tow 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
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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
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Manual air conditioning system.......... 314
Automatic air conditioning system.......... 320
Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defoggers ......................... 328
Windshield wiper de-icer .... 330
3-2. Using the audio system Audio system types ............ 331
Using the radio ................... 338
Using the CD player ........... 345
Playing MP3 and WMA discs ................................. 354
Operating an iPod .............. 362
Operating a USB memory ............................ 369
Optimal use of the audio system .............................. 376
Using the AUX port............. 381
Using the steering wheel audio switches.................. 382
Detachable pole antenna ... 385
3Interior features

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
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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

43
1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
1
Before driving
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■
Conditions aff ecting operation
The smart key system uses weak radio waves. In the following situations,
the communication between the electronic key and the vehicle may be
affected, preventing the smart key system, wireless remote control and
immobilizer system from operating properly. (Way of coping P. 621)
● When the electronic key battery is depleted
● Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large dis-
play, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electri-
cal noise
● When carrying a portable radio, mobile phone, cordless phone or other
wireless communication device
● When the electronic key is in contact with, or is covered by the following
metallic objects
• Cards to which aluminum foil is attached
• Cigarette boxes that have aluminum foil inside
• Metallic wallets or bags
• Coins
• Hand warmers made of metal
• Media such as CDs and DVDs
● When multiple electronic keys are in the vicinity
● When other wireless keys (that emit radio waves) are being used nearby
● When carrying the electronic key together with the following devices that
emit radio waves
• Another vehicle's electronic key or a wireless key that emits radio
waves
• Personal computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs)
• Digital audio players
• Portable game systems
● If window tint with a metallic content or metallic objects are attached to
the back window

51
1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
1
Before driving
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■
Conditions aff ecting operation
Vehicles without a smart key system
The wireless remote control function may not operate normally in the follow-
ing situations:
● Near a TV tower, radio station, electr ic power plant, airport or other facil-
ity that generates strong radio waves
● When carrying a portable radio, cell ular phone or other wireless commu-
nication devices
● When multiple wireless keys are in the vicinity
● When the wireless key is in contact with, or is covered by, a metallic
object
● When a wireless key (that emits radio waves) is being used nearby
● When the wireless key has been left near an electrical appliance such as
a personal computer
Vehicles with a smart key system
 P. 4 3
■ If the wireless remote control does not operate properly (vehicles with
a smart key system)
Locking and unlocking the doors: Use the mechanical key. ( P. 621)
■ Key battery depletion
Vehicles without a smart key system
If the wireless remote control function does not operate, the battery may be
depleted. Replace the battery when necessary. ( P. 552)
Vehicles with a smart key system
 P. 4 6
■ When the electronic key battery is fully depleted
 P. 552
■ When riding in an aircraft
When bringing a key with wireless remote control function onto an aircra\
ft,
make sure you do not press any buttons on the key while inside the aircraft
cabin. If you are carrying the key in your bag etc, ensure that the buttons are
not likely to be pressed accidentally. Pressing a button may cause the key to
emit radio waves that could interfere with the operation of the aircraft.

74 1-3. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
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Folding down the rear seats (veh icles without third row seats)
■ Before folding down the rear seats
Adjust the head restraints to the
downmost position.
Fold down the head restraints.
When returning the head
restraints to their original posi-
tions, make sure they are locked
securely.
Stow the rear seat belt buckles.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

76 1-3. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
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Folding down the second row seats (vehicles with third row seats)
■Before folding down the second row seats
Adjust the head restraints to the
downmost position.
Stow the second row seat belt
buckles.
CTH13AS045
STEP 1
CTH13AS071
STEP 2

82 1-3. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
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CAUTION
■When folding the rear seatbacks down
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may result in death or
serious injury.
● Do not fold the seatbacks down while driving.
● Stop the vehicle on level ground, set the parking brake and shift the shift
lever to P.
● Do not allow anyone to sit on a folded seatback or in the luggage compart-
ment while driving.
● Do not allow children to enter the luggage compartment.
■ Seat adjustment
To reduce the risk of sliding under the lap belt during a collision, do not
recline the seat more than necessary.
If the seat is too reclined, the lap belt may slide past the hips and apply
restraint forces directly to the abdomen, or your neck may contact the shoul-
der belt, increasing the risk of death or serious injury in the event of\
an acci-
dent.
Adjustments should not be made while driving as the seat may unexpectedly
move and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
■ After returning the rear seatback to the upright position
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may result in death or
serious injury.
● Make sure the seatback is securely locked by pushing it forward and rear-
ward on the top.
● Check that the seat belts are not twisted or caught in the seatback.
NOTICE
■Stowing the seat belts
The seat belts and the buckles must be stowed before you fold down the
rear seatbacks.

84 1-3. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
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■Removing the head restraints (except third row seats)
■ Installing the head restraints (except third row seats)
■ Adjusting the height of the head restraints
■ Adjusting the second cente r seat head restraint
Always raise the head restraint one level from the stowed position when
using.
Pull the head restraint up while pressing
the lock release button.
CTH13AS036
Align the head restraint with the installa-
tion holes and push it down to the lock
position.
Press and hold the lock release button
when lowering the head restraint.
CTH13AS037
Make sure that the head restraints are
adjusted so that the center of the head
restraint is closest to the top of your ears.
CTH13AS035

128 1-7. Safety information
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CAUTION
■SRS airbag precautions
Observe the following precautions regarding the SRS airbags.
Failure to do so may cause death or serious injury.
● The driver and all passengers in the vehicle must wear their seat belts
properly.
The SRS airbags are supplemental devices to be used with the seat belts.
● The SRS driver airbag deploys with considerable force, and can cause
death or serious injury especially if the driver is very close to the airbag.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises:
Since the risk zone for the driver’s airbag is the first 2 - 3 in. (50 - 75 mm)
of inflation, placing yourself 10 in. (250 mm) from your driver airbag pro-
vides you with a clear margin of safety. This distance is measured from the
center of the steering wheel to your breastbone. If you sit less than 10 in.
(250 mm) away now, you can change your driving position in several
ways:
• Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the pedals comfortably.
• Slightly recline the back of the seat. Although vehicle designs vary, many drivers can achieve the 10 in.
(250 mm) distance, even with the driver seat all the way forward, sim-
ply by reclining the back of the seat somewhat. If reclining the back of
your seat makes it hard to see the road, raise yourself by using a firm,
non-slippery cushion, or raise the seat if your vehicle has that feature\
.
• If your steering wheel is adjustable, tilt it downward. This points the air- bag toward your chest instead of your head and neck.
The seat should be adjusted as recommended by NHTSA above, while
still maintaining control of the foot pedals, steering wheel, and your view of
the instrument panel controls.