suspension TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2020 Owners Manual (in English)

411-1. For safe use
1
For safety and security
4RUNNER (U)
■If the SRS airbags deploy (inflate)
●Slight abrasions, burns, bruising etc., may be sustained from S RS airbags,
due to the extremely high speed deployment (inflation) by hot g ases.
● A loud noise and white powder will be emitted.
● Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub, airbag cover an d inflator) as
well as the front seats, parts of the front and rear pillars, and roof side rails
may be hot for several minutes. The airbag itself may also be h ot.
● The windshield may crack.
● Fuel supply to the engine will be stopped. ( P. 476)
● For Safety Connect subscribers, if any of the following situations occur, the
system is designed to send an emergency call to the response center, noti-
fying them of the vehicle's location (without needing to push t he “SOS” but-
ton) and an agent will attempt to speak with the occupants to a scertain the
level of emergency and assistance required. If the occupants are unable to
communicate, the agent automatically treats the call as an emer gency and
helps to dispatch the necessary emergency services. ( P. 70)
• An SRS airbag is deployed.
• A seat belt pretensioner is activated.
• The vehicle is involved in a severe rear-end collision.
• The vehicle is involved in a rollover accident.
WARNING
■ Modification and disposal of SRS airbag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or perform any of the following modifications
without consulting your Toyota dealer. The SRS airbags may malfunction or
deploy (inflate) accidentally, causing death or serious injury.
● Installation, removal, disassembly and repair of the SRS airbag s
● Repairs, modifications, removal or replacement of the steering wheel,
instrument panel, dashboard, seats or seat upholstery, front, s ide and rear
pillars or roof side rails
● Repairs or modifications of the front fender, front bumper, or side of the
occupant compartment
● Installation of a grill guard (bull bars, kangaroo bar etc.), s now plows,
winches or roof luggage carrier.
● Modifications to the vehicle’s suspension system
● Installation of electronic devices such as mobile two-way radio s and CD
players
● Modifications to your vehicle for a person with a physical disa bility

2044-1. Before driving
4RUNNER (U)■
Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 530)
● Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacture r’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 imprope r 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 ap propriate for tow-
ing purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train com ponents
(such as an engine, transmission, differential or wheel bearing ), Toyota rec-
ommends that you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle has bee n 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 veh icle 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 m aintenance 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 w heel.
• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gra dually 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.)

2674-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■Before using LDA system
Do not rely solely upon the LDA system. The LDA system does not auto-
matically drive the vehicle or reduce the amount of attention that must be
paid to the area in front of the vehicle. The driver must always assume full
responsibility for driving safely by paying careful attention to the surround-
ing conditions and operating the steering wheel to correct the path of the
vehicle. Also, the driver must take adequate breaks when fatigu ed, such as
from driving for a long period of time.
Failure to perform appropriate driving operations and pay careful attention
may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
■ To avoid operating LDA system by mistake
When not using the LDA system, use the LDA switch to turn the s ystem off.
■ Situations unsuitable for LDA system
Do not use the LDA system in the following situations.
The system may not operate properly and lead to an accident, re sulting in
death or serious injury.
● A spare tire, tire chains, etc. are equipped.
● Objects or patterns that could be mistaken for white (yellow) l ines are
present on the side of the road (guardrails, curbs, reflective poles, etc.).
● Vehicle is driven on a snow-covered road.
● White (yellow) lines are difficult to see due to rain, snow, fo g, dust, etc.
● Asphalt repair marks, white (yellow) line marks, etc. are prese nt due to
road repair.
● Vehicle is driven in a temporary lane or restricted lane due to construction
work.
● Vehicle is driven in a construction zone.
■ Preventing LDA system malfunctio ns and operations performed by
mistake
● Do not modify the headlights or place stickers, etc. on the sur face of the
lights.
● Do not modify the suspension etc. If the suspension etc. needs to be
replaced, contact your Toyota dealer.
● Do not install or place anything on the hood or grille. Also, d o not install a
grille guard (bull bars, kangaroo bar, etc.).
● If your windshield needs repairs, contact your Toyota dealer.

