Toyota 4Runner (2020 year). Manual — part 20

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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■

Speed modes

The following table shows
some typical terrains and the
recommended speed modes.

■

Crawl Control can be operated when

●

The engine is running.

●

The shift lever is in any position other than P or N.

●

The front-wheel drive control lever or switch is in L4.

●

The driver’s door is closed.

■

Crawl Control is temporarily canceled when

Vehicle speed exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h). The Crawl Control indicator
flashes until the vehicle speed is reduced.

Mode

Road condition

L (Low)

Rock, mogul (downhill) and gravel
(downhill)

Between L and M

Mogul (uphill)

M (Medium)

Snow, mud, gravel (uphill), sand, dirt,
mogul (uphill) and grass

Between M and H

H (High)

1

2

3

4

5

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Automatic system cancelation

In the following situations, the system will cease operation and a buzzer will
sound to alert the driver. The Crawl Control indicator will flash until the system
is turned off completely.

●

When the shift lever is shifted to P or N

●

When the front-wheel drive control lever or switch is shifted to H4

●

When the driver’s door is opened

●

When the system is malfunctioning

●

When the brake system overheats
Stop the vehicle in a safe place. (There is no problem with continuing normal
driving.)

●

When the automatic transmission system overheats
Stop the vehicle in a safe place until the automatic transmission fluid tem-
perature warning light goes off.

■

Sounds and vibrations caused by the Crawl 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 Crawl Control system.

●

Either of the following conditions may occur when the Crawl Control system
is operating. None of these indicates 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.

■

When there is a malfunction in the system

Warning lights and/or warning messages will turn on. (



P. 477, 487)

WARNING

■

When using Crawl Control

●

Do not overly rely on Crawl Control. This function does not extend the
vehicle’s performance limitations. Always check the terrain thoroughly and
drive safely.

●

The recommended speed modes for the listed terrains (



P. 312) are only

a reference. The selected mode may not be suitable to actual off-road con-
ditions due to factors such as the type or unevenness of the terrain or the
degree of incline. Check the actual terrain thoroughly and drive safely.

●

After activating Crawl Control, make sure that the Crawl Control indicator
comes on. If the indicator flashes, the vehicle is not under system control.

■

Conditions under which the system may not operate correctly

When driving on the following surfaces, the system may not be able to
maintain a fixed low speed, which may result in an accident:

●

Extremely steep inclines

●

Extremely uneven surfaces

●

Snow-covered roads, or other slippery surfaces

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“ON/OFF” switch
Mode selector dial
Mode indicators
Multi-terrain Select indicator
Multi-information display

Displays status information including operating status and road type selec-
tion.

Multi-terrain Select





: If equipped

The Multi-terrain Select system has 4 terrain modes. When a ter-
rain mode is selected in accordance with terrain conditions,
engine power and active traction control system is controlled to
enhance off-road drivability.
Additionally, guidance messages such as transfer mode selec-
tion advice are displayed on the multi-information display to
assist the driver in operating the vehicle.

1

2

3

4

5

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■

Multi-terrain Select modes

Symbol

Mode

MUD & SAND

LOOSE ROCK

MOGUL

ROCK

1

2

3

4

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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The following table shows some typical terrains and the recom-
mended Multi-terrain Select modes.

■

Multi-terrain Select can be activated when

●

Vehicle speed is approximately 7 mph (12 km/h) or less.

●

MUD & SAND: The front-wheel drive control lever is in L4 or H4.
LOOSE ROCK, MOGUL and ROCK: The front-wheel drive con-
trol lever is in L4.

●

Crawl Control is not operating.

ROCK

MOGUL

LOOSE

ROCK

MUD &

SAND

Rock

Mogul

Bump,

groove

Slope/

V-ditch

Uphill/

downhill

Riverbed

Gravel

Bush

Deep snow

Sand

Mud

Dirt

Mode

Road
condition

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Press the “ON/OFF” switch.

All of the mode indicators will turn
on and then off except the indicator
for the current mode. The Multi-ter-
rain Select indicator on the instru-
ment cluster will remain illuminated
while this system is enabled. The
applicable road conditions will be
displayed on the multi-information
display for 10 seconds and then
will go off.
When the “ON/OFF” switch is
pressed to disable the system, a
beep will sound.

Turn the dial to select the
desired mode.

The indicator for the selected
mode will turn on and the applica-
ble road conditions will be dis-
played on the multi-information
display for 10 seconds and then
will go off.
If the mode indicator flashes, Multi-
terrain Select cannot be operated.
Follow the instructions displayed
on the multi-information display
and check that the mode indicator
stops flashing. (



P. 318)

Selecting modes

1

2

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Depending on switch operation,
one of the following messages
may appear on the multi-informa-
tion display to provide guidance
on transfer mode selection etc:

Messages displayed on the multi-information display

Message

Details

Procedure

“Select 4WD”
(When selecting MUD
& SAND mode)

Indicates that the trans-
fer mode needs to be
changed to H4 or L4.

Shift the front-wheel
drive control lever to H4
or L4.

“Select L4”
(When

selecting

LOOSE

ROCK,

MOGUL

or

ROCK

mode)

Indicates that the trans-
fer mode needs to be
changed to L4.

Shift the front-wheel
drive control lever to
L4.

“Stop the Vehicle. Shift
to N”
(When selecting any
mode)

Indicates that the trans-
fer mode cannot be
changed to H4 or L4.

Stop the vehicle com-
pletely and/or shift the
shift lever to N.

“Accelerate or Deceler-
ate”
(When

shifting

the

front-wheel

control

lever to H4 or H2)

Indicates that the trans-
fer mode may not suc-
cessfully change.

Drive straight ahead
while accelerating or
decelerating, or drive in
reverse.

“Drive the Vehicle a
Short Distance”
(When pressing the
rear differential lock
switch)

Indicates that the rear
differential

is

not

locked.

Drive the vehicle for-
ward or backward a
short distance.

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“Operation not avail-
able while multi-terrain
select active”
(When pressing the
VSC off switch or “A-
TRAC” switch)

Indicates that VSC and
active traction control
cannot be disabled
while

Multi-terrain

Select is operating.

-

“Return the Four-Wheel
Drive Control Switch”
(When

shifting

the

front-wheel

control

lever)

Indicates that the trans-
fer mode cannot be
changed to H4 or L4.

Return the front-wheel
control lever to H4 or
L4.

“Cannot be Selected”
(When pressing the
“ON/OFF” switch)

Indicates that Multi-ter-
rain Select cannot be
operated because vehi-
cle speed exceeds
approximately 7 mph
(12 km/h).

Reduce vehicle speed.

“Operation Not Possi-
ble When Crawl Con-
trol Activated”
(When pressing the
“ON/OFF” switch)

Indicates that Multi-ter-
rain Select cannot be
operated

because

Crawl Control is operat-
ing.

Turn Crawl Control off.

“Multi-terrain select has
been cancelled”
(When pressing the
“ON/OFF” switch)

Indicates, along with a
beep, that Multi-terrain
Select has been dis-
abled.

-

“Multi-terrain select not
available”
(When pressing the
“ON/OFF” switch)

Indicates that Multi-ter-
rain Select cannot be
operated because the
VSC and/or 4WD sys-
tem may be malfunc-
tioning.

Contact your Toyota
dealer.

Message

Details

Procedure

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■

Multi-terrain Select is temporarily canceled when

The front-wheel drive control lever is shifted to H4 when Multi-terrain Select is
in ROCK, MOGUL or LOOSE ROCK mode. The mode indicator will flash until
the lever is shifted back to L4.

■

If the Multi-terrain Select indicator continues to flash

This may indicate a malfunction in the Multi-terrain Select system.
In this case, Multi-terrain Select is automatically canceled. Have your vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.

■

If the Multi-terrain Select indicator goes off while Multi-terrain Select is
operating

●

One of the vehicle systems related to Multi-terrain Select may be malfunc-
tioning.
Have your vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

●

The brake actuator may be at risk of overheating.
A buzzer will sound, the “A-TRAC” indicator will go off and the “TRAC OFF”
indicator will come on. Stop the vehicle in a safe place. Refrain from using
Multi-terrain Select until the “A-TRAC” indicator comes back on and the
“TRAC OFF” indicator goes off. (The vehicle can still be driven, even if Multi-
terrain Select is inoperative.)

In the above cases, Multi-terrain Select is automatically canceled.

WARNING

■

Before driving

To avoid an accident, observe the precautions relating to off-road driving.
(



P. 334)

■

When using Multi-terrain Select

●

Do not use the Multi-terrain Select system for normal (on-road) driving.
The Multi-terrain Select system is designed for off-road use only.

●

Do not overly rely on Multi-terrain Select. This function does not extend
the vehicle’s performance limitations. Always check the terrain thoroughly
and drive safely.

●

The recommended modes for the listed terrains (



P. 315) are only a refer-

ence. The selected mode may not be suitable to actual off-road conditions
due to factors such as the type or unevenness of the terrain or the degree
of incline. Check the actual terrain thoroughly and drive safely.

●

After selecting a mode, make sure that the Multi-terrain Select indicator
and the selected mode indicator come on. If any related indicator flashes,
the vehicle is not under Multi-terrain Select control.

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◆

ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,
or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface

◆

Multi Terrain ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) (if equipped)

Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,
or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface,
or in off-road conditions (such as rough roads, sand and mud)
The Multi Terrain ABS operates in synchronization with the Multi-
terrain Select.

◆

Brake assist

Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal
is depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation

◆

VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)

Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road surfaces

◆

Trailer Sway Control

Helps the driver to control trailer sway by selectively applying brake
pressure for individual wheels and reducing driving torque when
trailer sway is detected.

◆

TRAC (Traction Control)

Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads

Driving assist systems

To keep driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate automatically in response to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehi-
cle.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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◆

Hill-start assist control

Helps to reduce the backward movement of the vehicle when start-
ing on an uphill

◆

LSD (Limited Slip Differential) (if equipped)

Transfers drive power to the rear tires when front tires spin, and
vice versa, in order to improve traction

◆

KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) (if equipped)

Enhances ride comfort and handling response by using a hydraulic
control system to control the suspension stabilizer bars in response
to road surface and driving conditions during cornering or off-road
driving

The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway
Control systems are operating.

The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway
Control/hill-start assist control
systems are operating.

A buzzer (intermittent) sounds
when the hill-start assist control
system is operating.

When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are operating
(2WD models)

When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control/hill-start assist control
systems are operating (4WD models)

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If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may

reduce power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing

to turn

the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.

■

Turning off the TRAC system (turning on the AUTO LSD system:



P. 303)

To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release

.

The VSC OFF and “AUTO LSD”
indicators will come on.

Press

again to turn the

system back on.

Disabling the TRAC system (2WD models)

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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■

Turning off TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control systems

To turn the TRAC, VSC and
Trailer Sway Control systems

off, press and hold

for

more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped.

The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
and the VSC OFF indicator light
will come on.

Press

again to turn the

systems back on.

If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may

reduce power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing

to turn

the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.

Disabling the TRAC system (4WD models)

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■

Turning off the TRAC system

To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release

.

The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
will come on.

Press

again to turn the

system back on.

■

Turning off TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control systems

To turn the TRAC, VSC and
Trailer Sway Control systems

off, press and hold

for

more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped.

The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
and the VSC OFF indicator light
will come on.

Press

again to turn the

systems back on.

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■

When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on even if

has not

been pressed

TRAC, hill-start assist control, downhill assist control and crawl control are
temporary deactivated. If the indicator light continues to remain on, contact
your Toyota dealer.

■

When the VSC or TRAC system is turned off by pressing the VSC off
switch

On vehicles with pre-collision system, pre-collision brake assist and pre-colli-
sion braking will also be disabled. The PCS warning light will come on and
the message will be shown on the multi-information display. (



P. 264)

■

Operating conditions of hill-start assist control

When the following conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will operate:



2WD models

●

The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/
backward on an upward incline)

●

The vehicle is stopped

●

The accelerator pedal is not depressed

●

The parking brake is not engaged



4WD models

●

The system has detected that the vehicle is moving backward

●

The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/
backward on an upward incline)

●

The brake pedal is not depressed.

●

The rear differential is not locked.(if equipped)

■

Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control (2WD models)

The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:

●

The shift lever is shifted to P or N

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed

●

The parking brake is engaged

●

2 seconds at maximum elapsed after the brake pedal is released

■

When the brake system operates continuously

The brake actuator may overheat. In this case, the TRAC and hill-start assist
control systems will stop operating, a buzzer will sound and the “TRAC OFF”
indicator will come on. Refrain from using the system until the “TRAC OFF”
indicator turns off. (There is no problem with continuing normal driving.)

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Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, Multi Terrain ABS (if
equipped), brake assist, VSC, Trailer Sway Control, TRAC and hill-start
assist control systems

●

A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred in any of these systems.

●

Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS or Multi Terrain ABS is

activated.

• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS or Multi Terrain

ABS is activated.

■

Automatic reactivation of TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and VSC systems

After turning the TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and VSC systems off, the sys-
tems will be automatically re-enabled in the following situations:

●

When the engine switch is turned off

●

2WD models: If the AUTO LSD system is turned on, the VSC, TRAC and
Trailer Sway Control systems will turn on when vehicle speed increases

●

4WD models: If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on
when vehicle speed increases

If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases.