engine TOYOTA TACOMA 2013 (in English) Owner's Guide

142 2-1. Driving procedures
■Turning the key from ACC to LOCK
■ Steering lock release
■ If the engine does not start (vehic les with engine immobilizer system)
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 82)
■ Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened, while the engine switch is in
the ACC or LOCK position to remind you to remove the key.
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the
accelerator while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
Shift the shift lever to P (auto-
matic transmission) or N (man-
ual transmission). ( P. 144
148)
Push in the key and turn to the
LOCK position.
When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the LOCK posi-
tion. To free it, turn the key while turning
the steering wheel slightly in either direc-
tion.

143
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
Caution while driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the LOCK position.
If in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the engine switch only to the ACC position.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the engine switch in the ACC or ON position for long periods if
the engine is not running.
■ When starting the engine
●Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the
starter and wiring systems.
● Do not race a cold engine.
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine
checked immediately.

144
2-1. Driving procedures
Automatic transmission
: If equipped
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
5-speed models
While the engine switch is on, depress the brake pedal and
move the shift lever.

145
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
4-speed models
While the engine switch is on, depress the brake pedal and
move the shift lever.
■ Shift position uses
*: To improve fuel consumption and reduce noises, set the shift lever in
D for normal driving.
Shift positionFunction
5-speed models4-speed models
PParking the vehicle or starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*
4Position for engine brak- ing—
3Position for more powerful engine brakingPosition for engine brak- ing
2Position for more powerful engine braking
LPosition for maximum engine braking

147
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
When driving with the cruise control system (if equipped)
The engine brake will not operate when downshifting from D to 4 (5-speed
models) or 3 (4-speed models). ( P. 172)
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 431
■ AI-SHIFT
AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver perfor-
mance and driving conditions.
AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position.
The engine speed may remain high after releasing the accelerator pedal.
This does not indicate a malfunction.

151
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Tur n signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
The engine switch is in the ON position.
■ If the indicators flash faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
Right turn
Left turn
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change.
The right hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change.
The left hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.

155
2
When driving
2-2. Gauges and meters
Gauges and meters
The following gauges, meters and displays illuminate when the
engine switch is in the ON position.Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature.
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
ODO/TRIP button
Switches between odometer and trip meter displays. Pushing and hold-
ing the button will reset the trip meter when the trip meter is being dis-
played.

157
2-2. Gauges and meters
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
● The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is
in the red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place, and check the engine after it has cooled completely. (
P. 437)

160 2-2. Gauges and meters
■Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in any of the
vehicle’s systems. ( P. 403)
*1: These lights turn on when the engine switch is turned to the ON
position to indicate that a system check is being performed. They
will turn off after the engine is started, or after a few seconds. There
may be a malfunction in a system if a light does not come on, or if
the lights do not turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer.
*2: The indicator flashes to indicate that the system is operating.
*3: The indicator light comes on to indicate a malfunction.
*4: The indicator flashes to indicate a malfunction.
*5: For 2WD models, even though there is no function of deactivatingthe curtain shield airbags in a vehicle rollover, the RSCA OFF indi-
cator turns on briefly when the engine switch is turned to the ON
position. But this is not a malfunction.
*1AIR BAG ON indicator
(P. 101)*1AIR BAG OFF indicator
(P. 101)
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada)
(U.S.A.)

(if equipped)
*1*1*1*1*1*1*1*1
*1*1*1*1
*1,3*4

161
2-2. Gauges and meters
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as ABS and the SRS airbag warning light
not come on when you start the engine, this could mean that these systems
are not available to help protect you in an accident, which could result in
death or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately if this occurs.