light TOYOTA TACOMA 2009 (in English) Manual PDF

185
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
When the VSC/TRAC/hill-start assist control systems are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, the rear wheels (2WD mod-
els) or four wheels (4WD
models) spin, the vehicle starts
to roll backwards when starting
on an incline, this indicator
flashes to indicate that the VSC/
TRAC/hill-start assist control
systems have been engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.
The stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on when the hill-
start assist control system is
operating.
To disable TRAC and/or VSC
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC and VSC may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn
the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
■Turning off TRAC (2WD models and 2WD mode on 4WD models)
Quickly push and release the
button to turn off TRAC.
The AUTO LSD indicator light
should come on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.

186 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Turning off TRAC and VSC
Push and hold the button for
more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped to turn off both
TRAC and VSC.
The VSC OFF indicator light
should come on.
Push the button again to turn both
systems back on.
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC
Turning the engine switch off after turning off the TRAC and VSC systems
will automatically re-enable them.
■ Automatic TRAC reactivation (AUTO LSD mode)
With AUTO LSD mode, VSC OFF and AUTO LSD indicator lights turn on.
The TRAC system will turn on when the vehicle speed increases.
■ Automatic TRAC and VSC reactivation
If the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not turn on
even when vehicle speed increases.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, TRAC, VSC, brake assist
and hill-start assist control system
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.

211
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Connecting trailer lights
Use the wire harness stored in
the rear end under body.
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 475)
● Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation.
● All trailer lights work to be legal.
● Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
● The trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the t\
railer.
● Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer
is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper
tongue load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
● Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● Check that your rear view mirrors c onform to any federal, state/provincial
or local regulations. If they do not, inst all rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
●Toyota recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with
any new power train components (engine, transmission, differential,
wheel bearings, etc.) to tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of
driving.

213
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
To avoid accident or injury
●Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight,
gross axle weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
● The tow hitch receiver installed on your vehicle must never be used on
another vehicle.
■ Hitches
●If you wish to install a trailer hitch, your Toyota dealer should be consulted.
● Use only a hitch that conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
● Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer to reduce
the possibility of additional damage caused by the hitch if your vehicle is
struck from behind.
■ When towing a trailer
●If the total trailer weight exceeds 1000 lb. (453 kg), trailer brakes are
required.
● Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehi-
cle’s braking effectiveness.
● Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both
the trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch
ball, there is danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.

214 2-5. Driving information
NOTICE
■When installing a trailer hitch
Use only the position recommended by your Toyota dealer. Do not install the
trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
■ Brakes
Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable fed-
eral and state/provincial regulations.
■ Safety chain
A safety chain must always be used between the towing vehicle and the
trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the chain for turns. The chain should cross
under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground in
the case that it becomes damaged or separated. For the correct safety chain
installation procedure, ask your Toyota dealer.
■ Do not directly splice trailer lights
Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your vehicle’s electrical system
and cause a malfunction.

215
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. The three
main causes of vehicle-trailer ac cidents are driver error, excessive
speed and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when towing.
● Before starting out, check the trailer’s light and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
● Practice turning, stopping and reve rsing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel
of the vehicle.
● Reversing with a trailer attached is difficult and requires practice.
Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to
move the trailer to the right. (Thi s is generally opposite to reversing
without a trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have
someone guide you when reversing to reduce the risk of an acci-
dent.
● As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to-
vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h)
of speed, allow at least o ne vehicle and trailer length.
● Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and
loss of control. This is especiall y true on wet or slippery surfaces.
● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration. For vehicles with a man-
ual transmission, prevent excessive clutch slippage by keeping
engine rpm low and not racing the engine. Always start out in first
gear.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before mak-
ing a turn.

Interior and exterior features3
219
3-1. Using the air conditioning
system and
defogger ....................... 220
Air conditioning system .... 220
3-2. Using the audio system .......................... 228
Audio system types .......... 228
Using the radio ................. 231
Using the CD player ......... 237
Playing back MP3 and WMA discs ..................... 244
Optimal use of the audio system ........................... 253
Operating the sub woofer (on some Access Cab
models) .......................... 256
Using the AUX adapter .... 257
Using the steering wheel audio switches ............... 259
3-3. Using the hands-free phone system (for
cellular phone) ............. 262
Hands-free phone system (for cellular phone) ......... 262
Using the hands-free phone system ................ 266
Making a phone call ......... 274
Setting a cellular phone ... 279
Security and system setup .............................. 284
Using the phone book ...... 287 3-4. Using the interior
lights ............................. 294
Interior lights list ............... 294
• Interior light .................... 295
• Personal lights ............... 295
3-5. Using the storage features ......................... 296
List of storage features .... 296
• Glove box....................... 296
• Console boxes ............... 297
• Cup holders ................... 298
• Bottle holders ................. 300
• Auxiliary boxes ............... 302
• Overhead console .......... 304
3-6. Other interior features ......................... 305
Sun visors ........................ 305
Vanity mirrors ................... 306
Clock ................................ 307
Outside temperature display (vehicles with
accessory meter) ........... 308
Cigarette lighter................ 309
Power outlet (12V DC) ..... 310
Power outlet (if 115V AC equipped) ....................... 311
Seatback table ................. 317
Floor mat .......................... 318
Luggage compartment features .......................... 319
Garage door opener box ................................. 328
Compass (vehicles with accessory meter) ........... 332

243
3-2. Using the audio system
3
Interior and exterior features
NOTICE
■
CD player precautions
Failure to follow the precautions below may result in serious damage to the
CDs or the player itself.
●Do not insert anything other than CDs into the CD slot.
● Do not apply oil to the CD player.
● Store CDs away from direct sunlight.
● Never try to disassemble any part of the CD player.
●Type B: Do not insert more than one
CD at a time

256
3-2. Using the audio system
Operating the sub woofer (on some Access Cab models)
OFF
ON
LIGHT ON
The sub woofer illumination
turns on. In this position, the
sub woofer operates.

258 3-2. Using the audio system
■Operating portable audio devices connected to the audio system
The volume can be adjusted using the vehicle’s audio controls. All other
adjustments must be made on the portable audio device itself.
■ When using a portable audio device connected to the power outlet or
cigarette lighter
Noise may occur during playback. Use the power source of the portable
audio device.