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

4RUNNER_U
27
●Event data recorder
Your vehicle has computers that monitor and control certain aspects of your
vehicle. These computers assist in driving and maintaining optimal vehicle
performance.
Besides storing data useful for troubleshooting, there is an event data
recorder (EDR) that records data in a crash or near crash event.
The SRS airbag sensor assembly contains the EDR. In a crash or near crash
event, this device may record the following information:
• Engine speed
• Whether the brake pedal was depressed or not
• Vehicle speed
• To what extent the accelerator pedal was depressed
• The transmission shift position
• Whether the driver and front passenger wore seat belts or not
• Driver’s seat position
• SRS airbag deployment data
• SRS airbag system diagnostic data
• Front passenger’s occupant classification
• Whether the “RSCA OFF” indicator was turned on or off
The information above is intended to be used for the purpose of improving
vehicle safety performance. Unlike general data recorders, the EDR does
not record sound data such as conversation between passengers.
● Disclosure of the EDR data
Toyota will not disclose the data recorded in an EDR to a third party except
when:
• An agreement from the vehicle’s owner (or the leasing company for a leased vehicle) is obtained
• Officially requested to by the police or other authorities
• Necessary, for use as a defense for Toyota in a lawsuit
• Ordered to by a court of law
However, if necessary, Toyota will:
• Use the data for research on Toyota vehicle safety performance
• Disclose the data to a third party for research purposes without disclosing details of the vehicle owner, and that only when deemed necessary
• Disclose summarized data cleared of vehicle identification information to a non-Toyota organization for research purposes

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

163
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
4RUNNER_U
CAUTION
●
Do not shift the shift lever to P while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle\
control.
● Do not shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle\
control.
● Do not shift the shift lever to D while the vehicle is moving backward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle\
control.
● Moving the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage the
engine from the transmission. Engine braking is not available when N is
selected.
● During normal driving, do not turn off the engine. Turning the engine off
while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the
power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to
steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it
is safe to do so.
However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible
to stop the vehicle in the normal way: P. 631
● Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving
down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. ( P. 180)
● Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents,
resulting in death or serious injury.
● Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body
are not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-
speed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire
failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer
to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability
tires or not before driving at such speeds.

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.

262 2-4. Using other driving systems
4RUNNER_U
Messages displayed on the accessory meterDepending on switch operation, one of the following messages may
appear on the accessory meter to provide guidance on transfer mode
selection etc:
MessageDetailsProcedure
SHIFT TO 4WD
(When selecting MUD
& SAND mode) Indicates that the
transfer mode needs
to be changed to H4
or L4.Shift the front-wheel
drive control lever to
H4 or L4.
SHIFT TO L4
(When selecting
LOOSE ROCK,
MOGUL or ROCK
mode) Indicates that the
transfer mode needs
to be changed to L4.
Shift the front-wheel
drive control lever to
L4.
STOP THE VEHICLE
& SHIFT THE AUTO.
TRANSMISSION TO N
(When selecting any
mode) Indicates that the
transfer mode cannot
be changed to H4 or
L4.
Stop the vehicle com-
pletely and/or shift the
shift lever to N.
ACCELERATE OR
DECELERATE
(When shifting the
front-wheel control
lever to H4 or H2) Indicates that the
transfer mode may
not successfully
change.
Drive straight ahead
while accelerating or
decelerating, or drive in
reverse.
DRIVE THE VEHICLE
A SHORT DISTANCE
(When pressing the
rear differential lock
switch) Indicates that the rear
differential is not
locked.
Drive the vehicle for-
ward or backward a
short distance.
OP. NOT POSSIBLE
WHEN Multi-terrain
Select ACTIVATED
(When pressing the
VSC off switch or “A-
TRAC” switch) Indicates that VSC
and active traction
control cannot be dis-
abled while Multi-ter-
rain Select is
operating.
-

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”.