TOYOTA TACOMA 2008 Owners Manual (in English)

191
2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
LS17007b
When the hill−start assist control system
is operating, the slip indicator light flashes
and an alarm sounds intermittently. At the
same time, the stop lamps and high
mounted stoplight are lit.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the engine switch is turned
to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the engine switch is turned
on, contact your Toyota dealer. Keep in mind the following when driv-
ing.
The hill−
start assist control system op-
erates for 5 seconds maximally. If both
the brake and accelerator pedals re-
main unexpressed for longer than 5
seconds, the buzzer will sound at more
frequent intervals and the system will
gradually stop operating.
The hill −start assist control system is
not designed as a function for stopping
the vehicle on a uphill slope. When
stopping the vehicle, be sure to de-
press the brake pedal.
If the system is used frequently, the
brake actuator temperature may become
too high and a buzzer will sound inter-
mittently.
In this case, a buzzer will sound intermit-
tently. When the temperature of the brake
actuator goes down, the system will begin
to operate again. Until it restarts, the trac-
tion control system, “AUTO LSD” system,
hill −start assist control system and down-
hill assist control system will not operate;
however, the conventional brake can be
operated. The brake actuator temperature increases
during continuous operation of the follow-
ing systems under conditions such as on
slippery roads.
Hill
−start assist control system
Downhill assist control system
Traction control system
“AUTO LSD” 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 hill −start assist
control system can no longer operate. In
this case, stop your vehicle immediately 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 this time, the slip indicator light will
come on and the hill −start assist control
system stops operating temporarily in or-
der to protect the brake actuator. (Al-
though the hill −start assist control system
does not operate, it is no problem to con-
tinue your driving.) The system will be
automatically restored after a short time
and the slip indicator light goes out.

192
2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
LS17010
If there is any abnormality in the sys-
tem, the “VSC OFF” warning light will
flash.
If the system malfunctions, the “VSC OFF”
warning light will flash.
If the “VSC OFF” warning light flashes,
there may be an abnormality in any of the
following systems in addition to the hill−
start assist control system.
Downhill assist control system
Traction control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Vehicle stability control system “VSC OFF” warning light
When the system is normal and the en-
gine switch is turned to “ON”, the warning
light will come on and will go off after a
few seconds.
It is not a malfunction that the warning
light may stay on for 60 seconds after the
engine switch is turned to “ON”.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the light. It is normal if it
goes out after a few seconds.
If the warning light flashes while driving,
the system does not work. However, if 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 engine switch is turned to
“ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
engine switch is turned to “ON”.
The warning light flashes while driving.
LS17011
The rear differential lock system is pro-
vided for use only when wheel spinning
occurs in a ditch or on a slippery or
ragged surface.
This differential lock system is effective in
case one of the rear wheels is spinning.
Four
−wheel drive models—
Before using the rear differential lock sys-
tem, first shift the four −wheel drive control
into “L4” to see if this is sufficient. If this
has no effect, additionally use the rear
differential lock system.
Rear differential lock system

193
2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
CAUTION
Do not use the rear differential lock
in the conditions other than above.
Large steering effort and careful cor-
nering control will be required.
LS17013
To lock the rear differential, push the
switch.
Be sure to stop the wheels before locking
the differential.
For easy locking, depress the clutch ped-
al, push the lock switch and slowly re-
lease the clutch pedal.
The indicator light will blink when the
switch is turned on. Wait a few seconds
for the system to complete operation. Af-
ter the differential is locked, the light will
stop blinking and remain 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 light and slip
indicator light to be on at this time.
With the downhill assist control system: If
the “DAC” switch turns on, the downhill
assist control system indicator light
flashes.
Anti
−lock brake system
Brake assist system
Vehicle stability control system
Traction control system
Downhill assist control system
Hill −start assist control system
CAUTION
Do not lock the differential until the
wheels have stopped spinning.
Otherwise, the vehicle may move in
an unexpected direction when the
differential lock is engaged, result-
ing in an accident. This may also
lead to possible damage to differen-
tial lock component parts.
Do not drive over 8 km/h (5 mph)
when the differential is locked.

