TOYOTA TACOMA 2006 Owners Manual (in English)

1712006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
(b) Normal driving1. Start the engine as instructed in “How to start the engine” on page 298 in
Section 3. The transmission must be in
“P” or “N”.
2. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the selector lever to “D”.
When the lever is in the “D” position, the
automatic transmission system will select
the most suitable gear for running condi-
tions such as normal cruising, hill climb-
ing, hard towing, etc.
Always use the “D” position for better fuel
economy and quieter driving. If the engine
coolant temperature is low, the transmis-
sion will not shift into the overdrive gear
even in the “D” position.
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelera-
tor pedal while shifting.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal
slowly for smooth starting.
(c) Using engine braking
To use engine braking, you can downshift
the transmission as follows:
Shift into the “3” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to third gear.
Shift into the “2” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to second gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than 119 km/h (74 mph), and
stronger engine braking will be en-
abled.
Shift into the “L” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to first gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than 57 km/h (35 mph), and
maximum engine braking will be en-
abled.
When the cruise control is being used,
even if you downshift from “D” to “3”,
engine braking will not be enabled be-
cause the cruise control is not cancelled.
For ways to decrease the vehicle speed,
see “Cruise control” on page 199 in this
Section.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to skid or
spin.
(d) Using “2” and “L” positions
The “2” and “L” positions are used for
strong engine braking as described pre-
viously.
With the selector lever in “2” or “L”, you
can start the vehicle in motion as with the
lever in “D”.
With the selector lever in “2”, the vehicle
will start in first gear and automatically
shift to second gear.
With the selector lever in “L”, the trans-
mission is engaged in first gear.
NOTICE
 Be careful not to overrev the en-
gine. Watch the tachometer to keep
engine rpm from going into the red
zone. The approximate maximum al-
lowable speed for each position is
given below for your reference:
“2” 120 km/h (74 mph) . . . . . . . . . . .
“L” 65 km/h (40 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . .

1722006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
Do not continue hill climbing or
hard towing for a long time in the
“2” or “L” position. This may cause
severe automatic transmission dam-
age from overheating. To prevent
such damage, “D” or “3” position
should be used in hill climbing or
hard towing.
(e) Backing up
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the selector lever to the
“R” position.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the ve-
hicle is moving.
(f) Parking
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal pressed down, fully depress the parking brake pedal
to apply the parking brake securely.
3. With the brake pedal pressed down, shift the selector lever to the “P” posi-
tion.
CAUTION
Never attempt to move the selector
lever into “P” position under any cir-
cumstances while the vehicle is mov-
ing. Serious mechanical damage and
loss of vehicle control may result.
(g) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly shifts up
and down between third gear and over-
drive when climbing a gentle slope,
shift the selector lever to the “3” posi-
tion. Be sure to shift the selector lever
to the “D” position immediately after-
ward.
When towing a trailer, in order to main-
tain engine braking efficiency, do not
use “D” position. The selector lever
must be in the “3” position.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake
pedal while stopped with the engine
running. This prevents the vehicle
from creeping.
NOTICE
Always use the brake pedal or the
parking brake to hold the vehicle on
an upgrade. Do not attempt to hold
the vehicle using the accelerator ped-
al, as this can cause the transmission
to overheat.
(h) If you cannot shift the selector le- ver out of “P” position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from
the “P” position even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock
override button. For instructions, see “If
you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever” on page 337 in Section 4.

