Toyota 4Runner (2023 year). Manual in english - page 29

468

7-1. Essential information

●

If the door can be opened, open the door and exit the vehicle.

●

If the door can not be opened, open the window using the power
window switch and ensure an escape route.

●

If the window can be opened, exit the vehicle through the window.

●

If the door and window cannot be opened due to the rising water,
remain calm, wait until the water level inside the vehicle rises to the
point that the water pressure inside of the vehicle equals the water
pressure outside of the vehicle and then open the door after waiting
for the rising water to enter the vehicle, and exit the vehicle. When
the outside water level exceeds half the height of the door, the door
cannot be opened from the inside due to water pressure.

■

Water level exceeds the floor

When the water level exceeds the floor and time has passed, the electrical
equipment will get damaged, the power windows will not operate, the engine
stop, and the vehicle may not be able to get moving.

■

Using an emergency escape hammer

*

Laminated glass is used in the  windshield on this  vehicle. Laminated glass
cannot be shattered with an emergency hammer

*

. 

Tempered glass is used in the windows on this vehicle.

*

: Contact your Toyota dealer or aftermarket accessory manufacturer for fur-

ther information about an emergency hammer.

If the vehicle is submerged or water on the 

road is rising

This vehicle is not designed to be able to drive on roads that are
deeply  flooded  with  water.  Do  not  drive  on  roads  where  the
roads may be submerged or the water may be rising. It is dan-
gerous to remain in the vehicle, if it anticipated that the vehicle
will be flooded or set a drift. Remain calm and follow the follow-
ing.

WARNING

■

Caution while driving

Do not drive on roads where the roads may be submerged or the water may
be rising. Otherwise the vehicle may be damaged and cannot move, as well
as become flooded and set a drift, which may lead to death.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If your vehicle needs to be towed

If  towing  is  necessary,  we  recommend  having  your  vehicle
towed  by  your  Toyota  dealer  or  commercial  towing  service,
using a wheel-lift type truck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/
provincial and local laws.

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When towing the vehicle

■

While towing

When towing using cables or chains, avoid sudden starts, etc. which place
excessive stress on the towing eyelets, cables or chains. The towing eye-
lets, cables or chains may become damaged, broken debris may hit people,
and cause serious damage.

2WD  models:  Be  sure  to  transport  the
vehicle with all four wheels raised off the
ground.  If  the  vehicle  is  towed  with  the
tires contacting the ground, the drivetrain
and related parts may be damaged or an
accident  may  occur  due  to  a  change  in
direction of the vehicle.
4WD  models:  Be  sure  to  transport  the
vehicle with all four wheels raised off the
ground.  If  the  vehicle  is  towed  with  the
tires contacting the ground, the drivetrain
or  related  parts  may  be  damaged,  the
vehicle may fly off the truck.

470

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

NOTICE

■

To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck

●

Do not tow the vehicle from the rear when the engine switch is off.

●

When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the  opposite  end  of  the  raised  vehicle.  Without  adequate  clearance,  the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.

■

To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing with a sling-type truck

Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

■

To prevent damage to the vehicle during emergency towing

Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components.

■

Recreational towing (behind motor home, etc.) (4WD models)

Never dinghy tow your vehicle to prevent
causing serious damage to the transmis-
sion. (



P. 198)

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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The following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer or commercial towing service before towing.

●

The engine is running but the vehicle does not move.

●

The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.



From the front

Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.



From the rear

Use a towing dolly under the front
wheels.

Situations when it is necessary to contact dealers before towing

Towing with a wheel-lift type truck

NOTICE

■

Towing with a sling-type truck

Do not tow with a sling-type truck to pre-
vent body damage.

472

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

When using a flat-bed truck to transport the vehicle, use tire strapping
belts.  Refer  to  the  owner's  manual  of  the  flat-bed  truck  for  the  tire
strapping method.
In order to suppress vehicle movement during transportation, set the
parking brake and turn the engine switch off.

If a tow truck is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using cables or chains secured to the emergency
towing hooks. This should only be attempted on hard surfaced roads
for at most 50 miles (80 km) at under 18 mph (30 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s  wheels,  drive  train,  axles,  steering  and  brakes  must  be  in
good condition.

Using a flatbed truck

Emergency towing

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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Vehicles with front covers only:
Before  using  the  front  emer-
gency towing eyelet(s), remove
the cover(s).

Removing the clips
Installing the clips

Securely  attach  cables  or
chains to the towing hook.

Take care not to damage the vehi-
cle body.

Enter the vehicle being towed and start the engine.

If the engine does not start, turn the engine switch to ON.

Emergency towing procedure

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Part-time 4WD models: 



Type A

Shift the front-wheel drive control lever to H2.



Type B

Push the “UNLOCK” button and  turn  the front-wheel drive control
switch to H2.
Full-time  4WD  models:  Push  the  “UNLOCK”  button  and  turn  the
four-wheel  drive  control  switch  to  H4F.  (The  center  differential  is
unlocked.)
Shift the shift lever to N and release the parking brake.
When the shift lever cannot be shifted: 



P. 208

■

While towing

If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will
not function, making steering and braking more difficult.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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●

Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)

●

Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear

●

Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points higher
than normal.

●

Changes in exhaust sound

●

Excessive tire squeal when cornering

●

Strange noises related to the suspension system

●

Pinging or other noises related to the engine

●

Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly

●

Appreciable loss of power

●

Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking

●

Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road

●

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor

If you think something is wrong

If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle proba-
bly  needs  adjustment  or  repair.  Contact  your  Toyota  dealer  as
soon as possible.

Visible symptoms

Audible symptoms

Operational symptoms

476

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Follow the procedure below to restart the engine after the system is
activated.

Turn the engine switch to ACCESSORY mode or turn it off.
Restart the engine.

Fuel pump shut off system

To  minimize  the  risk  of  fuel  leakage  when  the  engine  stalls  or
when  an  airbag  inflates  upon  collision,  the  fuel  pump  shut  off
system stops the supply of fuel to the engine.

NOTICE

■

Before starting the engine

Inspect the ground under the vehicle.
If you find that fuel has leaked onto the ground, the fuel system has been
damaged and is in need of repair. Do not restart the engine.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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If a warning light turns on or a warning 

buzzer sounds

Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights
comes  on  or  flashes.  If  a  light  comes  on  or  flashes,  but  then
goes off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the
system.  However,  if  this  continues  to  occur,  have  the  vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.

Warning light and warning buzzer list

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)

• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system

This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is
fully released the system is operating normally.



Immediately  stop  the  vehicle  in  a  safe  place  and
contact  your  Toyota  dealer.  Continuing  to  drive
the vehicle may be dangerous.

High  coolant  temperature  warning  light  (warning
buzzer)

*

4

Indicates  that  the  engine  coolant  temperature  is  too

high



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.

Handling method (



P. 519)

Charging system warning light

Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging sys-
tem



Immediately  stop  the  vehicle  in  a  safe  place  and
contact your Toyota dealer.

Low engine oil pressure warning light

*

4

Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low



Immediately  stop  the  vehicle  in  a  safe  place  and
contact your Toyota dealer.

478

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

Malfunction indicator lamp

Indicates a malfunction in:
• The emission control system;
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The  electronic  automatic  transmission  control  sys-

tem



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

SRS warning light

Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system;

or

• The seat belt pretensioner system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

ABS warning light

Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

Slip indicator

Indicates a malfunction in:
• The VSC system;
• Trailer Sway Control system;
• The TRAC system;
• The active traction control system;
• The AUTO LSD system;
• The downhill assist control system;
• The hill-start assist control system; or 
• The Crawl Control system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

(Flashes rapidly)

Rear differential lock indicator light (if equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in the rear differential lock sys-
tem



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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(Flashes rapidly)

Four-wheel drive indicator light (if equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

(Flashes rapidly)

Low  speed  four-wheel  drive  indicator  light  (if
equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

(Flashes rapidly)

Center differential lock indicator light (if equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

(Flashes contin-

uously)

Multi-terrain Select indicator light (if equipped)

*

4

Indicates a malfunction in the Multi-terrain Select sys-
tem



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

Power steering warning light

Indicates a malfunction in the power steering system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

Unengaged “Park” warning light (if equipped)

Indicates  a  malfunction  in  the  transmission  “Park”
mechanism.



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

KDSS warning light (if equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in KDSS



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

(Flashes)

Automatic  running  boards  indicator  light  (if
equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in Automatic running boards



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

Open door warning light (warning buzzer)

*

2

Indicates that a door is not fully closed



Check that all the doors are closed.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Low fuel level warning light

Indicates remaining fuel is approximately 3.5 gal. (13.1
L, 2.9 Imp. gal.) or less



Refuel the vehicle.

Seat belt reminder light (warning buzzer)

*

3

Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their
seat belts



Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front
passenger’s seat belt also needs to be fastened to
make the warning light (warning buzzer) turn off.