194
2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
To unlock the differential, push the
switch once again.
Unlock the differential as soon as the ve-
hicle moves out.
For easy unlocking, slightly turn the steer-
ing wheel in either direction while the ve-
hicle is in motion.
When the differential lock is disengaged,
the indicator light will go out.
Four−wheel drive models—
The differential will also unlock if you shift
the front drive control switch knob to the
“H2” or “H4” position. Never forget to turn
off the switch after using this feature.
To check the indicator bulb, turn the en-
gine switch to the “ON” position, but do
not start the engine.
CAUTION
Do not keep driving with the differen-
tial lock switch on.
The tire pressure warning system warns
you that the tire inflation pressure is
low.
The tire pressure warning system is not
a substitute for checking normal tire infla-
tion pressure. Check the tire inflation
pressure with a tire pressure gauge regu-
larly.
CAUTION
The warning system may not activate
immediately if blowout or sudden air
loss should occur.
LS17023
The tire pressure warning light comes on
when the engine switch is turned to the
“ON” position and goes off after a few
seconds. This means the tire pressure
warning system is operating properly. If
the tire inflation pressure becomes low,
the light comes on again. In this case,
adjusting the tire inflation pressure will
turn off the light after a few minutes. If
the light comes on after blinking for 1
minute, the tire pressure warning system
is not working properly.
Tire pressure warning system

195
2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
IndicatorstatusMeaningsDo this
ON
Tire inflation
pressure is
lowAdjust the
tire inflation
pressure
ON after
blinking for
1 minute
Tire
pressure
warning
system
malfunctionHave the
system
checked at
your Toyota
dealer
CAUTION
If the tire pressure warning light
comes on, be sure to observe the
following precautions. Failure to do
so could cause loss of vehicle control
and result in death or serious injury.
Stop your vehicle in a safe place as
soon as possible. Adjust the tire
inflation pressure immediately.
If the tire pressure warning light
comes on even after tire inflation
pressure adjustment, it is probable
that you have a flat tire. Check the
tires. If the tire is flat, change to
the spare tire and have the flat tire
repaired by the nearest Toyota deal-
er.
Avoid abrupt maneuvering and brak-
ing. If the vehicle tires deteriorate,
you could lose control of the steer-
ing wheel or the brakes.
The tire pressure warning light may turn
on due to natural causes such as natural
air leaks or tire inflation pressure changes
caused by temperature. In this case, ad-
justing the tire inflation pressure will turn
off the light after a few minutes.
Pushing the tire pressure warning reset
switch should not turn off the tire pressure
warning light. Adjusting the tire inflation
pressure will turn off the light.
The spare tire is also equipped with the
tire pressure warning valve and transmit-
ter. The tire pressure warning light will
turn on if the tire inflation pressure of the
spare tire is low. If a tire goes flat, even
though the flat tire is replaced with the
spare tire, the warning light does not turn
off. Replace the spare tire with the re-
paired tire and adjust the proper tire infla-
tion pressure. The tire pressure warning
light will turn off after a few minutes.

196
2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
CAUTION
Each tire, including the spare (if pro-
vided), should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label (tire
and load information label). (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size
than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label
(tire and load information label), you
should determine the proper tire infla-
tion pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your ve-
hicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS
tire pressure warning system) that il-
luminates a low tire pressure telltale
(tire pressure warning light) when one
or more of your tires is significantly
underinflated. Accordingly, when the
low tire pressure telltale (tire pres-
sure warning light) illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a sig-
nificantly underinflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Underinflation also re-
duces fuel efficiency and tire tread
life, and may affect the vehicle’s han-
dling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS (tire pres-
sure warning system) is not a substi-
tute for proper tire maintenance, and
it is the driver ’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if
underinflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale (tire
pressure warning light).Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS (tire pressure warning
system) malfunction indicator to indi-
cate when the system is not operat-
ing properly. The TPMS (tire pressure
warning system) malfunction indicator
is combined with the low tire pres-
sure telltale (tire pressure warning
light). When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle startups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the mal-
function indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or
signal low tire pressure as intended.

197
2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
TPMS (tire pressure warning system)
malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS (tire pressure warning sys-
tem) from functioning properly. Al-
ways check the TPMS (tire pressure
warning system) malfunction telltale
after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that
the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS (tire pressure
warning system) to continue to func-
tion properly.
NOTICE
Do not use liquid sealants for a flat
tire as tire pressure warning valve
and transmitter will be damaged.
 When the tires must be repaired or
replaced, have them repaired or re-
placed by the nearest Toyota dealer
or an authorized tire dealer. The
tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters will be affected by the
installation or removal of tires.
LS17025
IF THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
LIGHT COMES ON AFTER BLINKING
FOR 1 MINUTE...
If the tire pressure warning light comes
on after blinking for 1 minute when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position, the tire pressure warning sys-
tem is not working properly.
The system will be disabled in the follow-
ing conditions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the
system will work properly.)
If tires not equipped with tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters are
used.
If the ID code on the tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters is not
registered in the tire pressure warning
computer.
If the tire inflation pressure is more
than 500 kPa (5.1 kgf/cm2
or bar, 73
psi) or higher than the specified level.
The system may be disabled in the follow-
ing conditions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the
system will work properly.)
If electronic devices or facilities using
similar radio wave frequencies are
nearby.
If a radio set at similar frequencies is
in use in the vehicle.
If a window tint that affects the radio
wave signals is installed.
If there is a lot of snow or ice on the
vehicle, in particular around the wheels
or wheel housings.
If non −genuine Toyota wheels are used.
If tire chains are used.
If the spare tire is in a location subject
to poor radio wave signal reception.
If a large metallic object which can
interfere with signal reception is put in
the deck.

198
2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
If the tire pressure warning light continues
to come on after blinking for 1 minute
when the engine switch is turned to the
“ON” position, have the system checked
by your Toyota dealer.
Even if you use genuine wheels, the tire
pressure warning system may not work
properly with some types of tires.
Pushing the tire pressure warning reset
switch should not turn off the tire pressure
warning light.
For vehicles sold in U.S.A.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, includ-
ing interference that may cause unde-
sired operation.
NOTICE:
This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protec-
tion against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruc-
tions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interfer-
ence to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is en-
couraged to try to correct the interfer-
ence by one or more of the following
measures:Reorient or relocate the receiving an-
tenna.
Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet
on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
FCC WARNING:
Changes or modifications not ex-
pressly approved by the party respon-
sible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equip-
ment.
For vehicles sold in Canada
NOTE:
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interfer-
ence, and (2) this device must accept
any interference, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of
the device.

199
2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
REPLACING TIRES AND WHEELS
When replacing the tires and wheels, be
sure to install tire pressure warning valves
and transmitters. ID codes on the tire
pressure warning valves and transmitters
are registered in the tire pressure warning
computer. When replacing a tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter, it is neces-
sary to register the ID code of tire pres-
sure warning valve and transmitter. Have
the ID code registered by your Toyota
dealer.
If the ID code is not registered, the sys-
tem will not work properly. After about 20
minutes, the tire pressure warning light
comes on after blinking for 1 minute to
indicate a system malfunction.
NOTICE
When the tires or tire pressure warn-
ing valves and transmitters must be
replaced, have them replaced by your
Toyota dealer. The tire pressure warn-
ing valves and transmitters will be
affected by the installation or removal
of tires.
LS17026a
TIRE PRESSURE WARNING RESET
SWITCH
When initializing the system, the present
tire inflation pressure is stored as stan-
dard. The tire pressure warning system
determines decreased air pressure by
comparing the present and the standard
tire inflation pressures. When you change
the set tire inflation pressure, it is neces-
sary to initialize the tire pressure warning
system.
When rotating the tires on vehicles dif-
fering with front and rear tire inflation
pressures.
When changing the tire inflation pres-
sure by changing traveling speed or
load weight, etc.
When changing the tire size.
To initialize the system, perform the
following: 1. Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the engine switch off.
2. Adjust the pressure of all the installed tires (including the spare tire) to the
specified cold tire inflation pressure
level. (See “Tires” on page 410 in Sec-
tion 8.)
3. Turn the engine switch to the “ON” position.
4. Push and hold the tire pressure warn- ing reset switch until the tire pressure
warning light blinks slowly three times.
5. Wait for a few minutes with the engine switch “ON”, and then turn the engine
switch off.
If you push the tire pressure warning re-
set switch while the vehicle is moving,
initialization is not performed.
If you push the tire pressure warning re-
set switch accidentally and initialization is
performed, adjust the tire inflation pres-
sure to the specified level and initialize
the system again.

200
2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
LS17025
If the tire pressure warning light does not
blink slowly three times when you push
and hold the tire pressure warning reset
switch, initialization has failed and the tire
pressure warning system may not work
properly. In this case, initialize the system
again. If initialization cannot be performed,
have the system checked at your Toyota
dealer.
CAUTION
Do not push the tire pressure warn-
ing reset switch without first adjust-
ing the tire inflation pressure to the
specified level. Otherwise, the tire
pressure warning light may not come
on even if the tire inflation pressure
is low, or it may come on when the
tire inflation pressure is actually nor-
mal.
LS17018
Pedal type
LS17019
Lever type
Parking brake