Follow the procedures described below for safe and controlled operation of the Toyota Tacoma:
Driving procedure
Driving
Automatic transmission
1. Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed and shift the shift lever to D.
2. Release the parking brake before starting to move.
If the parking brake is operating in automatic mode, it will be released automatically when the applicable conditions are met.
3. Slowly release the brake pedal, then gently depress the accelerator pedal to smoothly accelerate the Toyota Tacoma.
Manual transmission
1. Fully depress the clutch pedal and move the shift lever to 1.
2. Release the parking brake before moving the vehicle.
When the parking brake is in automatic mode, it will be released automatically.
3. Gradually release the clutch pedal while gently depressing the accelerator pedal at the same time to begin moving and accelerate the vehicle smoothly.
Stopping
Automatic transmission
1. With the shift lever remaining in D, depress the brake pedal to slow and stop the vehicle.
Vehicles equipped with a Stop & Start system: When the Stop & Start system is enabled, depressing and holding the brake pedal after stopping may cause the engine to stop automatically.
2. Apply the parking brake when necessary.
If the Toyota Tacoma will remain stopped for an extended period, move the shift lever to P.
Manual transmission
1. Depress the clutch pedal while also applying the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a stop.
2. Apply the parking brake if necessary.
When the vehicle is expected to remain stopped for an extended period, move the shift lever to N.
Manual transmission
1. While keeping the clutch pedal depressed, press the brake pedal and make sure the vehicle is fully stopped.
2. Set the parking brake as necessary.
If the vehicle will remain stationary for an extended period of time, place the shift lever in N.
Confirm that the parking brake indicator light is illuminated, indicating that the parking brake has been applied.
After shifting the shift position to P, do not press the shift lever button unnecessarily.
3. Turn the engine switch to OFF to shut down the engine.
4. Lock the door after exiting, making sure that the electronic key remains with you.
If the Toyota Tacoma is parked on a hill, block the wheels as needed to prevent unintended vehicle movement.
Manual transmission
1. Fully depress the clutch pedal while pressing the brake pedal to keep the vehicle stationary.
2. Apply the parking brake securely.
If the parking brake is set to automatic mode, turning the engine switch off will automatically apply the parking brake.
Verify that the parking brake indicator light is on before leaving the vehicle.
3. Shift the shift lever to N.
When parking on a hill, place the shift lever in 1 or R as appropriate and block the wheels if needed to keep the Toyota Tacoma securely positioned.
4. Press the engine switch to stop the engine.
5. Slowly release the brake pedal after confirming that the vehicle is securely parked.
6. Lock the door when leaving the vehicle and make sure that you have the electronic key with you.
Starting off on a steep uphill
Automatic transmission
1. With the brake pedal firmly depressed, shift the shift lever to D.
The hill-start assist control will then be activated to assist when starting on the incline.
2. Pull the parking brake switch to manually apply the parking brake.
3. Release the brake pedal and gently press the accelerator pedal to move the vehicle forward and accelerate smoothly up the hill.
4. Press the parking brake switch to manually release the parking brake.
The parking brake automatic release function may also release the parking brake when its operating conditions are satisfied.
Manual transmission
1. With the parking brake securely applied and the clutch pedal fully depressed, move the shift lever to 1.
2. Gently press the accelerator pedal while gradually releasing the clutch pedal, coordinating both operations so the Toyota Tacoma begins moving smoothly.
3. Release the parking brake once you are ready to move forward.
When starting off on an uphill
When starting the Toyota Tacoma on an uphill grade, the hill-start assist control will activate to support the starting operation.
Driving in the rain
- Use extra care when driving in rainy conditions, as visibility may be reduced, the windows can become fogged, and wet pavement may provide less traction than a dry road.
- Be particularly cautious when rain first begins to fall, because the road surface can be especially slippery during this period.
- Avoid excessive speeds when driving the Toyota Tacoma on an expressway in the rain. A layer of water may form between the tires and the road surface, reducing the ability of the steering and brakes to respond as expected.
Engine speed while driving (vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Under the following driving conditions, the engine speed may temporarily increase while the vehicle is moving.
This behavior results from automatic up-shifting or down-shifting control responding to current driving conditions. A rise in engine speed under these circumstances does not indicate unintended or sudden acceleration.
