TOYOTA TACOMA 2005 Owners Manual (in English)

1712005 TACOMA from Mar. ’05 Prod. (OM35862U)
SHIFTING BETWEEN “H4” AND “L4”
To shift from “H4” to “L4”, stop the
vehicle or reduce the vehicle speed to
less than 3 km/h (2 mph). With your foot
off the accelerator pedal, depress the
clutch pedal and push and turn the front
drive control switch knob fully clockwise.
To shift from “L4” to “H4”, stop the
vehicle or reduce the vehicle speed to
less than 3 km/h (2 mph). With your foot
off the accelerator pedal, depress the
clutch pedal and turn the front drive con-
trol switch knob fully counterclockwise.
If the “4LO” (low speed four −wheel drive)
indicator light continues to blink when you
operate the front drive control switch knob
to the “H4” or “L4” position, drive forward
or backward in a short distance, then stop
the vehicle completely, depress the clutch
pedal 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 four −wheel drive system.CAUTION
Never operate the front drive control
switch knob if the wheels are slip-
ping. Stop the slipping or spinning
before operating.
SHIFTING BETWEEN “H2” AND “H4”
To shift from “H2” to “H4”, reduce the
vehicle speed to less than 100 km/h (62
mph) and turn the front drive control
switch knob fully clockwise.
If the four −wheel drive indicator light con-
tinues to blink when you operate the front
drive control switch knob from the “H2” to
the “H4” position, this reminds you that
the transfer mode is not securely in “H4”
mode. Drive straight ahead while acceler-
ating or decelerating.
If the four −wheel drive indicator light con-
tinues to blink and the buzzer sounds
when you operate the front drive control
switch knob from the “H2” to the “H4”
position, this reminds you that the transfer
mode is not in “H4” mode. Stop the ve-
hicle or reduce the vehicle speed to less
than 100 km/h (62 mph). Operate the
switch knob again.
CAUTION
Never operate the front drive control
switch knob if the wheels are slip-
ping. Stop the slipping or spinning
before operating.
(c) Shifting procedure (with
automatic transmission)

1722005 TACOMA from Mar. ’05 Prod. (OM35862U)
To shift from “H4” to “H2”, turn the
front drive control switch knob fully coun-
terclockwise.
This can be done at any speed.
If the four −wheel drive indicator light con-
tinues to blink when you operate the front
drive control switch knob from the “H4” to
the “H2” position, this reminds you that
the transfer mode is not securely in “H2”
mode. Drive straight ahead while acceler-
ating or decelerating, or drive forward or
backward in a short distance.
If the indicator light continues to blink
even if doing so, contact your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible. There may be
a trouble in the four −wheel drive system.
CAUTION
Never operate the front drive control
switch knob if the wheels are slip-
ping. Stop the slipping or spinning
before operating.
SHIFTING BETWEEN “H4” AND “L4”
To shift from “H4” to “L4”, bring the
vehicle to a complete stop with the brake
pedal held down with your foot, shift the
automatic transmission selector lever into
“N” and push and turn the front drive
control switch knob fully clockwise.
To shift from “L4” to “H4”, bring the
vehicle to a complete stop with the brake
pedal held down with your foot, shift the
automatic transmission selector lever into
“N” and turn the front drive control switch
knob counterclockwise.
If the “4LO” (low speed four −wheel drive)
indicator light continues to blink when you
operate the front drive 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 securely 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 four −wheel drive system.CAUTION
Never operate the front drive control
switch knob if the wheels are slip-
ping. Stop the slipping or spinning
before operating.

1732005 TACOMA from Mar. ’05 Prod. (OM35862U)
The traction control system automatical-
ly helps prevent the spinning of rear
wheels (twowheel drive models) or 4
wheels (fourwheel drive models) 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 (twowheel
drive models) or 4 wheels (fourwheel
drive models) cannot be maintained,
even though the traction control sys-
tem is in operation. Do not drive the
vehicle under any speed or maneuver-
ing conditions which may cause the
vehicle to lose traction control. In si-
tuations where the road surface is
covered with ice or snow, your ve-
hicle should be fitted with snow tires
or tire chains. Always drive at an ap-
propriate and cautious speed for the
present road conditions.
LS17007
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 trac-
tion control system is in the self−check
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 (two
−wheel drive models)
or 4 wheels (four −wheel drive models).
At this time, the slip indicator light
blinks.
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.
The brake actuator temperature increases
during continuous operation of the follow-
ing systems under conditions such as on
slippery roads.
Traction control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Downhill assist control system
Hill −start assist control system
Traction control system

1742005 TACOMA from Mar. ’05 Prod. (OM35862U)
If the brake actuator temperature becomes
too high while any of the systems is oper-
ating, a buzzer will start to sound intermit-
tently to indicate that the traction control
system can no longer operate. In this
case, immediately stop your vehicle at a
safe place.
If the system continues to operate, the
buzzer sound changes from intermittent to
continuous. (The continuous buzzer
sounds for about 3 seconds.)
At the time, the slip indicator light will
come on and the traction control system
temporarily stops operating in order to
protect the brake actuator. (Although the
traction control system does not operate,
it is no problem to continue driving.) The
system will be automatically restored after
a short time and the slip indicator light
goes off.
With rear differential lock: However, it is
a normal operation for the light to be on
with rear differential locked. At this time,
the traction control system does not oper-
ate.
LS17017
“VSC TRAC” warning light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the following.
Traction control system
Vehicle stability control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Downhill assist control system
Hill− start assist control system When the system is normal and the igni-
tion key is turned to “ON”, the light will
come on and will go off after a few sec-
onds.
It is not a malfunction that the warning
light may stay on for 60 seconds after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the lights. It is normal if it
goes out after a few seconds.
If the “VSC TRAC” warning light and slip
indicator light come on while driving, the
traction control system does not work.
However, as the brakes operate normally
when applied, it 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.

