page 120 in this
Section for information of the four −wheel
drive control lever.)
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.
Tw o −wheel drive models—
Always use the “D” position for better fuel
economy and quieter driving. If the engine
coolant temperature is low, the transmis-
sion will not shift into the overdrive gear
even in the “D” position. Four
−wheel drive models—
Always use the “D” position for better fuel
economy and quieter driving. If the engine
coolant temperature is low or when the
four −wheel drive control lever is in “L4”
(low −speed position, four −wheel drive), the
transmission will not shift into the over-
drive gear even in the “D” position. (See
“Four −wheel drive system (part −time four −
wheel drive models)” on page 122 in this
Section for information of the four −wheel
drive control lever.)
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.
In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in
first gear and automatically shift up to the
most suitable gear. On inclines, declines
or winding roads, etc., the vehicle shifts
up and down automatically according to
the running conditions to obtain the suit-
able driving power and engine braking. If you need to accelerate rapidly while
driving, depress the accelerator pedal to
the full throttle position. This provides
more acceleration by automatically down-
shifting the transmission to the next lower
gear or beyond, depending on the vehicle
speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in
descending a long h
ill, see “(c) Using
engine braking”.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) shifting control
AI shifting control selects the most suit-
able shift range automatically according to
the driver ’s operation and driving condi-
tion.
AI shifting control operates automatically
with the selector lever in the “D” position.
Shifting control on the slope: On inclines,
you can drive smoothly with reduced shift-
ing quantity. On declines, the vehicle will
shift down automatically to obtain optimum
engine braking and reduce the driver ’s
foot braking load.
Automatic shifting point change control:
The automatic shifting point control is con-
trolled in the following way to respond to
the driver ’s operation.

11 82007 FJ CRUISER from Oct. ’06Prod. (OM35873U)
With the selector lever in “3” or “2”, the
vehicle will start in first gear and automat-
ically shift to third gear or second gear.
With the selector lever in “L”, the trans-
mission is engaged in first gear.
NOTICE
Be careful not to overrev the en-
gine. Watch the tachometer to keep
engine rpm from going into the red
zone. The approximate maximum al-
lowable speed for each position is
given below for your reference:
Twowheel drive models
“3” 148 km/h (92 mph) . . . . . . .
“2” 101 km/h (63 mph) . . . . . . .
“L” 58 km/h (36 mph) . . . . . . . .
Fourwheel drive models
Fourwheel drive control lever
at “H2” or “H4”“3” 148 km/h (92 mph) . . . . . . .
“2” 101 km/h (63 mph) . . . . . . .
“L” 58 km/h (36 mph) . . . . . . . .
Fourwheel drive control lever
at “L4” “3” 56 km/h (35 mph) . . . . . . . .
“2” 38 km/h (24 mph) . . . . . . . .
“L” 22 km/h (14 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.
(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.

1202007 FJ CRUISER from Oct. ’06Prod. (OM35873U)
Maximum allowable speeds
To get on a highway or to pass slower
traffic, maximum acceleration may be nec-
essary. Make sure you observe the follow-
ing maximum allowable speeds in each
gear:gear km/h (mph) “H” or “HL” “LL”
1 48 (30) 18 (11)
2 93 (58) 35 (22)
3 138 (86) 53 (33)
4 172 (107) 66 (41)
5 175 (109) 80 (50)
NOTICE
Do not downshift if you are going
faster than the maximum allowable
speed for the next lower gear.
Good driving practice
If it is difficult to shift into reverse, put
the transmission in neutral, release the
clutch pedal momentarily, and then try
again.
When towing a trailer, in order to main-
tain engine braking efficiency, do not
use sixth gear.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to skid or
spin.
NOTICE
 Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped before shifting into reverse.
 Do not use any gears other than
first gear when starting off and
moving forward. Doing so may dam-
age the clutch.
TS17005
Use the fourwheel drive control lever
to select the following transfer modes.
“H” (high speed position): Lever at “H”
Use this for normal driving on dry hard −
surfaced roads. This position gives greater
economy, quietest ride and least wear.
“HL” (high speed position, center differ-
ential locked): Lever at “HL”
Use this for normal driving on wet, icy or
snow −covered roads.
“N” (neutral position): Lever at “N”
No power is delivered to the wheels. The
vehicle must be stopped.
Fourwheel drive system
(fulltime fourwheel drive
models)—
(a) Fourwheel drive control

