brakes TOYOTA TACOMA 2008 Owners Manual (in English)

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
(a) Brake System Warning Light andbuzzer
This light comes on in the following cases
when the engine switch is in the “ON”
position.
When the parking brake is applied...
This light comes on for a few seconds
when the engine switch is turned to the
“ON” position even after the parking brake
is released.
When the brake fluid level is low...
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving
normally when the brake fluid level is
low.
When the hydraulic brake booster
fails (with the vehicle stability con-
trol system)...
If the hydraulic booster causes a problem
resulting in poor braking performance, the
warning light comes on and buzzer sounds
continuously.
Have your vehicle checked at your
Toyota dealer in the following case:
The light does not come on even if the
parking brake is applied when the en-
gine switch is in the “ON” position.
The light does not come on even if the
engine switch is turned on with the
parking brake released.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
Without the vehicle stability control
system—
If either of the following conditions
occurs, immediately stop your vehicle
at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
The light does not turn off even
after the parking brake is released
while the engine is running.
In this case, the brakes may not
work properly and your stopping
distance will become longer. De-
press the brake pedal firmly and
bring the vehicle to an immediate
stop.
The brake system warning light re-
mains on together with the “ABS”
warning light.
In this case, not only the antilock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely un-
stable during braking.
With the vehicle stability control sys-
tem—
If any of the following conditions oc-
curs, immediately stop your vehicle at
a safe place and contact your Toyota
dealer.
The light does not turn off even
after the parking brake is released
while the engine is running.
The warning buzzer comes on to-
gether with the warning light.
In either case, this can indicate that
the brakes may not work properly
and your stopping distance will be-
come longer. Depress the brake
pedal firmly and bring the vehicle
to an immediate stop.
The brake system warning light re-
mains on together with the “ABS”
warning light.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
LS17007b
NORMAL MODE
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 engine switch is turned
to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the engine switch 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 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 l
onger 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.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
When the system is normal and the en-
gine switch 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
engine switch 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 OFF” warning light flashes
while driving, the traction control system
does not work. However, if 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 engine switch is turned to
“ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
engine switch is turned to “ON”.
The warning light flashes while driving.
LS17011
The “AUTO LSD” system aids traction
by using the traction control system to
control engine performance and braking
when one of the rear wheels begins to
spin.
This system should be used only when
wheel spinning occurs in a ditch or
rough surface.
This system is effective in case one of
the rear wheels is spinning.
CAUTION
Do not use the “AUTO LSD” system
in conditions other than the above. A
much greater steering effort and more
careful cornering control will be re-
quired.
“AUTO LSD” system

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
The brake actuator temperature increases
during continuous operation of the follow-
ing systems under conditions such as on
slippery roads.
“AUTO LSD” system
Traction control system
Hill−start assist control system
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 “AUTO LSD”
system can no l onger 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 “AUTO LSD” system
temporarily stops operating in order to
protect the brake actuator. (Although the
“AUTO LSD” system does not operate, it
is no problem to continue driving.) The
system will be automatically restored after
a short time.LS17010
“VSC OFF” warning light
The light flashing warns that there is a
problem somewhere in the following.
“AUTO LSD” system
Traction control system
Vehicle stability control system
Hill− start assist control system When the system is normal and the en-
gine switch 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
engine switch 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 OFF” warning light flashes
while driving, the “AUTO LSD” 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 engine switch is turned to
“ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
engine switch is turned to “ON”.
The warning light flashes while driving.
CAUTION
Do not drive with the “AUTO LSD”
system continuously turned on.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
The vehicle stability control system
helps provide integrated control of the
systems such as antilock brake sys-
tem, traction control, engine control,
etc. This system automatically controls
the output of the brakes or engine to
help prevent the vehicle from skidding
when cornering on a slippery road sur-
face or operating steering wheel abrupt-
ly.
The vehicle stability control system is acti-
vated when the vehicle speed is more
than 15 km/h (9 mph).
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 sys-
tem is in the self−check mode, but does
not indicate a malfunction.CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the ve-
hicle stability control system. Even
if the vehicle stability control sys-
tem is operating, you must always
drive carefully and attentively to
avoid serious injury. Reckless driv-
ing will result in an unexpected ac-
cident. If the slip indicator light
blinks and an alarm sounds, special
care should be taken while driving.
Only use tires of specified size. The
size, manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern for all 4 tires should be the
same. If you use the tires other
than specified, or different type or
size, the vehicle stability control
system may not function correctly.
When replacing the tires or wheels,
contact your Toyota dealer. (See
“Checking and replacing tires” on
page 379 in Section 72.)
LS17007b
If the vehicle is going to skid during driv-
ing, the slip indicator light blinks and an
alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the engine switch is turned
to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the engine switch is turned
on, contact your Toyota dealer.
Vehicle stability control
system

