Vehicles with an Automatic transmission
When the brake hold system is active, it can keep the brakes applied after the Toyota Tacoma has been brought to a stop with the brake pedal while the shift lever is in D, S, or N. With the shift lever in D or S, pressing the accelerator pedal releases the held brakes so the vehicle can move away smoothly without requiring the driver to continue holding the brake pedal.
Vehicles with a manual transmission
With the brake hold system switched on, the brakes remain applied after the vehicle is stopped with the brake pedal, provided the shift lever is not in R.
When a forward gear is selected, pressing the accelerator pedal releases the held brakes, helping the Toyota Tacoma pull away smoothly as the driver begins moving again.
Enabling the system
Press the brake hold switch to activate the system. The brake hold standby indicator (green) A illuminates when the system is ready for use. While brake hold is actually maintaining braking force, the brake hold operated indicator (yellow) B illuminates to show that the brakes are currently being held.
Vehicles with an Automatic trans
Vehicles with a Manual transmission
Brake hold system operating conditions
The brake hold system cannot be activated when any of the following conditions are present:
- The driver's door is open or not completely closed.
- The driver's seat belt is not fastened.
- The parking brake is engaged.
If one of these conditions is detected after brake hold has been enabled, the system switches off and the green brake hold standby indicator goes out. If the same type of condition occurs while the system is actively holding the brakes, a warning buzzer sounds and a message appears on the multi-information display. The parking brake is then applied automatically so the vehicle is not left relying on brake hold alone.
Brake hold function
- If the brake pedal remains released for approximately 3 minutes after the brake hold function begins holding the vehicle, the parking brake is applied automatically. A warning buzzer sounds at the same time, and a message is displayed on the multi-information display to inform the driver of the change.
- To deactivate brake hold while it is currently maintaining braking force, press the brake pedal firmly and then press the brake hold switch again. Keep the vehicle controlled with the brake pedal during this operation.
- On a steep incline, brake hold may not be able to maintain the Toyota Tacoma securely in place. In such a situation, the driver may need to continue applying the brake pedal manually. A buzzer will sound and the multi-information display will provide a warning or instruction. If a message appears, read it carefully and follow the directions shown.
When the parking brake is set automatically while the system is holding the brakes
If the parking brake has been applied automatically while brake hold was active, use either of the following methods to release it:
- Slowly depress the accelerator pedal.
The parking brake will not release through accelerator operation if the driver's seat belt is not fastened, the driver's door is open, and/or the shift lever is in P or N.
- With the brake pedal depressed, operate the parking brake switch manually.
After releasing the parking brake, confirm that the parking brake indicator light has turned off before moving the vehicle.
When an inspection at your Toyota dealer is necessary
If the brake hold standby indicator (green) does not illuminate after the brake hold switch is pressed even though all required operating conditions are satisfied, the system may have developed a malfunction. Have the Toyota Tacoma inspected by your Toyota dealer.
If "Brake Hold Malfunction Press Brake to Deactivate Visit Your Dealer" or "Brake Hold Malfunction Visit Your Dealer" is displayed on the multi-information display
Either message can indicate that the brake hold system is not operating correctly or has become unavailable because of a system fault.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
If "Brake Hold Malfunction Press Brake to Deactivate Visit Your Dealer" or "Brake Hold Malfunction Visit Your Dealer" is displayed on the multi-information display
If either of these messages remains displayed, the brake hold system may be malfunctioning and should not be relied upon for normal operation.
Have the vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer so the system condition can be diagnosed.
Warning messages and buzzers
The Toyota Tacoma uses warning messages and audible buzzers to alert the driver to brake hold malfunctions, unavailable operating conditions, or situations that require additional attention. Whenever a warning appears on the multi-information display, read the complete message and carry out the instructions provided before continuing.
When another control activates with the brake hold system
A message will appear on the multi-information display when brake hold conflicts with another active vehicle control or operating mode, including the situations listed below.
- "Brake Hold Unavailable, See the
Owner's Manual"
- This message may be displayed when the brake hold switch is pressed while the downhill assist control system is already active.
- It may also appear when the brake hold switch is operated while the front-wheel drive control switch is set to "4L" mode.
- "Brake Hold Unavailable, Press
Brake to Deactive."
- This message may appear if the "DAC/CRAWL" switch is operated while the brake hold system is active.
- It can also be displayed if the four-wheel drive control switch is changed to "4L" while brake hold is operating.
The brake hold system cannot operate at the same time as the downhill assist control system or transfer "4L" mode. Only one of these functions can be active under the applicable operating conditions.
To turn off brake hold in this situation, depress the brake pedal and then press the brake hold switch. Confirm the system has been deactivated before selecting the conflicting control or drive mode.
WARNING
When the vehicle is on a steep incline
Use particular caution when relying on brake hold while the vehicle is stopped on a steep incline. Depending on the slope and operating conditions, the system may be unable to maintain sufficient braking force and the driver may need to keep the brake pedal depressed.
Brake hold may also fail to activate at all if the slope angle or surrounding conditions are outside the range in which the system can operate properly.
When stopped on a slippery road
Brake hold cannot keep the vehicle stationary if available tire grip has already been exceeded. Do not rely on the system when stopped on a slippery road surface where the tires may slide even though the brakes are applied.
NOTICE
When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is intended for temporary stops and must not be used as a substitute for the parking brake when leaving the vehicle parked for an extended period. Turning the engine switch off while brake hold is maintaining braking force may release the brakes and allow the vehicle to move. Before operating the engine switch while parking, depress the brake pedal, shift the lever to P on vehicles with an automatic transmission or N on vehicles with a manual transmission, and apply the parking brake securely.
