automatic transmission TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2012 N280 / 5.G Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
4RUNNER_U
2
1-1. Key informationKeys ..................................... 32
1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
Smart key system................. 35
Wireless remote control ....... 49
Side doors ............................ 53
Automatic running boards .... 59
Back door ............................. 63
1-3. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors,
steering wheel)
Front seats ........................... 68
Rear seats ............................ 72
Head restraints ..................... 83
Seat belts ............................. 86
Steering wheel ..................... 93
Inside rear view mirror.......... 94
Outside rear view mirrors ..... 96
1-4. Opening and closing the windows and moon roof
Power windows .................... 98
Power back window ........... 101
Moon roof ........................... 105
1-5. Refueling Opening the fuel tank cap ................................... 109 1-6. Theft deterrent system
Engine immobilizer system .............................. 113
Alarm .................................. 116
1-7. Safety information Correct driving posture ....... 119
SRS airbags ....................... 121
Front passenger occupant classification system ......... 136
Child restraint systems ....... 142
Installing child restraints ..... 146
2-1. Driving procedures Driving the vehicle .............. 160
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without a
smart key system) ............ 170
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles with a
smart key system) ............ 173
Automatic transmission ...... 179
Turn signal lever ................. 183
Parking brake ..................... 184
Horn .................................... 185
2-2. Instrument cluster Gauges and meters ............ 186
Indicators and warning lights ................................. 193
Accessory meter ................. 199
1Before driving
2When driving

When driving2
159
4RUNNER_U
2-1. Driving proceduresDriving the vehicle............ 160
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without a
smart key system).......... 170
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles with a
smart key system).......... 173
Automatic transmission .... 179
Turn signal lever .............. 183
Parking brake ................... 184
Horn ................................. 185
2-2. Instrument cluster Gauges and meters ......... 186
Indicators and warning lights .............................. 193
Accessory meter .............. 199
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Headlight switch ............... 203
Fog light switch ................ 209
Windshield wipers and washer ........................... 211
Rear window wiper and washer ........................... 214 2-4. Using other driving
systems
Cruise control ................... 217
Intuitive parking assist...... 221
Rear view monitor system ........................... 226
Four-wheel drive system (part-time 4WD
models) .......................... 236
Four-wheel drive system (full-time 4WD
models) .......................... 239
Active traction control system ........................... 243
AUTO LSD system........... 245
Rear differential lock system ........................... 248
Downhill assist control system ........................... 251
Crawl Control ................... 254
Multi-terrain Select ........... 258
Driving assist systems ..... 266
2-5. Driving information Off-road precautions ........ 275
Cargo and luggage .......... 280
Vehicle load limits ............ 286
Winter driving tips ............ 288
Trailer towing ................... 293
Dinghy towing .................. 311

179
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
Automatic transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
Vehicles without a smart key system:
While the engine switch is in the “ON” position, move the
shift lever with the brake pedal depressed.
Vehicles with a smart key system:
While the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION
ON mode, move the shift lever with the brake pedal
depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped.
CTH21AS014

182 2-1. Driving procedures
4RUNNER_U
■S mode
When the shift range is “3” or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets
the shift range to “5”.
■ AI-SHIFT
AI-SHIFT automatically selects the optimal gear according to driver perfor-
mance and driving conditions.
AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position.
(Shifting the shift lever to the S position cancels the function.)
The engine speed may remain high after releasing the accelerator pedal.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ When driving with the cruise control system
Engine braking will not occur in S mode, even when downshifting to “4”.
(P. 217)
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
 P. 618
■ If the “S” indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever
to S
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same manner as when
the shift lever is in D.)
■ Downshift restriction warning buzzer (S mode)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be
possible even when the shift lever is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
CAUTION
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.

253
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
■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.

256 2-4. Using other driving systems
4RUNNER_U
■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.

279
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
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”.

512 4-2. Maintenance
4RUNNER_U
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal • The accelerator pedal should
move smoothly (without uneven
pedal effort or catching).
Automatic transmission “Park”
mechanism • When parked on a slope and the
shift lever is in P, is the vehicle
securely stopped?
Brake pedal • Does the brake pedal move
smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appro- priate clearance from the floor?
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of free play?
Brakes • The vehicle should not pull to one
side when the brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effec- tively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get
too close to the floor when the
brakes are applied.
Head restraints • Do the head restraints move
smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers • Do the indicators and buzzers
function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?

517
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER_U
ItemsParts and tools
Fuses
(P. 555)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Light bulbs (P. 565)
• Bulb with same number and watt-
age rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Wrench
Power steering fluid level (P. 530)
• Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON® II or III
• Rag or paper towel
• Clean funnel
Radiator and condenser (P. 527)
Tire inflation pressure ( P. 543)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 535)
• Water or washer fluid containing
antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

531
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER_U
■
Checking the fluid level
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall the cap and remove it again.
Check the fluid level.
Fluid typeAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
ItemsRag or paper, clean funnel (only for adding fluid)
CAUTION
■When checking the reservoir
Take care as the reservoir may be hot.
NOTICE
■When adding fluid
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering may be damaged.
■ After replacing the reservoir cap
Check the steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or
damage.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5