TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2012 N280 / 5.G Owners Manual

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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

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.

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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.

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Crawl Control
Allows travel on extremely rough off-road surfaces at a fixed low
speed without pressing the accelerat or or brake pedal. Minimizes
loss of traction or vehicle slip wh en driving on slippery road sur-
faces, allowing for stable driving.
■ Crawl Control switch
“ON/OFF” switch
The Crawl Control indicator comes on and the slip indicator flashes
when operating.
Speed selector dial
Turn the dial clockwise to increase the speed and counterclockwise to
decrease the speed.
Crawl Control indicator
Slip indicator

: If equipped

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■Crawl Control can be operated when
● The engine is running.
● The shift lever is in any position other than P or N.
● The front-wheel drive control lever is in L4.
● The driver’s door is closed.
■ Speed modes
The following table shows
some typical terrains and the
recommended speed modes.
ModeRoad condition
L (Low)Rock, mogul (downhill) and gravel
(downhill)
Between L and M
Mogul (uphill)
M (Medium)
Snow, mud, gravel (uphill), sand,
dirt, mogul (uphill) and grassBetween M and H
H (High)

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■Crawl Control is temp orarily canceled when
Vehicle speed exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h). The Crawl Control indicator
flashes until the vehicle speed is reduced.
■ Automatic system cancelation
In the following situations, the system will cease operation and a buzzer will
sound to alert the driver. The Crawl Control indicator will flash until the sys-
tem is turned off completely.
● When the shift lever is shifted to P or N
● When the front-wheel drive control lever is shifted to H4
● When the driver’s door is opened
● When the system is malfunctioning
● When the brake system overheats
Stop the vehicle in a safe place. (There is no problem with continuing
normal driving.)
● When the automatic transmission system overheats
Stop the vehicle in a safe place until the automatic transmission fluid tem-
perature warning light goes off.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the Crawl 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 Crawl Control system.
● Either of the following conditions may occur when the Crawl Control sys-
tem is 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.

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CAUTION
■When using Crawl Control
● Do not overly rely on Crawl Control. This function does not extend the
vehicle’s performance limitations. Always check the terrain thoroughly and
drive safely.
● The recommended speed modes for the listed terrains ( P. 255) are only
a reference. The selected mode may not be suitable to actual off-road con-
ditions due to factors such as the type or unevenness of the terrain or the
degree of incline. Check the actual terrain thoroughly and drive safely.
● After activating Crawl Control, make sure that the Crawl Control indicator
comes on. If the indicator flashes, the vehicle is not under system control.
■ Conditions under which the syst em may not operate correctly
When driving on the following surfaces, the system may not be able to main-
tain a fixed low speed, which may result in an accident:
● Extremely steep inclines
● Extremely uneven surfaces
● Snow-covered roads, or other slippery surfaces

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Multi-terrain Select
The Multi-terrain Select system has 4 terrain modes. When a terrain
mode is selected in accordance wi th terrain conditions, engine
power and active traction control system is controlled to enhance
off-road drivability.
Additionally, guidance messages such as transfer mode selection
advice are displayed on the accessory meter to assist the driver in
operating the vehicle.
“ON/OFF” switch
Mode selector dial
Mode indicators
Multi-terrain Select indicator
Accessory meter
CTH24AS025U

: If equipped

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■Multi-terrain Select modes
SymbolMode
MUD & SAND
LOOSE ROCK
MOGUL
ROCK

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The following table shows some typical terrains and the recom-
mended Multi-terrain Select modes.
■Multi-terrain Select can be activated when
●Vehicle speed is approximately 7 mph (12 km/h) or less.
● MUD & SAND: The front-wheel driv e control lever is in L4 or
H4.
LOOSE ROCK, MOGUL and ROCK: The front-wheel drive
control lever is in L4.
● Crawl Control is not operating.
ROCKMOGULLOOSE
ROCKMUD & SAND
Rock
Mogul
Bump,
groove
Slope/
V-d i t c h
Uphill/
downhill
Riverbed
Gravel
Bush
Deep snow
Sand
Mud
Dirt
Mode
Road
condition