- When the vehicle determines that it is traveling uphill or downhill
- When the accelerator pedal is released
- When the brake pedal is depressed while "TOW HAUL" mode is selected (if equipped)
Restraining the engine output (Brake Override System)
- If the accelerator and brake pedals are depressed simultaneously, the system may restrain engine output.
- While the Brake Override System is operating, a warning message will be displayed on the multi-information display to inform the driver of the system's operation.
Breaking in your new Toyota
To support the long-term service life of your new Toyota Tacoma, it is recommended that the following precautions be observed during the initial driving period:
- For the first 200 miles (300 km): Avoid sudden or unnecessarily hard stops.
- For the first 500 miles (800 km): Do not tow a trailer.
- For the first 1000 miles (1600 km): Avoid driving at extremely high speeds.
- Avoid sudden or aggressive acceleration.
Do not drive continuously in low gears for extended periods.
Avoid maintaining the same constant speed for long periods of driving.
Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
When operating the Toyota Tacoma in another country, comply with all applicable vehicle registration laws and verify that the correct type of fuel is available before driving.
Idling time before engine stop
To reduce the possibility of damage to the turbocharger, allow the engine to idle after high-speed driving or hill climbing before stopping the engine.
WARNING
Observe the following precautions when operating the vehicle.
Failure to follow these precautions may result in death or serious injury.
When starting the vehicle (vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Whenever the Toyota Tacoma is stopped with the engine running, keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal. Doing so prevents the vehicle from creeping forward or backward unexpectedly.
When driving the vehicle
- Do not drive the Toyota Tacoma unless you are fully familiar
with the position and operation of the brake
and accelerator pedals. Correct pedal identification is essential to avoid
pressing the wrong pedal while driving.
- If the accelerator pedal is pressed by mistake instead of the brake pedal, the vehicle may accelerate suddenly and unexpectedly, which could lead to a serious accident.
- When backing up, turning or twisting
your upper body to look behind the vehicle can make it more difficult
to operate the pedals accurately.
Maintain a stable seating position and make certain that each pedal can be operated correctly throughout the reversing maneuver.
- Maintain a proper driving posture even when moving the Toyota Tacoma only a short distance. A correct seating position allows you to reach and operate both the brake and accelerator pedals accurately and without unnecessary movement.
- Operate the brake pedal with your right foot. Using the left foot to depress the brake pedal may affect your reaction and delay the correct response during an emergency, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Do not drive over
flammable materials or park or stop the vehicle close to
materials that can easily ignite.
The exhaust system and the exhaust gases produced while the engine is operating can become extremely hot. Contact between these hot components and nearby dry grass, leaves, paper, or other flammable material may create a fire hazard.
- During normal Toyota Tacoma operation, do not
switch off the engine while the vehicle is moving. Turning the
engine off while driving does not immediately
eliminate steering or braking
control, but the power assistance
provided to these systems will be lost.
Without power assist, significantly more effort may be required to steer or apply the brakes. Move the vehicle to a safe location and stop as soon as road and traffic conditions allow.
In an emergency, however, such as a situation in which it is no longer possible to stop the vehicle using the normal procedure, follow the appropriate emergency stopping procedure.
- When descending a steep hill, use engine braking by downshifting
to help control the Toyota Tacoma and maintain an appropriate speed.
Relying continuously on the service brakes during a long or steep descent may cause them to overheat and reduce their braking effectiveness.
- Do not change the position of
the steering wheel, driver's seat, or
inside or outside rear view
mirrors while the vehicle is moving.
Attempting to make these adjustments while driving can distract the driver and may result in loss of vehicle control.
- Before and during driving, make sure that all passengers keep their arms, heads, hands, and other parts of their body inside the vehicle. Do not allow anyone to extend part of their body outside while the Toyota Tacoma is moving.
- Never exceed the applicable speed limit. Even where the legal speed limit allows higher speeds, do not drive faster than 85 mph (140 km/h) unless the vehicle is equipped with tires designed for high-speed operation. Driving above 85 mph (140 km/h) on tires that are not suitable for such speeds may cause tire failure, loss of vehicle control, and possible injury. Before driving the Toyota Tacoma at such speeds, consult a qualified tire dealer to confirm whether the tires installed on the vehicle have the required high-speed capability.
