towing TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2004 N210 / 4.G Owner's Manual

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When restarting out after parking on a
slope:
1. With the transmission in “P” position, start the engine. Be sure to keep the
brake pedal depressed.
2. Shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull or back away
from the wheel blo cks. Stop and apply
your brakes.
4. Have someone retrieve the blo cks.
CAUTION
Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or
the posted towing speed limit,
whichever is lower. Because insta-
bility (swaying) of a towing vehicle
trailer combination usually in-
creases as the speed increases, ex-
ceeding 72 km/h (45 mph) may
cause loss of control.
Slow down and downshift before
descending steep or long downhill
grades. Do not make sudden down-
shifts.
Avoid holding the brake pedal down
too long or too frequently. This
could cause the brakes to overheat
and result in reduced braking effi-
ciency.
Improving fuel economy is easy—just take
it easy. It will help make your vehicle last
longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and
repairs:
Keep your tires inflated at the cor-
rect pressure. Underinflation causes
tire wear and wastes fuel. See page
368 in Section 7 −2 for instructions.
Do not carry unneeded weight in
your vehicle. Excess weight puts a
heavier load on the engine, causing
greater fuel consumption.
Avoid lengthy warmup idling. Once
the engine is running smoothly, begin
driving—but gently. Remember, howev-
er, that on cold winter days this may
take a little longer.
Put the selector lever into the “D”
when engine braking is not required.
5 −speed automatic transmission—Driv-
ing with the selector lever in “4” will
reduce the fuel economy. (For details,
see “Automatic transmission (5− speed)”
on page 149 in Section 1 −7.)
4 −speed automatic transmission—Driv-
ing with the selector lever in “3” will
reduce the fuel economy. (For details,
see “Automatic transmission (4− speed)”
on page 154 in Section 1 −7.)
How to save fuel and make
your vehicle last longer

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To avoid serious personal injury and
damage to your vehicle which might re-
sult from battery explosion, acid burns,
electrical burns, or damaged electronic
components, these instructions must be
followed precisely.
If you are unsure about how to follow this
procedure, we strongly recommend that
you seek the help of a competent me-
chanic or towing service.
CAUTION
Batteries contain sulfuric acid
which is poisonous and corrosive.
Wear protective safety glasses when
jump starting, and avoid spilling
acid on your skin, clothing, or ve-
hicle.
If you should accidentally get acid
on yourself or in your eyes, remove
any contaminated clothing and flush
the affected area with water imme-
diately. Then get immediate medical
attention. If possible, continue to
apply water with a sponge or cloth
while en route to the medical office.
The gas normally produced by a
battery will explode if a flame or
spark is brought near. Use only
standardized jumper cables and do
not smoke or light a match while
jump starting.
NOTICE
The battery used for boosting must
be 12 V. Do not jump start unless you
are sure that the booster battery is
correct.
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE
1. If the booster battery is installed in another vehicle, make sure the vehicles
are not touching. Turn off all unneces-
sary lights and accessories.
2. If required, remove all the vent plugs from the booster and discharged batter-
ies. Lay a cloth over the open vents
on the batteries. (This helps reduce the
explosion hazard, personal injuries and
burns.)
3. If the engine in the vehicle with the booster battery is not running, start it
and let it run for a few minutes. During
jump starting run the engine at about
2000 rpm with the accelerator pedal
lightly depressed.
(c) Jump starting

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—From front
—From rear
(b) Using flat bed truck (a) Towing with wheel lift type truck—
Twowheel drive models
(a) Towing with wheel lift type truck— —From front
—From rear
(b) Using flat bed truck
Fourwheel drive modelsIf towing is necessary, we recommend
you to have it done by your Toyota
dealer or a commercial tow truck ser-
vice. In consultation with them, have
your vehicle towed using either (a) or
(b).
Only when you cannot receive a towing
service from a Toyota dealer or com-
mercial tow truck service, tow your ve-
hicle carefully in accordance with the
instructions given in “—Emergency tow-
ing” on page 333 in this Section.
Proper equipment will help ensure that
your vehicle is not damaged while being
towed. Commercial operators are generally
aware of the state/provincial and local
laws pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it is
towed incorrectly. Although most operators
know the correct procedure, it is possible
to make a mistake. To avoid damage to
your vehicle, make sure the following pre-
cautions are observed. If necessary, show
this page to the tow truck driver.
If your vehicle needs to be
towed—

