Driving -> Downhill assist control system for Your Toyota 4 Runner SUV Fifth Generation (2010-2024)

309  
4-5. Using the driving support systems  
Downhill assist control system  
The downhill assist control system helps to prevent excessive  
speed on steep downhill slopes. The system will operate when  
the vehicle is traveling under 15 mph (25 km/h) with the acceler-  
ator and brake pedals released and the transfer mode is in L4  
(part-time 4WD models) or L4L (full-time 4WD models).  
System operation  
Press the “DAC” switch.  
The downhill assist control system  
indicator will comes on and the  
system will operate. When the  
system is in operation, the slip  
indicator will flash, and the stop  
lights/high mounted stop lights will  
be lit. A sound may also occur  
during the operation. This does  
not indicated a malfunction.  
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Turning off the system  
Press the “DAC” switch while the system is in operation. The downhill  
assist control system indicator will flash as the system gradually  
ceases operation, and will turn off when the system is fully off. Press  
the “DAC” switch while the downhill assist control system indicator is  
flashing to start the system again.  
: If equipped  
4RUNNER (U)  
310  
4-5. Using the driving support systems  
Operating tips  
The system will operate when the shift lever is in a position other than P, how-  
ever to make effective use of the system it is recommended to select a lower  
shift range.  
The system will not operate when  
Part-time 4WD models: The transfer mode is in H2 or H4.  
Full-time 4WD models: The transfer mode is in H4L or H4F.  
If the downhill assist control system indicator flashes  
In the following situations, the indicator flashes and the system will not oper-  
ate:  
• The transfer mode is not in L4 (part-time 4WD models) or L4L (full-time  
4WD models).  
• The shift lever is in P.  
• The accelerator or brake pedal is depressed.  
• The vehicle speed exceeds approximately 15 mph (25 km/h).  
• The brake system overheats.  
In the following situations, the indicator flashes to alert the driver, but the  
system will operate:  
• The shift lever is in N.  
• 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.  
When the downhill assist control system is operated continuously  
This may cause the brake actuator to overheat. In this case, the downhill  
assist control system will stop operating, a buzzer will sound and the downhill  
assist control system indicator will start flashing, and the “TRAC OFF” indica-  
tor light will come on. Refrain from using the system until the downhill assist  
control system indicator stays on and “TRAC OFF” indicator light turns off.  
(The vehicle can be driven normally during this time.)  
4RUNNER (U)  
311  
4-5. Using the driving support systems  
Sounds and vibrations caused by the downhill assist control system  
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 downhill assist control system.  
Either of the following conditions may occur when the downhill assist control  
system is operating. None of these are indicators 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.  
System malfunction  
In the following cases, have your vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer.  
The downhill assist control system indicator does not come on when the  
engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode.  
The downhill assist control system indicator does not come on when the  
“DAC” switch is pressed.  
The slip indicator comes on.  
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WARNING  
When using downhill assist control system  
Do not rely overmuch on the downhill assist control system. This function  
does not extend the vehicle’s performance limitations. Always thoroughly  
check the road conditions, and drive safely.  
The system may not operate on the following surfaces, which may lead  
to an accident causing death or serious injury  
Slippery surfaces such as wet or muddy roads  
Icy surface  
Unpaved roads  
4RUNNER (U)