When driving on slippery road surfaces
- Avoid sudden braking, rapid acceleration, and abrupt steering inputs on slippery roads. These actions may cause the tires to lose traction and reduce your ability to maintain control of the vehicle.
- Rapid acceleration, strong engine braking caused by shifting, or sudden changes in engine speed may reduce tire grip and cause the Toyota Tacoma to skid.
- After driving through standing water or a puddle,
lightly apply the brake pedal
to confirm that the brakes
are responding normally. Water on the
brake pads may temporarily reduce
braking performance.
If the brakes on only one side of the vehicle remain wet or are not operating correctly, braking may become uneven and steering control can also be affected. Drive cautiously until normal braking performance has been confirmed.
When shifting the shift lever
- Do not allow the Toyota Tacoma to roll backward
while a forward driving
position is selected, or to move forward
while the shift lever is in R.
Allowing the vehicle to move in the opposite direction of the selected gear may cause the engine to stall or reduce braking and steering performance. This can increase the risk of an accident and may also damage the vehicle.
- Vehicles with an Automatic
transmission: Never move the
shift lever to P while the vehicle
is still moving.
Selecting P before the Toyota Tacoma has come to a complete stop can damage the transmission and may also cause a loss of vehicle control.
- Do not shift the shift lever to R
while the vehicle is traveling forward.
Engaging reverse while the vehicle is moving forward can damage the transmission and may result in loss of control.
- Do not select a forward
driving position while the vehicle
is moving backward.
Doing so places an improper load on the transmission, may cause transmission damage, and can result in a loss of vehicle control.
- Moving the shift lever to N while
the Toyota Tacoma is in motion disconnects
the engine from the transmission.
With N selected, engine braking is not available, so vehicle speed must be controlled without relying on this braking effect.
- Vehicles with an Automatic
transmission: Take care not to
move the shift lever while the
accelerator pedal is depressed.
If the shift lever is moved to any position other than P or N while the accelerator remains depressed, the vehicle may accelerate rapidly and unexpectedly. Such unintended movement can cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear indicators)
If a squealing or scraping sound is heard from the brakes, have the brake pads inspected and, if necessary, replaced by your Toyota dealer or another reliable repairer as soon as possible.
Continuing to drive after the pads have reached their replacement point can cause damage to the brake rotors.
Driving the Toyota Tacoma after the wear limits of the brake pads and/or brake discs have been exceeded is dangerous and may significantly affect safe braking performance.
When the vehicle is stopped
- Do not race or unnecessarily rev the engine while the vehicle is stationary.
If a gear other than P on vehicles with an automatic transmission, or N where applicable, is selected, the vehicle could accelerate suddenly and without warning, creating a serious accident risk.
- To prevent the Toyota Tacoma from rolling away unexpectedly, keep the brake pedal depressed while the engine is running and the vehicle is stopped, and apply the parking brake whenever necessary.
- When the vehicle is stopped on an incline, firmly hold the brake pedal and securely apply the parking brake as needed. This prevents unintended movement forward or backward and reduces the risk of an accident.
- Avoid repeatedly revving or racing the
engine while the Toyota Tacoma remains stationary.
Operating the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped can raise the temperature of the exhaust system considerably. If dry grass or other combustible material is nearby, the resulting heat could create a fire hazard.
When the vehicle is parked
- Do not leave glasses, aerosol cans, or soft
drink cans inside the Toyota Tacoma when it
is parked in direct sunlight, as the passenger compartment can become extremely hot.
High interior temperatures may result in the following conditions:
- Gas may leak from an aerosol can, creating a risk of fire.
- Heat inside the vehicle may cause plastic lenses, frames, or other plastic components of glasses to deform, crack, or become damaged.
- Soft drink cans may rupture, spraying their contents throughout the vehicle interior. Spilled liquid may also reach electrical components and cause a short circuit.
- Do not attach adhesive discs or similar objects to the windshield or windows. Also, avoid placing containers such as air fresheners on the instrument panel or dashboard. Under certain lighting conditions, these discs or containers may concentrate sunlight like lenses and create a fire risk inside the vehicle.
