Toyota 4Runner (2023 year). Manual in english

321

4-5. Using the driving support systems

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■

Multi-terrain Select is temporarily canceled when

The front-wheel drive control lever is shifted to H4 when Multi-terrain Select is
in ROCK, MOGUL or LOOSE ROCK mode. The mode indicator will flash until
the lever is shifted back to L4.

■

If the Multi-terrain Select indicator continues to flash

This may indicate a malfunction in the Multi-terrain Select system.
In this case, Multi-terrain Select is automatically canceled. Have your vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.

■

If the Multi-terrain Select indicator goes off while Multi-terrain Select is
operating

●

One of the vehicle systems related to Multi-terrain Select may be malfunc-
tioning.
Have your vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

●

The brake actuator may be at risk of overheating.
A buzzer will sound, the “A-TRAC” indicator will go off and the “TRAC OFF”
indicator will come on. Stop the vehicle in a safe place. Refrain from using
Multi-terrain Select until the “A-TRAC” indicator comes back on and the
“TRAC OFF” indicator goes off. (The vehicle can still be driven, even if Multi-
terrain Select is inoperative.)

In the above cases, Multi-terrain Select is automatically canceled.

WARNING

■

Before driving

To avoid an accident, observe the precautions relating to off-road driving.
(



P. 335)

■

When using Multi-terrain Select

●

Do not use the Multi-terrain Select system for normal (on-road) driving.
The Multi-terrain Select system is designed for off-road use only.

●

Do not overly rely on Multi-terrain Select. This function does not extend
the vehicle’s performance limitations. Always check the terrain thoroughly
and drive safely.

●

The recommended modes for the listed terrains (



P. 316) are only a refer-

ence. The selected mode may not be suitable to actual off-road conditions
due to factors such as the type or unevenness of the terrain or the degree
of incline. Check the actual terrain thoroughly and drive safely.

●

After selecting a mode, make sure that the Multi-terrain Select indicator
and the selected mode indicator come on. If any related indicator flashes,
the vehicle is not under Multi-terrain Select control.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

◆

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

◆

Multi Terrain ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) (if equipped)

Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,
or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface,
or in off-road conditions (such as rough roads, sand and mud)
The Multi Terrain ABS operates in synchronization with the Multi-
terrain Select.

◆

Brake assist

Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal
is depressed when 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

Helps the driver to control trailer sway by selectively applying brake
pressure for individual wheels and reducing driving torque when
trailer sway is detected.

◆

TRAC (Traction Control)

Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads

Driving assist systems

To keep driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate automatically in response to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehi-
cle.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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◆

Hill-start assist control

Helps to reduce the backward movement of the vehicle when start-
ing on an uphill

◆

LSD (Limited Slip Differential) (if equipped)

Transfers drive power to the rear tires when front tires spin, and
vice versa, in order to improve traction

◆

KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) (if equipped)

Enhances ride comfort and handling response by using a hydraulic
control system to control the suspension stabilizer bars in response
to road surface and driving conditions during cornering or off-road
driving

The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway
Control systems are operating.

The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway
Control/hill-start assist control
systems are operating.

A buzzer (intermittent) sounds
when the hill-start assist control
system is operating.

When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are operating
(2WD models)

When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control/hill-start assist control
systems are operating (4WD models)

324

4-5. Using the driving support systems

If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may

reduce power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing

to turn

the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.

■

Turning off the TRAC system (turning on the AUTO LSD system:



P. 304)

To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release

The VSC OFF and “AUTO LSD”
indicators will come on.

Press

again to turn the

system back on.

Disabling the TRAC system (2WD models)

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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■

Turning off TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control systems

To turn the TRAC, VSC and
Trailer Sway Control systems

off, press and hold

for

more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped.

The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
and the VSC OFF indicator light
will come on.

Press

again to turn the

systems back on.

If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may

reduce power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing

to turn

the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.

Disabling the TRAC system (4WD models)

326

4-5. Using the driving support systems

■

Turning off the TRAC system

To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release

The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
will come on.

Press

again to turn the

system back on.

■

Turning off TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control systems

To turn the TRAC, VSC and
Trailer Sway Control systems

off, press and hold

for

more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped.

The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
and the VSC OFF indicator light
will come on.

Press

again to turn the

systems back on.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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■

When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on even if

has not

been pressed

TRAC, hill-start assist control, downhill assist control and crawl control are
temporary deactivated. If the indicator light continues to remain on, contact
your Toyota dealer.

