traction control TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2008 N210 / 4.G Owners Manual

viii
Installation of a mobiletwo−way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two−way radio system in
your vehicle could affect electronic systems such as fol-
lows, be sure to check with your Toyota dealer for precau-
tionary measures or special instructions regarding installa-
tion.
Multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport
fuel injection system
 SRS airbag system
 Seat belt pretensioner system
 Traction control system (two−wheel drive models)
 Active traction control system
(four−wheel drive models)
 AUTO LSD" system (two−wheel drive models)
 Vehicle stability control system
 Downhill assist control system
(four−wheel drive models)
 Hill−start assist control system
 Rear height control air suspension
Tire pressure warning system
 Cruise control system
 Anti−lock brake system
 Electronic throttle control system
Tires and loading on your
To y o t a
Underinflated or overinflated tire pressure and the
excess load may result in the deterioration of
steering ability and braking ability, leading to an
accident. Check the tire inflation pressure periodi-
cally and be sure to keep the load limits given in
this Owner ’s Manual. For details about tire inflation
pressure and load limits, see pages 441 and 364.

156
You need to reset the light after the en-
gine oil replacement. Reset the light by
following the procedure below:1. Turn the engine switch to the ACC" or LOCK" position with the odometer
reading shown. (For details, see
Odometer and two trip meters" on
page 148 in this Section.)
2. Turn the engine switch to the ON" position while holding down the trip
meter reset button.
Hold down the button until the light goes
off. Before the light goes off, it illuminates
for 3 seconds, flashes for 2 seconds and
illuminates for 1 sec ond.
If the system fails to reset, the light will
remain flashing.
(i) ABS" Warning Light
The light comes on when the engine
switch is turned to the ON" position. If
the anti−lock brake system and the brake
assist system work properly, the light
turns off after a few seconds. Thereafter,
if either of the systems malfunctions, the
light comes on again. When the ABS" warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
following systems do not operate, but the
brake system still operates conventionally.
Anti−lock brake system
Brake assist system
Traction control system
(two−wheel drive models)
Active traction control system
(four−wheel drive models)
AUTO LSD" system
(two−wheel drive models)
Vehicle stability control system
Downhill assist control system
(four−wheel drive models)
Hill−start assist control system
When the ABS" warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti−lock brake system does not operate,
so that the wheels will lock up during a
sudden braking or braking on slippery
road surfaces. If either of the following conditions oc-
curs, this indicates a malfunction some-
where in the components monitored by
the warning light system. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible to
service the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the ON"
position, or remains on.
The light comes on while you are dri-
ving.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the ABS" warning light remains on
together with the brake system warn-
ing light, immediately stop your ve-
hicle at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
In this case, not only the anti−lock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.

157
Either of the following conditions may
occur, but do not indicate a malfunc-
tion:
The light may stay on for about 60
seconds after the engine switch is
turned to the ON" position. It is nor-
mal if it turns off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the light. It is normal if it
turns off after a few seconds.
(j) VSC OFF" Warning Light
The light flashing warns that there is a
problem somewhere in the following.
Vehicle stability control system
Traction control system
(two−wheel drive models)
Active traction control system
(four−wheel drive models)
AUTO LSD" system
(two−wheel drive models)
Downhill assist control system
(four−wheel drive models)
Hill−start assist control system
The light will come on when the engine
switch turned to 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 the ON" posi-
tion.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the lights. It is normal if they
go out after a few seconds.
If the light flashes while driving, the above
mentioned systems do not work. However,
as conventional braking operates when ap-
plied, there 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.
When the brake fluid level is too low, the
above mentioned systems will not operate
and the warning light comes on.
(k) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the side
doors and back door are completely
closed. (l) SRS Warning Light
This indicator comes on when the en-
gine switch is turned to the ON" posi-
tion. It goes off after about 6 seconds.
This means the SRS airbags and seat
belt pretensioners are operating proper-
ly.
This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, side and curtain shield airbag sen-
sors, curtain shield airbag sensors, driv-
er ’s seat position sensor, driver ’s seat belt
buckle switch, front passenger occupant
classification system and indicator light,
front passenger ’s seat belt buckle switch,
seat belt pretensioner assemblies, inflat-
ors, RSCA OFF" indicator light, intercon-
necting wiring and power sources.
If any of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction of the airbags
or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
The light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the ON"
position or remains on for more than
6 seconds or flashes.
The light comes on or starts flashing
while driving.