- Do not leave a door or window
open if the curved glass is
covered with a metallized film,
such as a silver-colored coating.
Reflected sunlight can cause the curved glass to concentrate light like a lens, creating enough heat to start a fire.
- Vehicles with an automatic
transmission: When parking the Toyota Tacoma, always apply the
parking brake, move the shift
lever to P, turn the engine off, and
lock the vehicle.
Never leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is still running.
If the Toyota Tacoma is parked with the shift lever in P but without the parking brake securely applied, the vehicle could begin to move unexpectedly, potentially resulting in an accident.
- Do not touch the exhaust pipes
while the engine is operating or
immediately after the engine has been
turned off.
The exhaust components can remain extremely hot and contact with them may cause serious burns.
- Vehicles with an automatic
transmission and 4WD models:
Do not move the shift lever before
the "4HI" or "4LO" indicator has turned
on or off as required, because the transfer mode may
not complete the shift properly.
If the transfer mode does not engage completely, both the front and rear driveshafts may become disengaged from the powertrain, allowing the Toyota Tacoma to move regardless of the selected shift position.
(During this condition, the indicator will blink and the buzzer will sound.) The vehicle may therefore be able to roll even when the automatic transmission is in P. Unexpected movement could cause you or another person to be seriously injured.
Make certain that the transfer mode shifting operation has been fully completed before leaving the vehicle.
When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always switch the engine off before resting or sleeping inside the Toyota Tacoma. If the engine is left running, an accidental movement of the shift lever or unintended pressure on the accelerator pedal could cause the vehicle to move, resulting in an accident. Prolonged engine operation may also create a fire hazard through overheating. In addition, when the vehicle is parked in an area with poor ventilation, exhaust gases can accumulate around or enter the passenger compartment, creating a risk of death or serious harm to health.
When braking
- If the brakes become wet, reduce speed and drive
with increased caution until normal braking performance returns.
Wet brakes can increase the distance required to stop, and braking force may differ between one side of the vehicle and the other, affecting stability. The parking brake may also be less effective at holding the vehicle securely.
- If the brake booster device is
not functioning, increase the distance from vehicles ahead
and avoid hills, sharp turns, or other situations that demand frequent or heavy braking.
Braking will still be possible, but substantially more force may need to be applied to the brake pedal than during normal operation. The stopping distance will also become longer. Have the brake system inspected and repaired immediately.
- If the engine stalls, do not repeatedly pump the brake pedal.
Each time the brake pedal is pressed, part of the remaining reserve for the power-assisted braking system is consumed, leaving less assistance available for subsequent braking.
- The Toyota Tacoma brake system uses 2 separate hydraulic systems. If one hydraulic circuit fails, the other can continue to provide braking. Under these conditions, however, the brake pedal must be pressed more firmly than normal and the vehicle will require a longer distance to stop. Have the brake system repaired immediately.
If the vehicle becomes stuck
Do not allow the wheels to spin excessively when one of the driven wheels is lifted off the ground or when the Toyota Tacoma is stuck in sand, mud, or similar terrain. Excessive wheel spin can place severe stress on driveline components and may also cause the vehicle to move suddenly forward or backward, creating a risk of an accident.
NOTICE
When driving the vehicle (vehicles with an automatic transmission)
- Do not press the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time while driving the Toyota Tacoma. Simultaneous pedal operation may restrict engine output and affect normal vehicle response.
- Do not use the accelerator pedal, or press both the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time, to keep the vehicle stationary on a hill. Use the appropriate braking controls instead of balancing the vehicle with engine power.
When driving the vehicle (vehicles with a manual transmission)
- Avoid pressing the accelerator and brake pedals simultaneously while driving, as this may limit engine output and interfere with normal acceleration.
- Do not change gears unless the
clutch pedal has been fully depressed.
After selecting a gear, release the clutch smoothly rather than abruptly. Releasing it too quickly may place excessive stress on and damage the clutch, transmission, and related gears.
- Observe the following precautions whenever operating the manual transmission.
Ignoring these precautions may result in abnormally rapid or premature wear and damage to the clutch. Over time, this may make it difficult for the Toyota Tacoma to accelerate properly or move away smoothly from a stop.
If abnormal clutch operation develops, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
- Do not rest your foot on the
clutch pedal while driving, even if only slight pressure is being applied.
Keeping your foot on the pedal can place a continuous load on the clutch and may lead to premature wear or clutch trouble.
- When starting from a stop and moving forward,
use first gear rather than selecting a higher gear.
Starting in another gear may place unnecessary strain on the clutch and can cause damage.
- Do not use partial clutch engagement to hold the
Toyota Tacoma stationary on an
uphill grade.
Holding the vehicle with the clutch can generate excessive wear and heat, potentially damaging the clutch.
- Do not move the shift lever to R
while the vehicle is still moving forward or has not yet come to a complete stop.
Selecting reverse while the vehicle is moving may damage the clutch, transmission, and gears.
When parking the vehicle (vehicles with an automatic transmission)
When parking the Toyota Tacoma, always apply the parking brake and move the shift lever to P. If the parking brake is not set or P is not properly selected, the vehicle may begin to move unexpectedly. It could also accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is pressed unintentionally.
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
- Do not turn the steering wheel
fully to either side and keep
it held against the limit for an extended
period.
Holding the steering at full lock for too long may place excessive load on and damage the power steering system.
- When traveling over bumps, uneven pavement, or similar road irregularities, reduce speed as much as reasonably possible to limit impact forces and avoid damage to the wheels, the underside of the Toyota Tacoma, and other low-mounted vehicle components.
- After driving under high engine load, allow the engine to idle
before switching it off.
Do not stop the engine until the turbocharger has had an opportunity to cool down. Shutting the engine off immediately after high-load operation may cause damage to the turbocharger.
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire can noticeably affect the way the Toyota Tacoma handles and responds. If you suspect a tire problem while driving, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and gradually apply the brake pedal to reduce vehicle speed in a controlled manner.
- Steering and maintaining control of the vehicle may become more difficult than normal.
- Unusual noises or noticeable vibrations may occur while the vehicle is moving.
- The Toyota Tacoma may lean or sit unevenly because of the damaged tire.
When encountering flooded roads or waterlogged roads
Do not attempt to drive the Toyota Tacoma through a road that has become flooded after heavy rain or under similar conditions.
Driving through deep or accumulated water may result in the following types of serious vehicle damage:
- Engine stalling caused by water exposure
- Electrical shorts or damage to electrical components
- Engine damage resulting from water entering or immersing engine-related components
- Damage to rubber or mechanical parts, as well as inadequate lubrication if grease is washed away or becomes contaminated with mud, dirt, or other debris
If the Toyota Tacoma has been driven through a flooded road and becomes flooded, or if the vehicle becomes stuck in mud or sand, have your Toyota dealer inspect the following areas and conditions before normal operation is resumed:
- Brake operation and overall braking performance
- Any change in the amount or condition of the oil and fluids used in the engine, transmission, transfer on 4WD models, differential, and other applicable components
- The condition of lubricant at the propeller shaft, clutch fork, bearings, suspension joints where inspection is possible, along with the operation of related joints, bearings, and other moving components
Sudden start restraint control (Drive-Start Control [DSC] ) (vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Drive-Start Control may reduce engine output when certain unusual shift operations are performed while the accelerator pedal remains depressed. This response is intended to limit an unintended sudden start under the following conditions.
- When the shift lever is moved to R* while the accelerator pedal is depressed.
- When the shift lever is moved from P or R into a forward driving position, such as D*.
When Drive-Start Control operates, a message is displayed on the Toyota Tacoma multi-information display. Check the displayed message carefully and follow the instruction shown.
*: Depending on the circumstances, the requested shift position may not be changed.
Drive-Start Control (DSC)
When TRAC is switched off, the sudden start restraint control function is also disabled. If the Toyota Tacoma has difficulty escaping from mud or fresh snow because Drive-Start Control is restricting engine output, turn TRAC off so that sufficient driving force may become available to help the vehicle move out of the mud or fresh snow.
Sudden start restraint control also does not operate under the following conditions:
- When AUTO LSD mode is selected, if equipped
- When the front-wheel drive control
switch is set to the "4H" or "4L" position.
This applies to 4WD models only.
- When Multi-terrain Select is selected, if equipped
