2009 TOYOTA MATRIX engine

130 2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
■The windshield wipers and washers can be operated when
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
■Intermittent windshield wiper interval mode (if equipped)
Wiper intervals can be adjusted for intermittent operation.
■If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked and if there is washer fluid in
the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
NOTICE
■When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled
toward you and held continually.
■When a nozzle becomes blocked
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.
Decreases the intermittent windshield
wiper frequency
Increases the intermittent windshield
wiper frequency

131
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
2
When driving
Rear window wiper and washer (if equipped)
■The rear window wiper and washer can be operated when
The engine switch is in “ON”.
NOTICE
■When the rear window is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the rear window.
■When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled
toward you and held continually.
■When a nozzle becomes blocked
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.
Intermittent window wiper
operation
Normal window wiper oper-
ation
Washer/wiper dual opera-
tion
Wiper operate automatically.
Washer/wiper dual opera-
tion
Wiper operate automatically.

136 2-4. Using other driving systems
When VSC and TRAC are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or the front wheels (2WD),
or 4 wheels (AWD) spin, the indi-
cator flashes to indicate that
VSC/TRAC have been engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.
To disable TRAC and/or VSC
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC and VSC may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn
the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
■Turning off TRAC
Quickly push and release the
button to turn off TRAC.
The slip indicator light should
come on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.

137 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
■Turning off TRAC and VSC
Push and hold the button while
the vehicle is stopped to turn off
TRAC and VSC.
The slip indicator light and “VSC
OFF” indicator light should come
on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC
Turning the engine switch OFF after turning off the TRAC and VSC systems
will automatically re-enable them.
■Automatic TRAC reactivation
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when
vehicle speed increases.
■Automatic TRAC and VSC reactivation
If the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not turn on
even when vehicle speed increases.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after ABS is activated.
■If the “VSC OFF” indicator light flashes
There is a malfunction in the TRAC and VSC systems. Contact your Toyota
dealer and have your Toyota inspected.

138 2-4. Using other driving systems
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from
excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. The sys-
tem should return to normal within 10 minutes.
CAUTION
■ABS does not operate effectively when
●Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn
tires on a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■Stopping distance when ABS is operating on the wet or slick roads
ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle's stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations.
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or uneven roads
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

144
2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
●To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
●Remove any ice that has accumulated on the vehicle chassis.
●Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow
that may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the
brakes.

150 2-5. Driving information
■Before towing
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (→P. 312)
●Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's rec-
ommendation.
●All trailer lights must work in order to be legal.
●Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
●Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer
is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper
tongue load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
●Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial
or local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
■Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any
new power train components (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bear-
ings, etc.) to tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
■Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner's Manual Supplement”.)
●Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approxi-
mately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

154 2-5. Driving information
●In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical charging
performance, do not use overdrive (automatic transmission) or the
5th gear (manual transmission).
●Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's engine may
overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when
driving up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air condition-
ing (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
(→P. 385)
●Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P (automatic transmission) or in 1 or R (manual
transmission). Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so
only after performing the following:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into 1 or R (manual transmission) or P (automatic trans-
mission) and turn off the engine.
●When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in the P position (automatic transmis-
sion) or the clutch pedal (manual transmission) depressed,
start the engine. On vehicles with an automatic transmission,
be sure to keep the brake pedal pressed.
Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into the R position.
Release the parking brake (also brake pedal on vehicles with
an automatic transmission), and slowly pull or back away from
the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4