Toyota 4Runner 2003 User manual

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0211)
i2003 4RUNNER from Oct. ’02 Prod. (OM35804U)
Foreword
Welcome to the growing group of value–conscious people who drive Toyotas. We are proud of the advanced engineering and
quality construction of each vehicle we build.
This Owner’s Manual explains the operation of your new Toyota. Please read it thoroughly and have all the occupants
follow the instructions carefully. Doing so will help you enjoy many years of safe and trouble–free motoring. For
important information about this manual and your Toyota, read the following pages carefully.
When it comes to service, remember that your Toyota dealer knows your vehicle best and is interested in your complete
satisfaction. He will provide quality maintenance and any other assistance you may require.
If there is not a Toyota dealer near you, or you need emergency assistance for any reason, please call the following number:
U.S. OWNERS: Toyota Customer Assistance Center Toll–free: 1–800–331–4331
CANADIAN OWNERS: Toyota Canada Customer Interaction Centre Toll–free: 1–888–TOYOTA–8 (1–888–869–6828)
Please leave this Owner’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will need this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time of printing. However, because of Toyota’s policy of
continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment, including options. Therefore, you may
find some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.
2002 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in whole or in part, without the written permission of Toyota
Motor Corporation.

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0208)
i2003 4RUNNER from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM35795U)
Foreword
Welcome to the growing group of value–conscious people who drive Toyotas. We are proud of the advanced engineering and
quality construction of each vehicle we build.
This Owner’s Manual explains the operation of your new Toyota. Please read it thoroughly and have all the occupants
follow the instructions carefully. Doing so will help you enjoy many years of safe and trouble–free motoring. For
important information about this manual and your Toyota, read the following pages carefully.
When it comes to service, remember that your Toyota dealer knows your vehicle best and is interested in your complete
satisfaction. He will provide quality maintenance and any other assistance you may require.
If there is not a Toyota dealer near you, or you need emergency assistance for any reason, please call the following number:
U.S. OWNERS: Toyota Customer Assistance Center Toll–free: 1–800–331–4331
CANADIAN OWNERS: Toyota Canada Customer Interaction Centre Toll–free: 1–888–TOYOTA–8 (1–888–869–6828)
Please leave this Owner’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will need this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time of printing. However, because of Toyota’s policy of
continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment, including options. Therefore, you may
find some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.
2002 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in whole or in part, without the written permission of Toyota
Motor Corporation.

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0208)
ii 2003 4RUNNER from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM35795U)
Important information about this manual
Safety and vehicle damage warnings
Throughout this manual, you will see safety and vehicle dam-
age warnings. You must follow these warnings carefully to
avoid possible injury or damage.
The types of warnings, what they look like, and how they are
used in this manual are explained as follows:
CAUTION
This is a warning against anything which may cause
injury to people if the warning is ignored. You are
informed about what you must or must not do in
order to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and
others.
NOTICE
This is a warning against anything which may cause
damage to the vehicle or its equipment if the warning
is ignored. You are informed about what you must or
must not do in order to avoid or reduce the risk of
damage to your vehicle and its equipment.
Safety symbol
When you see the safety symbol
shown above, it means: “Do not...”;
“Do not do this”; or “Do not let this
happen”.

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0211)
ii 2003 4RUNNER from Oct. ’02 Prod. (OM35804U)
Important information about this manual
Safety and vehicle damage warnings
Throughout this manual, you will see safety and vehicle dam-
age warnings. You must follow these warnings carefully to
avoid possible injury or damage.
The types of warnings, what they look like, and how they are
used in this manual are explained as follows:
CAUTION
This is a warning against anything which may cause
injury to people if the warning is ignored. You are
informed about what you must or must not do in
order to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and
others.
NOTICE
This is a warning against anything which may cause
damage to the vehicle or its equipment if the warning
is ignored. You are informed about what you must or
must not do in order to avoid or reduce the risk of
damage to your vehicle and its equipment.
Safety symbol
When you see the safety symbol
shown above, it means: “Do not...”;
“Do not do this”; or “Do not let this
happen”.

