towing TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2003 N210 / 4.G Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: TOYOTA, Model Year: 2003, Model line: 4RUNNER, Model: TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2003 N210 / 4.GPages: 373, PDF Size: 6.8 MB
Page 60 of 373
’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
54
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
To release the belt, press the buckle re-
lease button and allow the belt to re-
tract.
If the belt does not retract smoothly, pull
it out and check for kinks or twists. Then
make sure it remains untwisted as it re-
tracts.The rear center seat belt buckle can be
stowed when not in use.
Seat belt buckle must be stowed before
you fold the seat back. (See “Fold down
rear seats” on page 46 in this Section.) If your seat belts cannot be fastened se-
curely because they are not long enough,
a personalized seat belt extender is avail-
able from your Toyota dealer free of
charge.
Please contact your local Toyota dealer so
that the dealer can order the proper re-
quired length for the extender. Bring the
heaviest coat you expect to wear for prop-
er measurement and selection of length.
Additional ordering information is available
at your Toyota dealer.
—Stowing rear center seat belt
buckle
—Seat belt extender
Page 121 of 373
’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
11 5
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
Idling for a long period with the air
conditioning on in stop and go traffic.
Towing a trailer.
It is not a malfunction even if the needle
of the engine coolant temperature gauge
returns to “C” when the ignition switch is
turned to the “START” position.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in
the engine cooling system as this
may cause the engine to overheat.
The thermostat is designed to con-
trol the flow of coolant to keep the
temperature of the engine within
the specified operating range.
Do not continue driving with an
overheated engine. See “If your ve-
hicle overheats” on page 282 in
Section 4.
The tachometer indicates engine speed
in thousands of rpm (revolutions per
minute). Use it while driving to select
correct shift points and to prevent en-
gine lugging and over revving.
Driving with the engine running too fast
causes excessive engine wear and poor
fuel economy. Remember, in most cases
the slower the engine speed, the greater
the fuel economy.
It is not a malfunction even if the needle
of the tachometer returns to the bottom
position when the ignition switch is turned
to the “START” position.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get
into the red zone. This may cause
severe engine damage.
Tachometer
Page 136 of 373
’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
130
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
(b) Normal driving
1. Start the engine as instructed in “How to start the engine” on page 260 in
Section 3. The transmission must be in
“P” or “N”.
When the four wheel drive control switch
knob is in “L4” (low speed position, center
differential locked), the driving pattern se-
lector setting has no effect on gear shift
timing. (See “Four wheel drive system
(full time four wheel drive models)” on
page 138 in this Section for information of
the four wheel drive control.) 2. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the selector lever to “D”.
When the lever is in the “D” position, the
automatic transmission system will select
the most suitable gear for running condi-
tions such as normal cruising, hill climb-
ing, hard towing, etc. Always use the “D” position for better fuel
economy and quieter driving. If the engine
coolant temperature is low or when the
four wheel drive control switch knob is in
“L4” (low speed position, center differential
locked), the transmission will not shift into
the overdrive gear even in the “D” posi-
tion. (See “Four wheel drive system (full
time four wheel drive models)” on page
138 in this Section for information of the
four wheel drive control.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelera-
tor pedal while shifting.
3. Release the parking brake and brake
pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal
slowly for smooth starting.
If the automatic locking operation linked
with the shift position is set, all the side
doors and back door are automatically
locked when the shift lever is moved out
of the “P” position with the engine running
(including ignition switch in the “ON” posi-
tion) and all the side doors and back door
are closed. For details, see “—Automatic
door locking and unlocking functions” on
page 17 in Section 1 2. (c) Using engine braking
To use engine braking, you can downshift
the transmission as follows:
Shift into the “4” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to fourth gear
and engine braking will be enabled.
Shift into the “3” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to third gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than the following speed, and
stronger engine braking will be en-
abled.
Two wheel drive models 133 km/h (83 mph)
Four wheel drive models
Four wheel drive control switch
knob at “H4” 133 km/h (83 mph)
Four wheel drive control switch
knob at “L4” 52 km/h (32 mph)
Page 138 of 373
’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
132
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
Four wheel drive models
Four wheel drive control switch
knob at “H4”“3” 136 km/h (84 mph) . . . . . . .
“2” 93 km/h (57 mph) . . . . . . . .
“L” 54 km/h (33 mph) . . . . . . . .
Four wheel drive control switch
knob at “L4” “3” 53 km/h (32 mph) . . . . . . . .
“2” 36 km/h (22 mph) . . . . . . . .
“L” 21 km/h (13 mph) . . . . . . . .
