TOYOTA FJ CRUISER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

153
2−4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Manual transmission
Before using the rear differential lock system.
Shift the four−wheel drive control lever into LL to see if this is
sufficient. If this has no effect, additionally use the rear differ−
ential lock system.
Be sure to stop the wheels.
Depress the clutch pedal.
Press the RR DIFF LOCK switch.
After the rear differential is locked, the indicator will come on.
Slowly release the clutch pedal.
Unlock the rear differential as soon as the vehicle moves out.
To unlock the rear differential, push the switch again.
 Locking the rear differential
 When the rear differential is locked, VSC is automatically turned off.
(The rear differential lock and VSC OFF indicators come on.)
The following systems do not operate when the rear differential is locked.
It is normal operation for the ABS warning light, VSC OFF indicator and
slip indicator to be on at this time.
ABS
Brake assist system
VSC
TRAC
 The rear differential lock is disengaged when
 Shift the four−wheel drive control lever to H or HL. (4WD models with a
manual transmission)
Shift the front−wheel drive control lever to H2 or H4. (4WD models with
an automatic transmission)
Never forget to turn off the switch after using this feature.
After unlocking the rear differential
Check the indicator go off, turn the engine switch to the ON position, but do
not start the engine.

154 2−4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
 To avoid an accident
 Do not use the rear differential lock system except when wheel spinning
occurs in a ditch or on a slippery or ragged surface. Large steering effort
and careful cornering control will be required.
 Do not lock the rear differential until the wheels have stopped spinning.
Otherwise, the vehicle may move in an unexpected direction when the dif−
ferential lock is engaged, resulting in an accident. This may also lead to
possible damage to differential lock component parts.
 Do not drive over 5 mph (8 km/h) when the differential is locked.

Do not keep driving with the RR DIFF LOCK switch on.

155
2−4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Clutch star t cancel switch (vehicles with a manual transmission)
 Clutch start system
The system is designed to keep the starter motor from operating if the clutch
pedal is not depressed all the way down. The switch allows the vehicle to be driven out of difficult situations
by cranking the engine with the clutch engaged.
Never use the switch for normal engine starting. Be sure to follow the
starting procedure. ( P. 114)
Press the CLUTCH START
CANCEL switch to cancel the
clutch start system with the
engine switch is turned to the
ON position.
The indicator comes on when
the clutch start system is can−
celed.
The clutch start cancel switch
is automatically turned off
when the engine switch is
turned off.

156
2−4. Using other driving systems
Driving assist systems
When VSC/TRAC are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip−
ping, or if the rear wheels (2WD
models) or all wheels (4WD
models) spin, the indicator light
flashes to indicate that VSC/
TRAC have been engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating. To help enhance driving safety a nd performance, the following sys
tems operate automatically in res
ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too h
eavily when operating the vehicle.
 ABS (Antilock Brake System)
Restrains the vehicle from slipping when driving on slick road surfaces
or in the event of sudden braking.
 Brake Assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
 VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
 TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the rear wheels (2WD models) or
all wheels (4WD models) from spinning when starting the vehicle or
accelerating on slippery roads.

157
2−4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
To disable VSC
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, VSC may reduce
power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn the sys−
tem off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
Vehicles with rear differential lock system
Press the RR DIFF LOCK
switch.
The rear differential lock and VSC
OFF indicators should come on.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.
4WD models with an automatic transmission
Shift the front−wheel drive control
lever to H4 or L4.
The four−wheel drive and VSC
OFF indicators should come on.
Shift the lever to H2, turn the sys−
tem back on.
4WD models with a manual transmission
Shift the four−wheel drive control
lever to HL or LL.
The center differential lock and
VSC OFF indicators should come
on.
Shift the lever to H, turn the sys−
tem back on.

158 2−4. Using other driving systems
 Sounds and vibrations caused by
the ABS, TRAC, VSC and brake
assist system
A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi−
cate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
 Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
 If the brake system overheats
TRAC will cease operation and a buzzer will sound to alert the driver. Stop
the vehicle in a safe place. (There is
no problem with continuing normal driv−
ing.)

159
2−4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
 The ABS does not operate effectively when
 The limits of the gripping performance have been exceeded.
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
 Stopping distance when the ABS is
operating will exceed that of nor
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ−
ations.
 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 roads with uneven roads
When VSC is activated
The slip indicator flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive care−
fully. Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when
the indicator flashes and a buzzer sounds.
 TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip−
pery road surfaces, even if TRAC is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
 Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the appro−
priate tire pressure level.
The ABS and VSC will not function correctly if different tires are fitted on the
vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
 Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

160
2−5. Driving information
Off−road precautions
Offroad vehicle feature
 Specific design characteristics give
it a higher center of gravity
than ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes
this type of vehicle to be more likel
y to rollover. And, utility vehicles
have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehi−
cles.
An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the
road allowing you to anticipate problems.
 It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary
passenger cars any more than lo w−slung sports cars designed to
perform satisfactorily under off−road conditions. Therefore, sharp
turns at excessive speeds may cause rollover.
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has higher
ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its
center of gravity to make it capable of performing in a wide variety of
offroad applications.

161
2−5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
 Offroad vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of serious per−
sonal injury or damage to your vehicle:
 In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
 Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury.
 Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehi−
cle gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden
braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly.
 Always slow down in gusty crosswi
nds. Because of its profile and higher
center of gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordi−
nary passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control.
 When driving off−road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
 Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or
straight down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off−road vehicle)
can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or backward.

162 2−5. Driving information
Offroad driving
When driving your vehicle off−road, please observe the following pre−
cautions to ensure your driving
enjoyment and to help prevent the
closure of areas to off−road vehicles.

Drive your vehicle only in areas where off−road vehicles are permit−
ted to travel.
 Respect private property. Get owner ’s permission before entering
private property.

Do not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers and signs
that restrict travel.
 Stay on established roads. When conditions are wet, driving tech−
niques should be changed or trav el delayed to prevent damage to
roads.
 Additional information for offroad driving
For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and Puerto Rico:
To obtain additional information pertaining to driving your vehicle off−road,
consult the following organizations.
State and Local Parks and Recreation Departments
State Motor Vehicle Bureau
Recreational Vehicle Clubs

U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management