TOYOTA TACOMA 2014 Owners Manual (in English)

181
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
●When the ground behind the vehicle slopes down sharply
The distance guide lines will
appear to be further from the
vehicle than the actual distance.
Because of this, objects will
appear to be closer than they
actually are. In the same way,
there will be a margin of error
between the guidelines and the
actual distance/course on the
road.
● When any part of the vehicle sags
When any part of the vehicle
sags due to the number of pas-
sengers or the distribution of the
load, there is a margin of error
between the fixed guide lines on
the screen and the actual dis-
tance/course on the road.
■ When approaching three-dimensional objects
The distance guide lines are displayed according to flat surfaced
objects (such as the road). It is not possible to determine the posi-
tion of three-dimensional objects (such as vehicles) using the dis-
tance guide lines. When approaching a three-dimensional object
that extends outward (such as the flatbed of a truck), be careful of
the following.
A margin of error

182 2-4. Using other driving systems
●Distance guidelines
Visually check the surroundings
and the area behind the vehicle.
On the screen, it appears that a
truck is parked at point . How-
ever, in reality if you back up to
point , you will hit the truck. On
the screen, it appears that is
closest and is furthest away.
However, in reality, the distance
to and is the same, and
is farther than and .
■ Vehicle width guide lines
Visually check the surroundings
and the area behind the vehicle.
In the case shown below, the
truck appears to be outside of
the vehicle width guide lines and
the vehicle does not look as if it
hits the truck. However, the rear
body of the truck may actually
cross over the vehicle width
guide lines. In reality if you back
up as guided by the vehicle width
guide lines, the vehicle may hit
the truck.

183
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
Things you should know
■ If you notice any symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms, refer to the likely
cause and the solution, and re-check.
If the symptom is not resolved by the solution, have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
SymptomLikely causeSolution
The image
is difficult to
see • The vehicle is in a dark area
• The temperature around the lens
is either high or low
• The outside temperature is low
• There are water droplets on the camera
• It is raining or humid
• Foreign matter (mud, etc.) is adhering to the camera
• There are scratches on the cam- era
• Sunlight or headlights are shining directly into the camera
• The vehicle is under fluorescent lights, sodium lights, mercury
lights, etc. If this happens due
to these causes, it
does not indicate a
malfunction.
Back up while visu-
ally checking the
vehicle’s surround-
ings. (Use the moni-
tor again once
conditions have
been improved.)
To adjust the image
on the rear view
monitor system
screen. (
P. 263)
The image
is blurry Dirt or foreign matter (such as
water droplets, snow, mud etc.) is
adhering to the camera. Rinse the camera
lens with water and
wipe it clean with a
soft cloth.
Wash with a mild
soap if the dirt is
stubborn.
The image
is out of
alignment The camera or surrounding area
has received a strong impact. Have the vehicle
inspected by your
Toyota dealer.

184 2-4. Using other driving systems
The fixation
guide lines
are very far
out of align-
ment• The vehicle is tilted (there is a
heavy load on the vehicle, tire
pressure is low due to a tire punc-
ture, etc.)
• The vehicle is used on an incline. If this happens due
to these causes, it
does not indicate a
malfunction.
Back up while visu-
ally checking the
vehicle’s surround-
ings.
The camera position is out of
alignment. Have the vehicle
inspected by your
Toyota dealer.
SymptomLikely causeSolution

185
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■When using the rear view monitor system
The rear view monitor system is a supplemental device intended to assist
the driver when backing up. When backing up, be sure to check visually
behind and all around the vehicle before proceeding.
Observe the following precautions to avoid an accident that could result in
death or serious injuries.
● Never depend on the rear view monitor system entirely when backing up.
The image and the position of the guide lines displayed on the screen may
differ from the actual state.
Use caution, just as you would when backing up any vehicle.
● Be sure to back up slowly, depressing the brake pedal to control vehicle
speed.
● The instructions given are only guidelines.
When and how much to turn the steering wheel will vary according to traf-
fic conditions, road surface conditions, vehicle condition, etc., when park-
ing. It is necessary to be fully aware of this before using the rear view
monitor system.
● When parking, be sure to check that the parking space will accommodate
your vehicle before maneuvering into it.
● Do not use the rear view monitor system in the following cases:
• On icy or slick road surfaces, or in snow
• When using tire chains or the compact spare tire
• When the tailgate is not closed completely
• On roads that are not flat or straight, such as curves or slopes.
● In low temperatures, the screen may darken or the image may become
faint. The image could distort when the vehicle is moving, or you may
become unable to see the image on the screen. Be sure to directly check
visually and with the mirrors all around the vehicle before proceeding.
● If the tire sizes are changed, the position of the fixed guide lines displayed
on the screen may change.
● The camera uses a special lens. The distances between objects and
pedestrians that appear in the image displayed on the screen will differ
from the actual distances. ( P. 180)