1732006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
LS17004
5speed
LS17005
6speed
The shift pattern is conventional as
shown above.
In case of driving your vehicle with
6−speed manual transmission, the buzzer
will sound when you shift the gear into
“R” (reverse).
Press the clutch pedal down fully while
shifting, and then release it slowly. Do not
rest your foot on the pedal while driving,
because it will cause clutch trouble. Do
not use the clutch to hold the vehicle
when stopped on an uphill grade–use the
parking brake.
Recommended shifting speeds
The transmission is fully synchronized and
upshifting or downshifting is easy.
For the best compromise between fuel
economy and vehicle performance, you
should upshift or downshift at the following
speeds: 5speed models
gear km/h (mph)
1 to 2 or 2 to 1 24 (15)
2 to 3 or 3 to 2 40 (25)
3 to 4 or 4 to 3 64 (40)
4 to 5 or 5 to 4 72 (45)
6speed models gear km/h (mph)
1 to 2 or 2 to 1 24 (15)
2 to 3 or 3 to 2 40 (25)
3 to 4 or 4 to 3 64 (40)
4 to 5 or 5 to 4 72 (45)
5 to 6 or 6 to 5 80 (50)
Downshift to the appropriate gear if accel-
eration is needed when you are cruising
below the above downshifting speeds.
Upshifting too soon or downshifting too
late will cause lugging, and possibly ping-
ing. Regularly revving the engine to maxi-
mum speed in each gear will cause ex-
cessive engine wear and high fuel
consumption.
Manual transmission

1742006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
Maximum allowable speeds
To get on a highway or to pass slower
traffic, maximum acceleration may be nec-
essary. Make sure you observe the follow-
ing maximum allowable speeds in each
gear:
Tw o−wheel drive models except PreRunner
5 −speed models
gear km/h (mph)1 53 (33)
2 101 (63)
3 146 (90)
4 209 (130)
6 −speed models
gear km/h (mph) 1 52 (32)
2 99 (61)
3 146 (91)
4 182 (113)
PreRunner 5−speed models
gear km/h (mph)1 48 (30)
2 92 (57)
3 133 (82)
4 190 (118) 6
−speed models
gear km/h (mph) 1 49 (30)
2 93 (58)
3 137 (85)
4 171 (106)
5 204 (127)
Four −wheel drive models
5 −speed models
gear km/h (mph)
“H2” or “H4” “L4”
1 48 (30) 18 (11)
2 92 (57) 36 (22)
3 133 (82) 51 (32)
4 190 (118) 74 (46)
6 −speed models
gear km/h (mph)
“H2” or “H4” “L4”
1 49 (30) 19 (11)
2 93 (58) 36 (22)
3 137 (85) 53 (33)
4 171 (106) 66 (41)
5 204 (127) 79 (49)
NOTICE
Do not downshift if you are going
faster than the maximum allowable
speed for the next lower gear.
Good driving practice
If it is difficult to shift into reverse, put
the transmission in neutral, release the
clutch pedal momentarily, and then try
again.
When towing a trailer, in order to main-
tain engine braking efficiency, do not
use fifth gear (5− speed models) or
sixth gear (6 −speed models).
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to skid or
spin.
NOTICE
 Do not use any gears other than
first gear when starting off and
moving forward. Doing so may dam-
age the clutch.
 Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped before shifting into reverse.

1752006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
LS17006
Use the front drive control switch knob
to select the following transfer modes.
“H2” (high speed position, twowheel
drive): Front drive control switch knob at
“H2”
Use this for normal driving on dry hard −
surfaced roads. This position gives greater
economy, quietest ride, least wear and
better vehicle control.
“H4” (high speed position, fourwheel
drive): Front drive control switch knob at
“H4”
The four −wheel drive indicator light comes
on when the “H4” mode is selected.
Use this for normal driving on wet, icy or
snow −covered roads. This position pro-
vides greater traction than two− wheel
drive.
With the vehicle stability control
system—In this m ode, the vehicle stability
control system is off. (See “Vehicle
stability control system” on page 183 in
this Section)
“L4” (low speed position, fourwheel
drive): Front drive control switch knob at
“L4”
The four −wheel drive and “4LO” (low
speed four −wheel drive) indicator lights
come on when the “L4” mode is selected. Use this for maximum power and traction.
Use “L4” position for climbing or descend-
ing steep hills, off
−road driving, and hard
pulling in sand, mud or deep snow.
See “(c) Shifting procedure” for further in-
structions.
With the vehicle stability control
system—In this mode, the vehicle stability
control system is off. (See “Vehicle
stability control system” on page 183 in
this Section.)
Fourwheel drive system
(a) Front drive control