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0208)
iii 2003 4RUNNER from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM35795U)
Important information about your Toyota
New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Toyota limited
warranties:
New vehicle warranty
Emission control systems warranty
Others
For further information, please refer to the “Owner’s
Warranty Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual
Supplement”.
Your responsibility for
maintenance
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that the speci-
fied maintenance is performed. Section 6 gives details of
these maintenance requirements. Also included in Section
6 is general maintenance. For scheduled maintenance in-
formation, please refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.
Accessories, spare parts and
modification of your Toyota
A wide variety of non–genuine spare parts and accessories
for Toyota vehicles are currently available in the market.
You should know that Toyota does not warrant these prod-
ucts and is not responsible for their performance, repair, or
replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or
adverse effect they may have on, your Toyota vehicle.
This vehicle should not be modified with non–genuine
Toyota products. Modification with non–genuine Toyota
products could affect its performance, safety or durability,
and may even violate governmental regulations. In addi-
tion, damage or performance problems resulting from the
modification may not be covered under warranty.

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0208)
iv 2003 4RUNNER from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM35795U)
Spark ignition system of your
Toyota
The spark ignition system in your Toyota meets all require-
ments of the Canadian Interference–Causing Equipment
Standard.
Installation of a mobile
two–way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two–way radio system in
your vehicle could affect electronic systems such as fol-
lows, be sure to check with your Toyota dealer for precau-
tionary measures or special instructions regarding installa-
tion.
Multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport
fuel injection system
SRS airbag system
Seat belt pretensioner system
Traction control system (two–wheel drive models)
Active traction control system
(four–wheel drive models)
Vehicle skid control system
Downhill assist control system
Hill–start assist control system
Rear height control air suspension
Cruise control system
Anti–lock brake system
Electronic throttle control system

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0208)
v2003 4RUNNER from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM35795U)
Scrapping of your Toyota
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your
Toyota contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is
scrapped with the airbags and pretensioners left as they
are, it may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to
have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt preten-
sioner removed and disposed of by a qualified service
shop or by your Toyota dealer before you dispose of your
vehicle.
On–pavement and off–road
driving tips
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class. Utility ve-
hicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other
types of vehicles. This vehicle will handle and maneuver
differently from an ordinary passenger car because it is
designed for off–road use also. In addition, this vehicle
has a higher ground clearance and center of gravity than
that of an ordinary passenger car. This vehicle design fea-
ture causes this type of vehicle to be more likely to rol-
lover. Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control, accidents or vehicle rollover causing death
or serious injury. Be sure to read “Off–road vehicle precau-
tions” on page 234 in Section 2 and “Off–road driving pre-
cautions” on page 253 in Section 3.

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0208)
vi 2003 4RUNNER from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM35795U)

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0211)
iii 2003 4RUNNER from Oct. ’02 Prod. (OM35804U)
Important information about your Toyota
New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Toyota limited
warranties:
New vehicle warranty
Emission control systems warranty
Others
For further information, please refer to the “Owner’s
Warranty Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual
Supplement”.
Your responsibility for
maintenance
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that the speci-
fied maintenance is performed. Section 6 gives details of
these maintenance requirements. Also included in Section
6 is general maintenance. For scheduled maintenance in-
formation, please refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.
Accessories, spare parts and
modification of your Toyota
A wide variety of non–genuine spare parts and accessories
for Toyota vehicles are currently available in the market.
You should know that Toyota does not warrant these prod-
ucts and is not responsible for their performance, repair, or
replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or
adverse effect they may have on, your Toyota vehicle.
This vehicle should not be modified with non–genuine
Toyota products. Modification with non–genuine Toyota
products could affect its performance, safety or durability,
and may even violate governmental regulations. In addi-
tion, damage or performance problems resulting from the
modification may not be covered under warranty.

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0211)
iv 2003 4RUNNER from Oct. ’02 Prod. (OM35804U)
Spark ignition system of your
Toyota
The spark ignition system in your Toyota meets all require-
ments of the Canadian Interference–Causing Equipment
Standard.
Installation of a mobile
two–way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two–way radio system in
your vehicle could affect electronic systems such as fol-
lows, be sure to check with your Toyota dealer for precau-
tionary measures or special instructions regarding installa-
tion.
Multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport
fuel injection system
SRS airbag system
Seat belt pretensioner system
Traction control system (two–wheel drive models)
Active traction control system
(four–wheel drive models)
Vehicle skid control system
Downhill assist control system
Hill–start assist control system
Rear height control air suspension
Cruise control system
Anti–lock brake system
Electronic throttle control system

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0211)
v2003 4RUNNER from Oct. ’02 Prod. (OM35804U)
Scrapping of your Toyota
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your
Toyota contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is
scrapped with the airbags and pretensioners left as they
are, it may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to
have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt preten-
sioner removed and disposed of by a qualified service
shop or by your Toyota dealer before you dispose of your
vehicle.
On–pavement and off–road
driving tips
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class. Utility ve-
hicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other
types of vehicles. This vehicle will handle and maneuver
differently from an ordinary passenger car because it is
designed for off–road use also. In addition, this vehicle
has a higher ground clearance and center of gravity than
that of an ordinary passenger car. This vehicle design fea-
ture causes this type of vehicle to be more likely to rol-
lover. Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control, accidents or vehicle rollover causing death
or serious injury. Be sure to read “Off–road vehicle precau-
tions” on page 240 in Section 2 and “Off–road driving pre-
cautions” on page 259 in Section 3.

