TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2014 N280 / 5.G Owners Manual

2594-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)■
If the Multi-terrain Select indicator goes off while Multi-terrain Select is
operating
● One of the vehicle systems related to Multi-terrain Select may be malfunc-
tioning.
Have your vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
●
The brake actuator may be at risk of overheating.
A buzzer will sound, the “A-TRAC” indicator will go off and the “TRAC OFF”
indicator will come on. Stop the vehicle in a safe place. Refrain from using
Multi-terrain Select until the “A-TRAC” indicator comes back on and the
“TRAC OFF” indicator goes off. (The vehicle can still be driven, even if Multi-
terrain Select is inoperative.)
In the above cases, Multi-terrain Select is automatically canceled.
CAUTION
■ Before driving
To avoid an accident, observe the precautions relating to off-road driving.
(P. 273)
■ When using Multi-terrain Select
● Do not use the Multi-terrain Select system for normal (on-road) driving.
The Multi-terrain Select system is designed for off-road use only.
● Do not overly rely on Multi-terrain Select. This function does not exten\
d
the vehicle’s performance limitations. Always check the terrain thoroughly
and drive safely.
● The recommended modes for the listed terrains ( P. 254) are only a refer-
ence. The selected mode may not be suitable to actual off-road conditions
due to factors such as the type or unevenness of the terrain or the degree
of incline. Check the actual terrain thoroughly and drive safely.
● After selecting a mode, make sure that the Multi-terrain Select indicator
and the selected mode indicator come on. If any related indicator flashes,
the vehicle is not under Multi-terrain Select control.

2604-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,
or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
◆Multi Terrain ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) (if equipped)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,
or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface,
or in off-road conditions (such as rough roads, sand and mud)
The Multi Terrain ABS operates in synchronization with the Multi-
terrain Select.
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal
is depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road surfaces
◆Trailer Sway Control
Helps the driver to control trailer sway by selectively applying brake
pressure for individual wheels and reducing engine torque when
trailer sway is detected.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC system and will not operate
if VSC is turned off or experiences a malfunction.
◆TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following
systems operate automatically in response to various driving
situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supple-
mentary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operat-
ing the vehicle.

2614-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
◆Hill-start assist control (if equipped)
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on
an incline or slippery slope
◆LSD (Limited Slip Differential) (if equipped)
Transfers drive power to the rear tires when front tires spin, and
vice versa, in order to improve traction
◆KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) (if equipped)
Enhances ride comfort and handling response by using a hydraulic
control system to cont rol the suspension stabilizer bars in response
to road surface and driving condi tions during cornering or off-road
driving
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or if any of the drive wheels
spins, the slip indicator flashes to
indicate that the TRAC/VSC/
Trailer Sway Control systems are
operating.
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or rolling backward when
starting on an incline, or if any of
the drive wheels spins, the slip
indicator flashes to indicate that
the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Con-
trol/hill-start assist control sys-
tems are operating.
The stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on and a buzzer
(intermittent) sounds when the hill-
start assist control system is oper-
ating.
When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are operating
(2WD models)
When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control/hill-start assist control
systems are operating (4WD models)

2624-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC/VSC/Trailer
Sway Control systems may reduce power from the engine to the
wheels. You may need to turn the system off to enable you to rock the
vehicle in order to free it.
■Turning off the TRAC system only (turning on the AUTO LSD
system [ P. 242])
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the
switch.
The VSC OFF and “AUTO LSD”
indicators will come on.
Press the switch again to turn
the system back on.
Disabling the TRAC/VSC/Traile r Sway Control systems (2WD
models)

2634-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)■
Turning off TRAC, VSC and Tr
ailer Sway Control systems
To turn the TRAC, VSC and
Trailer Sway Control systems
off, press and hold the switch
for more than 3 seconds while
the vehicle is stopped.
The “TRAC OFF” and VSC OFF
indicators will come on.
Press the switch again to turn
the systems back on.

2644-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC/VSC/Trailer
Sway Control systems may reduce power from the engine to the
wheels. You may need to turn the system off to enable you to rock the
vehicle in order to free it.
■Turning off the TRAC system only
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the
switch.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator will
come on.
Press the switch again to turn
the system back on.
Disabling the TRAC/VSC/Traile r Sway Control systems (4WD
models)

2654-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)■
Turning off TRAC, VSC and Tr
ailer Sway Control systems
To turn the TRAC, VSC and
Trailer Sway Control systems
off, press and hold the switch
for more than 3 seconds while
the vehicle is stopped.
The “TRAC OFF” and VSC OFF
indicators will come on.
Press the switch again to turn
the systems back on.

2664-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
■When the “TRAC OFF” indicator li ght comes on even if the VSC off
switch has not been pressed
TRAC, hill-start assist control, downhill assist control and Crawl Control can-
not be operated. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Hill-start assist contro l operation conditions
● The shift lever is in D or S.
● The brake pedal is not depressed.
● The rear differential is unlocked (if equipped).
■ If the brake system overheats
The hill-start assist control will cease operation and a buzzer will sound to
alert the driver. At this time, the “TRAC OFF” indicator will come on. Stop the
vehicle in a safe place. (There is no problem with continuing with normal driv-
ing.)
The system will be automatically restored after a short time.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, Multi Terrain ABS (if
equipped), brake assist, VSC, Trailer Sway Control, TRAC and hill-start
assist control (if equipped) systems
● 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 indicate
that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
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.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS or Multi Terrain ABS is
activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS or Multi Terrain ABS is activated.
■ Reactivation of the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems after turn-
ing off the engine
Turning off the engine after turning off the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control
systems will automatically reactivate them.

2674-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)■
Reactivation of the VSC and Trailer Sway Control system linked to vehi-
cle speed (2WD models)
When the TRAC system is turned off and the AUTO LSD system is turned on,
the VSC and Trailer Sway Control system will turn on when vehicle speed
increases. However, when the TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control systems
are turned off, the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed
increases.
■ Reactivation of the TRAC/VSC/Trail er Sway Control systems (4WD mod-
els)
If the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Contro l systems are turned off, the systems
will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
CAUTION
■ The ABS and Multi Terrain ABS do not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS or Multi Terrain ABS is operating may
exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS and Multi Terrain ABS are not designed to shorten the vehicle’s
stopping distance. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front
of you, especially in the following situations:
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven surfaces
■ TRAC may not operat e effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ Hill-start assist control do es not operate effectively when
Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control
may not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.

2684-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35A83U)
CAUTION
■When the VSC and Trailer Sway Control are activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes.
■ When TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do
not turn the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off unless necessary.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, Multi Terrain ABS, VSC and Trailer Sway Control will not function
correctly if different tires are fitted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
■ Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not able to reduce trailer sway in all situ-
ations.
Depending on many factors such as the conditions of the vehicle, trailer,
road surface, and driving environment, the Trailer Sway Control system
may not be effective. Refer to your trailer owner’s manual for information on
how to tow your trailer properly.
■ If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury.
● 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. ( P. 188)