The Toyota parking assist monitor supports the driver by displaying an image of the area behind the Toyota Tacoma while the vehicle is backing up, such as during parking or other low-speed reversing maneuvers.
When the display is switched to wide rear view mode, the system provides a broader lateral view behind the vehicle, allowing more of the surrounding area to be shown on the screen.
The screen illustrations presented in this section are provided as examples for explanation. The actual image, graphics, and appearance shown on the Toyota Tacoma display may differ depending on vehicle specifications and operating conditions.
Driving precautions
The parking assist monitor is a supplemental driver-assistance feature intended to make it easier to observe the area behind the vehicle while backing up. It does not replace direct observation. Before and while reversing the Toyota Tacoma, visually check the entire surrounding area both directly and through the mirrors. Failure to confirm that the path is clear could result in contact with another vehicle, object, or person and may cause an accident.
Observe the following precautions whenever using the parking assist monitor, particularly when maneuvering in confined spaces or near obstacles.
WARNING
- Never rely entirely on the parking assist monitor when backing up. The image displayed on the screen and the apparent positions of the guide lines may differ from the actual position and surroundings of the Toyota Tacoma.
Use the same level of caution you would use when reversing a vehicle without a camera system, and always confirm conditions around the vehicle yourself.
- Always back up slowly and use the brake pedal to carefully control vehicle speed. A low reversing speed gives the driver more time to react if an obstacle or pedestrian appears.
- If it appears that the vehicle may contact another vehicle, obstacle, or pedestrian, or may climb onto the road shoulder, depress the brake pedal immediately and stop the Toyota Tacoma.
- The instructions and guide lines provided by the system are intended only as references. The timing and amount of steering required when parking will vary according to traffic, road surface conditions, vehicle condition, available space, and other circumstances. Consider these factors before relying on the parking assist system during a maneuver.
- Before beginning a parking maneuver, confirm that the parking space is large enough to safely accommodate the Toyota Tacoma, including sufficient clearance around the vehicle.
- Do not use the parking assist monitor under the following conditions:
- On icy, slippery, or snow-covered road surfaces where vehicle movement may not correspond predictably with steering input.
- When tire chains or emergency tires are being used and normal vehicle dimensions or handling characteristics may be altered.
- When the tailgate is not completely closed, as the camera position or displayed rear view may no longer correspond to normal operating conditions.
- On roads that are not level or straight, including curves, steep slopes, or other surfaces where the displayed guide lines may not accurately represent the vehicle's path.
- If the suspension has been modified or tires of a size other than specified have been installed, because changes in vehicle height or geometry may affect the relationship between the guide lines and the actual surroundings.
- At low temperatures, the display may become darker or the camera image may appear faint. While the vehicle is moving, the image may also appear distorted or become difficult to see clearly.
Always check the area around the Toyota Tacoma directly and through the mirrors before and during any reversing maneuver, regardless of the quality of the displayed image.
- If tire sizes are changed, the position of the guide lines shown on the screen may also change, so their apparent relationship to nearby objects may no longer be the same.
- The rear camera uses a special lens that produces a wide view of the surrounding area.
Because of the characteristics of this lens, the apparent distances between the Toyota Tacoma and objects or pedestrians shown on the screen may differ from their actual physical distances.
Screen display
The parking assist monitor screen is displayed when the shift lever is moved to R while the engine switch is in ON. The camera image then provides a view of the area behind the vehicle to assist the driver during reversing.
Each time the display mode switching button is selected, the available viewing mode changes as described below:
Rear view: Displays the standard rearward view behind the Toyota Tacoma for normal reversing and parking maneuvers.
Wide rear view: Displays a near 180º image captured by the rear view camera, providing a wider view toward both sides behind the vehicle.
- Display mode switching button
Each time the display mode switching button is selected, the Toyota Tacoma parking assist monitor alternates between rear view mode and wide rear view mode, allowing the driver to choose the camera perspective that best suits the current reversing maneuver.
- Guide line switching button
Select this button to change the guide line mode shown on the parking assist monitor.