Do not continue hill climbing or
hard towing for a long time in the
“3”, “2” or “L” position. This may
cause severe automatic transmis-
sion damage from overheating. To
prevent such damage, “4” position
should be used in hill climbing or
hard towing.(e) Backing up
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the selector lever to the
“R” position.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the ve-
hicle is moving.
(f) Parking
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal pressed down, fully depress the parking brake pedal
to apply the parking brake securely.
3. With the brake pedal pressed down, shift the selector lever to the “P” posi-
tion.
CAUTION
Never attempt to move the selector
lever into “P” position under any cir-
cumstances while the vehicle is mov-
ing. Serious mechanical damage and
loss of vehicle control may result.
If the automatic unlocking operation linked
with the shift position is set, all the side
doors and back door are automatically un-
locked when the selector lever is moved
to the “P” position with the ignition switch
is in the “ON” position. For details, see
“—Automatic door locking and unlocking
functions” on page 17 in Section 1 2.
(g) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly shifts up
and down between fourth gear and
overdrive when climbing a gentle slope,
shift the selector lever to the “4” posi-
tion. Be sure to shift the selector lever
to the “D” position immediately after-
ward.
When towing a trailer, in order to main-
tain engine braking efficiency, do not
use “D” position.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake
pedal while stopped with the engine
running. This prevents the vehicle
from creeping.
Page 141 of 373
’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
135
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
(b) Normal driving
1. Start the engine as instructed in “How to start the engine” on page 260 in
Section 3. The transmission must be in
“P” or “N”.
When the multi mode control switch knob
is in “L4” (low speed position, four wheel
drive, center differential locked), the driv-
ing pattern selector setting has no effect
on gear shift timing. (See “Four wheel
drive system (multi mode four wheel drive
models)” on page 141 in this Section for
information of the multi mode control.) 2. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the selector lever to “D”.
When the lever is in the “D” position, the
automatic transmission system will select
the most suitable gear for running condi-
tions such as normal cruising, hill climb-
ing, hard towing, etc. Always use the “D” position for better fuel
economy and quieter driving. If the engine
coolant temperature is low or when the
multi mode control switch knob is in “L4”
(low speed position, four wheel drive,
center differential locked), the transmission
will not shift into the overdrive gear even
in the “D” position. (See “Four wheel drive
system (multi mode four w
heel drive mod-
els)” on page 141 in this Section for in-
formation of the multi mode control.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelera-
tor pedal while shifting.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal
slowly for smooth starting.
If the automatic locking operation linked
with the shift position is set, all the side
doors and back door are automatically
locked when the shift lever is moved out
of the “P” position with the engine running
(including ignition switch in the “ON” posi-
tion) and all the side doors and back door
are closed. For details, see “—Automatic
door locking and unlocking functions” on
page 17 in Section 1 2. (c) Using engine braking
To use engine braking, you can downshift
the transmission as follows:
Shift into the “3” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to third gear.
Shift into the “2” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to second gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than the following speed, and
stronger engine braking will be en-
abled.
Two wheel drive models 123 km/h (76 mph)
Four wheel drive models Multi mode control switch knob at
“H4” 123 km/h (76 mph)
Multi mode control switch knob at
“L4” 41 km/h (25 mph)
Page 142 of 373
’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
136
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
Shift into the “L” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to first gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than the following speed, and
maximum engine braking will be en-
abled.
Two wheel drive models 59 km/h (36 mph)
Four wheel drive models Multi mode control switch knob at
“H4” 59 km/h (36 mph)
Multi mode control switch knob at
“L4” 11 km/h (6 mph)
When the cruise control is being used,
even if you downshift from “D” to “3”,
engine braking will not be enabled be-
cause the cruise control is not cancelled.
For ways to decrease the vehicle speed,
see “Cruise control” on page 164 in this
Section.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to spin or
skid.
(d) Using “2” and “L” positions
The “2” and “L” positions are used for
strong engine braking as described pre-
viously.
With the selector lever in “2” or “L”, you
can start the vehicle in motion as with the
lever in “D”.
With the selector lever in “2”, the vehicle
will start in first gear and automatically
shift to second gear.
With the selector lever in “L”, the trans-
mission is engaged in first gear.
NOTICE
Be careful not to over rev the en-
gine. Watch the tachometer to keep
engine rpm from going into the red
zone. The approximate maximum al-
lowable speed for each position is
given below for your reference:
Two wheel drive models “2” 123 km/h (76 mph) . . . . . . .
“L” 67 km/h (41 mph) . . . . . . . .
Four wheel drive models
Multi mode control switch knob
at “H2” or “H4”“2” 123 km/h (76 mph) . . . . . . .
“L” 67 km/h (41 mph) . . . . . . . .
Multi mode control switch knob
at “L4” “2” 48 km/h (29 mph) . . . . . . . .