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TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing,
and abide by the state/provincial and local
laws. The wheels and axle on the ground
must be in good condition. If they are
damaged, use a towing dolly.
CAUTION
Vehicles with rear height control air
suspension: When your vehicle is
towed, put the vehicle height in the
“N” (normal) mode and push the
“HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch to
turn off the rear height control air
suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle
height may be changed in the auto-
matic leveling function, resulting in
accident. For details, see “Rear
height control air suspension” on
page 178 in Section 17.
Twowheel drive models—
(a) Towing with wheel lift type truck
From front—
Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle from the front
with the rear wheels on the ground,
as this may cause serious damage to
the transmission.
From rear— Place the ignition key in the
“ACC” position.
NOTICE
 When lifting wheels, take care to
ensure adequate ground clearance
for towing at the opposite end of
the raised vehicle. Otherwise, the
bumper and/or underbody of the
towed vehicle will be damaged dur-
ing towing.
 Do not tow with the key removed or
in the “LOCK” position, as the
steering lock mechanism is not
strong enough to hold the front
wheels straight while towing.
(b) Using flat bed truck Fourwheel drive models—
(a) Towing with wheel lift type truck
FULLTIME FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
MODELS
Use a towing dolly under the wheels not
lifted by the truck.
MULTIMODE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
MODELS
From front—
Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle from the front
with the rear wheels on the ground,
as this may cause serious damage to
the transmission.
From rear—
We recommend using a tow-
ing dolly under the front wheels. If you do
not use a towing dolly, place the ignition
key in the “ACC” position, put the trans-
mission in “N” and the multi −mode control
switch knob in “H2”.

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NOTICE
When lifting wheels, take care to
ensure adequate ground clearance
for towing at the opposite end of
the raised vehicle. Otherwise, the
bumper and/or underbody of the
towed vehicle will be damaged dur-
ing towing.
 Do not tow with the key removed or
in the “LOCK” position when tow-
ing from the rear without a towing
dolly. The steering lock mechanism
is not strong enough to hold the
front wheels straight.
(b) Using flat bed truck
(c) Towing with sling
type truck
All models—
(c) Towing with sling type truck
NOTICE
Do not tow with sling type truck, ei-
ther from the front or rear. This may
cause body damage.
If towing is necessary, we recommend
you to have it done by your Toyota
dealer or a commercial tow truck ser-
vice.
If towing service is not available in an
emergency, your vehicle may be tempo-
rarily towed by a cable or chain se-
cured to one of the emergency towing
eyelets under the front of the vehicle.
Use extreme caution when towing the
vehicles.
—Emergency towing

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NOTICE
Only use specified towing eyelet;
otherwise your vehicle may be dam-
aged.
 Never tow a vehicle from the rear
with four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to
the transmission.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer
it and operate the brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only
on hard− surfaced roads for a short dis-
tance and at low speeds. Also, the
wheels, axles, drive train, steering and
brakes must all be in good condition.
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing ve-
hicles. Avoid sudden starts or erratic
driving maneuvers which would place
excessive stress on the emergency
towing eyelet and towing cable or
chain. The eyelet and towing cable or
chain may break and cause serious
injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically
intended for use in towing vehicles.
Securely fasten the cable or chain to
the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake
and put the transmission in “N”. The key
must be in “ACC” (engine off) or “ON”
(engine running).
Four −wheel drive models—On multi −mode
four −wheel drive models, put the multi −
mode control switch knob in “H2”. On full −
time four −wheel drive models, unlock the
center differential.
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the pow-
er assist for the brakes and steering
will not work so steering and braking
will be much harder than usual.
Before emergency towing, check that
the eyelet is not broken or damaged
and that the installation bolts are not
loose.
Fasten the towing cable or chain se-
curely to the eyelet.
Do not jerk the eyelet. Apply steady
and even force.
To avoid damaging the eyelet, do not
pull from the side or at a vertical
angle. Always pull straight ahead.
—Emergency towing eyelet
precautions

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CAUTION
If the emergency towing eyelet is
used to get out when your vehicle
becomes struck in mud, sand or oth-
er condition from which the vehicle
cannot be driven out under its own
power, make sure to observe the pre-
cautions mentioned below. Otherwise,
excessive stress will be put on the
eyelet and the towing cable or chain
may break, causing serious injury or
damage.
If the towing vehicle can hardly
move, do not forcibly continue the
towing. Contact your Toyota dealer
or a commercial tow truck service
for assistance.
Tow the vehicle as straight ahead
as possible.
Keep away from the vehicle during
towing.
The following methods are effective to
get out when your vehicle is struck in
mud, sand or other condition from
which the vehicle cannot be driven out
under its own power. Use extreme cau-
tion when towing vehicles. In addition,
keep away from the vehicles and towing
cable or chain when towing.
Remove the soil and sand in the front
and the back of the tires.
Place a stone or wood under the tires.
If you cannot shift the selector lever
out of “P” position to other positions
even though the brake pedal is de-
pressed, use the shift lock override but-
ton as follows:
1. Turn the ignition key to “LOCK” position. Make sure the parking
brake is set.
2. Pry up the cover with a flatbladed screwdriver or equivalent.
—Tips for towing a stuck
vehicle If you cannot shift automatic
transmission selector lever

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Towing capacity (trailer weight + cargo
weight), kg (lb.):
For weight carrying hitch 2268 (5000)
Also for weight distributing hitch
2UZ− FE engine
Tw o −wheel drive models
3311 (7300)
Four −wheel drive models
3175 (7000)
Dimensions and weights
Overall width mm (in.)
2790 (109.8)
Overall height
∗
1mm (in.)
1575 (62.0)
Wheelbase mm (in.)
Front tread mm (in.) 1575 (62.0)
Rear tread mm (in.)
431 (950)
∗7
476 (1050)∗8
∗1: Unladen vehicle∗2: With two −wheel drive models∗
3: With four −wheel drive models∗
4: With roof rails∗5: With rear spoiler∗6: With rear height control air suspension∗7: With 5 occupants∗8: With 7 occupantsOverall length mm (in.)
Vehicle capacity weight (occupants + luggage)
kg (lb.)4800 (189.0)
1875 (73.8)
1820 (71.7)
∗
2or3,4
1765 (69.5)∗2, 5
1760 (69.3)∗3, 5
1755 (69.1)∗2
1750 (68.9)∗3
1810 (71.3)∗2 or 3,4,6
1750 (68.9)∗2 or 3,5,6
1740 (68.5)∗2or3,6
91 (200)∗7
0(0)∗8Luggage compartment load capacity kg (lb.)

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20. ALTS 7.5 A: Charging system
21. HORN 10 A: Horns
22. A/F HEATER 15 A: A/F sensor
23. TRNHAZ 15 A: Turn signal lights,
emergency flashers
24. ETCS 10 A: Multiport fuel injection
system/s equential multiport fuel injec-
tion system
25. EFI 20 A: Multiport fuel injection sys-
tem/sequential multiport fuel injection
system
26. DR/LCK 20 A: Power door lock system
27. TOWING 30 A: Towing converter
28. RADIO NO.2 20 A: Audio system
29. IGN 10 A: Multiport fuel injection sys-
tem/sequential multiport fuel injection
system, anti −lock brake system, trac-
tion control system (two −wheel drive
models), active traction control system
(four −wheel drive models), vehicle sta-
bility control system, stop light, meter
and gauge
30. SRS 10 A: SRS airbag system
31. GAUGE 7.5 A: Meter and gauge
32. STA NO.2 7.5 A: Multiport fuel injec-
tion system/sequential multiport fuel in-
jection system 33. FR WIPWSH 30 A:
Windshield wipers
and washer
34. 4WD 20 A: Four−wheel drive control
system
35. D P/SEAT 30 A: Driver ’s power seat
36. P P/SEAT 30 A: Front passenger ’s
power seat
37. PWR OUTLET 15 A: Power outlets
38. RR WSH 15 A: Back window washer,
multiplex communication system
39. ECUIG 10 A: Shift lock control sys-
tem, power windows, anti −lock brake
system, traction control system (two −
wheel drive models), active traction
control system (four −wheel drive mod-
els), vehicle stability control system,
electric moon roof, multiplex commu-
nication system, theft deterrent system,
rear height control air suspension, tire
pressure warning system 40. IG1 15 A:
Anti−lock brake system,
traction control system (two −wheel
drive models), active traction control
system (four −wheel drive models), ve-
hicle stability control system, air condi-
tioning system, charging system, back
window defogger, back −up lights, turn
signal lights, emergency flashers, seat
heaters, AC inverter, instrument panel
light control, auto anti −glare inside rear
view mirror, SRS airbag system
41. STA 7.5 A: No circuit
42. SECU/HORN 10 A: Theft deterrent sys-
tem
4

3. TAIL 10 A: Tail lights, license plate
lights, parking lights, instrument panel
light control, multiport fuel injection
system/s equential multiport fuel injec-
tion system, instrument panel lights,
meter and gauge, grove box light
44. ACC 7.5 A: Power outlets, outside rear
view mirrors, audio system, navigation
system, rear seat audio system, shift
lock control system, instrument panel
lights
45. CIG 10 A: No circuit

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Fuses (type B)
46. AIRSUS 50 A: Rear height control air
suspension
47. AM1 50 A: All components in “ACC”,
“CIG”, “IG1”, “ECU −IG”, “FR WIP −
WSH”, “RR WIP”, “RR −WSH”, “4WD”,
and “STA” fuses
48. TOWING BRK 30 A: Trailer brake con-
troller
49. J/B 50 A: All components in “PWR
OUTLET”, “D P/SEAT”, “P P/SEAT”,
“POWER”, “TAIL” and “SECU/HORN”
fuses
50. BATT CHG 30 A: Trailer sub battery
51. TOWING 40 A: Trailer lights (tail
lights)
52. ABS MTR 40 A: Anti−lock brake sys-
tem, traction control system (two −wheel
drive models), active traction control
system (four −wheel drive models), ve-
hicle stability control system
53. AM2 30 A: Starter system, “IGN”,
“GAUGE”, “STA NO.2” and “SRS” fuses
54. ABS SOL 50 A: Anti−lock brake sys-
tem, traction control system (two −wheel
drive models), active traction control
system (four −wheel drive models), ve-
hicle stability control system 55. POWER 30 A:
Power windows, electric
moon roof
Fuses (type C)
56. ALT 140 A: All components in “AM2”,
“ALT −S”, “DR/LCK”, “TRN− HAZ”,
“HORN”, “RADIO NO.2”, “EFI”,
“TOWING”, “ABS MTR”, “ABS SOL”,
“HEATER” and “ETCS” fuses
57. HEATER 60 A: Air conditioning system