engine TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2021 Owners Manual (in English)
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: TOYOTA, Model Year: 2021, Model line: 4RUNNER, Model: TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2021Pages: 592, PDF Size: 13.3 MB
Page 313 of 592

3134-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)
“ON/OFF” switch
Mode selector dial
Mode indicators
Multi-terrain Select indicator
Multi-information display
Displays status information including operating status and road type selec-
tion.
Multi-terrain Select
: If equipped
The Multi-terrain Select system has 4 terrain modes. When a ter -
rain mode is selected in accor dance  with  terrain  conditions,
engine power and active traction control system is controlled t o
enhance off-road drivability.
Additionally,  guidance  messages  such  as  transfer  mode  selec-
tion  advice  are  displayed  on  the  multi-information  display  to
assist the driver in ope rating the vehicle.
1
2
3
4
5 
Page 322 of 592

3224-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)
If  the  vehicle  gets  stuck  in  mud,  dirt  or  snow,  the TRAC  system  may
reduce  power  from  the  engine  to  the  wheels.  Pressing    to  turn
the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle i n order
to free it.
■Turning off the TRAC system (turning on the AUTO LSD system: 
P. 302)
To  turn  the  TRAC  system  off,
quickly  press  and  release
.
The VSC OFF and “AUTO LSD”
indicators will come on.
Press    again  to  turn  the
system back on.
Disabling the TRAC system (2WD models) 
Page 323 of 592

3234-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)■
Turning off TRAC, VSC and Tr
ailer Sway Control systems
To  turn  the  TRAC,  VSC  and
Trailer  Sway  Control  systems
off,  press  and  hold    for
more  than  3  seconds  while  the
vehicle is stopped.
The  “TRAC  OFF”  indicator  light
and the VSC OFF indicator light
will come on.
Press    again  to  turn  the
systems back on.
If  the  vehicle  gets  stuck  in  mud,  dirt  or  snow,  the TRAC  system  may
reduce  power  from  the  engine  to  the  wheels.  Pressing    to  turn
the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle i n order
to free it.
Disabling the TRAC system (4WD models) 
Page 326 of 592

3264-5. Using the driving support systems
4RUNNER (U)■
Sounds  and  vibrations  caused  by  the  ABS,  Multi  Terrain  ABS  (if
equipped),  brake  assist,  VSC,  Trailer  Sway  Control,  TRAC  and  hi ll-start
assist control systems
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just aft er 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  system s  are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occur red. 
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after the vehicle comes to a s top.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS or Multi Te rrain ABS is
activated.
• The  brake  pedal  may  move  down  slightly  after  the ABS  or  Multi  Te r r a i n
ABS is activated.
■ Automatic reactivation of TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and VSC sy stems
After  turning  the TRAC, Trailer  Sway  Control  and  VSC  systems  of f,  the  sys-
tems will be automatically re-enabled in the following situatio ns:
● When the engine switch is turned off
● 2WD  models:  If  the AUTO  LSD  system  is  turned  on,  the  VSC,  TRAC  and
Trailer Sway Control systems will turn on when vehicle speed in creases
● 4WD  models:  If  only  the TRAC  system  is  turned  off,  the TRAC  wil l  turn  on
when vehicle speed increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases. 
Page 329 of 592

329
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)
4-6. Driving tips
●Use  fluids  that  are  appropriate  t o  the  prevailing  outside  tempera-
tures.  • Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspec t the condition of the battery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set  of tire
chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
Winter driving tips
Carry  out  the  necessary  preparations  and  inspections  before
driving  the  vehicle  in  winter. Always  drive  the  vehicle  in  a  ma n-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions. 
Preparation for winter 
Page 332 of 592

3324-6. Driving tips
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of acciden ts. 
Failure  to  do  so  may  result  in  a  loss  of  vehicle  control  and  ca use  death  or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the specified size.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do  not  drive  in  excess  of  75  mph  (120  km/h),  regardless  of  the  type  of
snow tires being used.
● Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■ Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of acciden ts. 
Failure  to  do  so  may  result  in  the  vehicle  being  unable  to  be  d riven  safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tir e chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid  sudden  acceleration,  abrupt  steering,  sudden  braking  and  shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that v ehicle con-
trol is maintained.
NOTICE
■ Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request  repairs  or  replacement  of  snow  tires  from Toyota  dealer s  or  legiti-
mate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affect s the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■ Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not funct ion correctly
when tire chains are fitted. 
Page 337 of 592