1762006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
The A.D.D. can be engaged or disen-
gaged by the shifting operations de-
scribed in “(c) Shifting procedure”.
You should drive in four−wheel drive for
at least 16 km (10 miles) each month.
This will assure that the front drive com-
ponents are lubricated. SHIFTING BETWEEN “H2” AND “H4”
To shift from “H2” to “H4”,
reduce the
vehicle speed to less than 100 km/h (62
mph) and turn the front drive control
switch knob fully clockwise.
If the four −wheel drive indicator light con-
tinues to blink when you operate the front
drive control switch knob from the “H2” to
the “H4” position, this reminds you that
the transfer mode is not securely in “H4”
mode. Drive straight ahead while acceler-
ating or decelerating.
If the four −wheel drive indicator light con-
tinues to blink and the buzzer sounds
when you operate the front drive control
switch knob from the “H2” to the “H4”
position, this reminds you that the transfer
mode is not in “H4” mode. Stop the ve-
hicle or reduce the vehicle speed to less
than 100 km/h (62 mph). Operate the
switch knob again.
CAUTION
Never operate the front drive control
switch knob if the wheels are slip-
ping. Stop the slipping or spinning
before operating.
To shift from “H4” to “H2”, turn the
front drive control switch knob fully coun-
terclockwise.
This can be done at any speed. You need
not depress the clutch pedal.
If the four −wheel drive indicator light con-
tinues to blink when you operate the front
drive control switch knob from the “H4” to
the “H2” position, this reminds you that
the transfer mode is not securely in “H2”
mode. Drive straight ahead while acceler-
ating or decelerating, or drive forward or
backward in a short distance.
If the indicator light continues to blink
even if doing so, contact your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible. There may be
a trouble in the four −wheel drive system.
CAUTION
Never operate the front drive control
switch knob if the wheels are slip-
ping. Stop the slipping or spinning
before operating.
(b) A.D.D. (automatic
disconnecting differential) (c) Shifting procedure (with
manual transmission)

1772006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
SHIFTING BETWEEN “H4” AND “L4”
To shift from “H4” to “L4”, stop the
vehicle or reduce the vehicle speed to
less than 3 km/h (2 mph). With your foot
off the accelerator pedal, depress the
clutch pedal and push and turn the front
drive control switch knob fully clockwise.
To shift from “L4” to “H4”, stop the
vehicle or reduce the vehicle speed to
less than 3 km/h (2 mph). With your foot
off the accelerator pedal, depress the
clutch pedal and turn the front drive con-
trol switch knob fully counterclockwise.
If the “4LO” (low speed four −wheel drive)
indicator light continues to blink when you
operate the front drive control switch knob
to the “H4” or “L4” position, drive forward
or backward in a short distance, then stop
the vehicle completely, depress the clutch
pedal and operate the switch knob again.
If the indicator continues to blink even if
doing so, contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible. There may be a trouble
in the four −wheel drive system.CAUTION
Never operate the front drive control
switch knob if the wheels are slip-
ping. Stop the slipping or spinning
before operating.
SHIFTING BETWEEN “H2” AND “H4”
To shift from “H2” to “H4”, reduce the
vehicle speed to less than 100 km/h (62
mph) and turn the front drive control
switch knob fully clockwise.
If the four −wheel drive indicator light con-
tinues to blink when you operate the front
drive control switch knob from the “H2” to
the “H4” position, this reminds you that
the transfer mode is not securely in “H4”
mode. Drive straight ahead while acceler-
ating or decelerating.
If the four −wheel drive indicator light con-
tinues to blink and the buzzer sounds
when you operate the front drive control
switch knob from the “H2” to the “H4”
position, this reminds you that the transfer
mode is not in “H4” mode. Stop the ve-
hicle or reduce the vehicle speed to less
than 100 km/h (62 mph). Operate the
switch knob again.
CAUTION
Never operate the front drive control
switch knob if the wheels are slip-
ping. Stop the slipping or spinning
before operating.
(c) Shifting procedure (with
automatic transmission)

