TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2011 N280 / 5.G Owners Manual

231
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
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When the active traction control system is operating
If all wheels spin, the slip indica-
tor flashes to indicate that the
active traction control system
has been engaged.
CTH24AS047
■When the rear differential is locked (vehicles with a rear differential
lock system)
The active traction control system is activated only when vehicle speed is
less than 4 mph (6 km/h).
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the active traction control system
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred in the system.
● Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering. This may
occur when the system is operating.
■ If the brake system overheats
The system will cease operation and a buzzer will sound to alert the driver.
At this time, the “A-TRAC” indicator will go off and the “TRAC OFF (TRC
OFF)” indicator will come on. Stop the vehicle in a safe place. (There is no
problem with continuing normal driving.)
The system will be automatically restored after a short time.
CAUTION
■The active traction control system m ay not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the active traction control system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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AUTO LSD system (2WD models)
The AUTO LSD system aids traction by using the traction control
system to control engine performance and braking when one of the
rear wheels begins to spin.
The system should be used only wh en wheel spinning occurs in a
ditch or rough surface.
■ System operation
Press the VSC off switch to
turn on the system.
At this time, the “AUTO LSD”
and VSC off indicators will
come on.
To turn off the system, press
the switch again.

233
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
When the AUTO LSD system is operating
If the rear wheels spin, the slip
indicator flashes to indicate that
the AUTO LSD system has con-
trolled the spinning of the rear
wheels.
CTH24AS047
■If the engine is turned off and restarted
The AUTO LSD system and the indicators are automatically turned off.
■ If the brake system overheats
The system will cease operation and a buzzer will sound to alert the driver.
At this time, the “AUTO LSD” indicato r will flash and the “TRAC OFF” indica-
tor will come on. Stop the vehicle in a safe place. (There is no problem with
continuing normal driving.)
The system will be automatically restored after a short time.
CAUTION
■ To avoid an accident
● Do not use the AUTO LSD system in conditions other when wheel spin-
ning occurs in a ditch or rough surfaces.
A much greater steering effort and more careful cornering control will be
required.
● Do not drive with the AUTO LSD system continuously turned on.

234 2-4. Using other driving systems
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NOTICE
■Activating while driving
Never activate the AUTO LSD system if the wheel is slipping.
Stop the slipping or spinning before activating.

235
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
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Rear differential lock system
The rear differential lock system is provided for use only when wheel
spinning occurs in a ditch or on a slippery or rugged surface.
The rear differential lock system is effective in case one of the rear
wheels is spinning.
Press the switch to lock the
rear differential.
At this time, the rear differential
lock indicator will flash. Wait a
few seconds for the system to
complete operation. After the
rear differential is locked, the
indicator will stop flashing and
remain on.
To unlock the rear differential,
press the switch again.
CTH24AS056

: If equipped

236 2-4. Using other driving systems
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Using the rear differential lock systemBefore using the rear differential lock system:
Stop the vehicle, shift the shift lever to N and shift the front-
wheel drive control lever into L4 to see if this is sufficient. If
this has no effect, additionally use the rear differential lock
system.
Be sure the wheels have stopped spinning.
Press the rear differential lock switch.
Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
After the rear differential is locked, the indicator will come on.
Unlock the rear differential as soon as the vehicle moves.
To unlock the rear differential, press the switch again.
■ Locking the rear differential
The following systems do not operate when the rear differential is locked. It
is normal operation for the ABS warning light and VSC off indicator to be on
at this time.
•ABS
• Multi Terrain ABS
• Brake assist system
•VSC
• Hill-start assist control
■ The rear differential lock is disengaged when
The front-wheel drive control lever is shifted to H2 or H4.
Never forget to turn off the switch after using this feature.
■ After unlocking the rear differential
Check that the indicator goes off.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4

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2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
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CAUTION
■To avoid an accident
● Do not use the rear differential lock system except when wheel spinning
occurs in a ditch or on a slippery or rugged surface. Large steering effort
and careful cornering control will be required.
● Do not lock the rear differential until the wheels have stopped spinning.
Otherwise, the vehicle may move in an unexpected direction when the dif-
ferential lock is engaged, resulting in an accident. This may also lead to
possible damage to rear differential lock component parts.
● Do not drive over 5 mph (8 km/h) when the rear differential is locked.
● Do not keep driving with the rear differential lock switch on.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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Downhill assist control system
With the downhill assist control system, the vehicle is able to
descend a steep hill while maintaining a constant low speed of about
3 mph (5 km/h) without brake pedal operation.
■ Activating the system
The system will activate when
●The vehicle is traveling under 15 mph (25 km/h) with the
accelerator and brake pedals released.
● Part-time 4WD models: The front-wheel drive control lever is
in L4.
Full-time 4WD models: The fou r-wheel drive control switch is
in L4L.
● The rear differential is unlocked (if equipped).
Press the “DAC” switch.
The downhill assist control sys-
tem indicator will come on to
indicate that the downhill assist
control system is activated.
Pressing the switch again turns
the system off.

: If equipped

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2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
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While the downhill assist control system is operating
The slip indicator will flash to
indicate that the downhill assist
control system is operating, and
the stop lights and high mounted
stoplight will turn on.
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■Operating tips
The system will operate when the shift lever is in any position other than P.
However, to make effective use of the system it is recommended that the
shift lever be shifted to the “2” or “1” range of S.
■ If the downhill assist control system indicator flashes
● In the following situations, the indicator flashes and the system will not
operate:
• The transfer mode is not in L4 (part-time 4WD models) or L4L (full-time
4WD models).
• The rear differential is locked.
• The brake system overheats. The system will situations operation and a buzzer will sound to alert the
driver. At this time, the “TRAC OFF (TRC OFF)” indicator will come on.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place. Refrain from using the system until the
indicator stops flashing and stays on. (There is no problem with con-
tinuing normal driving.)
● In the following situations, the indicato r flashes to alert the driver, but the
system will still operate:
• The shift lever is in N. (Engine braking will not occur.)
• The “DAC” switch is turned off while the system is operating. The system will gradually ceases operation. The indicator will flash dur-
ing operation, and then go off when the system is fully off.

240 2-4. Using other driving systems
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■System malfunction
In case of a system malfunction, the following may occur:
● The downhill assist control system indicator flashes in a situation other
than those listed above.
● The downhill assist control system indicator does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without a smart key
system) or the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned to IGNITION ON
mode (vehicles with a smart key system).
Have your vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■ Conditions which may affect the downhill assist control system opera-
tion
● Do not rely too heavily on the downhill assist control system. On extremely
steep inclines, icy surfaces or muddy roads, the vehicle may slip and the
system may not be able to maintain the constant low vehicle speed of
about 3 mph (5 km/h), leading to an accident causing death or serious
injury.
● Do not shift the shift lever to R while driving forward, or to D while driving
backward. Doing so may cause the wheels to lock up, leading to an acci-
dent causing death or serious injury. In addition, excessive stress will be
applied to the automatic transmission, possibly resulting in damage.