suspension TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2009 N280 / 5.G Owners Manual

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4
5
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7
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Rear window wiper and washer .............................. 165
2-4. Using other driving systems Cruise control ...................... 166
Electronically modulated air suspension................... 169
AUTO LSD system (2WD models and
Multi-mode 4WD
models) ............................. 175
Four-wheel drive system (4WD models) ................... 177
Active traction control system (L4 mode on 4WD
models) ............................. 182
Rear differential lock system .............................. 184
Downhill Assist Control ....... 186
Driving assist systems ........ 188
2-5. Driving information Off-road precautions ........... 198
Cargo and luggage ............. 203
Vehicle load limits ............... 211
Winter driving tips ............... 213
Trailer towing ...................... 216
Dinghy towing ..................... 228
3-1. Using the air conditioning
system a nd defogger
Air conditioning system ....... 230
Rear window and outside rear view mirror defoggers ....... 240 3-2. Using the audio system
Audio system (without
navigation system)
............. 241
Using the radio ................... 244
Using the CD player ........... 250
Playing back MP3 and WMA discs ....................... 257
Optimal use of the audio system .............................. 266
Using the AUX adapter....... 269
Using the steering wheel audio switches.................. 271
3-3. Using the rear audio/video
system
Rear seat entertainment system .............................. 274
Using the DVD player (DVD video)...................... 280
Using the DVD player (video CD) ........................ 288
Using the DVD player (audio CD/CD text) ........... 291
Using the DVD player (MP3 discs) ...................... 292
Using the video mode......... 294
Changing the Setup Menu settings ............................. 297
3-4. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ................. 305
• Personal lights.................. 306
• Personal/interior lights...... 307
• Interior light ...................... 307
3-5. Using the storage features List of storage features ....... 309
• Glove box ......................... 310
• Coin holder ....................... 311
3Interior features

106 1-7. Safety information
CAUTION
■Modification and disposal of SRS airbag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or perform any of the following modifications
without consulting your Toyota dealer.
The SRS airbags may malfunction or deploy (inflate) accidentally, causing
death or serious injury.
● Installation, removal, disassembly and repair of the SRS airbags.
● Repairs, modifications, removal or replacement of the steering wheel,
instrument panel, dashboard, seats or seat upholstery, front, side and rear
pillars or roof side rails.
● Repairs or modifications of the front fender, front bumper, or side of the
occupant compartment.
● Installation of snow plows, winches, etc. to the front grille (bull bars, kan-
garoo bar etc.).
● Modifications to the vehicle’s suspension system.
● Installation of electronic devices such as mobile two-way radios or CD
players.
● Modifications to your vehicle for a person with a physical disability.

When driving2
131
2-1. Driving proceduresDriving the vehicle............ 132
Engine (ignition) switch .... 140
Automatic
Transmission.... 143
Turn signal lever .............. 145
Parking brake ................... 146
Horn ................................. 147
2-2. Instrument cluster Gauges and meters ......... 148
Indicators and warning lights .............................. 151
Accessory meter .............. 155
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Headlight switch ............... 158
Fog light switch ................ 162
Windshield wipers and washer ........................... 163
Rear window wiper and washer ........................... 165 2-4. Using other driving systems
Cruise control ................... 166
Electronically modulated air suspension ................ 169
AUTO LSD system (2WD models and
Multi-mode 4WD
models) .......................... 175
Four-wheel drive system (4WD models) ................ 177
Active traction control system (L4 mode on
4WD models) ................. 182
Rear differential lock system ........................... 184
Downhill Assist Control .... 186
Driving assist systems ..... 188
2-5. Driving information Off-road precautions ........ 198
Cargo and luggage .......... 203
Vehicle load limits ............ 211
Winter driving tips ............ 213
Trailer towing ................... 216
Dinghy towing .................. 228

139
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
If you hear a squealing or scrapin g noise while driving (brake pad wear
limit indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon
as possible.
The rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads
and/or that of the brake discs are exceeded.
■ If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
● The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
● The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( P. 448)
■ When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
●Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, trans-
mission, transfer (4WD models), differentials, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints
(where possible) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

169
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Electronically modulated air suspension (if equipped)
The electronically modulated air suspension allows the driver to
control the vehicle’s height in order to adjust for driving conditions.
Select the desired height with the height control switch.
Height control switch
HEIGHT CONTROL OFF
switch

172 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Automatic leveling function
Regardless of the number of occupants or the luggage load, vehicle height
in any mode is always adjusted to a fixed height by the automatic leveling
function.
■ When HI mode is selected
The vehicle height will change to N mode when driving at the speeds of 1\
8
mph (30 km/h).
■ When LO mode is selected
●The vehicle height will change to N mode when vehicle speed exceeds 7
mph (12 km/h).
● This mode allows for easy access to the vehicle (getting in and out) and
easy loading and unloading.
■ The electronically modulated air susp ension will not operate in the fol-
lowing cases:
● The underbody of the vehicle is touching the surface of the road.
● The area around the suspension is covered with ice.
The height control indicators will blink, turn off and then turn on continuously
to indicate that the electronically modulated air suspension is not opera-
tional.
To re-enable operation, turn off the engine and then restart it.
■ Even if you hear an operating noise
This does not indicate a problem in the electronically modulated air suspen-
sion.
■ If there is a problem somewhere in the electronically modulated air
suspension
The height control OFF indi cator will behave as follows:
● The indicator will not come on when the engine switch is turned on.
● The indicator will blink.
Although the vehicle may be driven, have the vehicle inspected by your Toy-
ota dealer.

173
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■The electronically modulated air susp ension must be turned off in the
following circumstances:
Otherwise, the automatic leveling function may cause the vehicle’s height to
change, resulting in an unexpected accident.
● When driving through water such as shallow streams (Put the vehicle
height in HI mode and turn off the electronically modulated air suspension.
Drive at 18 mph [30 km/h] or slower.)
● When jacking up the vehicle, installing tire chains or tying the vehicle with
chains/wires for transportation via flat bed truck (Turn the system off and
stop the engine.)
● When the vehicle must be towed (Put the vehicle height in N mode and
turn the system off.)
● When the vehicle gets stuck (Turn the system off.)
● When disconnecting a trailer (Put the vehicle height in LO mode and turn
the system off.)
■ Selecting the correct height mode
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the vehicle, as well as dan-
gerous handling characteristics, which may lead to fatal or injury accidents.
●Before you lower the vehicle’s height, check under the vehicle to make
sure that no one is there.
● The HI mode should be used for off-road driving conditions.
As the vehicle’s center of gravity is higher in this setting, the vehicle may
become unstable when turning abruptly.
● Do not select HI mode when you load cargo on the roof luggage carrier.
This may result in a loss of control or vehicle rollover.

197
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■The ABS does not opera te effectively when
● The limits of the gripping performance have been exceeded.
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating will exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations.
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with pothol es or roads with uneven roads
■ When VSC is activated
The slip indicator flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive care-
fully. Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when
the indicator flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■ TRAC/A-TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if TRAC/A-TRAC is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the appro-
priate tire pressure level.
The ABS and VSC will not function correctly if different tires are fitted on the
vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

199
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
Off-road vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of serious per-
sonal injury or damage to your vehicle:
●In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
● Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury.
● Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehi-
cle gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden
braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly.
● Always slow down in gusty crosswi nds. Because of its profile and higher
center of gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordi-
nary passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control.
● When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
● Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or
straight down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-road vehicle)
can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or backward.

201
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of serious per-
sonal injury or damage to your vehicle:
●Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving
in dangerous places.
● Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and espe-
cially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
● Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in
sand, mud, water or snow.
● After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that
there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped
on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the
vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody,
a breakdown or fire could occur.
● In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
● When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.