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”. 
Page 344 of 592

3445-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
4RUNNER (U)
■Fogging up of the windows
●The  windows  will  easily  fog  up  when  the  humidity  in  the  vehicle  is  high.
Turning   on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
● If you turn   off, the windows may fog up more easily.
● The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■ When driving on dusty roads
Close all windows. If dust thrown up by the vehicle is still drawn into the vehi-
cle after closing the windows, it is recommended that the air intake mode be
set to outside air mode and the fan speed to any setting except off.
■ Outside/recirculated air mode
Setting  to  the  recirculated  air  mode  temporarily  is  recommended   in  prevent-
ing  dirty  air  from  entering  the  vehicle  interior  and  helping  to cool the vehicle
when the outside air temperature is high.
■ When the outside temperature exceeds 75°F (24°C) and the air co ndition-
ing system is on
● In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the  air condition-
ing system may switch to recirculated air mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption.
● Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the en gine switch
is  turned  to  the  “ON”  position  (vehicles  without  a  smart  key  system)  or  the
engine  switch  is  turned  to  IGNITION  ON  mode  (vehicles  with  a  sm art  key
system).
● It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pre ssing
  .
■When the indicator light on   flashes
Press 
 to turn off the cooling and dehumidification function and turn  it on
again. There may be a problem in the air conditioning system if  the indicator
light  continues  to  flash.  Turn  the  air  conditioning  system  off  and  have  it
inspected by your Toyota dealer. 
Page 346 of 592

3465-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
● Do  not  use    during  cool  air  operation  in  extremely  humid  weathe r.
The  difference  between  the  temperature  of  the  outside  air  and  t hat  of  the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog  up, block-
ing your vision.
■ To prevent burns
● Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces when the outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers are on.
● Do not touch the glass at lower part of the windshield or to the side of the
front pillars when the windshield wiper de-icer is on.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessa ry when the
engine is stopped.
■ When repairing/replacing parts of the air conditioning system
Have repair/replacement performed by your Toyota dealer.
When a part of the air conditioning system, such as the evapora tor, is to be
replaced, it must be replaced with a new one.
● Do not place anything on the instrument
panel  which  may  cover  the  air  outlets.
Otherwise,  air  flow  may  be  obstructed,
preventing  the  windshield  defoggers
from defogging. 
Page 352 of 592

3525-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
4RUNNER (U)■
Fogging up of the windows
●The  windows  will  easily  fog  up  when  the  humidity  in  the  vehicle  is  high.
Turning   on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
● If you turn   off, the windows may fog up more easily.
● The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■ When driving on dusty roads
Close all windows. If dust thrown up by the vehicle is still drawn into the vehi-
cle after closing the windows, it is recommended that the air intake mode be
set to outside air mode and the fan speed to any setting except off.
■ Outside/recirculated air mode
●Setting to the recirculated air mode temporarily is recommended  in prevent-
ing dirty air from entering the vehicle interior and helping to  cool the vehicle
when the outside air temperature is high.
● Outside/recirculated  air  mode  may  automatically  switch  dependin g  on  the
temperature  setting,  outside  temperature,  pressure,  engine  cool ant  tem-
perature or inside temperature.
■ When the outside temperature exceeds 75°F (24°C) and the air co ndition-
ing system is on
● In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the  air condition-
ing system may switch to recirculated air mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption.
● Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the en gine switch
is  turned  to  the  “ON”  position  (vehicles  without  a  smart  key  system)  or  the
engine  switch  is  turned  to  IGNITION  ON  mode  (vehicles  with  a  sm art  key
system).
● It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pre ssing
  .
■When the outside tempera ture falls to nearly 32F (0 C)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when   is pre ssed.
■ When driving on dusty roads
Close all windows. If dust thrown up by the vehicle is still drawn into the vehi-
cle after closing the windows, it is recommended that the air intake mode be
set to outside air mode and the fan speed to any setting except off.
■ When the indicator light on   flashes
Press 
 to turn off the cooling and dehumidification function and turn  it on
again. There may be a problem in the air conditioning system if  the indicator
light  continues  to  flash.  Turn  the  air  conditioning  system  off  and  have  it
inspected by your Toyota dealer.