When the electronic key is being carried by the driver, the following operations allow the Toyota Tacoma engine to be started or the engine switch mode to be changed.
Starting the engine
1. Pull the parking brake switch and confirm that the parking brake is properly engaged. The parking brake indicator will illuminate to show that the parking brake has been applied.
2. Confirm that the shift lever is in P for a Toyota Tacoma equipped with an automatic transmission, or in N for a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission.
3. Firmly depress the brake pedal on models with an automatic transmission, or fully depress the clutch pedal on models with a manual transmission.
The corresponding indicator and a message will appear on the multi-information display, confirming that the starting conditions have been recognized.
If the indication is not displayed, the engine cannot be started. Check that the required pedal is being firmly depressed and that the other starting conditions described above have been satisfied.
4. Press the engine switch once with a short, firm motion.
When operating the engine switch, a single short and positive press is sufficient. There is no need to continue pressing or hold the switch down while the engine is starting.
The engine will crank until it starts or for a maximum of 30 seconds, whichever occurs first.
Continue firmly depressing the brake pedal on an automatic-transmission Toyota Tacoma, or the clutch pedal on a manual-transmission model, until the engine has completely started.
The engine can be started regardless of the current engine switch mode, provided that the required starting conditions are satisfied.
Engine switch illumination
The engine switch illumination changes according to the operating condition of the vehicle. Its behavior allows the driver to identify the current engine switch status more easily, particularly when entering or preparing to start the Toyota Tacoma.
- When the driver's door or front passenger's door is opened, the engine switch illumination turns on.
- When the engine switch is OFF and the brake pedal is depressed while the electronic key is being carried, the engine switch illumination blinks.
- When the engine switch is in ACC or ON mode, the engine switch illumination remains illuminated.
- When the engine switch mode is changed from ACC or ON to OFF, the engine switch illumination remains on for a certain period of time. After this interval has elapsed, the illumination automatically turns off.
If the engine does not start
- The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated correctly.
If the Toyota Tacoma still cannot be started, contact your Toyota dealer for assistance.
- If a start-up-related message appears on the multi-information display, carefully read the displayed information and follow the instructions provided.
If the battery is discharged
If the vehicle battery is discharged, the engine cannot be started using the smart key system in the normal manner.
If "Smart Key System Malfunction See Owner's Manual" is displayed on the multi-information display
This message may indicate that the smart key system is malfunctioning or is otherwise unable to operate normally.
Have the Toyota Tacoma inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately so that the cause of the malfunction can be identified and corrected.
Steering lock function (vehicles with a manual transmission)
- After the engine switch has been turned off and the doors have been opened and closed, the steering wheel will lock as part of the steering lock function. Operating the engine switch again automatically releases the steering lock when the system operates normally.
- If the steering lock cannot be released, "Push ENGINE Switch while Turning Steering Wheel in Either Direction" will appear on the multi-information display.
While gently turning the steering wheel to the left and right, press the engine switch once with a short, firm motion. This allows the steering lock mechanism to release so the Toyota Tacoma can proceed with the normal starting procedure.
- To protect the steering lock motor from overheating, its operation may be temporarily suspended if the engine is switched on and off repeatedly within a short period. If this occurs, stop operating the engine switch and allow the system to rest. After approximately 10 seconds, the steering lock motor should resume normal operation.
Operation of the engine switch
- Press the engine switch with a short, firm action. If the switch is pressed too lightly, too slowly, or not firmly enough, the engine switch mode may fail to change and the Toyota Tacoma engine may not start.
- In some situations, an immediate restart attempt after turning the engine switch to OFF may be unsuccessful. Once the engine switch has been turned off, wait a few seconds before attempting to start the engine again.
Customization
If the smart key system has been deactivated through a customized vehicle setting, the normal smart key operating procedure will not apply in the same manner.
WARNING
When starting the engine
Always start the Toyota Tacoma while seated properly in the driver's seat. Never depress the accelerator pedal while starting the engine, regardless of the circumstances.