1782006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
To shift from “H4” to “H2”, turn the
front drive control switch knob fully coun-
terclockwise.
This can be done at any speed.
If the four −wheel drive indicator light con-
tinues to blink when you operate the front
drive control switch knob from the “H4” to
the “H2” position, this reminds you that
the transfer mode is not securely in “H2”
mode. Drive straight ahead while acceler-
ating or decelerating, or drive forward or
backward in a short distance.
If the indicator light continues to blink
even if doing so, contact your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible. There may be
a trouble in the four −wheel drive system.
CAUTION
Never operate the front drive control
switch knob if the wheels are slip-
ping. Stop the slipping or spinning
before operating.
SHIFTING BETWEEN “H4” AND “L4”
To shift from “H4” to “L4”, bring the
vehicle to a complete stop with the brake
pedal held down with your foot, shift the
automatic transmission selector lever into
“N” and push and turn the front drive
control switch knob fully clockwise.
To shift from “L4” to “H4”, bring the
vehicle to a complete stop with the brake
pedal held down with your foot, shift the
automatic transmission selector lever into
“N” and turn the front drive control switch
knob counterclockwise.
If the “4LO” (low speed four −wheel drive)
indicator light continues to blink when you
operate the front drive control switch knob
to the “H4” or “L4” position, drive forward
or backward in a short distance, then stop
the vehicle completely, shift the automatic
transmission selector lever securely into
“N” and operate the switch knob again.
If the indicator continues to blink even if
doing so, contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible. There may be a trouble
in the four −wheel drive system.CAUTION
Never operate the front drive control
switch knob if the wheels are slip-
ping. Stop the slipping or spinning
before operating.

1792006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
The traction control system automatical-
ly helps prevent the spinning of rear
wheels (twowheel drive models) or 4
wheels (fourwheel drive models) when
the vehicle is started or accelerated on
slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition key is turned to “ON”,
the system automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicle and
power to the rear wheels (twowheel
drive models) or 4 wheels (fourwheel
drive models) cannot be maintained,
even though the traction control sys-
tem is in operation. Do not drive the
vehicle under any speed or maneuver-
ing conditions which may cause the
vehicle to lose traction control. In si-
tuations where the road surface is
covered with ice or snow, your ve-
hicle should be fitted with snow tires
or tire chains. Always drive at an ap-
propriate and cautious speed for the
present road conditions.
LS17007
Leave the system on during the ordi-
nary driving so that it can operate
when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the trac-
tion control system is in the self−check
mode, but does not indicate a malfunction. When the traction control system is oper-
ating, the following conditions occur:
The system controls the spinning of the
rear wheels (two
−wheel drive models)
or 4 wheels (four −wheel drive models).
At this time, the slip indicator light
blinks.
You may feel vibration or noise in your
vehicle, caused by operation of the
brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition key is turned
to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on,
contact your Toyota dealer.
The brake actuator temperature increases
during continuous operation of the follow-
ing systems under conditions such as on
slippery roads.
Traction control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Downhill assist control system
Hill− start assist control system
Traction control system

1802006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
If the brake actuator temperature becomes
too high while any of the systems is oper-
ating, a buzzer will start to sound intermit-
tently to indicate that the traction control
system can no longer operate. In this
case, immediately stop your vehicle at a
safe place.
If the system continues to operate, the
buzzer sound changes from intermittent to
continuous. (The continuous buzzer
sounds for about 3 seconds.)
At the time, the slip indicator light will
come on and the traction control system
temporarily stops operating in order to
protect the brake actuator. (Although the
traction control system does not operate,
it is no problem to continue driving.) The
system will be automatically restored after
a short time and the slip indicator light
goes off.
With rear differential lock: However, it is
a normal operation for the light to be on
with rear differential locked. At this time,
the traction control system does not oper-
ate.
LS17017
“VSC TRAC” warning light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the following.
Traction control system
Vehicle stability control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Downhill assist control system
Hill− start assist control system When the system is normal and the igni-
tion key is turned to “ON”, the light will
come on and will go off after a few sec-
onds.
It is not a malfunction that the warning
light may stay on for 60 seconds after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the lights. It is normal if it
goes out after a few seconds.
If the “VSC TRAC” warning light and slip
indicator light come on while driving, the
traction control system does not work.
However, as the brakes operate normally
when applied, it is no problem to continue
your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.