TOYOTA TACOMA 2015 Owners Manual (in English)

191
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavi ly when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, while the system detects a panic stop situation.
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■Trailer Sway Control (vehicl es with towing hitch and 7 pin
connector)
Helps the driver to control trailer sway by selectively applying brake
pressure for individual wheels and reducing engine torque when trailer
sway is detected.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC system and will not operate if
VSC is turned off or experiences a malfunction.
■ TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintains drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■Hill-start assist control (if equipped)
Helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on an
incline or slippery slope. It operates for approximately 5 seconds at
maximum.

192 2-4. Using other driving systems
When the VSC/Trailer Sway Control/TRAC/hill-start assist control
systems are operatingThe slip indicator will flash while
the VSC/Trailer Sway Con-
trol/TRAC/hill-start assist control
systems are operating.
The stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on when the
hill-start assist control system or
Trailer Sway Control is operating.
To disable VSC, Trailer Sway Control and TRAC (2WD models
and 2WD mode on 4WD models)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, VSC, Trailer Sway
Control and TRAC 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, VSC and Trailer Sway Control
Press and hold the VSC OFF
switch for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped to
turn off TRAC, VSC and Trailer
Sway Control.
The VSC OFF and TRAC OFF
indicators will come on.
Push the switch again to turn both
systems back on.

193
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
To disable VSC, Trailer Sway C ontrol and/or TRAC (4WD mode
on 4WD models)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, VSC, Trailer Sway
Control and TRAC 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
Quickly push and release the
VSC OFF switch to turn off
TRAC.
The TRAC OFF indicator will
come on.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control
Press and hold the VSC OFF
switch for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped to
turn off TRAC, VSC and Trailer
Sway Control.
The VSC OFF and TRAC OFF
indicators will come on.
Push the switch again to turn both
systems back on.

194 2-4. Using other driving systems
■When the TRAC OFF indicator light comes on even if the VSC OFF
switch has not been pressed
TRAC, hill-start assist control, downhill assist control system cannot be oper-
ated. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Reactivation of the TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control systems after
turning off the engine
Turning off the engine after turning off the TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway
Control systems will automatically reactivate 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, VSC and Trai ler Sway Control reactivation
If the TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off, the sys-
tems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, TRAC, VSC, Trailer Sway
Control, 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.
■ Hill-start assist control is op erational when (if equipped)
● The shift lever is in the D, 4, 3, 2 (5-speed automatic transmission), D, 3,
2 (4-speed automatic transmission) or L positions.
● The brake pedal is not depressed.

195
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Hill-start assist control will not operate when (if equipped)
●The shift lever is in the P, R or N positions.
● The rear differential is locked.
■ If the brake system overheats
TRAC and hill-start control will cease operation and a buzzer will sound to
alert the driver. Stop the vehicle in a safe place. (There is no problem with
continuing normal driving.)
CAUTION
■The ABS does not opera te effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the fol-
lowing situations.
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with pothol es or roads with uneven roads
■ When VSC and Trailer Sway Control are activated
The slip indicator flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator flashes.
■ TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if TRAC is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ If the hill-start assist contro l does not operate effectively
Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill start assist control
may not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered in ice.

196 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the appro-
priate tire pressure level.
The ABS, VSC, TRAC and Trailer Sway Control will not function correctly if
different tires are fitted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.
■ Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not able to reduce trailer sway in all situ-
ations. Depending on many factors such as the conditions of the vehicle,
trailer, road surface, and driving environment, the Trailer Sway Control sys-
tem may not be effective. Refer to your trailer owner’s manual for information
on how to tow your trailer properly.
■ If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury.
●Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.
● Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to
reduce speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle
and trailer should stabilize. ( P. 229)

197
2
When driving
2-5. Driving information
Off-road precautions (4WD models and PreRunner)
Off-road vehicle feature
● Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity
than ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes
this type of vehicle to be more likely to rollover. And, it has a signif-
icantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
● An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the
road allowing you to anticipate problems.
● It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary
passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed
to perform satisfactorily under of f-road conditions. Therefore, sharp
turns at excessive speeds may cause rollover.
This vehicle has higher ground cl earance and narrower tread in rela-
tion to the height of its center of gravity to make it capable of per-
forming in a wide variety of off-road applications.

198 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Off-road vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of serious per-
sonal injury or damage to your vehicle:
●In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
● Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury.
● Avoid loading any items on the roof that will raise the vehicle’s center of
gravity.
● Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher
center of gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordi-
nary passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have much better con-
trol.
● When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
● Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or
straight down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-road vehicle)
can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or backward.

199
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Off-road driving
When driving your vehicle off-road, please observe the following pre-
cautions to ensure your driving enjoyment and to help prevent the
closure of areas to off-road vehicles.
● Drive your vehicle only in areas wh ere off-road vehicles are permit-
ted to travel.
● Respect private property. Get owner’s permission before entering
private property.
● Do not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers and signs
that restrict travel.
● Stay on established roads. When conditions are wet, driving tech-
niques should be changed or trav el delayed to prevent damage to
roads.
■ Additional information for off-road driving
For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and Puerto Rico:
To obtain additional information pertaining to driving your vehicle off-road,
consult the following organizations.
● State and Local Parks and Recreation Departments
● State Motor Vehicle Bureau
● Recreational Vehicle Clubs
● U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management

200 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of serious
injury or damage to your vehicle:
●Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving
in dangerous places.
● Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and espe-
cially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
● Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in
sand, mud, water or snow.
● After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that
there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped
on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the
vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody,
a breakdown or fire could occur.
● In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
● When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.