Toyota 4Runner: Downhill assist control system

With the downhill assist control system, the vehicle is able to descend a steep hill while maintaining a constant low speed of about 3 mph (5 km/h) without brake pedal operation.

Activating the system

The system will activate when

• The vehicle is traveling under 15 mph (25 km/h) with the accelerator and brake pedals released.

• Part-time 4WD models: The front-wheel drive control lever or switch is in L4.

Full-time 4WD models: The four-wheel drive control switch is in L4L.

• The rear differential is unlocked (if equipped).

Press the “DAC” switch.

The downhill assist control system indicator will come on to indicate that the downhill assist control system is activated.

Pressing the switch again turns the system off.

While the downhill assist control system is operating

The slip indicator will flash to indicate that the downhill assist control system is operating, and the stop lights and high mounted stoplight will turn on.

Operating tips

The system will operate when the shift lever is in any position other than P.

However, to make effective use of the system it is recommended that the shift lever be shifted to the “2” or “1” range of S.

If the downhill assist control system indicator flashes

• In the following situations, the indicator flashes and the system will not operate:

• The transfer mode is not in L4 (part-time 4WD models) or L4L (full-time 4WD models).

• The rear differential is locked.

• The brake system overheats.

The system 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. Refrain from using the system until the indicator stops flashing and stays on. (There is no problem with continuing normal driving.)

• In the following situations, the indicator flashes to alert the driver, but the system will still operate:

• The shift lever is in N. (Engine braking will not occur.)

• The “DAC” switch is turned off while the system is operating.

The system will gradually ceases operation. The indicator will flash during operation, and then go off when the system is fully off.

System malfunction

In case of a system malfunction, the following may occur:

• The downhill assist control system indicator flashes in a situation other than those listed above.

• The downhill assist control system indicator does not come on when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system).

Have your vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

CAUTION

Conditions which may affect the downhill assist control system operation

• Do not rely too heavily on the downhill assist control system. On extremely steep inclines, icy surfaces or muddy roads, the vehicle may slip and the system may not be able to maintain the constant low vehicle speed of about 3 mph (5 km/h), leading to an accident causing death or serious injury.

• Do not shift the shift lever to R while driving forward, or to D while driving backward. Doing so may cause the wheels to lock up, leading to an accident causing death or serious injury. In addition, excessive stress will be applied to the automatic transmission, possibly resulting in damage.