- Each time the button is selected, the guide line display changes in the following sequence:
Estimated course line display mode → Parking assist guide line display mode → Distance guide line display mode → Center guide line display mode. Repeatedly selecting the button cycles through these modes in the same order.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert*
When the system detects a vehicle approaching from behind the Toyota Tacoma, the direction from which that vehicle is approaching is indicated on the display and an audible buzzer sounds to attract the driver's attention.
- Rear Camera Detection*
When the applicable detection system recognizes a vehicle approaching from the rear, the direction of the approaching vehicle is shown on the display and the buzzer sounds, providing an additional warning while the vehicle is backing up.
- Intuitive parking assist*
When a sensor detects a stationary object near the vehicle, the display indicates the direction of the detected object and its approximate distance from the Toyota Tacoma. At the same time, the parking assist buzzer sounds to provide an audible warning.
*: If equipped
WARNING
Because the Rear Cross Traffic Alert indication is superimposed over the camera image, it may sometimes be difficult to distinguish from the background. Visibility of the RCTA display can vary depending on the color, brightness, and visual detail of the surrounding area shown by the camera.
Canceling Toyota parking assist monitor
The parking assist monitor is canceled automatically when the shift lever is moved from R to any other position. Once reverse is no longer selected, the rear camera image is removed from the display.
Using the system
The Toyota Tacoma parking assist monitor can be used in any of the following guide line modes, depending on the type of assistance preferred by the driver.
Estimated course line display mode
Estimated course lines are displayed on the screen and move in response to steering wheel operation. These lines provide a visual representation of the approximate path the Toyota Tacoma is expected to follow while backing up.
Parking assist guide line display mode
Parking assist guide lines are displayed to indicate reference points for returning or adjusting the steering wheel during a parking maneuver.
This mode is intended for drivers who are comfortable parking the Toyota Tacoma without relying on moving estimated course lines and prefer fixed parking guidance references instead.
Distance guide line display mode
Only the distance guide lines are displayed in this mode, providing simple visual references for estimating the distance between the rear of the vehicle and nearby objects.
This mode is suitable for drivers who are comfortable controlling the steering and positioning of the vehicle without assistance from the additional course or parking guide lines.
Center guide line display mode
Estimated course lines and a vehicle center guide line are displayed together. The estimated course lines move according to steering wheel operation, while the center line helps identify the projected center position of the Toyota Tacoma on the ground.
Estimated course line display mode
Screen description
- Vehicle width guide line
Displays an approximate guide path representing the width of the vehicle when the Toyota Tacoma is backed straight up, helping the driver judge lateral clearance. - Estimated course lines
Show the approximate path the vehicle is expected to follow when the steering wheel is turned. Their position changes together with steering input. - Distance guide lines
Indicate approximate distances behind the vehicle while the steering wheel is turned.- The distance guide lines move together with the estimated course lines so their position corresponds to the projected reversing path.
- The guide lines indicate points approximately 1.5 ft. (0.5 m) in red and approximately 3 ft. (1 m) in yellow from the center of the rear bumper edge.
- Distance guide line
Provides another reference for estimating the distance behind the vehicle.- Displays a point approximately 1.5 ft. (0.5 m) in blue from the edge of the rear bumper.
- Vehicle center guide line
Indicates the estimated center position of the Toyota Tacoma on the ground, providing an additional alignment reference while reversing.
WARNING
If the steering wheel is positioned straight ahead but the vehicle width guide lines and estimated course lines do not align correctly on the display, have the Toyota Tacoma inspected by your Toyota dealer. Misalignment may indicate that the displayed guidance does not correspond accurately with the vehicle's actual direction.
Parking assist guide line display mode
Screen description
- Vehicle width guide line
Displays a reference path representing the vehicle width while the Toyota Tacoma is backing straight up.- The width shown by the guide lines is intentionally wider than the vehicle's actual width, providing additional visual clearance around the projected path.
- Parking assist guide lines
Indicate the path corresponding to the smallest possible turning radius behind the vehicle and provide a reference for steering during parking maneuvers. - Distance guide line
Provides an approximate distance reference behind the vehicle.- Displays a point approximately 1.5 ft. (0.5 m) in red from the edge of the rear bumper.
- Vehicle center guide line
Indicates the estimated center position of the Toyota Tacoma on the ground, helping the driver judge alignment while reversing.
Distance guide line display mode
Screen description
- Distance guide line
Shows an approximate distance behind the vehicle and provides a simple reference for judging rear clearance.- Displays a point approximately 1.5 ft. (0.5 m) in red from the edge of the rear bumper.
Center guide line display mode
Screen description
- Center guide line
Indicates the estimated center of the vehicle, providing a straightforward alignment reference when backing the Toyota Tacoma.
Toyota parking assist monitor precautions
Area displayed on screen
The Toyota parking assist monitor displays an image captured from the rear camera, showing the area behind the vehicle beginning near the rear bumper. The displayed view is intended to supplement direct observation and mirror checks rather than provide a complete view of every area surrounding the Toyota Tacoma.
Rear view
- Corners of bumper
- The areas immediately around both corners of the rear bumper are not displayed on the monitor, creating portions of the surroundings that must be checked directly by the driver.
Wide rear view
- Corners of bumper
- Even in wide rear view mode, the areas immediately around both corners of the bumper are not visible on the screen and should be checked directly before maneuvering.
- The procedure for adjusting the parking assist monitor image is the same as the standard procedure used for adjusting the multimedia screen display.
(Refer to the "MULTIMEDIA OWNER'S MANUAL".)
- The exact area visible on the screen may vary according to the orientation, angle, and operating condition of the vehicle.
- Objects positioned very close to either corner of the rear bumper or directly underneath the bumper cannot be displayed by the camera and may remain outside the visible image.
- The rear camera uses a special lens that provides a wide field of view.
Because of the characteristics of this lens, the apparent distance to objects shown on the screen may differ from their actual physical distance from the vehicle.
- Objects located higher than the rear camera's field of view may not appear on the parking assist monitor, even if they are positioned near the rear of the vehicle.
The camera
The camera used by the parking assist monitor is installed at the rear of the Toyota Tacoma in the position shown in the illustration. Its location and viewing angle are designed to provide the image displayed on the monitor while the vehicle is being maneuvered.
Using the camera
If dirt or foreign material, such as water droplets, snow, mud, or road debris, adheres to the camera lens, the camera may be unable to transmit a clear and reliable image. A contaminated lens can make objects behind the Toyota Tacoma more difficult to distinguish on the parking assist monitor.
In this situation, thoroughly rinse the camera with a large quantity of water, then gently wipe the lens clean using a soft, wet cloth. Avoid applying unnecessary pressure to the lens surface while cleaning it.
NOTICE
- The parking assist monitor may not operate properly or may display an inaccurate image in the following situations.
- If the rear of the vehicle receives an impact, the camera position or mounting angle may shift. Even a change that is difficult to notice visually can affect the image displayed by the parking assist monitor.
- The camera is designed with a waterproof construction. Do not detach, disassemble, alter, or modify the camera, as doing so may damage its sealing or cause incorrect operation.
- When cleaning the camera lens, rinse the camera thoroughly with a large quantity of water and wipe it carefully with a soft, wet cloth.
Do not rub the camera lens forcefully. Strong rubbing may scratch the lens surface, reducing image clarity and preventing the camera from transmitting a sufficiently clear view to the Toyota Tacoma parking assist monitor.
- Do not allow organic solvents, car wax, window cleaner, glass coating products, or similar substances to remain on the camera. If any of these materials adhere to the camera or lens, wipe them off as soon as possible using an appropriate soft cloth.
- If the temperature changes rapidly, such as when hot water is poured onto the vehicle during cold weather, the system may temporarily fail to operate normally or the displayed image may be affected.
- When washing the vehicle, do not direct intensive bursts or concentrated streams of water at the camera or the surrounding camera area. Excessive water pressure may damage the camera assembly or result in a malfunction.
