check engine light TOYOTA HILUX 2023 User Guide
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2214-2. Driving procedures
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Driving
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■ When the steering lock cannot be released 
■ Key reminder function 
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the engine switch is in 
the “LOCK” or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key. 
When starting the engine, the engine 
switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK” 
position. To free it, turn the key while turn- 
ing the steering wheel slightly left and
right.
WARNING
■ When starting the engine 
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the 
accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. 
■ Caution when driving 
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position while driving.  
If in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, 
turn the engine switch only to the “ACC” position to stop the engine. An
accident may result if the engine is stopped while driving. ( P. 555)
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge 
Do not leave the engine switch in the  “ACC” or “ON” position for long peri- 
ods of time without the engine running. 
■ When starting the engine 
● Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may 
overheat the starter and wiring system. 
● Do not race a cold engine. 
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehi- 
cle checked by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately. 
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2224-2. Driving procedures
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Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles with  
smar t entr y & start system)
Automatic transmission 
Check that the parking brake is set. 
Check that the shift lever is set in P. 
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
A message will be displayed on the 
multi-information display. If it is not 
displayed, the engine cannot be
started.
Press the engine switch shortly 
and firmly.
When operating the engine switch, 
one short, firm press is enough. It
is not necessary to press and hold 
the switch. 
The engine will crank until it starts 
or for up to 30 seconds, whichever 
is less. 
Continue depressing the brake pedal until the engine is completely started.
Diesel engine only: the   indicator turns on. The engine will start after 
the indicator light goes out. 
The engine can be started from any engine switch mode.
Performing the following operations when carrying the elec- 
tronic key on your person starts the engine or changes engine 
switch modes.
Starting the engine
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2234-2. Driving procedures
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Driving
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Manual transmission 
Check that the parking brake is set. 
Check that the shift lever is set in N. 
Firmly depress the clutch pedal.
A message will be displayed on the 
multi-information display. If it is not
displayed, the engine cannot be 
started.
Press the engine switch shortly 
and firmly.
When operating the engine switch, 
one short, firm press is enough. It 
is not necessary to press and hold 
the switch. 
The engine will crank until it starts 
or for up to 30 seconds, whichever 
is less. 
Continue depressing the clutch pedal until the engine is completely 
started. 
Diesel engine only: the   indicator turns on. The engine will start after 
the indicator light goes out. 
The engine can be started from any engine switch mode.
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2294-2. Driving procedures
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Driving
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NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge 
● Do not leave the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode 
for long periods of time without the engine running. 
● If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is displayed on the multi-information 
display while the engine is not running, the engine switch is not off. Exit the
vehicle after turning the engine switch off. 
● On vehicles with automatic transmission, do not stop the engine when the 
shift lever is in a position other than P. If the engine is stopped in another
shift lever position, the engine switch will not be turned off but instead be 
turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode, 
battery discharge may occur. 
■ When starting the engine 
● Do not race a cold engine. 
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehi- 
cle checked by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized 
repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately. 
■ Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the engine switch 
If the engine switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual, 
such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact any 
authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable 
repairer immediately. 
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4-2. Driving procedures
Driving
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Turn signal lever
Right turn 
Left turn 
Lane change to the right (move 
the lever partway and release 
it)
The right hand signals will flash 3 
times.
Lane change to the left (move 
the lever partway and release 
it)
The left hand signals will flash 3 
times.
■ Turn signals can be operated when
Vehicles without smart entry & start system 
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with smart entry & start system
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■ If the indicator flashes faster than usual 
Check that a light bulb in the front or  rear turn signal lights has not burned 
out. 
■ If the turn signals stop flashing before a lane change has been per- 
formed 
Operate the lever again. 
■ To discontinue flashing of the turn signals during a lane change 
Operate the lever in the opposite direction. 
■ Customization 
The number of times the turn signals flash during a lane change can be 
changed.
(Customizable features:  P. 647)
Operating instructions
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2524-3. Operating the lights and wipers
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■ Automatic light off system (if equipped)
Models for model code destination Blank* (except for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz- 
stan and Russia) 
The lights turn off after the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” position 
(vehicles without smart entry & start system) or off (vehicles with smart entry 
& start system) and the driver’s door is opened. 
To turn the lights on again, turn the engine switch to the “ON” position (vehi- 
cles without smart entry & start system) or to IGNITION ON mode (vehicles 
with smart entry & start system), or turn the light switch to  or  once 
and then back to   or  .
Models for model code destination Blank (for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and 
Russia) and W*
When the light switch is in   or  : 
The headlights and front fog lights turn off after the engine switch is turned to 
the “LOCK” position (vehicles without smart entry & start system) or off (vehi- 
cles with smart entry & start system). 
When the light switch is in AUTO: 
The lights turn off after the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” position 
(vehicles without smart entry & start system) or off (vehicles with smart entry
& start system). 
