maintenance TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2015 N280 / 5.G Owners Manual

4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
Pictorial indexSearch by illustration
1For safety
and securityMake sure to read through them
2Instrument
clusterHow to read the gauges and meters, the variety of
warning lights and indicators, etc.
3
Operation of
each
componentOpening and closing the doors and windows,
adjustment before driving, etc.
4DrivingOperations and advices which are necessary for
driving
5Interior featuresUsage of the interior features, etc.
6Maintenance
and careCaring for your vehicle and maintenance
procedures
7When trouble
arisesWhat to do in case of malfunction or emergency
8Vehicle
specificationsVehicle specifications, customizable features, etc.
9For ownersReporting safety defects for U.S. owners, and seat
belt and SRS airbag instructions for Canadian
owners
IndexSearch by symptom
Search alphabetically

5
1
8 7
6
5
4
3
2
9
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)6-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 334
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 336
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 339
General maintenance ........ 341
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs ......................... 344
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions ..................... 345
Hood.................................. 348
Engine compartment ......... 349
Tires .................................. 364
Tire inflation pressure........ 369
Wheels .............................. 372
Air conditioning filter .......... 375
Wireless remote control/ electronic key battery ...... 377
Checking and replacing fuses ............................... 380
Light bulbs ......................... 383 7-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers ........... 400
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency....................... 401
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed .......................... 403
If you think something is wrong............................... 410
Fuel pump shut off system ............................. 411
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ............................. 412
If a warning message or indicator is displayed ....... 421
If you have a flat tire .......... 428
If the engine will not start ................................. 441
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P ............. 443
If you cannot operate back door opener ..................... 444
If the electronic key does not operate properly ........ 445
If the vehicle battery is discharged ....................... 447
If your vehicle overheats......................... 450
If the vehicle becomes stuck ................................ 453
6Maintenance and care7When trouble arises

TABLE OF CONTENTS6
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)8-1. Specifications
Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.) .......... 456
Fuel information ................ 466
Tire information ................. 469
8-2. Customization Customizable features ...... 481
8-3. Items to initialize Items to initialize................ 488
Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners ........................ 490
Seat belt instructions for Canadian owners
(in French) ............................... 491
SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners
(in French) ............................... 493 What to do if...
(Troubleshooting) .................... 504
Alphabetical index ...................... 510
8Vehicle specifications
9For owners
Index
For vehicles with a audio/navigati on system, refer to the “NAVIGA-
TION AND MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL” for infor-
mation regarding the audio/navigation system.

70
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
1-2. Theft deterrent system
Vehicles without a smart key system
The indicator light flashes after
the key has been removed from
the engine switch to indicate that
the system is operating.
The indicator light stops flashing
after the registered key has been
inserted into the engine switch to
indicate that the system has been
canceled.
Vehicles with a smart key system
The indicator light flashes after the engine switch has been turned off
to indicate that the system is operating.
The indicator light stops flashing after the engine switch has been
turned to ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode to indicate that the
system has been canceled.
■ 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
Engine immobilizer system
The vehicle’s keys have built-in transponder chips that prevent
the engine from starting if a key has not been previously regis-
tered in the vehicle’s on-board computer.
Never leave the keys inside the vehicle when you leave the vehi-
cle.
This system is designed to help prevent vehicle theft but does
not guarantee absolute security against all vehicle thefts.

731-2. Theft deterrent system
1
For safety and security
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
■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 prevent
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.
NOTICE
■To ensure the system operates correctly
Do not modify or remove the system. If modified or removed, the proper
operation of the system cannot be guaranteed.

1864-1. Before driving
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)■
Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 464)
● Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recommen-
dation.
● All trailer lights work as required by law.
● All lights work each time you connect them.
● The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
● The trailer is level when it is hitched.
Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and check for improper tongue weight,
overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
● The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for tow-
ing purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components
(such as an engine, transmission, differ ential 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 start
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 approximately
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. (if enabled, Trailer Sway Control can also help to
stabilize the vehicle and trailer.)

2764-6. Driving tips
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
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 accumulated 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”.

333
Maintenance and care6
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)6-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 334
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 336
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 339
General maintenance........ 341
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs......................... 344
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions ..................... 345
Hood ................................. 348
Engine compartment ......... 349
Tires .................................. 364
Tire inflation pressure ....... 369
Wheels .............................. 372
Air conditioning filter.......... 375
Wireless remote control/ electronic key battery ...... 377
Checking and replacing fuses ............................... 380
Light bulbs......................... 383

334
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)
6-1. Maintenance and care
●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 thoroughly
with water.
● Wipe away any water.
● Wax the vehicle when the wate rproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehicle
body is cool.
■Automatic car washes
●Fold the mirrors before washing the vehi cle. Start washing from the front of
the vehicle. Make sure to 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 vehicle
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.
■ 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 clean-
ers.
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.
Cleaning and prot ecting the vehicle
exterior
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in
prime condition:

3356-1. Maintenance and care
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B18U)■
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 regarding the exhaust pipe
Exhaust gases 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 hot exhaust pipe can cause burns.
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and compo-
nents (aluminum wheels etc.)
● Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the
paint surface
• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust,
iron powder or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface
● If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
● To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place
with low humidity when storing the wheels.
■ Cleaning the exterior lights
● Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.
● Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
■ High pressure car washes (vehicles with rear view monitor system)
When washing the vehicle, do not apply intensive bursts of water to the
camera or camera area. Doing so may result in the camera malfunctioning.