Depressing the accelerator during engine start may cause unexpected vehicle behavior and could result in an accident involving death or serious injury.
Caution while driving (vehicles with a manual transmission)
If an engine failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the doors until the Toyota Tacoma has been brought to a safe and complete stop. Activating the steering lock under these conditions could interfere with vehicle control and may lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
When starting the engine
- Do not race the engine while it is cold. Allow the engine to operate normally rather than increasing engine speed unnecessarily immediately after starting.
- If the engine becomes increasingly difficult to start, starts inconsistently, or stalls frequently, have the Toyota Tacoma inspected by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the engine switch
If the engine switch begins to feel different from normal operation, such as sticking slightly, resisting movement, or responding unusually when pressed, a malfunction may be present. Contact your Toyota dealer immediately and have the condition checked.
Stopping the engine
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop before beginning the engine shut-down procedure.
2. If the parking brake is operating in manual mode, apply the parking brake. Confirm that the parking brake indicator is illuminated before proceeding.
3. Move the shift lever to P on vehicles with an automatic transmission, or to N on vehicles equipped with a manual transmission.
After shifting an automatic-transmission vehicle into P, do not press the shift release button. 4. Press the engine switch once with a short, firm action.
The engine will stop and the meter display will turn off as the Toyota Tacoma completes the shutdown sequence.
5. Release the brake pedal, then check the multi-information display and make sure that neither "ACCESSORY" nor "IGNITION ON" is displayed. This confirms that the engine switch has not remained in either of those modes.
Automatic engine shut off feature (except for New Caledonia)
- The vehicle is equipped with an automatic engine shut-off feature designed to stop the engine when it has been left running for an extended period while the shift lever remains in P.
- If the engine continues running with the shift lever in P, it will automatically shut off after approximately 1 hour.
- The automatic engine shut-off timer is reset when the brake pedal is depressed or when the shift lever is moved to any position other than P. The timing period will therefore begin again when the applicable conditions are restored.
- After parking the vehicle, locking the door from inside with the door lock switch or from outside with the mechanical key disables the automatic engine shut-off feature. The timer becomes active again when the driver's door is subsequently opened.
WARNING
Stopping the engine in an emergency
- If it becomes necessary to stop the engine in an emergency while the Toyota Tacoma is moving, press and hold the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press the switch briefly 3 times or more in rapid succession.
Do not operate the engine switch while driving under normal circumstances. It should only be used this way when an emergency requires the engine to be stopped. Switching the engine off while the vehicle is moving does not eliminate steering or braking control; however, the power assistance for these systems will no longer be available. Steering and braking will therefore require considerably more effort. Move the vehicle to a safe location and bring it to a complete stop as soon as conditions permit.
- If the engine switch is operated while the Toyota Tacoma is running, a warning message will appear on the multi-information display and a buzzer will sound to alert the driver.
- Vehicles with an automatic transmission: After an emergency engine shutdown, move the shift lever to N before attempting to restart the engine, then press the engine switch.
Vehicles with a manual transmission: After an emergency shutdown, fully depress the clutch pedal and then press the engine switch to restart the engine.
When parking (except for New Caledonia)
Engine exhaust contains harmful carbon monoxide (CO), a gas that has no color or odor and may be present without being noticed. Observe the following precautions whenever the Toyota Tacoma is parked with the engine running.
Failure to follow these precautions may allow exhaust gases to enter the passenger compartment. Exposure can cause light-headedness, create conditions that may contribute to an accident, or result in death or a serious health hazard.
- If the vehicle is parked in a poorly ventilated or enclosed location, such as a garage, shut off the engine rather than allowing it to continue running.
- Do not leave the vehicle idling for an extended period. If prolonged engine operation while parked cannot be avoided, move the Toyota Tacoma to an open area and make sure exhaust fumes cannot enter the passenger compartment.
- Do not leave the engine running where snow has accumulated or while heavy snow is building up around the vehicle. Snow-banks surrounding the vehicle may restrict the normal dispersal of exhaust gases, allowing them to collect and potentially enter the interior.