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
LS17010
“VSC OFF” warning light
The light flashing warns that there is a
problem somewhere in the following.
Vehicle stability control system
Traction control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Hill−start assist control system
Downhill assist control system
The light comes on when the engine
switch is turned to “ON”, and will go off
after a few seconds. The light may come on for 60 seconds
after the engine switch is turned to “ON”.
It is normal if they go out after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the light. It is normal if they
go out after a few seconds.
If the light flashes while driving, the ve-
hicle stability control system does not
work. However, if the brakes operate nor-
mally 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 engine switch is turned to
“ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
engine switch is turned to “ON”.
The warning light flashes while driving.
The downhill assist control system is a
system that assists the deceleration of
the engine brake when you drive down
a steep hill. When you are driving down
a hill with the front drive control switch
knob in the “L4” position, push the
“DAC” switch to limit the vehicle’s ac-
celeration. If the vehicle is traveling at
a speed of 25 km/h (15 mph) or less,
you can descend at a constant speed.
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the down-
hill assist control system. It may not
be able to maintain a low speed over
road surfaces or offroad surfaces on
which sliding can easily occur, such
as extremely steep slopes or icy or
muddy roads.
Downhill assist control system

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
“VSC OFF” warning light
When the system is normal and the en-
gine switch is turned to “ON”, the warning
light will come on and will go off after a
few seconds.
It is not a malfunction that the warning
light may stay on for 60 seconds after the
engine switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the light. It is normal if it
goes out after a few seconds.
If the warning light flashes while driving,
the system does not work. However, if 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 engine switch is turned to
“ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
engine switch is turned to “ON”.
The warning light flashes while driving.The hillstart assist control system as-
sists you in starting to move up a
steep or slippery hill. When you start
to move up the hill slope, the system
helps to prevent the vehicle from roll-
ing backward in the interval while you
move your foot from the brake pedal to
the accelerator pedal.
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the h
ill
start assist control system. The ve-
hicle may not be able to start
smoothly on road surfaces or off
road surfaces such as extremely
steep slopes or icy roads, on which
sliding can occur very easily.
Do not use the hillstart assist con-
trol system to stop the vehicle. This
system is not designed as a func-
tion for stopping the vehicle on a
uphill slope.
The hillstart assist control system will
operate for 5 seconds maximally when
all of the following conditions apply.
5speed automatic transmission—
When the transmission is in any of
positions “D”, “4”, “3”, “2” or “L”
4speed automatic transmission—
When the transmission is in any of
positions “D”, “3”, “2” or “L”
When the brake pedal is not de-
pressed
The system is designed to operate when
the vehicle is starting on an uphill slope;
therefore, if the transmission is in “P” or
“N” it will not operate. It will not operate
either if the vehicle starts to move in
reverse on a slope with the transmission
in the “R” or the rear differential is locked.
(with the rear differential lock)
Hillstart assist control
system (automatic
transmission only)

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
LS17010
If there is any abnormality in the sys-
tem, the “VSC OFF” warning light will
flash.
If the system malfunctions, the “VSC OFF”
warning light will flash.
If the “VSC OFF” warning light flashes,
there may be an abnormality in any of the
following systems in addition to the hill−
start assist control system.
Downhill assist control system
Traction control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Vehicle stability control system “VSC OFF” warning light
When the system is normal and the en-
gine switch is turned to “ON”, the warning
light will come on and will go off after a
few seconds.
It is not a malfunction that the warning
light may stay on for 60 seconds after the
engine switch is turned to “ON”.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the light. It is normal if it
goes out after a few seconds.
If the warning light flashes while driving,
the system does not work. However, if 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 engine switch is turned to
“ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
engine switch is turned to “ON”.
The warning light flashes while driving.
LS17011
The rear differential lock system is pro-
vided for use only when wheel spinning
occurs in a ditch or on a slippery or
ragged surface.
This differential lock system is effective in
case one of the rear wheels is spinning.
Four
−wheel drive models—
Before using the rear differential lock sys-
tem, first shift the four −wheel drive control
into “L4” to see if this is sufficient. If this
has no effect, additionally use the rear
differential lock system.
Rear differential lock system

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
IndicatorstatusMeaningsDo this
ON
Tire inflation
pressure is
lowAdjust the
tire inflation
pressure
ON after
blinking for
1 minute
Tire
pressure
warning
system
malfunctionHave the
system
checked at
your Toyota
dealer
CAUTION
If the tire pressure warning light
comes on, be sure to observe the
following precautions. Failure to do
so could cause loss of vehicle control
and result in death or serious injury.
Stop your vehicle in a safe place as
soon as possible. Adjust the tire
inflation pressure immediately.
If the tire pressure warning light
comes on even after tire inflation
pressure adjustment, it is probable
that you have a flat tire. Check the
tires. If the tire is flat, change to
the spare tire and have the flat tire
repaired by the nearest Toyota deal-
er.
Avoid abrupt maneuvering and brak-
ing. If the vehicle tires deteriorate,
you could lose control of the steer-
ing wheel or the brakes.
The tire pressure warning light may turn
on due to natural causes such as natural
air leaks or tire inflation pressure changes
caused by temperature. In this case, ad-
justing the tire inflation pressure will turn
off the light after a few minutes.
Pushing the tire pressure warning reset
switch should not turn off the tire pressure
warning light. Adjusting the tire inflation
pressure will turn off the light.
The spare tire is also equipped with the
tire pressure warning valve and transmit-
ter. The tire pressure warning light will
turn on if the tire inflation pressure of the
spare tire is low. If a tire goes flat, even
though the flat tire is replaced with the
spare tire, the warning light does not turn
off. Replace the spare tire with the re-
paired tire and adjust the proper tire infla-
tion pressure. The tire pressure warning
light will turn off after a few minutes.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
Without the vehicle stability control
system—
The tandem master cylinder brake system
is a hydraulic system with two separate
sub−systems. If either sub −system s hould
fail, the other will still work. However, the
pedal will be harder to press, and your
stopping distance will increase. Also, the
brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a
single brake system. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
With the vehicle stability control sys-
tem—
This brake system has 2 independent hy-
draulic circuits. If either circuit should fail,
the other will still work. However, the ped-
al will be harder to press, and your stop-
ping distance will increase. Also, the
brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a
single brake system. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
BRAKE BOOSTER (without the vehicle
stability control system)
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to
power −assist the brakes. If the engine
should quit while you are driving, you can
bring the vehicle to a stop with normal
pedal pressure. There is enough reserved
vacuum for one or two stops—but no
more!
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the
engine stalls. Each push on the
pedal uses up your reserved vacu-
um.
Even if the power assist is com-
pletely lost, the brakes will still
work. But you will have to push the
pedal hard, much harder than nor-
mal. And your braking distance will
increase.
BRAKE BOOSTER (with the vehicle
stability control system)
The brake booster uses brake fluid pres-
surized by the pump to power −assist the
brakes. If the brake booster fails during
driving, the brake system warning light
comes on and buzzer sounds continuous-
ly. In this case, the brakes may not work
properly. If they do not work well, depress
the brake pedal firmly. If the brake system
warning light comes on, immediately stop
your vehicle and contact your Toyota deal-
er.
The brake system warning light may stay
on for about 60 seconds after the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position. It is
normal if the light turns off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the brake system warning
light and buzzer. It is normal if the light
turns off and the buzzer stops sounding
after a few seconds.
You may hear a small sound in the engine
compartment after the engine is started or
the brake pedal is depressed repeatedly.
This is a pump pulsating sound of the
brake system, and it is not a malfunction.
Brake system