Brake  Override  System/Drive-Start  Control  warning
light (warning buzzer)

*

4

When a buzzer sounds:

• Brake Override System is malfunctioning;

• Drive-Start Control is operating;

• Drive-Start Control is malfunctioning; or



Follow  the  instructions  displayed  on  the  multi-

information display.

When a buzzer does not sound:

Brake Override System is operating



Release  the  accelerator  pedal  and  depress  the

brake pedal.

(Flashes)

(U.S.A.)

(Flashes)

(Canada)

Parking brake indicator (warning buzzer)

*

1

Indicates that the parking brake is engaged



Release the parking brake.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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(Flashes or 

illuminates)

PCS warning light

When a buzzer sounds simultaneously:
Indicates a malfunction has occurred in the PCS (Pre-
Collision System).



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

When a buzzer does not sound: 
The PCS (Pre-Collision System) has become tempo-
rarily unavailable, corrective action may be necessary.



Follow  the  instructions  displayed  on  the  multi-
information display. (



P. 237, 488)

If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Sta-
bility  Control)  system  is  disabled,  the  PCS  warning
light will illuminate.



P. 248

(Amber)

LDA indicator

*

4

Indicates a malfunction in the LDA



When  “LDA  Unavailable”  is  displayed  on  the
multi-information  display,  turn  the  LDA  system
off,  wait  for  a  little  while,  and  then  turn  the  LDA
system back on. (



P. 252) 

When  a  message  other  than  above  is  displayed,
follow the instructions displayed in the message.

Master warning light

A buzzer sounds and warning light comes on flashes
to  indicate  that  the  master  warning  system  has
detected a malfunction.



P. 488

Tire pressure warning light

When the light comes on: 

Low tire inflation pressure such as

• Natural causes (



P. 484)

• Flat tire (



P. 493)



Adjust the tire inflation pressure (including the

spare tire) to the specified level. 

The  light  will  turn  off  after  a  few  minutes.  In

case the light does not turn off even if the tire

inflation pressure is adjusted, have the system

checked by your Toyota dealer.

When the light comes on after blinking for 1 minute:

Malfunction in the tire pressure warning system 

(



P. 485)



Have  the  system  checked  by  your  Toyota

dealer.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

*

1

: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:

A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approximately 3
mph (5 km/h) or more.

*

2

: Open door warning buzzer:

The open door warning buzzer sounds to alert one or more of the doors is
not fully closed (with the vehicle having reached a speed of 3 mph [5 km/h]).

*

3

: Driver’s seat belt buzzer:

The driver's seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the driver that his or
her seat belt is not fastened. Once the engine switch is turned to ON, the
buzzer sounds. If the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer sounds inter-
mittently  for  a  certain  period  of  time  after  the  vehicle  reaches  a  certain
speed.
Front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer:
The  front  passenger’s  seat  belt  warning  buzzer  sounds  to  alert  the  front
passenger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. If the seat belt is unfas-
tened, the buzzer sounds intermittently for a certain period of time after the
vehicle reaches a certain speed.

*

4

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

(Flashes)

RCTA OFF indicator (warning buzzer)

Indicates a malfunction in the RCTA (Rear Cross Traf-
fic Alert) function



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

Indicates that the rear bumper around the radar sen-
sor is covered with dirt, etc. (



P. 272)



Follow  the  instructions  displayed  on  the  multi-
information display. (



P. 287)

BSM OFF indicator (warning buzzer)

Indicates a malfunction in the BSM (Blind Spot Moni-
tor) function



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

Indicates that the rear bumper around the radar sen-
sor is covered with dirt, etc. (



P. 272)



Follow  the  instructions  displayed  on  the  multi-
information display. (



P. 271)

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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SRS warning light

This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assembly, front impact
sensors, side impact sensors (front door), side impact sensors (rear), safing
sensor (rear), driver's seat belt buckle switch, front passenger occupant clas-
sification  system  (ECU  and  sensors),  “AIR  BAG  ON”  and  “AIR  BAG  OFF”
indicator  lights,  front  passenger's  seat  belt  buckle  switch,  seat  belt  preten-
sioners, airbags, interconnecting wiring and power sources. (



P. 37)

■

Open moon roof reminder buzzer (if equipped)

The buzzer indicates that the moon roof is not fully closed with the engine off
and the driver’s door opened.

■

Front  passenger  detection  sensor,  passenger  seat  belt  reminder  and
warning buzzer

●

If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger detec-
tion sensor may cause the warning light to flash and the warning buzzer to
sound even if a passenger is not sitting in the seat.

●

If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sensor may not detect a passenger,
and the warning light may not operate properly.

■

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving

First check the following:

●

Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.

●

Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.

The light will go off after several driving trips.
If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.