maintenance TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2012 N280 / 5.G Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
4RUNNER_U
1
1Before drivingAdjusting and operating features such as door locks,
mirrors, and steering column.
2When drivingDriving, stopping and safe-driving information.
3Interior
featuresAir conditioning and audio systems, as well as other in-
terior features for a comfortable driving experience.
4Maintenance
and careCleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information.
5When trouble
arisesWhat to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident.
6Vehicle
specificationsDetailed vehicle information.
7For ownersReporting safety defects for U.S. owners, and seat belt
and SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners.
IndexAlphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
4RUNNER_U
5
4-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior............ 502
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior............. 505
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ..................... 508
General maintenance.......... 511
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs........................... 515
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions ....................... 516
Hood ................................... 519
Engine compartment ........... 520
Tires .................................... 537
Tire inflation pressure ......... 543
Wheels ................................ 547
Air conditioning filter............ 550
Wireless remote control/ electronic key battery ........ 552
Checking and replacing fuses ................................. 555
Light bulbs........................... 565 5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers............ 578
If your vehicle needs to be towed........................... 579
If you think something is wrong ............................... 585
Fuel pump shut off system .............................. 586
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds.............................. 587
If you have a flat tire ........... 603
If the engine will not start.... 616
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P .............. 618
If you lose your keys........... 619
If you cannot operate back door opener ............. 620
If the electronic key does not operate properly ......... 621
If the vehicle battery is discharged........................ 623
If your vehicle overheats .... 627
If the vehicle becomes stuck ................................. 630
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ....................... 631
4Maintenance and care5When trouble arises

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
4RUNNER_U
6
6-1. SpecificationsMaintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.) ........... 634
Fuel information ................. 645
Tire information .................. 648
6-2. Customization Customizable features ....... 660
6-3. Initialization Items to initialize................. 666
Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners ................ 668
Seat belt instructions for Canadian owners
(in French) ........................ 669
SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners
(in French) ........................ 671
Abbreviation list........................ 684
Alphabetical index .................... 686
What to do if... .......................... 696
6Vehicle specifications
7For owners
Index

114 1-6. Theft deterrent system
4RUNNER_U
■System maintenance
The vehicle has a maintenance-free type engine immobilizer system.
■ Conditions that may cause the system to malfunction
● If the grip portion of the key is in contact with a metallic object
● If the key is in close proximity to or touching a key to the security system
(key with a built-in transponder chip) of another vehicle
■ Certifications for the engine immo bilizer system (vehicles without a
smart key system)
● For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
FCC ID: MOZRI-33BTY
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC WARNING:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
● For vehicles sold in Canada
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, includ-
ing interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

117
1-6. Theft deterrent system
1
Before driving
4RUNNER_U
■
System maintenance
The vehicle has a maintenance-free type alarm system.
■ Items to check before locking the vehicle
To prevent unexpected triggering of the alarm and vehicle theft, make sure
of the following:
● Nobody is in the vehicle.
● The windows and moon roof are closed before the alarm is set.
● No valuables or other personal items are left in the vehicle.
■ Triggering of the alarm
The alarm may be triggered in the following situations:
(Stopping the alarm deactivates the alarm system.)
■ Alarm-operated door lock
● When the alarm is operating, the doors are locked automatically to pre-
vent intruders.
● Do not leave the key inside the vehicle when the alarm is operating, and
make sure the key is not inside the vehicle when recharging or replacing
the battery.
●A person inside the vehicle opens a
door or the hood.
● The battery is recharged or replaced
when the vehicle is locked.
CTH16AS006
CTH16AS007

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”.

307
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
■
Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components
(such as an engine, transmission, differential or wheel bearing), Toyota rec-
ommends that you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven \
for
over 500 miles (800 km).
After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can s\
tart
towing. However, for the next 500 miles (800 km), drive the vehicle at a
speed of less than 45 mph (72 km/h) when towing a trailer, and avoid full
throttle acceleration.
■ Maintenance
● If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner’s Manual Supplement”.)
● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approxi-
mately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
■ If trailer sway occurs
One or more factors (crosswinds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can
adversely affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing instability.
● If trailer swaying occurs:
• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.
• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to reduce speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle
and trailer should stabilize.

Maintenance and care4
501
4RUNNER_U
4-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior ......... 502
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior .......... 505
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements .................. 508
General maintenance....... 511
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs ........................ 515
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions .................... 516
Hood ................................ 519
Engine compartment ........ 520
Tires ................................. 537
Tire inflation pressure ...... 543
Wheels ............................. 547
Air conditioning filter......... 550
Wireless remote control/ electronic key battery
....... 552
Checking and replacing fuses .............................. 555
Light bulbs........................ 565

502
4RUNNER_U
4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
■Automatic car washes
● Fold the mirrors and remove the detachable pole antenna before wash-
ing the vehicle. Start washing from the front of the vehicle. Make sure to
re-install the antenna and extend the mirrors before driving.
● Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface
and harm your vehicle’s paint.
● In certain automatic car washes, the roof antenna (if equipped) or rear
spoiler may interfere with machine operation. This may prevent the vehi-
cle from being cleaned properly or result in damage to the antenna or
rear spoiler.
■ High pressure car washes
● Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity
of the windows.
● Before using the car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle
is closed properly.
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in prime
condition:
● Working from top to bottom, liber ally apply water to the vehicle
body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any
dirt and dust.
● Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
● For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thor-
oughly with water.
● Wipe away any water.
● Wax the vehicle when the waterproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehi-
cle body is cool.

503
4-1. Maintenance and care
4
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER_U
■
Aluminum wheels (if equipped)
● Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent. Do not use
hard brushes or abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or harsh chemical
cleaners. Use the same mild detergent and wax as used on the paint.
● Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, for example after
driving for long distance in the hot weather.
● Wash detergent from the wheels immediately after use.
■ Bumpers and side moldings
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
CAUTION
■When washing the vehicle
Do not apply water to the inside of the engine compartment. Doing so may
cause the electrical components etc. to catch fire.
■ Precautions regardin g the exhaust pipe
Exhaust gasses cause the exhaust pipe to become quite hot.
When washing the vehicle, be careful not to touch the pipe until it has cooled
sufficiently, as touching a hot exhaust pipe can cause burns.