Toyota Tacoma (2023 year). Manual in english - page 10

■

When starting off on an uphill (vehicles with the hill-start assist control
system)

The hill-start assist control will activate. (



P. 324)

■

Driving in the rain

●

Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the win-
dows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.

●

Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be espe-
cially slippery.

●

Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain,
because there may be a layer of water between the tires and the road sur-
face, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.

■

Engine speed while driving (vehicles with an automatic transmission)

In the following conditions, the engine speed may become high while driving.
This is due to automatic up-shifting control or down-shifting implementation to
meet driving conditions. It does not indicate sudden acceleration.

●

The vehicle is judged to be driving uphill or downhill

●

When the accelerator pedal is released

●

When the brake pedal is depressed while power mode is selected

■

Restraining the engine output (Brake Override System)

●

When the accelerator and brake pedals are depressed at the same time, the
engine output may be restrained.

●

A warning message is displayed on the multi-information display while the
system is operating. (



P. 493)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control: vehicles with an automatic
transmission)

●

When the following unusual operation is performed, the engine output may
be restrained.
• When the shift lever is shifted from R to D, D to R, N to R, P to D, or P to

R (D includes S) with the accelerator pedal depressed, a warning mes-
sage appears on the multi-information display.

• When the accelerator pedal is depressed too much while the vehicle is in

reverse.

●

While Drive-Start Control is being activated, your vehicle may have trouble
escaping from the mud or fresh snow. In such case, perform the following
actions to cancel Drive-Start Control so that the vehicle may become able to
escape from the mud or fresh snow.
• Deactivate TRAC (



P. 324)

• When the AUTO LSD system is turned on. (



P. 307)

• 4WD models: The four-wheel drive control switch is in “4L” position.

(

P. 303)

171

■

Breaking in your new Toyota

To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is recom-
mended:

●

For the first 200 miles (300 km):
Avoid sudden stops.

●

For the first 500 miles (800 km):
Do not tow a trailer.

●

For the first 1000 miles (1600 km):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.

■

Operating your vehicle in a foreign country

Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel. (



P. 554)

■

When turning off the engine

The emission system operating sounds may continue for a short time after
the engine is turned off. This is not a malfunction, and helps to ensure optimal
performance of the emission system.

172

WARNING

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

■

When starting the vehicle (vehicles with an automatic transmission)

Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the engine
running. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accel-
erator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake

pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident.

• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to difficulty

in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.

• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the

vehicle only slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and accelera-
tor pedals properly.

• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake

pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, result-
ing in an accident.

●

Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot
parts may cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.

●

During normal driving, do not turn off the engine. Turning the engine off
while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the
power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to
steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it
is safe to do so.
However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible
to stop the vehicle in the normal way:

P. 473

●

Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving
down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. (

P. 211, 216)

●

Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.

●

Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body
are not outside the vehicle.

173

WARNING

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

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-
speed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire
failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer
to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability
tires or not before driving at such speeds.

■

When driving on slippery road surfaces

●

Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle.

●

Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine
speed could cause the vehicle to skid.

●

After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make
sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent
the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected.

■

When shifting the shift lever

●

On vehicles with an automatic transmission, do not let the vehicle roll
backward while the shift lever is in a driving position, or roll forward while
the shift lever is in R.
Doing so may cause the engine to stall or lead to poor brake and steering
performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.

●

On vehicles with an automatic transmission, do not shift the shift lever to P
while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle
control.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle
control.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to a driving position while the vehicle is moving
backward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle
control.

●

Moving the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage the
engine from the transmission. Engine braking is not available when N is
selected.

●

On vehicles with an automatic transmission, be careful not to shift the shift
lever with the accelerator pedal depressed. Shifting the shift lever to a
gear other than P or N may lead to moving unexpectedly of the vehicle
that may cause an accident.

174

WARNING

■

If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indica-
tors)

Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon
as possible.
Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads
and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded.

■

When the vehicle is stopped

●

Do not race the engine.
If the vehicle is in any gear other than P (automatic transmission only) or
N, the vehicle may move suddenly and unexpectedly, causing an accident.

●

On vehicles with an automatic transmission, in order to prevent accidents
due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep depressing the brake pedal
while the engine is running, and apply the parking brake as necessary.