- Do not subject the camera to a strong impact, as this could damage the camera, alter its mounting position, or cause the parking assist monitor to malfunction. If the camera or the rear of the Toyota Tacoma receives a significant impact, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
Differences between the screen and the actual road
- The distance guide lines and vehicle width guide lines shown on the monitor may appear parallel to the dividing lines of a parking space even when they are not actually parallel. Always confirm the vehicle's position and the surrounding area visually rather than relying only on the image displayed on the screen.
- The apparent distances between the vehicle width guide lines and the left and right dividing lines of a parking space may look equal on the display even when the actual spacing is different. Check both sides of the Toyota Tacoma directly and visually while maneuvering into the parking space.
- The distance guide lines are calculated as a reference for a flat road surface. When the ground is uneven, inclined, or otherwise differs from a level surface, a margin of error can exist between the guide lines shown on the screen and the actual distance or course on the road. The guide lines should therefore be treated as a positioning aid rather than an exact measurement of distance.
When the ground behind the vehicle slopes up sharply
The distance guide lines are projected as though the surface behind the vehicle were horizontal. When the ground rises sharply behind the vehicle, points on the upward slope can appear farther from the vehicle on the monitor than they actually are.
Because of this difference in perspective, objects located on the rising surface may seem more distant than their true position. In the same way, there can be a noticeable margin of error between the guide lines displayed on the screen and the actual distance or path on the road. When reversing on an upward slope, use the camera image together with direct visual checks of the area around the vehicle.
When the ground behind the vehicle slopes down sharply
The distance guide lines are projected on the assumption that the surface behind the vehicle is level. When the ground slopes downward sharply, distances on that descending surface may appear closer to the Toyota Tacoma on the monitor than they actually are.
As a result, objects positioned on the downward slope can look nearer to the vehicle than their true location. The same difference in perspective creates a margin of error between the guide lines displayed on the screen and the actual distance or course on the road, so the camera image should be used together with direct visual observation of the surroundings.
When any part of the vehicle sags
If the vehicle's posture changes or tilts because of the number of occupants or the way the load is distributed, the relationship between the displayed guide lines and the actual position of the Toyota Tacoma may also change. In this condition, a margin of error can exist between the guide lines shown on the monitor and the true distance or course on the road.
- A margin of error between the displayed guide lines and the actual vehicle position
When approaching three-dimensional objects
The estimated course lines are intended to indicate a path across flat surfaces, such as the road. They cannot accurately determine the complete position or shape of three-dimensional objects, including other vehicles. Because such objects may project outward above the road surface, their actual position cannot be judged solely from the estimated course lines or distance guide lines. When the Toyota Tacoma approaches an object with an extending portion, such as the flatbed or rear body of a truck, pay particular attention to the object's full shape and position.
Estimated course lines
Check the surroundings and the entire area behind the vehicle visually before and while backing up. Do not rely only on whether an object appears to remain outside the estimated course lines shown on the monitor.
In the example shown below, the truck appears to be positioned outside the estimated course lines, making it seem that the vehicle can reverse without contacting it. However, the rear body of the truck may extend across the projected path even though its lower portion appears clear of the lines. If the Toyota Tacoma is backed up by following only the estimated course lines, part of the vehicle may strike the truck.
- Estimated course lines showing the projected path of the vehicle
Distance guide lines
Visually confirm the surroundings and the area directly behind the vehicle. The apparent position of a three-dimensional object on the display may differ from its actual distance from the Toyota Tacoma.
In the example shown on the screen, the truck appears to be positioned at point B based on the apparent relationship between the truck and the distance guide lines.
In reality, however, backing up to point A would cause the vehicle to contact the truck. The display makes point A appear closest to the vehicle and point C appear farthest away. Their actual positions are different from this visual impression: the distance to points A and C is the same, while point B is farther away than both A and C. This illustrates why the distance guide lines should be treated as a reference rather than as an exact measurement of three-dimensional objects.
Things you should know
If you notice any symptoms
If you notice any of the symptoms described in the following information, check the likely cause and follow the corresponding solution. After completing the recommended action, operate or inspect the parking assist monitor again to determine whether the symptom has been corrected.
If the problem remains after the suggested solution has been carried out, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer. Continued abnormal operation may indicate that further inspection of the Toyota Tacoma parking assist monitor or related components is necessary.