“L” 26 km/h (16 mph) . . . . . . . .
Do not continue hill climbing or
hard towing for a long time in the
“2” or “L” position. This may cause
severe automatic transmission dam-
age from overheating. To prevent
such damage, “D” or “3” position
should be used in hill climbing or
hard towing.
Page 143 of 373
’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
137
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
(e) Backing up
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the selector lever to the
“R” position.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the ve-
hicle is moving.
(f) Parking
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal pressed down, fully depress the parking brake pedal
to apply the parking brake securely.
3. With the brake pedal pressed down, shift the selector lever to the “P” posi-
tion.
CAUTION
Never attempt to move the selector
lever into “P” position under any cir-
cumstances while the vehicle is mov-
ing. Serious mechanical damage and
loss of vehicle control may result.
If the automatic unlocking operation linked
with the shift position is set, all the side
doors and back door are automatically un-
locked when the selector lever is moved
to the “P” position with the ignition switch
is in the “ON” position. For details, see
“—Automatic door locking and unlocking
functions” on page 17 in Section 1 2.
(g) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly shifts up
and down between third gear and over-
drive when climbing a gentle slope,
shift the selector lever to the “3” posi-
tion. Be sure to shift the selector lever
to the “D” position immediately after-
ward.
When towing a trailer, in order to main-
tain engine braking efficiency, do not
use “D” position. The selector lever
must be in the “3” position.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake
pedal while stopped with the engine
running. This prevents the vehicle
from creeping.
NOTICE
Always use the brake pedal or the
parking brake to hold the vehicle on
an upgrade. Do not attempt to hold
the vehicle using the accelerator ped-
al, as this can cause the transmission
to overheat.
(h) If you cannot shift the selector le- ver out of “P” position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from
the “P” position even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock
override button. For instructions, see “If
you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever” on page 298 in Section 4.
Page 259 of 373
’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
253
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
Have your Toyota dealer perform the bed-
ding down.
BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM
When you slam the brakes on, the
brake assist system judges as an emer-
gency stop and provides more powerful
braking for a driver who cannot hold
down the brake pedal firmly.
When you slam the brakes on, more pow-
erful braking will be applied. At this time,
you may hear a sound in the engine
compartment and feel the vibrations of the
brake pedal. This does not indicate a mal-
function.
The brake assist system becomes opera-
tive after the vehicle has accelerated to
a speed in excess of approximately 10
km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the
vehicle decelerates to a speed below
approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
For an explanation of this system’s warn-
ing light, see “Service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers” on page 117 in Sec-
tion 1 5.
The brake pad wear limit indicators on
your disc brakes give a warning noise
when the brake pads are worn to where
replacement is required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise
while driving, have the brake pads
checked and replaced by your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible. Expensive ro-
tor damage can result if the pads are not
replaced when necessary. When stowing luggage or cargo in the
vehicle, observe the following:
Put luggage or cargo in the luggage
compartment when at all possible. Be
sure all items are secured in place.
Be careful to keep the vehicle bal-
anced. Locating the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain bal-
ance.
For better fuel economy, do not carry
unneeded weight.
CAUTION
To prevent luggage or packages
from sliding forward during braking,
do not stack anything in the lug-
gage compartment higher than the
seatbacks. Keep luggage or pack-
ages low, as close to the floor as
possible.
Do not exceed 66 kg (145 lb.) of
cargo load in the luggage compart-
ment.
Do not place anything on the flat-
tened seat or it may slide forward
during braking.
Brake pad wear limit
indicators
Luggage stowage pr
ecautions
Page 265 of 373
’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
259
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Before starting the engine 260
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 260
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Tips for driving in various conditions 261
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off road driving precautions 263
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 264
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . .
Dinghy towing 265
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing 266
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer 275
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 3
Page 271 of 373
’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0305)
265
2003 4RUNNER from Apr. ’03 Prod. (OM 35820U)
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See page 324 in Section 7 2 for recom-
mended viscosity. Leaving a heavy sum-
mer oil in your vehicle during winter
months may cause harder starting. If you
are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Toyota dealer—he will be pleased to
help.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de icer or glycerine into the
locks to keep them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an anti-
freeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
the manufacturer ’s directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute because it may dam-
age your vehicle’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when
there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into
“P” and block the front wheels. Do not
use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking
brake mechanism may freeze, making it
hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating
under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders
can make steering difficult. During bad
winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving,
we recommend you carry some emer-
gency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the
vehicle are tire chains, window scraper,
bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
Your vehicle is not designed to be
dinghy towed (with four wheels on the
ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four
wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to your vehicle.
Dinghy towing