How to Use the Crawl Mode on the Land Cruiser?
3 Answers
Introduction to using the Land Cruiser's crawl mode: First, park the vehicle and shift into P, then shift into N, activate the low-range four-wheel drive function, engage the central differential lock, and finally shift into D and press the auxiliary button. The full name of the crawl mode is Low-Speed Cruise Control Assist System, also known as the foolproof off-road system. It ensures that the vehicle does not experience wheel spin or get stuck due to excessive speed. Below is an introduction to related content: 1. The crawl mode can be simply understood as: the vehicle can autonomously control the engine's torque output, transmission system, and brakes, allowing the car to pass through rough terrain at a very slow speed. 2. In crawl mode, you only need to focus on steering the wheel without pressing the accelerator or brake. There is a knob on the lower right side of the central console's gear lever, which can be used to switch between three different speeds. When climbing steep slopes, driving on snowy or icy roads, rocky terrain, sand, and other special road conditions, the crawl system ensures the 2017 Land Cruiser's stable and excellent off-road capability.
I remember once when I was driving a Land Cruiser off-road and encountered muddy terrain, the vehicle was slipping badly. Thankfully, the Crawl Control mode was a huge help. The usage is quite simple: first, make sure the vehicle is stationary, then shift to L4 (low-range four-wheel drive). I usually switch to N gear as well. Next, locate the Crawl Control button or knob on the center console—my vehicle has a knob that allows adjusting the speed from 1 to 5. I set it to a low speed, like level 2, release the brake, and let it crawl slowly. The system automatically handles the throttle and brakes, so I only need to focus on steering, especially on steep slopes or sandy terrain to avoid losing control. For beginners, it's recommended to start with lower speed settings to get familiar with it—it's both fuel-efficient and safe. After each off-road trip, check if the wheels are clean to avoid mud clogging the sensors. This small habit can extend the lifespan of the feature. Also, remember to gently press the brake to deactivate the mode—don’t leave it on while driving on regular roads, as it wastes fuel. During family trips, it makes navigating risky terrains much easier.
As someone who frequently takes new car owners for test drives, I can briefly explain the usage. After starting the car and stopping in position, shift the transmission to low-range four-wheel drive mode, which is the L4 indicator. Then locate the crawl control switch on the center console, which might be a button or lever, and select a speed setting such as low, medium, or high. Once set, gently release the brake pedal, and the car will start moving forward automatically, with the system controlling the throttle and brakes, allowing you to focus solely on steering. This is very effective for preventing skidding when climbing or descending hills and is suitable for beginners to avoid operational errors. Remember to press the brake to exit the mode and turn off the switch after use. When off-roading, try to maintain a constant speed to reduce mechanical wear, and when washing the car, avoid letting dust enter the switch slots. This feature is also practical for snowy conditions, and practicing more can boost confidence.