2904-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)
■Intuitive parking assist can be operated when
●Front corner sensors:
• The engine switch is in the “ON” position (without a smart key system) or
the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode (with a smart key syst em).
• The shift lever is in a position other than P.
• The vehicle speed is less than approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
● Rear corner and rear center sensors:
• The engine switch is in the “ON” position (without a smart key system) or
the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode (with a smart key syst em).
• The shift lever is in R.
■ Intuitive parking assist display
When an obstacle is detected while the Toyota parking assist mo nitor is in
use, the warning indicator will appear in the upper part of the screen even if
the display setting has been set to off.
■ Sensor detection information
●The sensor’s detection areas are limited to the areas around th e vehicle’s
front corner and rear bumpers.
● Certain vehicle conditions and the surrounding environment may affect the
ability of the sensor to correctly detect obstacles. Particular instances where
this may occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on the sensor. (Wiping the sensors will resolve
this problem.)
• The sensor is frozen. (Thawing the area will resolve this problem.)
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the screen ma y show an
abnormal display, or obstacles may not be detected.
• The sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on gr ass.
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle
engines, air brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises pro ducing ultra-
sonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensors in the
vicinity.
• The sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or wireless antenna .
• Towing eyelet is installed.
• The bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or curved curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• The area directly under the bumpers is not detected.
• If obstacles draw too close to the sensor.
• A non-genuine Toyota suspension (lowered suspension etc.) is i nstalled.
• People may not be detected if they are wearing certain types o f clothing.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of
their shape, signs and other objects may be judged by the senso r to be
closer than they are.

3294-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular car e when the
indicator light flashes.
■ When TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Co ntrol systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the r oad condi-
tions. As these are systems to help ensure vehicle stability an d driving
force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems of f unless
necessary.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, trea d 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, TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control will not
function correctly if different tires are installed on the vehi cle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replaci ng tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspensio n 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 info rmation 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 sway by turning the steering whee l.
● Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very grad ually 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. 204)

3354-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■Off-road vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk o f death, seri-
ous injury or damage to your vehicle:
● In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more l ikely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and al l passengers
should always fasten their seat belts.
● Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury.
● Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehi-
cle gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp tur ns, sudden
braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correct ly.
● Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher
center of gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordi-
nary passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control.
● When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may c ause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chass is.
● Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or
straight down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-ro ad vehicle)
can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or backward .

3374-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk o f death, seri-
ous injury or damage to your vehicle:
● Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risk s by driving
in dangerous places.
● Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and espe-
cially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
● Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in
sand, mud, water or snow.
● After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc. , check that
there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adherin g or trapped
on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the
vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody,
a breakdown or fire could occur.
● In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more l ikely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and al l passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
● When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may c ause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chass is.

3926-1. Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration an d 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 presen t 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 pai nt surface
● If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediat ely.
● 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 h ard 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 vehicl e, do not
apply intensive bursts of water to the camera or camera area. D oing so
may result in the camera malfunctioning.
● Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or resin man ufactured
cover), connectors or the following parts. The parts may be dam aged if
they come into contact with high-pressure water.
• Traction related parts
• Steering parts
• Suspension parts
• Brake parts
● Keep the cleaning nozzle at least 11.9 in. (30 cm) away from th e vehicle
body. Otherwise resin section, such as moldings and bumpers, ma y be
deformed and damaged. Also, do not continuously hold the nozzle in the
same place.
● Do not spray the lower part of the windshield continuously. If water enters
the air conditioning system intake located near the lower part of the wind-
shield, the air conditioning system may not operate correctly.

4747-2. Steps to take in an emergency
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■While towing
● When towing using cables or chains, avoid sudden starts, etc. w hich place
excessive stress on the towing eyelets, cables or chains. The towing eye-
lets, cables or chains may become damaged, broken debris may hit peo-
ple, and cause serious damage.
● Vehicles without a smart key system: Do not turn the engine switch to the
“LOCK” position.
There is a possibility that the steering wheel is locked and ca nnot be oper-
ated.
● Vehicles with a smart key system: Do not turn the engine switch off.
There is a possibility that the steering wheel is locked and ca nnot be oper-
ated.
NOTICE
■ To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck
● 2WD models without a smart key system: Do not tow the vehicle f rom the
rear when the engine switch is in the “LOCK” position or the ke y is
removed. The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to ho ld the
front wheels straight.
● 2WD models with a smart key system: Do not tow the vehicle from the rear
when the engine switch is off. The steering lock mechanism is n ot strong
enough to hold the front wheels straight.
● When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.
■ To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or re ar.
■ To prevent damage to the vehic le during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components.

4757-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
4RUNNER (U)
●Fluid leaks un der the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning a fter use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points high er
than normal.
● Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
● Engine missing, stumb ling or running roughly
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one s ide when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touch es
the floor
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the followi ng symptoms, your vehicle proba -
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms