differential TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2012 N280 / 5.G User Guide

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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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

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2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
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Using the rear differential lock system
Before 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 warni ng 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.
■ If the rear differential lock indicator flashes rapidly
There may be a malfunction in the rear differential lock system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4

250 2-4. Using other driving systems
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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.

251
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
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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

252 2-4. Using other driving systems
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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.
CTH24AS047
■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” 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 continuing nor-
mal driving.)
● In the following situations, the indicator 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.

262 2-4. Using other driving systems
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Messages displayed on the accessory meterDepending on switch operation, one of the following messages may
appear on the accessory meter to provide guidance on transfer mode
selection etc:
MessageDetailsProcedure
SHIFT TO 4WD
(When selecting MUD
& SAND mode) Indicates that the
transfer mode needs
to be changed to H4
or L4.Shift the front-wheel
drive control lever to
H4 or L4.
SHIFT TO L4
(When selecting
LOOSE ROCK,
MOGUL or ROCK
mode) Indicates that the
transfer mode needs
to be changed to L4.
Shift the front-wheel
drive control lever to
L4.
STOP THE VEHICLE
& SHIFT THE AUTO.
TRANSMISSION TO N
(When selecting any
mode) Indicates that the
transfer mode cannot
be changed to H4 or
L4.
Stop the vehicle com-
pletely and/or shift the
shift lever to N.
ACCELERATE OR
DECELERATE
(When shifting the
front-wheel control
lever to H4 or H2) Indicates that the
transfer mode may
not successfully
change.
Drive straight ahead
while accelerating or
decelerating, or drive in
reverse.
DRIVE THE VEHICLE
A SHORT DISTANCE
(When pressing the
rear differential lock
switch) Indicates that the rear
differential is not
locked.
Drive the vehicle for-
ward or backward a
short distance.
OP. NOT POSSIBLE
WHEN Multi-terrain
Select ACTIVATED
(When pressing the
VSC off switch or “A-
TRAC” switch) Indicates that VSC
and active traction
control cannot be dis-
abled while Multi-ter-
rain Select is
operating.
-

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too h eavily when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
■Multi Terrain ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) (if equipped)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface, or in off-
road conditions (such as rough roads, sand and mud)
The Multi Terrain ABS operates in syn chronization with the Multi-terrain
Select.
■ Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
■Hill-start assist control (if equipped)
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an
incline or slippery slope
■LSD (Limited Slip Differential) (if equipped)
Transfers drive power to the rear tires when front tires spin, and vice
versa, in order to improve traction

272 2-4. Using other driving systems
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■When the “TRAC OFF” indicator li ght comes on even if the VSC off
switch has not been pressed
TRAC, hill-start assist control, downhill assist control and Crawl Control can-
not be operated. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Hill-start assist control operation conditions
● The shift lever is in D or S.
● The brake pedal is not depressed.
● The rear differential is unlocked (if equipped).
■ If the brake system overheats
The hill-start assist control will cease operation and a buzzer will sound to
alert the driver. At this time, the “TRAC OFF” indicator will come on. Stop the
vehicle in a safe place. (There is no problem with continuing with normal
driving.)
The system will be automatically restored after a short time.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, Multi Terrain ABS (if
equipped), brake assist, VSC, TRAC and hill-start assist control (if
equipped) systems
● 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 any of these systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS or Multi Terrain
ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS or Multi Terrain ABS is activated.
■ Reactivation of the TRAC/VSC systems after turning off the engine
Turning off the engine after turning off the TRAC/VSC systems will automati-
cally reactivate them.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
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NOTICE
■
To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the
engine or other components does not occur.
● Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
● Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ulti-
mately damage.
● Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and pre-
mature failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and
transfer case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■ When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check
the depth of the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
■ Inspection after off-road driving
● Sand and mud that has accumulat ed in brake drums and around brake
discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system compo-
nents.
● Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driv-
ing that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

282 2-5. Driving information
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Example on your vehicleCargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are
riding in your vehicle, the ava ilable amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity will be as follows:
Without rear differential lock system
Total load capacity: 1165 lb. (525 kg)
1165 lb. - 366 lb. = 799 lb. (525 kg - 166 kg = 359 kg)
With rear differential lock system (TRAIL)
Total load capacity: 835 lb. (375 kg)
835 lb. - 366 lb. = 469 lb. (375 kg - 166 kg = 209 kg)
In this condition, if 3 more pa ssengers with the combined weight of
388 lb. (176 kg) get on , the available cargo and luggage load will be
reduced as follows:
Without rear differential lock system
799 lb. - 388 lb. = 411 lb. (359 kg - 176 kg = 183 kg)
With rear differential lock system (TRAIL)
469 lb. - 388 lb. = 81 lb. (209 kg - 176 kg = 33 kg)
As shown in the example above , if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage load will be reduced by an amount
that equals the increased weight du e to the additional occupants. In
other words, if an increase in the number of occupants causes an
excess of the total load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus
cargo and luggage load), you must reduce the cargo and luggage on
your vehicle.