How to Turn Off the 2nd Start Function in Older Land Cruiser Prado?
2 Answers
Depress the brake pedal of the Toyota Prado to prepare for powering on the vehicle, then press the one-touch start button to start the engine. Press the 2ND-START button on the Toyota Prado's control panel to deactivate this function.
I remember that the second-gear start function on the old Land Cruiser Prado was actually a quite useful design, especially for preventing wheelspin when starting on snowy or muddy roads in winter. However, on regular roads, it tends to make the acceleration sluggish and less responsive. If you want to turn it off, the steps are simple: first, locate a small button near the dashboard or gear lever, likely labeled ‘2nd’ or ‘2nd START’—it’s usually around there. With the engine running but not in motion, press the button and watch for changes on the dashboard lights; typically, the light turning off indicates the function is disabled. If you can’t find the button, checking the user manual for its exact location is the safest bet. If it still doesn’t work, the button might be stuck or have poor contact—older models like this require regular cleaning of internal contacts to prevent dust from interfering with the circuitry. Last time I drove a friend’s Prado, I noticed this function really hindered acceleration, but after turning it off, the response became much smoother, and it even saved a bit of fuel. Of course, avoid randomly tampering with other drive mode settings. In short, make it a habit to check the button status after parking, perform regular maintenance to ensure plug connections are secure, and avoid small issues turning into bigger problems. If you’re still unsure, it’s best to visit a repair shop for a check-up.