161
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Engine (ignition) switch, Transmission and Parking
brake
Engine (ignition) switch162
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
Automatic transmission 163
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
Four−wheel drive system 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
Traction control system 175
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Active traction control system 178
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AUTO LSD" system 180
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
Vehicle stability control system 183
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Downhill assist control system 186
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill−start assist control system 189
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear height control air suspension 191
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressure warning system 197
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 202
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 203
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1− 7

169
Use the four−wheel drive control switch
knob and center differential lock switch
to select the transfer and center differ-
ential modes.
The H4" and L4" positions of the four−
wheel drive control switch knob provide
either lock or unlock mode of the center
differential. The center differential can be
locked or unlocked by pushing the center
differential lock switch.
Use the center differential lock system if
your wheels get stuck in a ditch, or when
you are driving on a slippery or bumpy
surface. When the center differential is
locked, the vehicle stability control system
is automatically turned off and the center
differential lock and VSC OFF" indicator
lights come on because the function that
controls engine performance interferes
with the process of freeing your wheels.NOTICE
As soon as the center differential lock
switch is turned on, the VSC OFF"
indicator light comes on. After the
wheels are out of the ditch or off the
slippery or bumpy surface, turn the
center differential lock switch off.
Make sure that the center differential
lock indicator and VSC OFF" indica-
tor lights turn off.
H4" (high speed position) and center
differential unlocked: Four−wheel drive
control switch knob at H4", center differ-
ential unlocked
Use this for normal driving on all types of
roads, from dry hard−surfaced roads to
wet, icy or snow−covered roads. This
position gives greater economy, quietest
ride, least wear and better vehicle control.
H4" (high speed position) and center
differential locked: Four−wheel drive con-
trol switch knob at H4", center differential
locked
Use this for greater traction when you
experience a loss of power, such as
wheel slipping, in the center differential
unlock mode. L4" (low speed position) and center
differential unlocked:
Four−wheel drive
control switch knob at L4", center differ-
ential unlocked
The 4LO" (low speed four−wheel drive)
indicator light comes on when the L4"
mode is selected.
Use this for maximum power and traction.
Use this for climbing or descending steep
hills, off−road driving, and hard pulling in
sand or mud.
In this mode, the braking feeling that oc-
curs when the wheels are negotiating a
sharp corner is further reduced than in the
L4" (low speed position) and center differ-
ential locked mode.
L4" (low speed position) and center
differential locked: Four−wheel drive con-
trol switch knob at L4", center differential
locked
The 4LO" (low speed four−wheel drive)
indicator light comes on when the L4"
mode is selected.

170
Use this for maximum power and traction.
Use this for hard pulling in situations the
vehicle cannot negotiate even in the L4"
(low speed position) and center differential
unlocked mode. Also, using this mode
when driving down steep off−road inclines
will help contribute to increased vehicle
stability.
The indicator light tells when the differen-
tial lock is engaged. Note that the differ-
ential is not still locked as long as the
indicator light remains off.
When the operation is not completed, the
indicator blinks. If the indicator light does
not go off when you push the center
differential lock switch to unlock the cen-
ter differential, drive straight ahead while
accelerating or decelerating, or drive in
reverse.
If the center differential lock system op-
eration is not completed within 5 seconds
while the cruise control system is set,
cancel the cruise control system. To can-
cel the cruise control system, see Cruise
control" on page 203 in Section 1−7.
If the indicator blinks even if doing so,
contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. There may be a trouble in the
center differential lock system.See (b) Shifting procedure" for further in-
structions.
SHIFTING BETWEEN H4" (UNLOCKED)
AND H4" (LOCKED)
To shift between unlock and lock
modes in H4", push the center differen-
tial lock switch.
SHIFTING BETWEEN L4" (UNLOCKED)
AND L4" (LOCKED)
To shift between unlock and lock
modes in L4", push the center differen-
tial lock switch.
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 four−wheel
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 four−wheel drive control
switch knob fully counterclockwise.
(b) Shifting procedure

