Toyota 4Runner (2020 year). Instruction — part 30

472

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

4RUNNER (U)

Part-time 4WD models:



Type A

Shift the front-wheel drive control lever to H2.



Type B

Push the “UNLOCK” button and turn the front-wheel drive control
switch to H2.
Full-time 4WD models: Push the “UNLOCK” button and turn the
four-wheel drive control switch to H4F. (The center differential is
unlocked.)
Shift the shift lever to N and release the parking brake.
When the shift lever cannot be shifted:



P. 221

■

While towing

If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will
not function, making steering and braking more difficult.

■

Wheel nut wrench

Wheel nut wrench is stored in the tool bag. (



P. 492)

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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WARNING

Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When towing the vehicle

2WD models: Be sure to transport the
vehicle with the rear wheels raised or
with all four wheels raised off the ground.
If the vehicle is towed with the rear
wheels contacting the ground, the drive-
train and related parts may be damaged
or an accident may occur due to a
change in direction of the vehicle.

4WD models: Be sure to transport the
vehicle with all four wheels raised off the
ground. If the vehicle is towed with the
tires contacting the ground, the drivetrain
or related parts may be damaged, the
vehicle may fly off the truck.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

4RUNNER (U)

WARNING

■

While towing

●

When towing using cables or chains, avoid sudden starts, etc. which place
excessive stress on the towing eyelets, cables or chains. The towing eye-
lets, cables or chains may become damaged, broken debris may hit peo-
ple, and cause serious damage.

●

Vehicles without a smart key system: Do not turn the engine switch to the
“LOCK” position.
There is a possibility that the steering wheel is locked and cannot be oper-
ated.

●

Vehicles with a smart key system: Do not turn the engine switch off.
There is a possibility that the steering wheel is locked and cannot be oper-
ated.

NOTICE

■

To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck

●

2WD models without a smart key system: Do not tow the vehicle from the
rear when the engine switch is in the “LOCK” position or the key is
removed. The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the
front wheels straight.

●

2WD models with a smart key system: Do not tow the vehicle from the rear
when the engine switch is off. The steering lock mechanism is not strong
enough to hold the front wheels straight.

●

When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.

■

To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing with a sling-type truck

Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

■

To prevent damage to the vehicle during emergency towing

Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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●

Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)

●

Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear

●

Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points higher
than normal.

●

Changes in exhaust sound

●

Excessive tire squeal when cornering

●

Strange noises related to the suspension system

●

Pinging or other noises related to the engine

●

Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly

●

Appreciable loss of power

●

Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking

●

Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road

●

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor

If you think something is wrong

If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle proba-
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.

Visible symptoms

Audible symptoms

Operational symptoms

476

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

4RUNNER (U)

Follow the procedure below to restart the engine after the system is
activated.



Vehicles without a smart key system
Turn the engine switch to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position.
Restart the engine.



Vehicles with a smart key system
Turn the engine switch to ACCESSORY mode or turn it off.
Restart the engine.

Fuel pump shut off system

To minimize the risk of fuel leakage when the engine stalls or
when an airbag inflates upon collision, the fuel pump shut off
system stops the supply of fuel to the engine.

NOTICE

■

Before starting the engine

Inspect the ground under the vehicle.
If you find that fuel has leaked onto the ground, the fuel system has been
damaged and is in need of repair. Do not restart the engine.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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If a warning light turns on or a warning

buzzer sounds

Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights
comes on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then
goes off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the
system. However, if this continues to occur, have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.

Warning light and warning buzzer list

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)

• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system

This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is
fully released the system is operating normally.



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and
contact your Toyota dealer. Continuing to drive
the vehicle may be dangerous.

High coolant temperature warning light (warning
buzzer)

*

4

Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too

high



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.

Handling method (



P. 517)

Charging system warning light

Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging sys-
tem



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and
contact your Toyota dealer.

Low engine oil pressure warning light

*

4

Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and
contact your Toyota dealer.

478

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

4RUNNER (U)

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

Malfunction indicator lamp

Indicates a malfunction in:
• The emission control system;
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The electronic automatic transmission control sys-

tem



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

SRS warning light

Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system;

or

• The seat belt pretensioner system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

ABS warning light

Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

Slip indicator

Indicates a malfunction in:
• The VSC system;
• Trailer Sway Control system;
• The TRAC system;
• The active traction control system;
• The AUTO LSD system;
• The downhill assist control system;
• The hill-start assist control system; or
• The Crawl Control system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

(Flashes rapidly)

Rear differential lock indicator light (if equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in the rear differential lock sys-
tem



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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(Flashes rapidly)

Four-wheel drive indicator light (if equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

(Flashes rapidly)

Low speed four-wheel drive indicator light (if
equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

(Flashes rapidly)

Center differential lock indicator light (if equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

(Flashes contin-

uously)

Multi-terrain Select indicator light (if equipped)

*

4

Indicates a malfunction in the Multi-terrain Select sys-
tem



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

Power steering warning light

Indicates a malfunction in the power steering system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

Unengaged “Park” warning light (if equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in the transmission “Park”
mechanism.



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

KDSS warning light (if equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in KDSS



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

(Flashes)

Automatic running boards indicator light (if
equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in Automatic running boards



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.

Open door warning light (warning buzzer)

*

2

Indicates that a door is not fully closed



Check that all the doors are closed.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

480

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

4RUNNER (U)

Low fuel level warning light

Indicates remaining fuel is approximately 3.5 gal. (13.1
L, 2.9 Imp. gal.) or less



Refuel the vehicle.

Seat belt reminder light (warning buzzer)

*

3

Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their
seat belts



Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front
passenger’s seat belt also needs to be fastened to
make the warning light (warning buzzer) turn off.

Brake Override System/Drive-Start Control warning
light (warning buzzer)

*

4

When a buzzer sounds:

• Brake Override System is malfunctioning;

• Drive-Start Control is operating;

• Drive-Start Control is malfunctioning; or



Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-

information display.

When a buzzer does not sound:

Brake Override System is operating



Release the accelerator pedal and depress the

brake pedal.

(Flashes)

(U.S.A.)

(Flashes)

(Canada)

Parking brake indicator (warning buzzer)

*

1

Indicates that the parking brake is engaged



Release the parking brake.

(Flashes or

illuminates)

PCS warning light

Indicates a malfunction in the PCS (Pre-Collision Sys-
tem) or that the system is temporarily unavailable due
to the vehicle being extremely hot/cold, or dirt around
a front sensor, etc. (



P. 264, 487)



Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-
information display. (



P. 264, 487)

If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Sta-
bility Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning
light will illuminate.



P. 264

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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4RUNNER (U)

(Amber)

LDA indicator

*

4

Indicates a malfunction in the LDA



When “LDA Unavailable” is displayed on the
multi-information display, turn the LDA system
off, drive the vehicle for a short time, and then
turn the LDA system back on. (



P. 268)

When a message other than above is displayed,
follow the instructions displayed in the message.

Master warning light

A buzzer sounds and warning light comes on flashes
to indicate that the master warning system has
detected a malfunction.



P. 487

Tire pressure warning light

When the light comes on:

Low tire inflation pressure such as

• Natural causes (



P. 483)

• Flat tire (



P. 492)



Adjust the tire inflation pressure (including the

spare tire) to the specified level.

The light will turn off after a few minutes. In

case the light does not turn off even if the tire

inflation pressure is adjusted, have the system

checked by your Toyota dealer.

When the light comes on after blinking for 1 minute:

Malfunction in the tire pressure warning system

(



P. 484)



Have the system checked by your Toyota

dealer.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

482

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

4RUNNER (U)

*

1

: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:

A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approximately 3
mph (5 km/h) or more.

*

2

: Open door warning buzzer:

The open door warning buzzer sounds to alert one or more of the doors is
not fully closed (with the vehicle having reached a speed of 3 mph [5 km/h]).

*

3

: Driver’s seat belt buzzer:

The driver's seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the driver that his or
her seat belt is not fastened. Once the engine switch is turned to ON, the
buzzer sounds. If the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer sounds inter-
mittently for a certain period of time after the vehicle reaches a certain
speed.
Front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer:
The front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the front
passenger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. If the seat belt is unfas-
tened, the buzzer sounds intermittently for a certain period of time after the
vehicle reaches a certain speed.

*

4

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

■

SRS warning light

This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assembly, front impact
sensors, side impact sensors (front door), side impact sensors (rear), safing
sensor (rear), driver's seat belt buckle switch, front passenger occupant clas-
sification system (ECU and sensors), “AIR BAG ON” and “AIR BAG OFF”
indicator lights, front passenger's seat belt buckle switch, seat belt preten-
sioners, airbags, interconnecting wiring and power sources. (



P. 35)

■

Key reminder buzzer (vehicles without a smart key system)

The buzzer indicates that the key has not been removed with the engine off
and the driver’s door opened.

■

Open moon roof reminder buzzer (if equipped)

The buzzer indicates that the moon roof is not fully closed with the engine off
and the driver’s door opened.

■

Front passenger detection sensor, passenger seat belt reminder and
warning buzzer

●

If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger detec-
tion sensor may cause the warning light to flash and the warning buzzer to
sound even if a passenger is not sitting in the seat.

●

If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sensor may not detect a passenger,
and the warning light may not operate properly.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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■

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving

First check the following:

●

Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.

●

Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.

The light will go off after several driving trips.
If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.

■

When the tire pressure warning light comes on

Inspect the appearance of the tire to check that the tire is not punctured.
If the tire is punctured:



P. 492

If the tire is not punctured:
Carry out the following procedure after the tire temperature has lowered suffi-
ciently.

●

Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level.

●

If the warning light does not go out even after several minutes, check that
the tire inflation pressure is at the specified level and carry out initialization.
(



P. 422)

The warning light may come on again if the above operations are conducted
without first allowing the tire temperature to lower sufficiently.

■

The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes

The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes such

as natural air leaks and tire inflation pressure changes caused by tem-

perature. In this case, adjusting the tire inflation pressure will turn off the

warning light (after a few minutes).

■

When a tire is replaced with a spare tire



Vehicles without P245/60R20 tires

The spare tire is not equipped with a tire pressure warning valve and

transmitter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warning light will not turn off

even though the flat tire has been replaced with the spare tire. Replace

the spare tire with the repaired tire and adjust the tire inflation pressure.

The tire pressure warning light will go off after a few minutes.



Vehicles with P245/60R20 tires

The spare tire is also equipped with a tire pressure warning valve and

transmitter. The tire pressure warning light will turn on if the tire inflation

pressure of the spare tire is low. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warn-

ing light will not turn off even though the flat tire has been replaced with

the spare tire. Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire and adjust the

tire inflation pressure. The tire pressure warning light will go off after a few

minutes.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

4RUNNER (U)

■

If the tire pressure warning system is not functioning

The tire pressure warning system will be disabled in the following condi-

tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)

●

If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmitters

are used

●

If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is not

registered in the tire pressure warning computer

●

If the tire inflation pressure is 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm

2

or bar) or

higher

The tire pressure warning system may be disabled in the following condi-

tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)

●

If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies are

nearby

●

If a radio set at a similar frequency is in use in the vehicle

●

If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed

●

If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, particularly around the

wheels or wheel housings

●

If non-genuine Toyota wheels are used (Even if you use Toyota wheels,

the tire pressure warning system may not work properly with some types

of tires.)

●

If tire chains are used

●

Vehicles with P245/60R20 tires: If the spare tire is in a location subject

to poor radio wave signal reception

●

Vehicles with P245/60R20 tires: If a large metallic object which can

interfere with signal reception is put in the luggage compartment

■

If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking

for 1 minute

If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking for 1

minute when the engine switch is turned on, have it checked by your

Toyota dealer.

■

Customization that can be configured at Toyota dealer

The vehicle speed linked seat belt reminder buzzer can be disabled.
(Customizable features



P. 547) However, Toyota recommends that the seat

belt reminder buzzer be operational to alert the driver and front passenger
when seat belts are not fastened.

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WARNING

■

If the tire pressure warning light comes on

Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could

cause a loss of vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.

●

Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire

inflation pressure immediately.

●

If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pres-

sure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires.

If a tire is flat, change it with the spare tire and have the flat tire

repaired by the nearest Toyota dealer.

●

Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate,

you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.

■

If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur

The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.

■

Maintenance of the tires

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly

when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the

vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure

label (tire and load information label). (If your vehicle has tires of a dif-

ferent size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation

pressure label [tire and load information label], you should determine

the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire

pressure monitoring system (TPMS-tire pressure warning system) that

illuminates a low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light) when

one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly,

when the low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light) illumi-

nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and

inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-

inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.

Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may

affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) is not a sub-

stitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to

maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached

the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale (tire

pressure warning light).

486

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

4RUNNER (U)

WARNING

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS (tire pressure warn-

ing system) malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not

operating properly. The TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunc-

tion indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure

warning light). When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will

flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illumi-

nated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups

as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illu-

minated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pres-

sure as intended.
TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunctions may occur for a vari-

ety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires

or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS (tire pressure warning

system) from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS (tire pres-

sure warning system) malfunction telltale after replacing one or more

tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alter-

nate tires and wheels allow the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) to

continue to function properly.

NOTICE

■

To ensure the tire pressure warning system operates properly

Do not install tires with different specifications or makers, as the tire

pressure warning system may not operate properly.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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Master warning light

The master warning light also
comes on or flashes in order to
indicate that a message is cur-
rently being displayed on the multi-
information display.

Multi-information display
Handling method

Follow the instructions of the mes-
sage on the multi-information dis-
play.

If any of the warning messages are shown again after the following
actions have been performed, contact your Toyota dealer.

If a warning message is displayed

The multi-information display shows warnings of system mal-
functions, incorrectly performed operations, and messages that
indicate a need for maintenance. When a message is shown,
perform the correction procedure appropriate to the message.

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