Changing engine switch modes
The engine switch mode can be changed by pressing the engine switch while the brake pedal is released on vehicles with an automatic transmission, or while the clutch pedal is released on vehicles with a manual transmission.
Each press of the engine switch advances the Toyota Tacoma to the next available mode in sequence.
- "ACCESSORY"
- "IGNITION ON"
- OFF*1
The emergency flashers remain available for use in this mode.The multi-information display is not shown while the engine switch is OFF.
- ACC*2
Certain electrical components, including the audio system, can be operated in this mode."ACCESSORY" will appear on the meter to indicate that ACC mode is active.
- ON
All electrical components can be operated in this mode.
"IGNITION ON" will appear on the meter, indicating that the engine switch is in the ON position.
*1: Vehicles with an automatic transmission:
If the shift lever is in any position other than P, or if the shift release button is pressed while the engine is being turned off, the engine switch will remain in ON rather than switching completely to OFF. Make sure the correct shift position and switch status are confirmed before leaving the Toyota Tacoma.
*2: ACC mode can be enabled or disabled through the customize menu, allowing its operation to be changed according to the selected vehicle setting.
When ACC customization is in off
When ACC customization is disabled and the engine switch has been turned off, the multimedia system can continue to operate for a limited period. It will remain available until the battery saving function begins operating and shuts down the applicable electrical functions.
Auto power off function
Automatic transmission: If the Toyota Tacoma remains in ACC for more than 20 minutes, or remains in ON for more than 20 minutes while the engine is not running, the engine switch will automatically change to OFF when the shift lever is in P and the shift release button is not being pressed. Although this automatic power-off function reduces unnecessary electrical consumption, it cannot completely prevent the battery from becoming discharged.
For this reason, avoid leaving the vehicle for an extended period with the engine switch in ACC or ON while the engine is stopped. Electrical components may continue drawing power even though the engine is not running.
Manual transmission: If the vehicle remains in ACC for more than 20 minutes, or in ON for more than 20 minutes with the engine stopped, the engine switch will automatically turn off. This function limits prolonged electrical operation, but it does not guarantee that battery discharge will be prevented in every situation.
Do not leave the Toyota Tacoma with the engine switch in ACC or ON for long periods when the engine is not running, as continued electrical use can gradually reduce the available battery charge.
NOTICE
To prevent battery discharge
- Avoid leaving the engine switch in ACC or ON for an extended period while the engine is off, since electrical systems may continue consuming battery power.
- If "ACCESSORY" or "IGNITION ON" remains visible on the meter, the engine switch has not been fully turned off. Before exiting the vehicle, press the engine switch as required and confirm that these indications are no longer displayed.
When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position other than P (Vehicles with an automatic transmission
If the engine is stopped while the shift lever is in a position other than P, or while the shift release button is being pressed, the engine switch will remain in ON instead of changing to OFF. This condition should be corrected before leaving the Toyota Tacoma unattended.
Use the following procedure to place the engine switch fully in OFF:
1. Confirm that the parking brake is securely set before changing the shift position.
2. Move the shift lever to P.
After shifting into P, do not press the shift release button. Leaving the button released is necessary for the correct engine switch condition to be recognized.
3. Verify that "IGNITION ON" appears on the multi-information display, then press the engine switch once with a short, firm action.
4. Look at the multi-information display and confirm that neither "ACCESSORY" nor "IGNITION ON" remains displayed. The absence of these indications confirms that the engine switch is no longer in ACC or ON.
NOTICE
To prevent battery discharge
Do not stop the engine while the shift lever is in a position other than P or while the shift release button is pressed. Under either condition, the engine switch may remain in ON instead of changing to OFF. If the Toyota Tacoma is then left with the engine switch in ON, electrical power will continue to be consumed and the battery may eventually become discharged. Always shift to P correctly and verify that the engine switch has turned off before leaving the vehicle.
