New 4Runner owner - a few questions from a n00b!

[spud72]

First off - I've read the manual and actually can't see the answer to these questions (surprisingly!). I'd appreciate if someone can hold my hand! I haven't put many miles on it yet (none hiway at all!), but I have a few questions:

Cruise control - The manual states the function of moving the handle up and down (cost-set/accelerate-set) what exactly does it do when you "pull it?" Is it the same as "coast-set?"

Interior lights - Is there a way to set the "front" lights (the ones you push to turn on near the sunroof controls) to turn on when you open the doors? I'd appreciate the extra light in the front in my dark garage. I'm thinking no, but worth an ask!

4 Wheel Drive - One thing I don't like about it is the couple seconds it takes to engage it, and you have to be moving. I miss my old jeep where it was instantaneous, or even my chev where it took a sec, but you didn't even have to move. Is there any way to actually "engage" the 4WD while parked? Once again, thinking no but thought I'd ask. Is there a neutral setting for the transfer case?

Factory shop repair manual - Are these available to buy? If so, any idea how much? I think I've read some people having electronic versions, or using the Toyota system to view info on the net, but I'd really like a real, paper manual. I know it won't be "cheap" - so I'm prepared if it's expensive.

 

[Koz]

First off - I've read the manual and actually can't see the answer to these questions (surprisingly!). I'd appreciate if someone can hold my hand! I haven't put many miles on it yet (none hiway at all!), but I have a few questions:

Cruise control - The manual states the function of moving the handle up and down (cost-set/accelerate-set) what exactly does it do when you "pull it?" Is it the same as "coast-set?"

If you push up/down and hold it, you accelerate (It will use the passing gear if it needs to) or slow down and when you release it, it will maintain that speed. If you push the handle and release it, it will increase or decrease the speed 1 mph for each push (you can push it multiple times). If you pull the handle it will coast and then go back to the original setting, when released. If you tap the brake the system will disengage. You can push the handle up to resume.

Interior lights - Is there a way to set the "front" lights (the ones you push to turn on near the sunroof controls) to turn on when you open the doors? I'd appreciate the extra light in the front in my dark garage. I'm thinking no, but worth an ask!

There is a mod to use those lights, use the search.

4 Wheel Drive - One thing I don't like about it is the couple seconds it takes to engage it, and you have to be moving. I miss my old jeep where it was instantaneous, or even my chev where it took a sec, but you didn't even have to move. Is there any way to actually "engage" the 4WD while parked? Once again, thinking no but thought I'd ask. Is there a neutral setting for the transfer case?

Read the manual, it will help!

Factory shop repair manual - Are these available to buy? If so, any idea how much? I think I've read some people having electronic versions, or using the Toyota system to view info on the net, but I'd really like a real, paper manual. I know it won't be "cheap" - so I'm prepared if it's expensive.

You can get the paper manuals/books (very expensive) or use the online service where you can download pdf files. You pay for the amout of time you are on. I think it is like $10 a day. Do a search for the online service.

Koz

 

[Uneek]

Re: Re: New 4Runner owner - a few questions from a n00b!

Cruise control -- Up will increase your speed when cruise control is active or resume the previously set speed if cruise is inactive. By inactive I mean, the cruise control system is on, but cruise control isn't actually controlling/maintaining your vehicle speed. Down will decrease your speed when cruise is active or set your current speed for cruise control to maintain. Pulling the stalk towards you will cancel the cruise control from maintaining your vehicle speed, pressing the brakes acheives the same thing.

Map lights -- Try this tread on ToyotaNation for the 05+ Tacoma, should be similar with the 4Runner (the maplight looks identical).

4WD -- If you have the V6 you can leave it in 4H all the time. There's no harm to the drivetrain in 4H. IIRC, it depends on the alignment of the gears in the transfer case that determines if it'll go into 4WD right away vs taking some time and the vehicle needing to be moved a few feet.

Factory service manual -- you can get it at the dealer, I think there was three volumes about $300 for the set (I could be wrong though). Or you can try Toyota's Technical Information System (TIS) on a paid subscription basis.

 

[spud72]

Thanks guys.

Regarding the 4WD - I did read the manual and found no mention of a neutral setting. I'm assuming since there is no mention of it, it doesn't exist?

 

[Uneek]

Thanks guys.

Regarding the 4WD - I did read the manual and found no mention of a neutral setting. I'm assuming since there is no mention of it, it doesn't exist?

It's a full time system in the V6 with a 2WD option and a permanent 4WD system on the V8, both with low range gearing. There isn't a neutral selection for the transfer case on either engines.