●

If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused
by the vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake pedal
and securely apply the parking brake as needed.

●

Avoid revving or racing the engine.
Running the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped may cause
the exhaust system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible
material is nearby.

■

When the vehicle is parked

●

Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft drink cans in
the vehicle when it is in the sun.
Doing so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a

fire.

• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and

plastic material of glasses to deform or crack.

• Soft drink cans may rupture, causing the contents to spray over the

interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehicle’s
electrical components.

●

Do not leave cigarette lighters in the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a
place such as the glove box or on the floor, it may be lit accidentally when
luggage is loaded or the seat is adjusted, causing a fire.

●

Do not attach adhesive discs to the windshield or windows. Do not place
containers such as air fresheners on the instrument panel or dashboard.
Adhesive discs or containers may act as lenses, causing a fire in the vehi-
cle.

175

WARNING

●

Do not leave a door or window open if the curved glass is coated with a
metallized film such as a silver-colored one. Reflected sunlight may cause
the glass to act as a lens, causing a fire.

●

On vehicles with an automatic transmission, always apply the parking
brake, shift the shift lever to P, stop the engine and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.
If the vehicle is parked with the shift lever in P but the parking brake is not
set, the vehicle may start to move, possibly leading to an accident.

●

Do not touch the exhaust pipes while the engine is running or immediately
after turning the engine off.
Doing so may cause burns.

■

When taking a nap in the vehicle

Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move the shift
lever or depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or fire
due to engine overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly
ventilated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to
death or a serious health hazard.

■

When braking

●

When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and this may cause
one side of the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also, the
parking brake may not securely hold the vehicle.

●

If the brake booster device does not operate, do not follow other vehicles
closely and avoid hills or sharp turns that require braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but the brake pedal should be
depressed more firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will increase.
Have your brakes fixed immediately.

●

Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the brake pedal uses up the reserve for the power-assisted
brakes.

●

The brake system consists of 2 individual hydraulic systems; if one of the
systems fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal
should be depressed more firmly than usual and the braking distance will
increase. Have your brakes fixed immediately.

■

If the vehicle becomes stuck

Do not spin the wheels excessively when any of the tires is up in the air, or
the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may damage the driveline com-
ponents or propel the vehicle forward or backward, causing an accident.

176

NOTICE

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during
driving, as this may restrain the engine output.



Vehicles with an automatic transmission

●

Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.



Vehicles with a manual transmission

●

Do not shift gears unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. After shifting,
do not release the clutch abruptly. Doing so may damage the clutch, trans-
mission and gears.

●

Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving.
Doing so may cause clutch trouble.

●

Do not use any gear other than the first gear when starting off and moving
forward.
Doing so may damage the clutch.

●

Do not use the clutch to hold the vehicle when stopping on an uphill grade.
Doing so may damage the clutch.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to R when the vehicle is still moving. Doing so
may damage the clutch, transmission and gears.

■

When parking the vehicle (vehicles with an automatic transmission)

Always set the parking brake, and shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so
may cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle may move suddenly if the
accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed.

■

Avoiding damage to vehicle parts

●

Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for
an extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering pump.

●

When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.

177

NOTICE

■

If you get a flat tire while driving

A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehi-
cle.

●

It may be difficult to control your vehicle.

●

The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will lean abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat tire (



P. 511)

■

When encountering flooded roads or waterlogged roads

Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain, etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:

●

Engine stalling

●

Short in electrical components

●

Engine damage caused by water immersion

●

Rubber or mechanical part damage or poor lubrication due to grease
being washed away, or grease becoming contaminated with mud or dirt

In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, trans-
mission, transfer (4WD models) differentials, etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, clutch fork, bearings and sus-
pension joints (where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

178

Cargo and luggage

Side rails

To  use  the  deck  rails,  you  must
install  genuine Toyota  accessories
or  their  equivalent  for  the  deck
rails.
Follow  the  manufacturer’s  instruc-
tions and precautions when install-
ing a genuine Toyota accessory or
equivalent.

Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load:

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the rear deck whenever possible.

●

Be sure all items are secured in place.

●

Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.

●

For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

Deck rails

WARNING

■

When you secure cargo with the deck rails

Be sure to follow the instructions below in order to avoid the cargo coming
loose.

