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

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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

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.

When driving2
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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

220 2-4. Using other driving systems
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CAUTION
■To avoid operating the cruise control by mistake
Switch the cruise control off using the “ON-OFF” button when not in use.
■ Situations unsuitable for cruise control
Do not use cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in loss of control and could cause an accident resulting
in death or serious injury.
● In heavy traffic
● On roads with sharp bends
● On winding roads
● On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
● On steep hills
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.
● When your vehicle is towing a trailer

281
2-5. Driving information
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When driving
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Capacity and distribution
Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capa city) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 
(1)Locate the statement “The co mbined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle's
placard.
(2)Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4)The resulting figure equals the av ailable amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5  150) =
650 lbs.)
(5)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Cons ult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
(  P. 634)

293
2-5. Driving information
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When driving
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Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer can have an adverse impact on handling,
performance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. For your
safety and the safety of others, you must not overload your vehicle
or trailer. You must also ensure that you are using appropriate tow-
ing equipment, that the towing equipment has been installed cor-
rectly and used properly, and that you employ the requisite driving
habits.
Vehicle-trailer stability and br aking performance are affected by
trailer stability, brake performance and setting, trailer brakes, the
hitch and hitch systems (if equipped).
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in
accordance with your trailer’s ch aracteristics and operating condi-
tions.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer fo r commercial purposes.
Contact your Toyota dealer for fu rther information about additional
requirements such as a towing kit, etc.

294 2-5. Driving information
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Towing related terms■ GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross
combination weight. The gross
combination weight is the sum of
the total vehicle weight (including
the occupants, cargo and any
optional equipment installed on
the vehicle) and the weight of the
trailer being towed (including the
cargo in the trailer).
■ GVWR (Gross Vehi cle Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross
vehicle weight. The gross vehicle
weight is the total weight of the
vehicle. When towing a trailer, it
is the sum of the vehicle weight
(including the occupants, cargo
and any optional equipment
installed on the vehicle) and the
tongue weight.
CTH25AS029
CTH25AS030

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
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■
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross
axle weight. The gross axle
weight is the load placed on
each axle (front and rear).
■ TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross
trailer weight. The gross trailer
weight is the sum of the trailer
weight and the weight of the
cargo in the trailer.
TWR is calculated assuming
base vehicle with one driver, one
front passenger, towing package
(if available), hitch and hitch sys-
tems (if required).
Additional optional equipment,
passengers and cargo in the vehi-
cle will reduce the trailer weight
rating so as not to exceed
GCWR, GVWR and GAWR.
If the gross trailer weight exceeds
3000 lb. (1360 kg), it is recom-
mended to use a trailer with 2 or
more axles.
CTH25AS031
Front GAWR
Rear GAWR
CTH25AS019
(With brakes)

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
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Trailer Tongue Weight
● A recommended tongue weight varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described below.
● To ensure the recommended values shown below, the trailer must
be loaded by referring to the following instructions.
• Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be distributed so that the tongue
weight is 9% to 11%. (Tongue weight /Gross trailer weight x 100
= 9% to 11%)
Gross trailer weight
Tongue weight
If using a weight distributing hitch when towing, return the front
axle to the same weight as before the trailer connection.
If front axle weight cannot be measured directly, measure the
front fender height above th e front axle before connection.
Adjust weight distributing hitch torque until front fender is
returned to the same height as before connection.
The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight
can be measured with platform scales found at a highway
weighing station, building supply company, trucking company,
junk yard, etc.
CTH25AS022

300 2-5. Driving information
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HitchTrailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Toyota rec-
ommends the use of Toyota hitch/brac ket for your vehicle. For details,
contact your Toyota dealer.
● If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.
● Use only a hitch that c onforms to the gross trailer weight require-
ment of your vehicle.
● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coating of grease.
● Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer.
After removing the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle
body to prevent entry of any substances into the vehicle.