maintenance TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2021 Owners Manual (in English)

4RUNNER (U)
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 advice 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)6-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 392
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 395
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 398
General maintenance ........ 400
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs ......................... 403
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions ..................... 404
Hood.................................. 407
Engine compartment ......... 408
Tires .................................. 422
Tire inflation pressure........ 436
Wheels .............................. 439
Air conditioning filter .......... 441
Wireless remote control/ electronic key
battery ............................. 443
Checking and replacing fuses ............................... 446
Light bulbs ......................... 449 7-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers ........... 462
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency....................... 463
If the vehicle is trapped in rising water ...................... 465
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed .......................... 466
If you think something is wrong............................... 472
Fuel pump shut off system ............................. 473
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ............................. 474
If a warning message is displayed ......................... 484
If you have a flat tire .......... 489
If the engine will not start ................................. 504
If you cannot operate back door opener ............ 506
If the electronic key does not operate properly
(vehicles with a smart
key system) ..................... 507
If the vehicle battery is discharged ....................... 510
If your vehicle overheats......................... 514
If the vehicle becomes stuck ................................ 517
6Maintenance and care7When trouble arises

TABLE OF CONTENTS6
4RUNNER (U)8-1. Specifications
Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.) .......... 520
Fuel information ................ 530
Tire information ................. 533
8-2. Customization Customizable features ...... 545
8-3. Items to initialize Items to initialize................ 558 Reporting safety defects
for U.S. owners ........................ 560
Seat belt instructions for Canadian owners
(in French)................................ 561
SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners
(in French)................................ 563
8Vehicle specifications9For owners

76
4RUNNER (U)
1-3. 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 aft er the engine switch has been tu rned off
to indicate that the system is operating.
The indicator light stops flashi ng 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 syst em.
■ Conditions that may cause the system to malfunction
●If the grip portion of the key is in contact with a metallic ob ject
● 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 ha ve 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.

801-3. Theft deterrent system
4RUNNER (U)
■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.

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. 528)
● 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.)

3374-6. Driving tips
4
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 d amage.
● Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deteriorat ion in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibrati on, 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 firmn ess. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
■ Inspection after off-road driving
● Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums and around bra ke
discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system compo-
nents.
● Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-r oad driv-
ing that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or wat er. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Main tenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

391
Maintenance and care6
4RUNNER (U)6-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 392
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 395
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 398
General maintenance........ 400
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs......................... 403
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions ..................... 404
Hood ................................. 407
Engine compartment ......... 408
Tires .................................. 422
Tire inflation pressure ....... 436
Wheels .............................. 439
Air conditioning filter.......... 441
Wireless remote control/ electronic key battery ...... 443
Checking and replacing fuses ............................... 446
Light bulbs......................... 449

392
4RUNNER (U)
6-1. Maintenance and care
●Working from top to bottom, liberally apply water to the vehicl e
body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any di rt
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 thoroughl y
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 vehicle. 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 su rface,
parts (wheel, etc.) 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
As water may enter the cabin, do not bring the nozzle tip near the gaps
around the doors or perimeter of the windows, or spray these ar eas continu-
ously.
Cleaning and prot ecting the vehicle
exterior
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in
prime condition:

3936-1. Maintenance and care
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)■
Wheels and wheel ornaments
●Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent.
● Wash detergent off with water immediately after use.
● To protect the paint from damage, make sure to observe the following pre-
cautions.
• Do not use acidic, alkaline or abrasive detergent
• Do not use hard brushes
• Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, such as after driv-
ing or parking in hot weather
■ Bumpers and side moldings
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
■ Plated portions
If dirt cannot be remove, clean the parts as follows:
●Use a soft cloth dampened with an approximately 5% solution of neutral
detergent and water to clean the dirt off.
● Wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
● To remove oily deposits, use alcohol wet wipes or a similar pro duct.
■ Notes for a smart key system (if equipped)
If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the effective
range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. In this case, f ollow the fol-
lowing correction procedures to wash the vehicle:
• Place the electronic key in a location 6 ft. (2 m) or more awa y from the vehi-
cle. (Take care to ensure that the key is not stolen.)
• Set the electronic key to battery-saving mode to disable the s mart key sys-
tem. ( P. 121)
WARNING
■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 unti l it has
cooled sufficiently, as touching hot exhaust pipe can cause bur ns.