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)

4

5

473

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

7

Wh
en tro

uble

 a

ris

es

4RUNNER (U)

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.

474

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.

475

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

7

Wh
en tro

uble

 a

ris

es

4RUNNER (U)

●

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.

1

2

1

2

477

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

7

Wh
en tro

uble

 a

ris

es

4RUNNER (U)

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

479

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

7

Wh
en tro

uble

 a

ris

es

4RUNNER (U)

(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

481

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

7

Wh
en tro

uble

 a

ris

es

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.

483

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

7

Wh
en tro

uble

 a

ris

es

4RUNNER (U)

■

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.

484

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.

485

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

7

Wh
en tro

uble

 a

ris

es

4RUNNER (U)

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.

487

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

7

Wh
en tro

uble

 a

ris

es

4RUNNER (U)

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.

1

2

3