Get Gauges,MetersandServicereminderindicators Guide for Toyota 4 Runner SUV Third Generation (1996-2002)

’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

SECTION 1− 5

OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND

CONTROLS

Gauges, Meters and Service reminder indicators

Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Engine coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Odometer and two trip meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

Engine coolant temperature

gauge

Fuel gauge

If the fuel tank is completely empty, the

malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Fill

the fuel tank immediately.

The indicator lamp goes off after driving

several times. If the indicator lamp does

not go off, contact your Toyota dealer as

soon as possible.

The gauge works when the ignition

switch is on and indicates the approxi-

mate quantity of fuel remaining in the

tank.

The gauge indicates the engine coolant

temperature when the ignition switch is

on. The engine operating temperature

will vary with changes in weather and

engine load.

Nearly full—Needle at “F”

Nearly empty—Needle at “E”

If the needle moves into the red zone,

your engine is too hot. If your vehicle

overheats, stop your vehicle and allow the

engine to cool.

It is a good idea to keep the tank over

1/4 full.

If the fuel level approaches “E” or the low

fuel level warning light comes on, fill the

fuel tank as soon as possible.

Your vehicle may overheat during severe

operating conditions, such as:

D Driving up a long hill on a hot day.

On inclines or curves, due to the move-

ment of fuel in the tank, the fuel gauge

needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level

warning light may come on earlier than

usual.

D Reducing speed or stopping after high

speed driving.

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Tachometer

Odometer and two trip meters

D Idling for a long period with the air

conditioning on in stop−and−go traffic.

D Towing a trailer.

NOTICE

z Do not remove the thermostat in

the engine cooling system as this

may cause the engine to overheat.

The thermostat is designed to con-

trol the flow of coolant to keep the

temperature of the engine within

the specified operating range.

z Do not continue driving with an

overheated engine. See “If your ve-

hicle overheats” in Section 4.

The tachometer indicates engine speed

in thousands of rpm (revolutions per

minute). Use it while driving to select

correct shift points and to prevent en-

gine lugging and over−revving.

This meter displays the odometer and

two trip meters.

1. Odometer—Shows the total distance

the vehicle has been driven.

2. Two trip meters—Show two different

distances independently driven since

the last time each trip meter was set

to zero.

Driving with the engine running too fast

causes excessive engine wear and poor

fuel economy. Remember, in most cases

the slower the engine speed, the greater

the fuel economy.

You can use one trip meter to calculate

the fuel economy and the other to

measure the distance on each trip. All

trip meter data is cancelled if the elec-

trical power source is disconnected.

NOTICE

Do not let the indicator needle get

into the red zone. This may cause

severe engine damage.

3. Trip meter reset knob—Resets the two

trip meters to zero, and also change

the meter display.

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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

Service reminder indicators

and warning buzzers

To change the meter display, quickly

push and release the knob. The meter

display changes in the order from the

odometer to trip meter A to trip meter

B, then back to the odometer each

time you push.

If the indicator or

buzzer comes on...

Do this.

If the indicator or

buzzer comes on...

Do this.

(a)

If parking brake is

(f)

Take vehicle to

Toyota dealer.

off, stop

To reset the trip meter A to zero, dis-

play the meter A reading, then push

and hold the knob until the meter is

set to zero. The same process can be

applied for resetting the trip meter B.

immediately and

contact Toyota

dealer.

(g)

(h)

Fill up tank.

(b)

(c)

Fasten driver’s

seat belt.

Take vehicle to

Toyota dealer.

If brake system

warning light is

also on, stop

immediately and

contact Toyota

dealer.

or

(indicator and buzzer)

Fasten front

passenger’s seat

belt.

(d)

(e)

Stop and check.

(i)

Take vehicle to

Toyota dealer.

and

or

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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

(a) Brake System Warning Light and

buzzer

Have your vehicle checked at your

Toyota dealer in the following cases:

If the indicator or

buzzer comes on...

Do this.

This light comes on in the following cases

when the ignition key is in the “ON” posi-

tion.

D The light does not come on even if the

parking brake is applied when the igni-

tion key is in the “ON” position.

(j)

Close all doors.

D When the parking brake is applied...

D The light does not come on even if the

ignition key is turned on with the park-

ing brake released.

This light comes on for a few seconds

when the ignition key is turned to the

“ON” position on even after the parking

brake is released.

(k)

Take vehicle to

Toyota dealer

immediately.

A warning light turning on briefly during

operation does not indicate a problem.

D When the brake fluid level is low...

CAUTION

(l) Key reminder

buzzer

Remove key.

CAUTION

If any of the following conditions oc-

curs, immediately stop your vehicle at

a safe place and contact your Toyota

dealer.

It is dangerous to continue driving

normally when the brake fluid level is

low.

(m)

Shift front drive

control lever out of

“N”.

D The light does not turn off even

after the parking brake is released

while the engine is running.

D When the hydraulic brake booster

fails...

D The warning buzzer comes on to-

gether with the warning light.

(n)

(o)

Stop and check.

Add washer fluid.

If the hydraulic booster causes a problem

resulting in poor braking performance, the

warning light comes on and buzzer sounds

continuously.

In either case, this can indicate that

the brakes may not work properly

and your stopping distance will be-

come longer. Depress the brake

pedal firmly and bring the vehicle

to an immediate stop.

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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

(b) Driver’s Seat Belt Reminder Light

and Buzzer

(d) Discharge Warning Light

D The brake system warning light re-

mains on together with the “ABS”

warning light.

This light warns that the battery is being

discharged.

This light and buzzer remind you to

buckle up the driver’s seat belt.

If it comes on while you are driving, there

is a problem somewhere in the charging

system.

In this case, not only the anti−lock

brake system will fail but also the

vehicle will become extremely un-

stable during braking.

Once the ignition key is turned to “ON” or

“START”, the reminder light flashes and

buzzer come on if the driver’s seat belt

is not fastened. Unless the driver fastens

the belt, the light keeps on flashing and

the buzzer sounds for about 4 to 8 se-

conds.

The engine ignition will continue to oper-

ate, however, until the battery is dis-

charged. Turn off the air conditioning,

blower, radio, etc., and drive directly to

the nearest Toyota dealer or repair shop.

Any of the following conditions may oc-

cur, but do not indicate the malfunc-

tion:

(c) Front Passenger’s Seat Belt Re-

minder Light

D The light may stay on for about 60

seconds after the ignition key is turned

to the “ON” position. It is normal if it

turns off after a while.

NOTICE

This light reminds you to buckle up the

front passenger’s seat belt.

Do not continue driving if the engine

drive belt is broken or loose.

Once the ignition key is turned to “ON” or

“START”, the reminder light flashes if a

passenger sits in the front passenger seat

and does not fasten the seat belt. Unless

the front passenger fastens the belt, the

light stays flashing.

D Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly

may turn on the warning light and

buzzer. It is normal if the light turns off

and the buzzer stops sounding after a

few seconds.

D You may hear a small sound in the

engine compartment after the engine is

started or the brake pedal is depressed

If luggage load is placed on the front

passenger seat, depending on its weight

and how it is placed on the seat, built−in

sensors in the seat cushion may detect

the pressure, causing the reminder light to

come on.

repeatedly. This is

a

pump pulsating

sound of the brake system, and it is

not a malfunction.

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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

(e) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light

(f) Malfunction Indicator Lamp

If this lamp comes on and the engine

speed does not increase with the acceler-

ator pedal depressed down to about the

middle position, there may be a problem

somewhere in your electronic throttle con-

trol system. At this time, if you depress

the accelerator pedal more firmly and

slowly, you can drive your vehicle at low

speeds. Have your vehicle checked by

your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

Even if the abnormality of the electronic

throttle control system is corrected during

low speed driving, the system may not be

recovered until the engine is stopped and

the ignition key is turned to “ACC” or

“LOCK” position.

This light warns that the engine oil pres-

sure is too low.

This lamp comes on in the following

cases.

If it flickers or stays on while you are

driving, pull off the road to a safe place

and stop the engine immediately. Call a

Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for

assistance.

a. The fuel tank is completely empty.

(See “Fuel gauge” in this section for

instructions.)

b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened se-

curely. (See “Fuel tank cap” in Section

1−2 for instructions.)

The light may occasionally flicker when

the engine is idling or it may come on

c. There is a problem somewhere in your

engine, automatic transmission electri-

cal system or electronic throttle control

system.

briefly after

a

hard stop. There is no

cause for concern if it then goes out when

the engine is accelerated slightly.

The light may come on when the oil level

is extremely low. It is not designed to

indicate low oil level, and the oil level

must be checked using the level dipstick.

If it comes on while you are driving in

case c, have your vehicle checked/re-

paired by your Toyota dealer as soon as

possible.

(g) Low Fuel Level Warning Light

This light comes on when the fuel level

in the tank becomes nearly empty. Fill up

the tank as soon as possible.

NOTICE

Do not drive the vehicle with the

warning light on—even for one block.

It may ruin the engine.

On inclines or curves, due to the move-

ment of fuel in the tank, the low fuel level

warning light may come on earlier than

usual.

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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

(h) “ABS” Warning Light

If either of the following conditions oc-

Either of the following conditions may

occur, but do not indicate the malfunc-

tion:

curs, this indicates a malfunction some-

where in the parts monitored by the

warning light system. Contact your To-

yota dealer as soon as possible to ser-

vice the vehicle.

The light comes on when the ignition key

is turned to the “ON” position. If the anti−

lock brake system and the brake assist

system work properly, the light turns off

after a few seconds. Thereafter, if either

of the systems malfunctions, the light

comes on again.

D The light may stay on for about 60

seconds after the ignition key is turned

to the “ON” position. It is normal if it

turns off after a while.

D The light does not come on when the

ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-

tion, or remains on.

D Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly

may turn on the light. It is normal if it

turns off after a few seconds.

When the “ABS” warning light is on (and

the brake system warning light is off), the

anti−lock brake system, the brake assist

system, the traction control system (two−

wheel drive vehicles), the active traction

control system (four−wheel drive vehicles)

and the vehicle skid control system do not

operate, but the brake system still oper-

ates conventionally.

D The light comes on while you are dri-

ving.

(i) Vehicle Skid Control System and

Traction Control System (two−wheel

drive models) or Active Traction

Control System (four−wheel drive

models) Warning Lights

A warning light turning on briefly during

operation does not indicate a problem.

CAUTION

These lights warn that there is a problem

somewhere in the vehicle skid control sys-

tem and traction control system (two−

wheel drive models) or active traction con-

trol system (four−wheel drive models).

If the “ABS” warning light remains on

together with the brake system warn-

ing light, immediately stop your ve-

hicle at a safe place and contact your

Toyota dealer.

When the “ABS” warning light is on (and

the brake system warning light is off), the

anti−lock brake system does not operate

so that the wheels could lock up during

a sudden braking or braking on slippery

road surfaces.

In this case, not only the anti−lock

brake system will fail but also the

vehicle will become extremely unsta-

ble during braking.

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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

If the “VSC/TRAC” warning light and

“TRAC OFF” (two−wheel drive models) or

“VSC OFF” (four−wheel drive models) indi-

cator light come on, have your vehicle

checked by Toyota dealer as soon as pos-

sible. However, there is no problem when

the “VSC/TRAC” warning light comes on

when the brake actuator temperature be-

comes high. (For details, see “Traction

control system” and “Active traction con-

trol” in Section 1−6.)

(j) Open Door Warning Light

(l) Key Reminder Buzzer

This light remains on until all the doors

and back door are completely closed.

This buzzer reminds you to remove the

key when you open the driver’s door with

the ignition key in the “ACC” or “LOCK”

position.

(k) SRS Warning Light

This light will come on when the igni-

tion key is turned to the “ON” position.

After about 6 seconds, the light will go

off. This means the system of the air-

bag and front seat belt pretensioner are

operating properly.

(m) Unengaged “Park”

Light ( four−wheel drive vehicles)

Warning

This light warns that the transmission

“Park” mechanism is not engaged. If the

front drive control lever is in the “N” posi-

tion while the selector lever is in the “P”

position, the transmission will disengage

and the wheels will not lock.

The lights will come on when the ignition

key turned to “ON”, and will go off after

a few seconds.

The warning light system monitors the air-

bag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-

sors, front seat belt pretensioner assem-

blies,

inflators,

warning

light,

interconnecting wiring and power sources.

The lights may come on for 60 seconds

after the ignition key is turned to the “ON”

position. It is normal if they go out after

a while.

CAUTION

If either of the following conditions occurs,

this indicates a malfunction somewhere in

the parts monitored by the warning light

system. Contact your Toyota dealer as

soon as possible to service the vehicle.

To restore the park function, shift the

front drive control lever out of “N”,

or the vehicle can move.

Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly

may turn on the lights. It is normal if they

go out after a few seconds.

D The light does not come on when the

ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-

tion or remains on.

When the “VSC/TRAC” warning light and

“TRAC OFF” (two−wheel drive models) or

“VSC OFF” (four−wheel drive models) indi-

cator light come on the vehicle skid sys-

tem and/or traction control system (two−

wheel drive models) or active traction

control system (four−wheel drive models)

do not operate, but there is no problem

to continue your driving.

D The light comes on or flashes while

driving.

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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

(n) Automatic

Transmission

Temperature Warning Light

Fluid

CHECKING

SERVICE

REMINDER

There may be the case that the “ABS”

INDICATORS (except the low fuel level

warning light and low windshield

washer fluid level warning light)

warning light (brake assist system

warning light), “VSC/TRAC” warning

light and “TRAC OFF” (two−wheel drive

models) or “VSC OFF” (four−wheel

drive models) indicator light stay on for

about 60 seconds after the ignition key

is turned to the “ON” position. It is

normal if they go out after a while.

This light warns that the automatic trans-

mission fluid temperature is too high.

1. Apply the parking brake.

If this light comes on while you are driv-

ing, slow down and pull off the road. Stop

the vehicle at a safe place and put the

selector lever in “P”. With the engine id-

ling, wait until the light goes off. If the

light goes off, you may start the vehicle

again. If the light does not go off, call a

Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for

assistance.

2. Open one of the side doors or back

door.

The open door warning light should

come on.

If any service reminder indicator or warn-

ing buzzer does not function as described

above, either the bulb is burned out or the

circuit is in need of repair. Have it

checked by your Toyota dealer as soon as

possible.

3. Close the door.

The open door warning light should go

off.

4. Turn the ignition key to “ON”, but do

not start the engine.

NOTICE

All the service reminder indicators ex-

cept the open door warning light should

come on. The “ABS” and “VSC/TRAC”

warning lights, “TRAC OFF” (two−wheel

drive models) or “VSC OFF” (four−

wheel drive models) indicator light and

slip indicator light go off after a few

seconds. The SRS warning light goes

off after about 6 seconds.

Continued driving with the warning

light on may damage the automatic

transmission.

(o) Low windshield Washer Fluid Level

Warning Light (Canada)

The light warns that the windshield washer

fluid level is too low. Add washer fluid at

your earliest opportunity. (For instructions,

see “Adding washer fluid” in Section 7−3.)

2001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)

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Gauges,MetersandServicereminderindicators for Your Toyota 4 Runner SUV Third Generation (1996-2002)

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