2008 TOYOTA YARIS Owners Manual

5
When trouble arises
329
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■
Avoiding a discharged battery
●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the engine is turned
off.
● Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is run-
ning at a low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic, etc.
Start the engine of the second vehicle. Increase the engine
speed slightly and maintain at that level for approximately 5
minutes to recharge the battery of your vehicle.
Maintain the engine speed of the second vehicle and start
the vehicle's engine.
Once the vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper
cables in the exact reverse order in which they were con-
nected.
If removed, replace all the battery vent plugs.
Reinstall the cover.
Once the engine starts, have the vehicle checked at your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.

330 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
■Avoiding battery fires or explosions
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidentally igniting the flam-
mable gas that may be emitted from the battery.
●Make sure the jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that it
is not unintentionally in contact with any part other than the intended termi-
nal.
● Do not allow the jumper cables to come into contact with the “+” and “-” ter-
minals.
● Do not smoke, use matches, cigarette lighters or allow open flame near
the battery.
■ Battery precautions
The battery contains poisonous and corrosive acidic electrolyte, while
related parts contain lead and lead compounds. Observe the following pre-
cautions when handling the battery.
●When working with the battery, always wear safety glasses and take care
not to allow any battery fluids (acid) to come into contact with skin, clothing
or the vehicle body.
● Do not lean over the battery.
● In the event that battery fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes,
immediately wash the affected area with water and seek medical attention.
Place a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area until medical attention
can be received.
● Always wash your hands after handling the battery support, terminals, and
other battery-related parts.
● Do not allow children near the battery.

5
When trouble arises
331
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
NOTICE
■
To prevent damaging the vehicle
Do not pull- or push-start the vehicle, because the three-way catalytic con-
verter may overheat and become a fire hazard.
■ When handling jumper cables
Be careful that the jumper cables do not become tangled in the cooling fan
or any of the belts when connecting or disconnecting them.

332
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats
If your engine overheats:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air condi-
tioning system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam: Stop the engine and carefully lift the hood.
If you do not see steam: Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating: Wait until the high engine coolant temperature warning
light goes off and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating: Stop the engine immediately and call your local Toyota
dealer.

5
When trouble arises
333
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The engine has cooled down sufficiently.
Low engine coolant temperature indicator comes on.
Check the engine coolant level.
Look for obvious coolant leaks
from the radiator, hoses and
under the vehicle.
Note that water draining from the air conditioning is normal if it has
been used.
Add engine coolant if required.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if engine coolant is
unavailable. ( P. 342)
Have the vehicle checked at your nearest Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.

334 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■Overheating
If you observe the following, your vehicle may be overheating.
●The high engine coolant temperature warning light flashes or comes on
or a loss of power is experienced.
● Steam is coming from under the hood.
CAUTION
■To prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of
your vehicle
● Keep hands and clothing away from the fan and other belts while the
engine is running.
● Do not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.
Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam
released under pressure.
NOTICE
■When adding engine coolant
Wait until the engine has cooled down before adding engine coolant.
When adding coolant, do so slowly. Adding cool coolant to a hot engine too
quickly can cause damage to the engine.

5
When trouble arises
335
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the vehicle becomes stuck
■Emergency hook
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle
becomes stuck in mud, dirt, or snow.
Stop the engine. Set the parking brake and put the shift
lever in P (vehicles with an automatic transmission) or N
(vehicles with a manual transmission).
Remove the mud, snow, or sand from around the stuck tire.
Place wood, stones or some other material to help provide
traction under the tires.
Restart the engine.
Shift the shift lever to D or R (automatic transmission) or 1
or R (manual transmission) and carefully apply the acceler-
ator to free the vehicle.
When your vehicle becomes stuck and
cannot move, the emergency hook is
used for another vehicle to pull your vehi-
cle out in an emergency.
Your vehicle is not designed to tow
another vehicle.
Do not use the left rear hook. It is not
designed for towing.

336 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
■When attempting to free a stuck vehicle
If you choose to rock the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the sur-
rounding area is clear, to avoid striking other vehicles, objects or persons.
The vehicle may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes
free. Use extreme caution.
■ When shifting the shift lever
Vehicles with automatic transmission: Be careful not to shift the shift lever
with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may
cause an accident and result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■To avoid damaging the transmission and other components
●Avoid spinning the wheels and do not rev the engine.
● If the vehicle remains stuck after trying these procedures, the vehicle may
require towing to be freed.