1752005 TACOMA from Mar. ’05 Prod. (OM35862U)
LS17011
The “AUTO LSD” system aids traction
by using the traction control system to
control engine performance and braking
when one of the rear wheels begins to
spin.
This system should be used only when
wheel spinning occurs in a ditch or
rough surface.
This system is effective in case one of
the rear wheels is spinning.
CAUTION
Do not use the “AUTO LSD” system
in conditions other than the above. A
much greater steering effort and more
careful cornering control will be re-
quired.
LS17014
To activate the system, push the “AUTO
LSD” switch with the vehicle stopped.
The “AUTO LSD” is activated under the
following condition. At this time, the
“AUTO LSD” indicator light will come
on.
The driving mode is set in the two−
wheel drive mode (In the four −wheel
drive mode, the system does not
work.)
Driving at a speed under 100 km/h (62
mph)
To cancel the system, push the “AUTO
LSD” switch once again.
“AUTO LSD” system

1762005 TACOMA from Mar. ’05 Prod. (OM35862U)
If the engine is turned off while the
“AUTO LSD” indicator light is on and then
restarted, the indicator light will turn off
automatically.
LS17015
Make sure the “AUTO LSD” indicator light
comes on under the above condition when
you use the “AUTO LSD” system.
The slip indicator light blinks when the
system is controlling the spinning of the
rear wheels.
The “AUTO LSD” and slip indicator lights
come on for a few seconds when the
ignition key is turned to “ON”. If the indi-
cator lights does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to “ON”, contact
your Toyota dealer.The brake actuator temperature increases
during continuous operation of the follow-
ing systems under conditions such as on
slippery roads.
“AUTO LSD” system
Traction control system
Hill
−start assist control system
If the brake actuator temperature becomes
too high while any of the systems is oper-
ating, a buzzer will start to sound intermit-
tently to indicate that the “AUTO LSD”
system can no l onger operate. In this
case, immediately stop your vehicle at a
safe place.
If the system continues to operate, the
buzzer sound changes from intermittent to
continuous. (The continuous buzzer
sounds for about 3 seconds.)
At the time the slip indicator light will
come on and the “AUTO LSD” system
temporarily stops operating in order to
protect the brake actuator. (Although the
“AUTO LSD” system does not operate, it
is no problem to continue driving.) The
system will be automatically restored after
a short time and the slip indicator light
goes off.

1772005 TACOMA from Mar. ’05 Prod. (OM35862U)
LS17017
“VSC TRAC” warning light
These lights warn that there is a problem
somewhere in the following.
“AUTO LSD” system
Traction control system
Vehicle stability control system
Hill−start assist control system When the system is normal and the igni-
tion key is turned to “ON”, the light will
come on and will go off after a few sec-
onds.
It is not a malfunction that the warning
light may stay on for 60 seconds after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the lights. It is normal if it
goes out after a few seconds.
If the “VSC TRAC” warning light and slip
indicator light come on while driving, the
“AUTO LSD” system does not work. How-
ever, as the brakes operate normally when
applied, it 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.
NOTICE
Do not drive with the “AUTO LSD”
switch continuously turned on.
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 self
−check mode, but does
not indicate a malfunction.
Vehicle stability control
system

1782005 TACOMA from Mar. ’05 Prod. (OM35862U)
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 353 in Section 72.)
LS17007
If the vehicle is going to skid during driv-
ing, the slip indicator light blinks and an
alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
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.
LS17010
The vehicle stability control system au-
tomatically turns off, and the “VSC
OFF” indicator light is illuminated,
when either one of the following condi-
tions applies:
Four−wheel drive mode is set. (on
four −wheel drive models)
The rear differential is locked. (on mod-
els equipped with the rear differential
lock system)
The “VSC OFF” indicator light comes on
for a few seconds when the ignition key
is turned to “ON”, and then turns off. If
either one of the above conditions applies,
the indicator light is illuminated again.

1792005 TACOMA from Mar. ’05 Prod. (OM35862U)
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The indicator light does not come on
when the ignition key is turned to
“ON”.
The indicator light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The indicator light comes on when the
system is on while driving.
LS17017
“VSC TRAC” warning light
This light warns that when there is a
problem somewhere in the following.
Vehicle stability control system
Traction control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Hill−start assist control system
Downhill assist control system
The light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to “ON”, and will go off after 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 the brakes operate nor-
mally when applied, it 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.
Four −wheel drive models, and two −wheel
drive models with the rear differential lock
system—
The “VSC OFF” indicator light comes on
when the “VSC TRAC” warning light
comes on, even when the front drive con-
trol switch knob is in the “H2” position or
the rear differential is unlocked.

1802005 TACOMA from Mar. ’05 Prod. (OM35862U)
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 front drive control switch
knob 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.
TO ACTIVATE THE DOWNHILL ASSIST
CONTROL SYSTEM1. Turn the front drive control switch knob to the “L4” position.
The system does not operate when the
front drive control switch knob is in the
“H2” or “H4” position, or the rear differen-
tial is locked.
2. In order to make full use of the en- gine brake, putting the transmission
in “L” or “2” is recommended.
The system will operate even if the trans-
mission selector lever is in “D”, “4”, “3”
or “N”. However, when it is in “L” or “2”
the engine brake can also be utilized en-
abling the system to operate more effec-
tively.
LS17016
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.
If the downhill assist control system indi-
cator light flashes, one of the following
may be the cause:
The selector lever is in the “N” posi-
tion.
The front drive control switch knob is
in the “H2” or “H4” position.
The rear differential is locked.
If the indicator light does not come on
when the switch is pushed, contact your
Toyota dealer.
Downhill assist control system