To turn the lights on again, turn the engine switch to the “ON” position (vehi- 
cles without smart entry & start system) or to IGNITION ON mode (vehicles 
with smart entry & start system), or turn the light switch to  or   once 
and then back to   or  .
*: See “Checking your vehicle’s model” if you are not sure of which model 
your vehicle is. ( P. 12) 
■ Light reminder buzzer (if equipped)
Vehicles without smart entry & start system 
A buzzer sounds when the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” position, the 
key is removed and the driver’s door  is opened while the lights are turned on. 
Vehicles with smart entry & start system 
A buzzer sounds when the engine switch is turned off and the driver’s door is 
opened while the lights are turned on.  
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2534-3. Operating the lights and wipers
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Driving
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■ Battery-saving function
Models for model code destination Blank* (except for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz- 
stan and Russia) 
In order to prevent the battery of the vehicle from discharging, if the head- 
lights and/or tail lights are on when the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” 
position (vehicles without smart entry & start system) or off (vehicles with
smart entry & start system), the battery-saving function will operate and auto- 
matically turn off all the lights after approximately 20 minutes.
Models for model code destination Blank (for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and 
Russia) and W*
In order to prevent the battery of the vehicle from discharging, if the light 
switch is in   or   position when the engine switch is turned to the 
“LOCK” position (vehicles without smart entry & start system) or off (vehicles 
with smart entry & start system), the battery-saving function will operate and
automatically turn off all the lights after approximately 20 minutes. 
When any of the following are performed, the battery-saving function is can- 
celed once and then reactivated. All the lights will turn off automatically 20
minutes after the battery-saving function has been reactivated: 
● When the headlight switch is operated 
● When a door is closed once and then opened
*: See “Checking your vehicle’s model” if you are not sure of which model 
your vehicle is. ( P. 12) 
■ Automatic headlight leveling system (if equipped) 
The level of the headlights is automatically adjusted according to the number 
of passengers and the loading condition of the vehicle to ensure that the 
headlights do not interfere with other road users.  
■ Customization 
Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be changed.  
(Customizable features:  P. 647)
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge 
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the engine is not 
running. 
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2594-3. Operating the lights and wipers
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Driving
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Washer/wiper dual 
operation
Pulling the lever operates the 
wipers and washer. 
The wipers will automatically 
operate a couple of times after
the washer squirts. 
If the headlights are on, the 
headlight cleaners will operate
once. 
And then, the headlight cleaners 
will operate every five times you
pull the lever. (if equipped)
■ The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when 
The engine switch is in the “ON” position (vehicles without smart entry & start 
system) or IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with smart entry & start system). 
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays 
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the 
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
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WARNING
■ Caution regarding the use of washer fluid 
When it is cold, do not use the washer fluid until the windshield becomes 
warm. The fluid may freeze on the windshield and cause low visibility. This
may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■ When the windshield is dry 
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield. 
■ When the washer fluid tank is empty 
Do not operate the switch continually as the washer fluid pump may over- 
heat. 
■ When a nozzle becomes blocked 
In this case, contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized 
repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged. 
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3434-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
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■Locking the rear differential 
The following systems do not operate w hen the rear differential is locked.  
It is normal operation for the ABS warning light, VSC OFF indicator (if 
equipped) and “TRC OFF” indicator (if  equipped) to be on or for “TRC turned 
off” to be displayed on the multi-information display (if equipped) at this time. 
•ABS 
• Brake assist (if equipped)
• VSC (if equipped) 
• TRC/A-TRC (if equipped) 
• Trailer Sway Control (if equipped)
• Hill-start assist control (if equipped) 
• Downhill assist control (if equipped) 
■ Unlocking the rear differential 
If the rear differential lock indicator still flashes even after unlocking the rear 
differential, check the safety of the surrounding area and slightly turn the 
steering wheel in either direction while the vehicle is in motion. 
■ Automatic system cancelation of the rear differential lock system 
The rear differential lock is also unlocked in any of the following situations: 
● The front-wheel drive control switch is turned to H2 or H4 (4WD models) 
● The engine switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position (vehicles with- 
out smart entry & start system) or A CCESSORY or off (vehicles with smart 
entry & start system) 
■ After unlocking the rear differential 
Check that the indicator goes off.
WARNING
■ To avoid an accident 
Failure to observe the following precautions may result in an accident. 
● Do not use the rear differential lock system except when wheel spinning 
occurs in a ditch or on a slippery or rugged 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 rear differential lock component parts. 
● Do not drive over 8 km/h (5 mph) when the differential is locked. 
● Do not keep driving with the rear differential lock switch on. 
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4-6. Driving tips
Driving
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Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera- 
tures. 
• Engine oil 
• Engine coolant 
• Washer fluid 
● Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery. 
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire 
chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match 
the size of the tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions: 
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen. 
Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away 
the water immediately to prevent it from freezing. 
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan, 
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield. 
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu- 
mulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the 
tires or on the brakes. 
● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before 
getting in the vehicle.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a man- 
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle