Toyota 4Runner (2020 year). Instruction - 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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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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◆

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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■

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.