172
The center differential can be locked or
unlocked by pushing the center differential
lock switch.
Use the center differential lock system if
your wheels get stuck in a ditch, or when
you are driving on a slippery or bumpy
surface. When the center differential is
locked, the vehicle stability control system
is automatically turned off and the center
differential lock and VSC OFF" indicator
lights come on because the function that
controls engine performance interferes
with the process of freeing your wheels.
NOTICE
As soon as the center differential lock
switch is turned on, the VSC OFF"
indicator light comes on. After the
wheels are out of the ditch or off the
slippery or bumpy surface, turn the
center differential lock switch off.
Make sure that the center differential
lock indicator light and VSC OFF"
indicator light turn off.
H2" (high speed position, two−wheel
drive): Multi−mode control switch knob at
H2"
Use this for normal driving on dry hard−
surfaced roads. This position gives greater
economy, quietest ride, least wear and
better vehicle control.
H4" (high speed position, four−wheel
drive) and center differential unlocked:
Multi−mode control switch knob at H4",
center differential unlocked
The four−wheel drive indicator light comes
on when the H4" mode is selected.
Use this for greater traction than two−
wheel drive. (When you experience a loss
of power, such as wheel slipping.) This
position provides greater traction than
two−wheel drive.
H4" (high speed position, four−wheel
drive) and center differential locked:
Multi−mode control switch knob at H4",
center differential locked
The four−wheel drive indicator light comes
on when the H4" mode is selected.
Use this for greater traction when you
experience a loss of power, such as
wheel slipping, in the center differential
unlock mode. L4" (low speed position, four−wheel
drive) and center differential unlocked:
Multi−mode control switch knob at L4",
center differential unlocked
The four−wheel drive and 4LO" (low
speed four−wheel drive) indicator lights
come on when the L4" mode is selected.
Use this for maximum power and traction.
Use this for climbing or descending steep
hills, off−road driving, and hard pulling in
sand or mud.
In this mode, the braking feeling that oc-
curs when the wheels are negotiating a
sharp corner is further reduced than in the
L4" (low speed position, four−wheel drive)
and center differential locked mode.
L4" (low speed position, four−wheel
drive) and center differential locked:
Multi−mode control switch knob at L4",
center differential locked
The four−wheel drive and 4LO" (low
speed four−wheel drive) indicator lights
come on when the L4" mode is selected.

173
Use this for maximum power and traction.
Use this for hard pulling in situations the
vehicle cannot negotiate even in the L4"
(low speed position, four−wheel drive) and
center differential unlocked mode. Also,
using this mode when driving down steep
off−road inclines will help contribute to in-
creased vehicle stability.
The indicator light tells when the differen-
tial lock is engaged. Note that the differ-
ential is not still locked as long as the
indicator light remains off.
When the operation is not completed, the
indicator blinks. If the indicator light does
not go off when you push the center
differential lock switch to unlock the cen-
ter differential, drive straight ahead while
accelerating or decelerating, or drive in
reverse.
If the center differential lock system op-
eration is not completed within 5 seconds
while the cruise control system is set,
cancel the cruise control system. To can-
cel the cruise control system, see Cruise
control" on page 203 in Section 1−7.
If the indicator blinks even if doing so,
contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. There may be a trouble in the
center differential lock system.See (c) Shifting procedure" for further in-
structions.
The A.D.D. can be engaged or disen-
gaged by the shifting operations de-
scribed in (c) Shifting procedure".
You should drive in four−wheel drive for
at least 16 km (10 miles) each month.
This will assure that the front drive com-
ponents are lubricated.
(b) A.D.D.
(automatic disconnecting
differential)

175
If the 4LO" (low speed four−wheel drive)
indicator light continues to blink and the
buzzer sounds when you operate the mul-
ti−mode 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 transmis-
sion 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 multi−mode control
switch knob if the wheels are slip-
ping. Stop the slipping or spinning
before operating.
The traction control system automatical-
ly helps prevent the spinning of rear
wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the engine switch 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 cannot be
maintained, even though the traction
control system is in operation. Do not
drive the vehicle under any speed or
maneuvering conditions which may
cause the vehicle to lose traction
control. In situations where the road
surface is covered with ice or snow,
your vehicle should be fitted with
snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious
speed for the present road condi-
tions.
CY16073
NORMAL DRIVING MODE
Leave the system on during ordinary
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. At this time, the slip indi-
cator light blinks.
Traction control system
(two−wheel drive models)

176
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 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.
The brake actuator temperature increases
during continuous operation of the traction
control system, the AUTO LSD" system,
the vehicle stability control system and
the hill−start assist control system such
as on slippery roads.
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 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 traction control system
temporarily stops operating in order to
protect the brake actuator. (Although the
traction control system does not operate,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing.) The system will be automatically re-
stored after a short time and the slip indi-
cator light goes out.
CY16075
TRACTION CONTROL OFF MODE
If your wheels get stuck in an ditch
when you are driving on a severe off
road and sand, turn off the traction
control system. This system that con-
trols engine performance interferes with
the process of freeing your wheels.
To turn off: Briefly push the VSC OFF"
switch.
The AUTO LSD" and slip indicator lights
will come on.
The vehicle stability control system is al-
ways activated, even if the traction control
system is turned off.