Get Driving -> Before driving Guide for Toyota 4 Runner SUV Fifth Generation (2010-2024)

166

4-1. Before driving

Driving the vehicle

The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe

driving:

Starting the engine

P. 199

Driving

1

2

3

With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to D. (P. 205)

Release the parking brake. (P. 211)

Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelera-

tor pedal to accelerate the vehicle.

Stopping

1

With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal until the vehicle

comes to a stop.

2

If necessary, set the parking brake.

If the vehicle is to be stopped for an extended period of time, shift the shift

lever to P or N. (P. 205)

Parking the vehicle

1

2

With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.

Set the parking brake (P. 211), and shift the shift lever to P (P.

205).

3

4

Press the engine switch to stop the engine.

Lock the door, making sure that you have the key on your person.

If parking on a hill, block the wheels as needed.

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4-1. Before driving

Starting off on a steep uphill

1

2

3

Make sure that the parking brake is set and shift the shift lever to D.

Gently depress the accelerator pedal.

Release the parking brake.

■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 driving at high speeds in the rain, as there may be a layer of

water between the tires and the road surface, preventing the steering and

brakes from operating properly.

■Engine speed while driving

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.

4

●The vehicle is judged to be driving uphill or downhill

●When the accelerator pedal is released

■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.

■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)

●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, 325)

• 2WD models: When the AUTO LSD system is turned on. (P. 304)

• Part-time 4WD models: The four-wheel drive control switch is in “L4”

position. (P. 294)

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

position. (P. 298)

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4-1. Before driving

■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.

■Drum-in-disc type parking brake system

Your vehicle has a drum-in-disc type parking brake system. This type of brake

system needs bedding-down of the brake shoes periodically or whenever the

parking brake shoes and/or drum are replaced. Have your Toyota dealer per-

form the bedding down operation.

■Operating your vehicle in a foreign country

Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability

of the correct fuel. (P. 534)

■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.

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■When starting the vehicle

Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the engine

running. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.

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4-1. Before driving

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■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 a diffi-

culty 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.

4

■When driving the vehicle

●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. 467

●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. 205)

●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.

●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.

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4-1. Before driving

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■When driving on slippery road surfaces

●Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and

reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.

●Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine

speed could cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident.

●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, resulting in

an accident.

■When shifting the shift lever

●Do not let the vehicle roll backward while the shift lever is in a driving posi-

tion, 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.

●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.

●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 unexpected

rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an accident and result in

death or serious injury.

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4-1. Before driving

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■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 or N, the vehicle may accelerate

suddenly and unexpectedly, causing an accident.

●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.

4

●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.

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4-1. Before driving

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■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 fracture, 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.

●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.

●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.

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4-1. Before driving

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■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.

4

●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.

If this happens, do not continue to drive the vehicle. Have your brakes

fixed immediately.

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4-1. Before driving

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.

●Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake

pedals at the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.

■When parking the vehicle

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 accelerate 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.

■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 behave abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat tire (P. 493)

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4-1. Before driving

NOTICE

■When encountering flooded 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

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, bearings and suspension joints

(where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

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4-1. Before driving

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following information about storage precau-

tions, cargo capacity and load:

● Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever

possible.

● Be sure all items are secured in place.

● To maintain vehicle balance while driving, position luggage evenly

within the luggage compartment.

● For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

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4-1. Before driving

Capacity and distribution

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.

4

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. 524)

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Calculation formula for your vehicle

4-1. Before driving

Cargo capacity

1

2

Total load capacity (vehicle

capacity weight) (P. 524)

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*²lb. (kg) - A*¹lb. (kg) = C*³lb. (kg)

*¹: A =Weight of people

*²: B =Total load capacity

*³: 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) - D*⁴lb. (kg) = E*⁵lb. (kg)

*⁴: D =Additional weight of people

*⁵: E =Available cargo and luggage load

As shown in the example above, 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.

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4-1. Before driving

Roof rails

■When using the roof rails (if equipped)

●To use the roof rails as a roof luggage

carrier, you must fit the roof rails with

two or more genuine Toyota cross rails

or their equivalent.

Cross rails

●When there is no luggage on the roof

luggage carrier Toyota recommends

that the front and rear cross rails be

secured in the positions indicated in

the illustration. This may reduce wind

noise while driving.

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:

4

●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.

●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possi-

ble.

●Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher

than the seatbacks.

●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

●Secure all items in the occupant compartment.

●When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed

directly behind the front seats.

●Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not

designed for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat

belts properly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer

death or serious bodily injury, in the event of sudden braking, sudden

swerving or an accident.

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4-1. Before driving

WARNING

■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.

■When loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier

Observe the following precautions:

●Place the cargo so that its weight is distributed evenly between the

front and rear axles.

●If loading long or wide cargo, never exceed the vehicle overall length

or width. (P. 524)

●Before driving, make sure the cargo is securely fastened on the roof

luggage carrier.

●Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of grav-

ity of the vehicle higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns,

sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of

control or vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly

and result in death or serious injury.

●If driving for a long distance, on rough roads, or at high speeds, stop

the vehicle now and then during the trip to make sure the cross rails

are fixed securely and that the cargo remains in its place.

●Do not exceed 120 lb. (54 kg) cargo weight on the roof luggage carrier.

NOTICE

■When loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier

Be careful not to scratch the surface of the moon roof (if equipped).

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4-1. Before driving

Vehicle load limits

Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) and cargo capacity.

◆ Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight): P. 524

Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo

and luggage.

◆ Seating capacity: P. 524

Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose

estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.

◆ TWR (Trailer Weight Rating): P. 187, 524

4

TWR means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus

its cargo weight) that you 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. 440)

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.

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4-1. Before driving

Trailer towing

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.

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.

Contact your Toyota dealer for further information about addi-

tional requirements such as a towing kit, etc.

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4-1. Before driving

Towing related terms

■ 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.

4

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4-1. Before driving

■ GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross

Front GAWR

axle weight. The gross axle

weight is the load placed on

each axle (front and rear).

Rear GAWR

■ TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross

trailer weight. The gross trailer

weight is the sum of the trailer

weight and the weight of the

cargo in the trailer.

(With brakes)

TWR is calculated assuming

base vehicle with one driver,

one front passenger, towing

package (if available), hitch and

hitch systems (if required).

Additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the vehicle will

reduce the trailer weight rating so as not to exceed GCWR, GVWR and

GAWR.

If the gross trailer weight exceeds 3000 lb. (1360 kg), it is recommended

to use a trailer with 2 or more axles.

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4-1. Before driving

■ Unbraked TWR (Unbraked Trailer Weight Rating)

The trailer weight rating for tow-

ing a trailer without a trailer ser-

vice brake system.

(Without brakes)

■ Tongue Weight

The load placed on the trailer

hitch ball. (P. 187)

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Weight limits

4-1. Before driving

● The gross trailer weight must never exceed the TWR described in

the table. (P. 187)

● The gross combination weight must never exceed the GCWR

described in the table. (P. 187)

● The gross vehicle weight must

never exceed the GVWR indi-

cated on the Certification Label.

● The gross axle weight on each

axle must never exceed the

GAWR indicated on the Certifi-

cation Label.

● If the gross trailer weight is over the unbraked TWR, trailer service

brakes are required.

● If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lb. (907 kg), a sway control

device with sufficient capacity is required.

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4-1. Before driving

GCWR, TWR and Unbraked TWR

Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross

vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all within the

limits.

■ GCWR* and TWR*

Trailer Weight

Driving system

GCWR

Rating

2WD

4WD

11100 lb. (5035 kg)

11300 lb. (5125 kg)

5000 lb.

(2270 kg)

■ Unbraked TWR*

1655 lb. (750 kg)

*: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE Interna-

tional per SAE J2807.

4

Trailer Tongue Weight

● A recommended tongue weight varies in accordance with the types

of trailers or towing as described below.

● To ensure the recommended values shown below, the trailer must

be loaded by referring to the following instructions.

• Tongue Weight

The gross trailer weight should be distributed so that the tongue

weight is 9% to 11%. (Tongue weight /Gross trailer weight x 100

= 9% to 11%)

Gross trailer weight

Tongue weight

1

2

The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight

can be measured with platform scales found at a highway weigh-

ing station, building supply company, trucking company, junk

yard, etc.

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Hitch

4-1. Before driving

Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Toyota rec-

ommends the use of Toyota hitch/bracket for your vehicle. For details,

contact your Toyota dealer.

● If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.

● Use only a hitch that conforms to the gross trailer weight require-

ment of your vehicle.

● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.

● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coating of grease.

● Remove the hitch ball whenever you are not towing a trailer.

Remove the trailer hitch if you do not need it. After removing the

hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle body to prevent entry of

any substances into the vehicle.

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4-1. Before driving

Selecting trailer ball

Use the correct trailer ball for your application.

Trailer ball load rating

1

Matches or exceeds the gross

trailer weight rating of the trailer.

Ball diameter

2

Matches the size of the trailer cou-

pler. Most couplers are stamped

with the required trailer ball size.

Trailer class

Typical trailer ball size

2 5/16 in.

IV

II and III

4

2 in.

I

1 7/8 in.

Shank length

3

4

Protrudes beyond the bottom of the lock washer and nut by at least 2

threads.

Shank diameter

Matches the ball mount hole diameter size.

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Positions for towing hitch receiver and hitch ball

4-1. Before driving

Weight carrying ball position:

50.1 in. (1272 mm)

1

Hitch receiver pin hole position:

43.7 in. (1109 mm)

2

Connecting trailer lights

Use the wire harness stored in the

rear end under body.

Please consult your dealer when installing trailer lights, as incorrect

installation may cause damage to the vehicle’s lights. Please take

care to comply with your state’s laws when installing trailer lights.

■Service connector for towing brake controller

Your vehicle is equipped with a service

connector for the trailer brake controller

as shown.

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4-1. Before driving

Trailer towing tips

Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. Help to avoid

an accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when

towing:

● Speed limits for towing a trailer vary by state or province. Do not

exceed the posted towing speed limit.

● Toyota recommends that the vehicle-trailer speed limit is 65 mph

(104 km/h) on a flat, straight, dry road. Do not exceed this limit, the

posted towing speed limit or the speed limit for your trailer as set

forth in your trailer owner’s manual, whichever is lowest. Instability

of the towing vehicle-trailer combination (trailer sway) increases as

speed increases. Exceeding speed limits may cause loss of control.

● Before starting out, check the trailer lights, tires and the vehicle-

trailer connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.

● Practice turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer attached in

an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel

of the vehicle-trailer combination.

4

● Reversing with a trailer attached is difficult and requires practice.

Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the

left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to

move the trailer to right. (This is generally opposite to reversing

without a trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have

someone guide you when reversing to reduce the risk of an acci-

dent.

● As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to

vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h)

of speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length.

● Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in the trailer jack-

knifing and a loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or

slippery surfaces.

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4-1. Before driving

● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.

● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making

turn.

● Note that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than

the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making

a wider than normal turning radius.

● Slow down before making a turn, in cross winds, on wet or slippery

surfaces, etc.

Increasing vehicle speed can destabilize the trailer.

● Take care when passing other vehicles. Passing requires consider-

able distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of

your trailer, and be sure you have plenty of room before changing

lanes.

● To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system perfor-

mance when using engine braking, do not put the transmission in

D.

● Instability happens more frequently when descending steep or long

downhill grades. Before descending, slow down and downshift. Do

not make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long down-

hill grades.

● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes

too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in

reduced braking efficiency.

● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may over-

heat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when driving

up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature gauge

indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in

use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.

(P. 519)

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4-1. Before driving

● Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and the trailer’s

wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the

transmission in P. Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do

so only after performing the following:

1

2

Apply the brakes and keep them applied.

Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and

trailer’s wheels.

3

When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly

until the blocks absorb the load.

4

5

Apply the parking brake firmly.

Shift into P and turn off the engine.

● When restarting after parking on a slope:

1

With the transmission in P, start the engine. Be sure to keep the

brake pedal pressed.

4

2

3

Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into R.

Release the parking brake and brake pedal, and slowly pull or

back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.

4

Have someone retrieve the blocks.

■Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height

No matter which class of tow hitch

applies, for a more safe trailer hookup,

the trailer ball setup must be the proper

height for the coupler on the trailer.

Coupler

1

2

Trailer ball

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4-1. Before driving

■Before towing

Check that the following conditions are met:

●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (P. 532)

●Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recommen-

dation.

●All trailer lights work as required by law.

●All lights work each time you connect them.

●The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.

●The trailer is level when it is hitched.

Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and check for improper tongue weight,

overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.

●The trailer cargo is securely loaded.

●The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or

local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for tow-

ing purposes.

■When towing a trailer

Disable the following systems, as the systems may not operate properly.

●LDA (Lane Departure Alert) (P. 249)

●Dynamic radar cruise control (P. 257)

●BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (P. 270)

●Intuitive parking assist (P. 277)

●RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) function (P. 286)

■Break-in schedule

If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components

(such as an engine, transmission, differential or wheel bearing), Toyota rec-

ommends that you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven for

over 500 miles (800 km).

After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can start

towing. However, for the next 500 miles (800 km), drive the vehicle at a speed

of less than 45 mph (72 km/h) when towing a trailer, and avoid full throttle

acceleration.

■Maintenance

●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due

to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s

Manual Supplement”.)

●Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately

600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

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4-1. Before driving

■If trailer sway occurs

One or more factors (crosswinds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can

adversely affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing instability.

●If trailer swaying occurs:

• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.

Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.

• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to

reduce speed.

Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.

If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle

and trailer should stabilize. (if enabled, Trailer Sway Control can also help to

stabilize the vehicle and trailer.)

●After the trailer swaying has stopped:

• Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants out of the vehicle.

• Check the tires of the vehicle and the trailer.

• Check the load in the trailer.

Make sure the load has not shifted.

Make sure the tongue weight is appropriate, if possible.

• Check the load in the vehicle.

4

Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded after occupants get in.

If you cannot find any problems, the speed at which trailer swaying occurred

is beyond the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer combination.

Drive at a lower speed to prevent instability. Remember that swaying of the

towing vehicle-trailer increases as speed increases.

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4-1. Before driving

WARNING

■Trailer towing precautions

To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accordance

with the trailer’s characteristics and operating conditions. Failure to do so

could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. Vehicle stability

and braking performance are affected by trailer stability, brake setting and

performance, and the hitch. Your vehicle will handle differently when towing

a trailer.

■To avoid accident or injury

●Do not exceed the TWR, unbraked TWR, GCWR, GVWR or GAWR.

●If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lb. (907 kg), a sway control device

with sufficient capacity is required.

●Adjust the tongue weight within the appropriate range. Place heavier loads

as close to the trailer axle as possible.

●Do not exceed 65 mph (104 km/h), the posted towing speed limit or the

speed limit for your trailer as set forth in your trailer owner’s manual,

whichever is lowest. Slow down sufficiently before making a turn, in cross

winds, on wet or slippery surface, etc. to help avoid an accident. If you

experience a vehicle-trailer instability from reducing a certain speed, slow

down and make sure you keep your vehicle speed under the speed of

which you experience the instability.

●Do not make jerky, abrupt or sharp turns.

●Do not apply the brakes suddenly as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing

and loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or slippery sur-

faces.

●Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight,

gross axle weight and trailer tongue weight capacities.

●Do not use cruise control when towing.

●Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill

grades. Do not make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long

downhill grades.

●Vehicle-trailer instability is more likely on steep long downhills. Before

descending steep or long downhill grades, slow down and downshift. Do

not make sudden downshifts when descending steep or long downhill

grades. Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the

brakes too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result

in reduced braking efficiency.

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4-1. Before driving

WARNING

■Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the

hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of

towing a higher weight, the operator must determine the maximum weight

rating of the particular hitch assembly and never exceed the maximum

weight rating specified for the trailer-hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight

rating set by the trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause an accident resulting

in death or serious personal injuries.

■When towing a trailer

Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable fed-

eral and state/provincial regulations.

●If the gross trailer weight exceeds unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are

required. Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all appli-

cable federal and state/provincial regulations.

●Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehi-

cle’s braking effectiveness.

4

●Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both

the trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch

ball, there is danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.

NOTICE

■When installing a trailer hitch

Use only the position recommended by your Toyota dealer. Do not install

the trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.

■Do not directly splice trailer lights

Do not directly splice trailer lights. Directly splicing trailer lights may damage

your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction.

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4-1. Before driving

Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels

on the ground) behind a motor home.

NOTICE

■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle

Do not tow your vehicle with the four wheels on the ground.

4RUNNER (U)

Driving -> Before driving for Your Toyota 4 Runner SUV Fifth Generation (2010-2024)

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