1912007 FJ CRUISER from Oct. ’06Prod. (OM35873U)
In the following cases, the system may
not work properly.
When ice, snow, mud or other objects
build up on the sensor.
When the vehicle is parked in extreme-
ly high or extremely low temperature
for a long period.
When driving on bumpy or graveled
roads or on grass.
When a device such as a horn from
another vehicle, motorcycle engine, or
an air brake sound from a heavy −duty
vehicle, issues ultrasonic waves, near
your vehicle.
When attaching a two −way radio anten-
na.
When rain or water splashes on the
sensor.
When operating the vehicle on an in-
clined surface.
When a radio antenna or fender pole
is mounted on your vehicle.
When a towing hitch is mounted on
your vehicle. The system may not detect the follow-
ing.
Thin objects such as a wire or rope
Objects with a surface area too small
to reflect ultrasonic waves such as
wire gauze
Sound wave absorbing objects or mate-
rial such as cotton or snow
A person near the vehicle (depending
on the type of clothes worn)
Objects with a sharp edge
Small or short objects
Tall objects with an upper part project-
ing toward the vehicle
Objects just under the bumper
Objects very close to your vehicle
In the following cases, have your
Toyota dealer check the system.
When the bumper is damaged.
When the buzzer keeps sounding inter-
mittently even though nothing is close
to the sensors.
TS10001a
The power outlet is designed for power
supply for car accessories.
The key must be in the “ACC” or “ON”
position for the power outlet to be used.
Power outlet (12 VDC)

2252007 FJ CRUISER from Oct. ’06Prod. (OM35873U)
Vehicle load limits include total load
capacity, seating capacity, towing ca-
pacity and cargo capacity. Follow the
load limits shown below. Total load ca-
pacity and seating capacity are also
described on the tire and loading in-
formation label. For location of the tire
and loading information label, see
“Checking tire inflat ion pr es s ur e” on
page 297.
Total load capacity:
540 kg (1190 lb.)
Total load capacity means combined
weight of occupants, cargo and lug-
gage. Tongue load is included when
trailer towing. Seating capacity:
Total 5 (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum
number of occupants whose esti-
mated average weight is 68 kg (150
lb.) per person. Depending on the
weight of each person, the seating ca-
pacity given may exceed the total
load capacity.
NOTICE
Even if the number of occu-
pants are within the seating ca-
pacity, do not exceed the total
load capacity.
Towing capacity: 2268 kg (5000 lb.)
Towing capacity means the maximum
gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus
its cargo weight) that your vehicle is
able to tow.
Veh icle lo ad limit s

2262007 FJ CRUISER from Oct. ’06Prod. (OM35873U)
Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or de-
crease depending on the size (weight)
and the number of occupants. For de-
tails, see “Capacity and distribution”
that follows.
CAUTION
Do not apply the load more than
each load limit. That may cause
not only damage to the tires, but
also deterioration to the steering
ability and braking ability, which
may cause an accident.
When stowing cargo and luggage in
the vehicle, observe the following: Put cargo and luggage in the lug-
gage compartment when at all
possible. Be sure all items are se-
cured in place.
 Be careful to keep the vehicle bal-
anced. Locating the weight as far
forward as possible helps maintain
balance.
 For better fuel economy, do not
carry unneeded weight.
CAUTION
To prevent cargo and l uggage
from sliding forward during
braking, do not stack anything
in the luggage compartment
higher than the seatbacks.
Keep cargo and luggage low,
as close to the floor as pos-
sible.
 Do not place anything on the
flattened seat or it may slide
forward during braking.
 Never allow anyone to ride in
the luggage compartment. It is
not designed for passengers.
They should ride in their seats
with their seat belts properly
fastened. Otherwise, they are
much more likely to suffer
death or serious bodily injury,
in the event of sudden braking
or a collision.
 Do not drive with objects left
on top of the instrument panel.
They may interfere with the
driver’s field of view. Or they
may move during sharp vehicle
acceleration or turning, and im-
pair the driver’s control of the
vehicle. In an accident they
may injure the vehicle occu-
pants.
Cargo and luggage—
—Stowage precautions

2272007 FJ CRUISER from Oct. ’06Prod. (OM35873U)
Cargo capacity depends on the to-
tal weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capac-
ity) – (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The com-bined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX
kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s
placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs. (4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For exam-
ple, if the “ XXX” amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your ve-
hicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity
is 650 lbs. (1400–750
(5x150)=650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle.
For details about trailer towing, see
page 237.
Z20004Cargo
capacity
Total load
capacity
Example on Your Vehicle
In case that 2 people with the com-
bined weight of 166 kg (366 lb.) are
riding in your vehicle with the total
load capacity of 540 kg (1190 lb.), the
available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity will be as follows: 540 kg – 166 kg = 374 kg.
( 1190 lb. – 366 lb. = 824 lb. )
—Capacity and distribution

2312007 FJ CRUISER from Oct. ’06Prod. (OM35873U)
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Before starting the engine232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Tips for driving in various conditions 233
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off −road driving precautions 234
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 236
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. . . . . .
Dinghy towing 237
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing 237
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer 244
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 3