TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2021 Owners Manual (in English)
Manufacturer: TOYOTA, Model Year: 2021, Model line: 4RUNNER, Model: TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2021Pages: 592, PDF Size: 13.3 MB
Page 431 of 592

4316-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)■
The initialization operation
●Make sure to carry out initializ
ation after adjusting the tire inflation pres-
sure.
Also, make sure the tires are co ld before carrying out initialization or tire
inflation pressure adjustment.
●If you have accidentally turned  the engine switch to the “LOCK”  position
(vehicles  without  a  smart  key  system)  or  off  (vehicles  with  a  s mart  key
system) during initialization, it  is not necessary to press the reset switch
again  as  initialization  will  rest art  automatically  when  the  engine  switch
has been turned to the “ON” posi tion (vehicles without a smart key sys-
tem) or IGNITION ON mode (vehicl es  with  a  smart  key  system)  for the
next time.
●If you accidentally press the reset switch when initialization  is not neces-
sary,  adjust  the  tire  inflation  pressure  to  the  specified  level   when  the
tires are cold, and cond uct initialization again.
●While the position of each tire is being determined and the inf lation pres-
sures  are  not  being  displayed  on  the  multi-information  display,   if  the
inflation pressure of a tire drops, the tire pressure warning l ight will come
on.
■When initialization of the tire  pressure warning system has fai led
●Do  not  move  the  vehicle  backward   during  initialization.  Initialization  is
started again from the beginning  and it may take longer than usual.
●Initialization  may  take  longer  to   complete  if  the  vehicle  is  driven  on  an
unpaved road.
When  performing  initialization,  drive  on  a  paved  road  if  possib le.
Depending  on  the  driving  environment  and  condition  of  the  tires ,  initial-
ization will be complet ed in approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
• If initialization is not complet e after driving approximately 30 minutes,
continue driving for a while.
• If initialization is not complet e after driving approximately 1 hour, park
the  vehicle  in  a  safe  place  for  approximately  20  minutes. Then  drive
straight (with occasional left a nd right turns) at approximatel y 25 mph
(40 km/h) or more
* for approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
• If initialization is still not co mplete, have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer.
*: Except when making a left/right turn
●In the following situations, the tire inflation pressure will n ot be recorded
and the system will not operate p roperly. Perform initialization again.
• When  operating  the  tire  pressure  warning  reset  switch,  the  tir e  pres-
sure warning light does not blink 3 times.
• After performing initialization,  the tire pressure warning light blinks for
1 minute then stays  on after driving for about 20 minutes. 
Page 432 of 592

4326-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)■
When ID code registration has failed
●Registration may take long time or the ID codes may not be regi
stered in
the following situations.
• When the vehicle is moved  backward during registration.
Registration  is  started  again  from  the  beginning  and  it  may  tak e  lon-
ger than usual.
• When  another  vehicle  is  running  the  side  of  the  vehicle  such  a s  in
heavy traffic.
It  may  take  longer  to  detect  the  vehicle’  tire  pressure  warning   valves
and transmitters.
• If tire pressure warning valves  and transmitters are in the vehicle.
The ID codes may n ot be registered.
●When  performing  registration,  drive  on  a  paved  road  if  possible .
Depending  on  the  driving  environment  and  condition  of  the  tires,  regis-
tration will be complet ed in approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
• If registration is not complete  after driving approximately 30 minutes,
continue driving for a while.
• If registration is not complete after driving approximately 1  hour, park
the  vehicle  in  a  safe  place  for  approximately  20  minutes. Then  drive
straight (with occasional left and right turns) at approximatel y 40 km/h
(25 mph) or more
* for approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
If registration is still not comp lete, have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer.
*: Except when making a left/right turn
●When  the  tire  pressure  warning  light  does  not  blink  slowly  3  ti mes,  the
ID  code  will  not  be  registered  and  the  system  will  not  operate  properly.
Perform registration again.
■When registering ID codes
●Initialize the tire pressure war ning system after ID code regis tration. Ini-
tialization is disable d if the system was initialized before re gistration.
●After  ID  code  registration,  the  tires  are  hot  by  driving.  Initi alize  the  tire
pressure warning system af ter the tires become cold.
■Canceling the change wheel set mode
●If  turning  the  engine  switch  to  the  “LOCK”  position  (vehicles  w ithout  a
smart key system) or off (vehicles with a smart key system) whe n in the
change  wheel  set  mode  before  driving,  the  change  wheel  set  mode  is
canceled.
●After driving when in the change wheel set mode, the change whe el set
mode  cannot  be  canceled. To  cancel  the  mode,  perform  the  proced ure
for ID code registration again and turn the engine switch to th e “LOCK”
position (vehicles without a smart key system) or off (vehicles with a
smart key system ) before driving.
●If  the  change  wheel  set  mode  is  canceled,  the  ID  codes  that  hav e
already been registered are commu nicated. When communication is fin-
ished, the tir e pressure warning  light will turn off. 
Page 433 of 592