●

Do not install accessories (tie-down cleats, storage boxes, etc.) at more
than the following number of locations per deck rail.
• Side rail:

Short deck—Max. 3 locations
Long deck—Max. 4 locations

●

Spread out tie-down/support locations evenly along the length of the rails.

●

Do not exceed a total tensile load of 440 lb. (200 kg) per deck rail.

●

To prevent luggage or cargo from sliding forward during braking, make
sure the deck rail accessories such as storage box are securely attached
on the deck rails.

179

Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity)



(Total weight of occupants)

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit —

(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and

cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s
placard.

(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that

will be riding in your vehicle.

(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from

XXX kg or XXX lbs.

(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and lug-

gage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400



750 (5



150) =

650 lbs.)

(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded

on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.

(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be

transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle. (

P. 182)

Capacity and distribution

180

Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) (



P. 541)

When 2 people with the combined weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in
your vehicle, which has a total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight)
of B lb. (kg), the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity
will be C lb. (kg) as follows:
B

lb. (kg)



lb. (kg) = C

lb. (kg)

: A = Weight of people

: B = Total load capacity

: C = Available cargo and luggage load
In this condition, if 3 more passengers with the combined weight of

D lb. (kg) get on, the available cargo and luggage load will be reduced

E lb. (kg) as follows:

C lb. (kg)



lb. (kg) = E

lb. (kg)

: D = Additional weight of people

: E = Available cargo and luggage load

As shown in the above example, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage load will be reduced by an amount
that equals the increased weight due to the additional occupants. In
other words, if an increase in the number of occupants causes an
excess of the total load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus
cargo and luggage load), you must reduce the cargo and luggage on
your vehicle.

Calculation formula for your vehicle

181

WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment

The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compart-

ment:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly,

may block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or

passengers, possibly causing an accident.

●

Do not stack anything behind the front seats higher than the seat-

backs.

●

Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver

• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)

• On the instrument panel

• On the dashboard

• On the auxiliary box or tray that has no lid

●

Secure all items in the occupant compartment.

●

Never allow anyone to ride in the rear deck. It is not designed for pas-

sengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts properly

fastened.

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle

weight rating.

●

Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less

than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper

loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which

may cause death or serious injury.

182

Vehicle load limits

◆

Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight):



P. 541

Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.

◆

Seating capacity:

P. 541

Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants are within the seating capacity, do
not exceed the total load capacity.

◆

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating):

P. 187

TWR means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus
its cargo weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.

◆

Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.

(



P. 442)

Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) and cargo capacity.

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle

Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering

and braking ability, resulting in an accident.

183

Trailer towing

Contact your Toyota dealer for further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kit, etc.

Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load-car-
rying  vehicle.  Towing  a  trailer  can  have  an  adverse  impact  on
handling,  performance,  braking,  durability,  and  fuel  consump-
tion. For your safety and the safety of others, you must not over-
load  your  vehicle  or  trailer. You  must  also  ensure  that  you  are
using appropriate towing equipment, that the towing equipment
has  been  installed  correctly  and  used  properly,  and  that  you
employ the requisite driving habits. (



P. 199)

Vehicle-trailer stability and braking performance are affected by
trailer  stability,  brake  performance  and  setting,  trailer  brakes,
the hitch and hitch systems (if equipped).
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in
accordance  with  your  trailer’s  characteristics  and  operating
conditions.
Toyota  warranties  do  not  apply  to  damage  or  malfunction
caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.

184

■

GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)

The  maximum  allowable  gross
combination  weight.  The  gross
combination  weight  is  the  sum
of  the  total  vehicle  weight
(including the occupants, cargo
and  any  optional  equipment
installed on the vehicle) and the
weight of the trailer being towed
(including  the  cargo  in  the
trailer).

■

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

The  maximum  allowable  gross
vehicle weight. The gross vehi-
cle weight is the total weight of
the  vehicle.  When  towing  a
trailer, it is the sum of the vehi-
cle  weight  (including  the  occu-
pants,  cargo  and  any  optional
equipment installed on the vehi-
cle) and the tongue weight.

■

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)

The  maximum  allowable  gross
axle  weight.  The  gross  axle
weight  is  the  load  placed  on
each axle (front and rear).

Towing related terms

Front GAWR

Rear GAWR

185