How to Turn Off the 2nd Start Function in Older Land Cruiser Prado?

Question

DeGabrielle · Accepted Answer

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.

CalvinDella · Answer

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.

DeKingston · Answer

As a seasoned off-road driver who frequently handles such vehicles, I've driven the old Land Cruiser Prado a few times. Starting in second gear is a lifesaver when climbing muddy slopes, but for daily commuting, the car feels heavy, with a sluggish start and the throttle response feeling like dragging a chain. The method to turn it off is dead simple: first, ensure the car is ignited but stationary, glance around the transmission area or the lower left of the center console to find the button marked '2nd,' and give it a gentle press to see if it responds. If the dashboard light goes off after pressing, you're done. If the light doesn't turn off or the button is damaged, you might need to remove the panel to check for aged wiring—common in older cars where solder joints may need re-soldering. I make it a habit to check the button's status before each drive, especially disabling the second-gear start before hitting the highway to avoid weak acceleration and added frustration in traffic jams. During regular maintenance, ask the mechanic to take a quick look at the system's reliability. Don't underestimate switch contacts; safe driving relies on these detailed maintenance practices. Keeping the button responsive can save a lot of trouble.

DeAmir · Answer

I think turning off the 2nd gear start function on the old Land Cruiser Prado is quite easy. First, check if there's a '2nd START' button near the instrument panel in the car - just press it to deactivate. After turning it off, pay attention to changes on the instrument display; if the light goes off, it means the function is disabled. This feature is designed for starting on low-traction roads, but it hampers performance during normal driving. After deactivation, you'll notice quicker throttle response. Don't forget to check if the button is clean - accumulated dust might cause it to stick, so use a small brush to clean it if necessary.

TaylorAnn · Answer

From a safety perspective, having driven an older car for over a decade, I know that starting in second gear provides stability on slippery roads. However, in urban driving, keeping it engaged can be unsafe as slower acceleration increases the risk of rear-end collisions.

Deactivation method: Start the vehicle but keep it stationary. Quickly locate the small button labeled '2nd' near the gearshift and press it to turn off – the dashboard light should extinguish afterward. If the button responds slowly or the light remains on continuously, suspect an electrical short circuit. Don't attempt DIY repairs; have it inspected by professionals.

I recommend making it a habit to check this button before driving, especially before highway trips or long journeys – always ensure it's deactivated to maintain full emergency acceleration capability for critical situations. During regular maintenance, have technicians test relay voltage to prevent overheating failures. Maintaining vehicle responsiveness ensures peace of mind on the road.

Kaden · Answer

Many experienced Prado owners I've met complain that starting in 2nd gear feels sluggish during normal road takeoffs, and disabling it makes the drive much crisper. The operation is simple: while seated in the driver's seat, reach around the transmission area to locate the button labeled '2nd'. With the engine running, press it once to toggle the mode - just watch for the dashboard indicator light to turn off. If the button isn't responsive, it might be due to corroded internal contacts or moisture in the wiring. You can remove the panel yourself to spray some contact cleaner for rust removal, but avoid tampering with high-voltage components. Last time, I helped my neighbor clean the contacts - once restored to sensitivity and with 2nd-gear start disabled, the whole vehicle felt noticeably livelier. Remember this button setting affects driving rhythm. During maintenance, check the connector stability to prevent false activation from poor contacts, ensuring system reliability and prolonging vehicle lifespan. If issues persist, get it inspected promptly without delay.