186 2-4. Using other driving systems
NOTICE
■How to use the camera
●The rear view monitor system may not operate properly in the following
cases.
• If the back of the vehicle is hit, the position and mounting angle of the
camera may change.
• As the camera has a water proof construction, do not detach, disas- semble or modify it. This may cause incorrect operation.
• Do not strongly rub the camera lens. If the camera lens is scratched, it cannot transmit a clear image.
• Do not allow organic solvent, car wax, window cleaner or glass coat to adhere to the camera. If this happens, wipe it off as soon as possible.
• If the temperature changes rapidly, such as when hot water is poured on the vehicle in cold weather, the system may not operate normally.
• When washing the vehicle, do not apply intensive bursts of water to the camera or camera area. Doing so may result in the camera malfunc-
tioning.
• When the camera is used under fluorescent lights, sodium light or mer- cury light, etc., the lights and the illuminated areas may appear to
flicker.
● Do not expose the camera to strong impact as this could cause a malfunc-
tion. If this happens, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.

187
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Four-wheel drive system
: If equipped
Use the front-wheel drive control switch to select the following
transfer modes.
H2 (high speed position,
two-wheel drive)
Use this for normal driving
on dry hard-surfaced roads.
This position gives greater
economy, quietest ride and
least wear.
H4 (high speed position,
four-wheel drive)
Use this for driving only on
tracks that permit the tires
slide, like off-road, icy or
snow-covered roads. This
position provides greater
traction than two-wheel
drive.
The four-wheel drive indica-
tor comes on.
L4 (low speed position,
four-wheel drive)
Use this for maximum
power and traction. Use L4
for climbing or descending
steep hills, off-road driving,
and hard pulling in sand,
mud or deep snow.
The four-wheel drive and
4LO indicators come on.

188 2-4. Using other driving systems
Shifting between H4 and L4■ Shifting from H4 to L4
Automatic transmission
Stop the vehicle completely with brake pedal help down.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Push and turn the front-wheel drive control switch fully clock-
wise.
If the four-wheel drive indicator flashes and the buzzer
sounds, try the above steps again.
Manual transmission Stop the vehicle or reduce your speed to less than 2 mph (3
km/h).
Depress and hold the clutch pedal.
Push and turn the front-wheel drive control switch fully clock-
wise.
If the four-wheel drive indicator flashes and the buzzer
sounds, try the above steps again.
■ Shifting from L4 to H4
Automatic transmission
Stop the vehicle completely with brake pedal help down.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Turn the front-wheel drive control switch counterclockwise.
If the four-wheel drive indicator flashes and the buzzer
sounds, try the above steps again.
Manual transmission Stop the vehicle or reduce your speed to less than 2 mph (3
km/h).
Depress and hold the clutch pedal.
Turn the front-wheel drive control switch counterclockwise.
If the four-wheel drive indicator flashes and the buzzer
sounds, try the above steps again.

189
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Shifting between H2 and H4
●Shifting from H2 to H4
Reduce the vehicle speed to less than 62 mph (100 km/h) and turn the
front-wheel drive control switch fully clockwise.
● Shifting from H4 to H2
Turn the front-wheel drive control switch fully counterclockwise.
This can be done at any speed. You need not depress the clutch pedal.
(manual transmission)
■ If the four-wheel drive indicator li ght or the 4LO indicator light blinks
● Shifting from H2 to H4
• If the four-wheel drive indicator continues to blink, drive straight ahead
while accelerating or decelerating.
• If the four-wheel drive indicator continues to blink and the buzzer sounds, stop the vehicle or reduce the vehicle speed to less than 62
mph (100 km/h). Operate the switch again.
● Shifting from H4 to H2
If the four-wheel drive indicator continues to blink, drive straight ahead
while accelerating or decelerating, or drive forward or backward in a short
distance.
● Shifting to H4 or L4
Automatic transmission
If the 4LO indicator continues to blink when you operate the front-wheel
drive control switch to the H4 or L4 position, drive forward or backward in a
short distance, then stop the vehicle completely, shift the shift lever
securely to N and operate the switch again. Manual transmission
If the 4LO indicator continues to blink when you operate the front-wheel
drive control switch 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 again.
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.

190 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Shifting to L4
VSC is automatically turned off.
■ Four-wheel drive usage frequency
You should drive in four-wheel drive for at least 10 miles (16 km) each
month.
This will assure that the front-drive components are lubricated.
CAUTION
■Caution while driving
●Never shift the front-wheel drive control switch from H2 to H4 if the wheels
are slipping.
Stop the slipping or spinning before shifting.
● For normal driving on dry and hard surface roads, use H2 position. Driving
on dry and hard surface roads in H4 or L4 position may cause drive com-
ponent oil leakage, seizure, or other problems resulting in an accident.
Further, it may cause tire wear and increased fuel consumption.
● Avoid turning suddenly in H4 or L4 position. If you do turn suddenly, the
difference in turning speeds between the front and rear wheels may have
a similar effect to braking, thus making driving difficult.