Toyota 4Runner: Disabling the TRAC/VSC systems (4WD models)

If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC/VSC systems 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 the TRAC system only

To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press and release the switch.

The “TRAC OFF” indicator will come on.

Press the switch again to turn the system back on.

Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems

To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold the switch for more than 3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.

The “TRAC OFF” and VSC off indicators will come on.

Press the switch again to turn the systems back on.

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 and Crawl Control cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota dealer.

Hill-start assist control operation conditions

• The shift lever is in D or S.

• The brake pedal is not depressed.

• The rear differential is unlocked (if equipped).

If the brake system overheats

The hill-start assist control will cease operation and a buzzer will sound to alert the driver. At this time, the “TRAC OFF” indicator will come on. Stop the vehicle in a safe place. (There is no problem with continuing with normal driving.)

The system will be automatically restored after a short time.

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

• 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 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 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.

Reactivation of the TRAC/VSC systems after turning off the engine

Turning off the engine after turning off the TRAC/VSC systems will automatically reactivate them.

Reactivation of the VSC system linked to vehicle speed (2WD models)

When the TRAC system is turned off and the AUTO LSD system is turned on, the VSC system will turn on when vehicle speed increases. However, when the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.

Reactivation of the TRAC/VSC systems (4WD models)

If the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.

CAUTION

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 roads with uneven surfaces

TRAC may not operate effectively when

Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.

Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively wh

en

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 with ice.

CAUTION

When the VSC 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 systems are turned off

Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions.

As these are systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC 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 and VSC 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 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.