Crawl Control enables the Toyota Tacoma to travel over extremely rough off-road terrain at a controlled low speed without requiring continuous use of the accelerator or brake pedal. By automatically managing vehicle speed, the system helps reduce wheel spin, loss of traction, and vehicle slip on difficult or slippery surfaces, supporting more stable progress through challenging terrain.
WARNING
When using Crawl Control function
Never rely entirely on Crawl Control when driving the Toyota Tacoma off-road. The system does not increase the vehicle's fundamental performance limits or eliminate the need for careful driving. Always evaluate the terrain, available traction, surrounding obstacles, and road conditions yourself, and proceed at a safe speed.
These conditions may cause the system not to operate properly
On the following types of terrain, Crawl Control may be unable to maintain the selected low speed consistently. Vehicle behavior can therefore differ from what the driver expects, increasing the risk of loss of control or an accident:
- Extremely steep inclines or descents.
- Extremely rough, irregular, or uneven surfaces.
- Snow-covered roads and other surfaces with very low traction.
System components
- "DAC/CRAWL" switch used to activate or deactivate Crawl Control
- Mode select switch used to choose the desired Crawl Control setting
- Multi-information display showing the selected mode and system status
Turning Crawl Control on
1. Press the "DAC/CRAWL" switch to activate Crawl Control.
The Crawl Control indicator on the multi-information display illuminates, while the slip indicator flashes to show that the system has entered its operating state.
2. Turn the mode select switch to the left or right while viewing the multi-information display, then choose the mode that best corresponds to the terrain ahead.
- Multi-information display showing the currently selected Crawl Control mode
Selectable modes
Crawl Control provides 5 selectable modes. Choose the setting that most closely matches the road or terrain conditions through which the Toyota Tacoma is traveling.
"LO"
Suitable for very low-speed travel over rocky terrain or while descending difficult slopes.
"LO-Mid"
Suitable for rocky surfaces, descents, or uneven uphill sections where controlled low-speed movement is needed.
"Mid"
Suitable primarily for traveling over bumpy or irregular inclines.
"Mid-HI"
Suitable for bumpy inclines as well as debris-covered roads, snow-covered surfaces, mud, gravel, and grass.
"HI"
Suitable for bumpy inclines, debris-covered terrain, snow-covered roads, muddy surfaces, gravel roads, and grassy terrain where a relatively higher Crawl Control setting is appropriate.
Turning Crawl Control off
When the "DAC/CRAWL" switch indicator illuminates
Press the "DAC/CRAWL" switch again to cancel Crawl Control.
When the "DAC/CRAWL" switch indicator does not illuminate
First press the "DAC/CRAWL" switch so that the indicator illuminates. Then press the "DAC/CRAWL" switch once more while the indicator is on to turn Crawl Control off.
When Crawl Control is canceled, both the Crawl Control indicator and slip indicator turn off. A message confirming that Crawl Control has been switched off is also shown on the multi-information display for several seconds.
If Crawl Control is turned off while the Toyota Tacoma is moving, continue driving with particular care because automatic low-speed control will no longer be assisting vehicle movement.
Operating tips
Crawl Control can be operated whether Multi-terrain Select, if equipped, is turned ON or OFF. Select each system according to the terrain and current driving conditions.
Operation conditions of the Crawl Control
- The engine must be running.
- The shift lever must be in a position other than P or N.
- The front-wheel drive control switch must be set to "4L".
- The driver's door must be completely closed.
Automatic system cancelation of Crawl Control
If any of the following conditions occurs, a buzzer sounds intermittently and Crawl Control is canceled automatically. The Crawl Control indicator first flashes and then turns off, while a message stating that Crawl Control has been canceled appears on the multi-information display for several seconds.
- When the shift lever is moved to P or N.
- When the front-wheel drive control switch is moved to "4H".
- When the driver's door is opened.
Function limitations of Crawl Control
- On Toyota Tacoma models equipped with a rear differential lock system, brake control can still help maintain a constant speed while descending in the following condition. However, engine control is not available for maintaining a constant speed while climbing uphill.
- When vehicle speed exceeds approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
- Engine control and brake control temporarily stop under the following conditions. When this occurs, the Crawl Control indicator flashes to inform the driver that normal Crawl Control operation has been interrupted.
- With the rear differential locked: when vehicle speed exceeds approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
- With the rear differential unlocked: when vehicle speed exceeds approximately 15 mph (25 km/h).
When the Crawl Control system is operated continuously
- If Crawl Control operates continuously for an extended period, repeated brake application can cause the brake system to overheat. A buzzer will sound, a malfunction-related message will appear on the multi-information display, and the Crawl Control indicator will flash before turning off.
When this occurs, Crawl Control becomes temporarily unavailable. Stop the Toyota Tacoma immediately in a safe location and allow the brake system to cool sufficiently until the warning message disappears. Normal driving remains possible while the Crawl Control function is temporarily unavailable.
- Extended Crawl Control operation can also cause the automatic transmission to overheat. In this condition, a buzzer sounds, Crawl Control is temporarily canceled, and a malfunction-related message may appear on the multi-information display. Stop the vehicle in a safe location and wait until the warning message disappears before resuming demanding operation.
Sounds and vibrations caused by the Crawl Control system
- A mechanical or operating sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine starts or shortly after the Toyota Tacoma begins moving. This is associated with normal system operation and does not by itself indicate a Crawl Control malfunction.
- Either of the following characteristics may be noticeable while Crawl Control is operating. These conditions are normal and do not necessarily indicate a system fault.
- Vibration may be felt through the vehicle body or steering system as braking and traction control are applied automatically.
- A motor operating sound may be heard after the vehicle has come to a stop.
When there is a malfunction in the system
If a malfunction is detected, the applicable warning lights and/or warning messages will illuminate or appear on the multi-information display. Follow the displayed information and have the Toyota Tacoma inspected if the warning remains active.