4336-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)■
Tire pressure warning 
system certification
For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
For vehicles sold in Canada 
Page 434 of 592

4346-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage  to parts of the drive train as well as
dangerous  handling  characteristics,  which  may  lead  to  an  accide nt
resulting in death o r serious injury.
●Do not mix tires of different ma kes, models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of re markably different treadwear.
●Do not use tire sizes other th an those recommended by Toyota.
●Do  not  mix  differently  constructed  tires  (radial,  bias-belted  o r  bias-ply
tires).
●Do not mix summer, all  season and snow tires.
●Do not use tires that have b een used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not kn ow how they were used previous ly.
■When initializing the tire pressure warning system
Do  not  operate  the  tire  pressure  warning  reset  switch  without  first
adjusting the tire inflation pressure to the specified level. O therwise, the
tire  pressure  warning  light  may  not  come  on  even  if  the  tire  in flation
pressure  is  low,  or  it  may  come  on  when  the  tire  inflation  pres sure  is
actually normal. 
Page 435 of 592

4356-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)
NOTICE
■Repairing  or  replacing  tires,  wheels,  tire  pressure  warning  valves,
transmitters and tire valve caps
●When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning
valves  and  transmitters,  contact  your  Toyota  dealer  as  the  tire pres-
sure  warning  valves  and  transmitters  may  be  damaged  if  not  hand led
correctly.
●Make  sure  to  install  the  tire  val ve  caps.  If  the  tire  valve  caps  are  not
installed,  water  could  enter  the  tire  pressure  warning  valves  a nd  the
tire pressure warning valves could be bound.
●When  replacing  tire  valve  caps,  do  not  use  tire  valve  caps  othe r  than
those specified. The cap may become stuck.
■To avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmi t-
ters
When  a  tire  is  repaired  with  liqui d  sealants,  the  tire  pressure  warning
valve  and  transmitter  may  not  operate  properly.  If  a  liquid  sea lant  is
used, contact your Toyota dealer  or other qualified service shop as soon
as  possible.  Make  sure  to  replac e  the  tire  pressure  warning  valve  and
transmitter when replacing the tire. ( P.   4 2 5 )
■Driving on rough roads
Take  particular  care  when  drivi ng  on  roads  with  loose  surfaces  or  pot-
holes.
These  conditions  may  cause  losses  in  tire  inflation  pressure,  reducing
the  cushioning  ability  of  the  t ires.  In  addition,  driving  on  ro ugh  roads
may  cause  damage  to  the  tires  themselves,  as  well  as  the  vehicl e’s
wheels and body.
■If tire inflation pressure of e ach tire becomes low while drivi ng
Do not continue driving, or your t ires and/or wheels may be ruined. 
Page 436 of 592

4366-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)
The  recommended  cold  tire  infla-
tion pressure and tire size are dis-
played  on  the  tire  and  loading
information label. (P. 533)
Tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure 
Page 437 of 592

4376-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)
Tire valve
Tire pressure gauge
Remove the tire valve cap.
Press the tip of the tire pressure gauge onto the tire valve.
Read the pressure using  the gauge gradations.
If the tire inflation pressure is not at the recommended level,  adjust
the pressure.
If you add too much air, press the center of the valve to defla te.
After  completing  the  tire  inflation  pressure  measurement  and
adjustment, apply soapy water to  the valve and check for leakage.
Put the tire valve cap back on.
■Tire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire inflation p ressure every two weeks, or at least once
a month.
Do not forget to check the spare.
■Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrec t tire inflation pressure may result in th e following:
●Reduced fuel economy
●Reduced driving comfort and poor handling
●Reduced tire life due to wear
●Reduced safety
●Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent inflating , have it checked by your Toyota dealer.
Inspection and adjustment procedure
1
2
1
2
3
4
5
6 
Page 438 of 592

4386-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)■
Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation p
ressure, observe the following:
●Check only when the tires are cold.
If  your  vehicle  has  been  parked  for  at  least  3  hours  or  has  not  been
driven for more than 1 mile or  1.5 km, you will get an accurate  cold tire
inflation pressure reading.
●Always use a tire pressure gauge.
It is difficult to judge if a tire is properly inflated based o nly on its appear-
ance.
●It  is  normal  for  the  tire  inflation  pressure  to  be  higher  after   driving  as
heat  is  generated  in  the  tire.  Do  not  reduce  tire  inflation  pre ssure  after
driving.
●Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehi cle is
balanced.
WARNING
■Proper inflation is  critical to save tire performance
Keep your tires properly inflated. 
If the tires are not properly in flated,  the  following  conditions  may  occur
which could lead to an accident r esulting in death or serious injury:
●Excessive wear
●Uneven wear
●Poor handling
●Possibility of blowouts resulting from overh eated tires
●Air leaking from between tire and wheel
●Wheel deformation and/or tire damage
●Greater  possibility  of  tire  damage  while  driving  (due  to  road  hazards,
expansion joints, sharp ed ges in the road, etc.)
NOTICE
■When inspecting and adjusti ng tire inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire  valve caps back on.
If a valve cap is not installed , dirt or moisture may get into the valve and
cause an air leak, resulting in  decreased tire inflation pressu re. 
Page 439 of 592

4396-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they are
equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter, rim wid th and
inset
*.
Replacement wheels are available at your Toyota dealer.
*:Conventionally referred to as “offset”.
Toyota does not recommend using the following:
● Wheels of different sizes or types
● Used wheels
● Bent wheels that hav e been straightened
● Use  only  Toyota  wheel  nuts  and  wrenches  designed  for  use  with
your aluminum wheels.
● When  rotating,  repairing  or  changi ng  your  tires,  check  that  the
wheel nuts are still tight afte r driving 1000 miles (1600 km).
● Be  careful  not  to  damage  the  aluminum  wheels  when  using  tire
chains.
● Use only Toyota genuine balance we ights or equivalent and a plas-
tic or rubber hammer when balancing your wheels.
Wheels
If  a  wheel  is  bent,  cracked  or  heavily  corroded,  it  should  be
replaced.  Otherwise,  the  tire  may  separate  from  the  wheel  or
cause a loss of handling control.
Wheel selection
Aluminum wheel precautions 
Page 440 of 592

4406-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)
■When replacing wheels
The  wheels  of  your  vehicle  are equipped  with  tire  pressure  warn ing
valves  and  transmitters  that  allow  the  tire  pressure  warning  sy stem  to
provide  advance  warning  in  the  event  of  a  loss  in  tire  inflatio n  pressure.
Whenever  wheels  are  replaced,  tir e  pressure  warning  valves  and trans-
mitters must be installed. ( P. 425)
WARNING
■When replacing wheels
●Do not use wheels that are a different size from those recommen ded in
the Owner’s Manual, as this may  result in a loss of handling control.
●Never  use  an  inner  tube  in  a  leaking  wheel  which  is  designed  fo r  a
tubeless tire. Doing so may resu lt in an accident, causing death or seri-
ous injury.
■When installing the wheel nuts
Never use oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.
Oil and grease may cause the wheel nuts to be excessively tightened, lead-
ing to bolt or disc wheel damage. In addition, the oil or greas e can cause the
wheel  nuts  to  loosen  and  the  wheel  may  fall  off,  causing  an  accident  and
resulting in death or serious injury. Remove any oil or grease  from the wheel
bolts or wheel nuts.
NOTICE
■Replacing tire pressure warn ing valves and transmitters
●Because  tire  repair  or  replacement  may  affect  the  tire  pressure   warn-
ing  valves  and  transmitters,  make  sure  to  have  tires  serviced  b y  your
Toyota dealer or other  qualified service shop. In addition, make sure to
purchase  your  tire  pressure  warning  valves  and  transmitters  at  your
Toyota dealer.
●Ensure that only genuine Toyota  wheels are used on your vehicle.
Tire  pressure  warning  valves  and  transmitters  may  not  work  prop erly
with non-genuine wheels.