engine TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2012 N280 / 5.G Manual PDF

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 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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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
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: If equipped

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Disabling the TRAC/VSC systems (2WD models)If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC/VSC sys-
tems may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may
need to turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.
■ Turning off the TRAC
system only (turning on the AUTO LSD
system [ P. 245])
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the
switch.
The VSC off and “AUTO LSD”
indicators will come on.
Press the switch again to turn the
system back on.

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Disabling the TRAC/VSC systems (4WD models)If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC/VSC sys-
tems may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may
need to turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.
■ Turning off the TRAC system only
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the
switch.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator will
come on.
Press the switch again to turn the
system back on.
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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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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”.

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Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.