■

When the VSC or TRAC system is turned off by pressing the VSC off
switch

On vehicles with pre-collision system, pre-collision brake assist and pre-colli-
sion braking will also be disabled. The PCS warning light will come on and
the message will be shown on the multi-information display. (



P. 248)

■

Operating conditions of hill-start assist control

When the following conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will operate:



2WD models

●

The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/
backward on an upward incline)

●

The vehicle is stopped

●

The accelerator pedal is not depressed

●

The parking brake is not engaged



4WD models

●

The system has detected that the vehicle is moving backward

●

The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/
backward on an upward incline)

●

The brake pedal is not depressed.

●

The rear differential is not locked.(if equipped)

■

Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control (2WD models)

The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:

●

The shift lever is shifted to P or N

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed

●

The parking brake is engaged

●

2 seconds at maximum elapsed after the brake pedal is released

■

When the brake system operates continuously

The brake actuator may overheat. In this case, the TRAC and hill-start assist
control systems will stop operating, a buzzer will sound and the “TRAC OFF”
indicator will come on. Refrain from using the system until the “TRAC OFF”
indicator turns off. (There is no problem with continuing normal driving.)

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

■

Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, Multi Terrain ABS (if
equipped), brake assist, VSC, Trailer Sway Control, TRAC and hill-start
assist control systems

●

A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This sound does not indicate 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 also after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS or Multi Terrain ABS is

activated.

• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS or Multi Terrain

ABS is activated.

■

Automatic reactivation of TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and VSC systems

After turning the TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and VSC systems off, the sys-
tems will be automatically re-enabled in the following situations:

●

When the engine switch is turned off

●

2WD models: If the AUTO LSD system is turned on, the VSC, TRAC and
Trailer Sway Control systems will turn on when vehicle speed increases

●

4WD models: If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on
when vehicle speed increases

If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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WARNING

■

The ABS and Multi Terrain ABS do not operate effectively when

●

The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).

●

The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.

■

Stopping distance when the ABS or Multi Terrain ABS is operating may
exceed that of normal conditions

The ABS and Multi Terrain ABS are not designed to shorten the vehicle’s
stopping distance. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front
of you, especially in the following 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 potholes or uneven surfaces

■

TRAC/VSC may not operate effectively when

Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.

■

Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when



2WD models

●

Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control
may not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.

●

Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may
lead to an accident.



4WD models

Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control
may not operate effectively on a steep uphill and roads covered with ice.

330

4-5. Using the driving support systems

WARNING

■

When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control is activated

The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes.

■

When TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off

Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off unless
necessary.

■

Replacing tires

Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, Multi Terrain ABS, TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control will not
function correctly if different tires are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.

■

Handling of tires and the suspension

Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a 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 system 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 sway 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. 195)

331

Drivin

4-6. Driving tips

●

Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.

• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid

●

Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.

●

Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the rear tires.

Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.

Winter driving tips

Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.

Preparation for winter

332

4-6. Driving tips

Perform the following according to the driving conditions:

●

Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.
Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away
the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.

●

To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.

●

Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.

●

Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.

Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-
ditions.

●

Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from
being released. If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking
brake, make sure to block the wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehi-
cle to move unexpectedly, possibly leading to an accident.

●

If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, confirm
that the shift lever cannot be moved out of P

: The shift lever will be locked if it is attempted to be shifted from P to any

other position without depressing the brake pedal. If the shift lever can be
shifted from P, there may be a problem with the shift lock system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

Before driving the vehicle

When driving the vehicle

When parking the vehicle

333

4-6. Driving tips

Drivin

Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.

Side chain
(0.20 in. [5 mm] in diameter)
Cross chain
(0.20 in. [5 mm] in diameter)

Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing
chains.

■

Tire chain installation

Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:

●

Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.

●

Install tire chains on the rear tires only. Do not install tire chains on the front
tires.

●

Install tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 1/4



1/2 mile (0.5



1.0 km).

●

Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.

Selecting tire chains

Regulations on the use of tire chains

334

4-6. Driving tips

WARNING

■

Driving with snow tires

Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.

●

Use tires of the specified size.

●

Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.

●

Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.

●

Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.

■

Driving with tire chains

Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.

●

Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.

●

Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.

●

Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.

●

Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.

NOTICE

■

Repairing or replacing snow tires

Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Toyota dealers or legiti-
mate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.

■

Fitting tire chains

The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.

335

4-6. Driving tips

Drivin

●

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, utility vehicles
have a significantly 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 pas-
senger cars any more than low-slung sports cars designed to per-
form satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Therefore, sharp turns
at excessive speeds may cause rollover.

Off-road precautions

This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has
higher ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the
height of its center of gravity to make it capable of performing in
a wide variety of off-road applications.

Off-road vehicle feature

336

4-6. Driving tips

WARNING

■

Off-road vehicle precautions

Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, seri-
ous 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 always fasten their seat belts.

●

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.

●

Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehi-
cle gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden
braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly.

●

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 better control.

●

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.

Toyota 4Runner (2023 year). Manual in english - page 20