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0211)
vi 2003 4RUNNER from Oct. ’02 Prod. (OM35804U)

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0208)
1
2003 4RUNNER from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM35795U)
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Overview of instruments and controls
Instrument panel overview 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster overview 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1 – 1

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0208)
22003 4RUNNER from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM35795U)
1. Side vents
2. Side defroster outlets
3. Instrument cluster
4. Center vents
5. Personal lights
6. Electric moon roof switch
7. Garage door opener
8. Auxiliary boxes
9. Glove box
10. Automatic transmission selector lever
11. Power door lock switches
12. Power window switches
13. Seat heater switches
14. “HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch
15. Rear vents
16. Trash holder
17. Height select switch
18. “DAC” switch
19. Front cup holders
20. Tilt steering lock release lever
Instrument panel overview

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0208)
3
2003 4RUNNER from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM35795U)
21. Telescopic steering lock release lever
22. Parking brake pedal
23. Window lock switch
24. Power rear view mirror control switches

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0208)
42003 4RUNNER from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM35795U)
1. Instrument panel light control dial
2. Headlight and turn signal switch, and
front fog light switch
3. Audio remote control switches
4. Wiper and washer switches
5. Power back window switch
6. Car audio
7. Front passenger’s seat belt reminder
light
8. Engine immobiliser/theft deterrent
system indicator light
9. Emergency flasher switch
10. Air conditioning controls
11. Auxiliary box
12. Back window and rear view mirror
defogger switch
13. Four–wheel drive control switch knob
14. Ignition switch
15. Cruise control switch
16. Hood lock release lever
17. Fuel filler door opener
18. “TRAC OFF” switch
19. Center differential lock switch
20. Power outlet main switch

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0208)
5
2003 4RUNNER from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM35795U)
1. Trip meter reset button
2. Tachometer
3. Service reminder indicators and
indicator lights
4. Speedometer
5. Fuel gauge
6. Low fuel level warning light
7. Engine coolant temperature gauge
8. Odometer and two trip meters
9. Odometer/two trip meter changeover
button
Instrument cluster overview

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0208)
62003 4RUNNER from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM35795U)
or
Driver’s seat belt reminder light∗1
Low engine oil pressure warning light∗1
Engine oil replacement reminder light∗1
(for vehicles sold in U.S.A.)
Brake system warning light∗1
Malfunction indicator lamp∗1
Discharge warning light∗1
Anti–lock brake system warning light∗1
SRS warning light∗1
Open door warning light∗1
Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light∗1
Vehicle skid control system warning light∗1
Traction control system warning light∗1
(two–wheel drive models)
Active traction control system warning light∗1
(four–wheel drive models)
Downhill assist control system warning
light∗1(four–wheel drive models)
Hill–start assist control system warning
light∗1
Automatic transmission fluid temperature
warning light∗1
Low windshield washer fluid level warning
light∗1(for vehicles sold in Canada)
Engine immobiliser/theft deterrent system
indicator light
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0208)
7
2003 4RUNNER from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM35795U)
Cruise control indicator light∗4
Center differential lock indicator light∗2
(four–wheel drive models)
Automatic transmission indicator lights
Traction control system off indicator light
(two–wheel drive models)
Vehicle skid control system off indicator light
(four–wheel drive models)
Slip indicator light
Turn signal indicator lights
Low speed four–wheel drive indicator light∗2
(four–wheel drive models)
Downhill assist control system indicator light
(four–wheel drive models)
Height control “OFF” indicator light∗3
Height control indicator lights
∗1: For details, see “Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers” on page 115 in Section 1–5.
∗2: If this light flashes, see “Four–wheel drive system” on page
131 in Section 1–6.
∗3: If this light flashes, see “Rear height control air suspension”
on page 146 in Section 1–6.
∗4: If this light flashes, see “Cruise control” on page 153 in
Section 1–6.
Headlight high beam indicator light

’03 4Runner_U (L/O 0208)
82003 4RUNNER from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM35795U)