2009 TOYOTA MATRIX emergency towing

5
When trouble arises
343 5-1. Essential information
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet. This should only be attempted on hard surfaced roads
for short distances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
1.8 L 4-cylinder (2ZR-FE) engine
Towing eyelet
2.4 L 4-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine
Towing eyelet

344 5-1. Essential information
■Emergency towing procedure
Release the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Turn the engine switch to the “ACC” (engine off) or “ON” (engine
running) position.
CAUTION
■Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelets and the cables or chains.
●If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering
will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5
When trouble arises
369 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Lower the vehicle.
Firmly tighten each nut two or
three times in the order shown in
the illustration.
Tightening torque:
76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)
Stow the flat tire, tire jack and all tools.
Stowing the flat tire
Vehicles with aluminum wheel:
Before stowing the flat tire,
remove the center wheel orna-
ment by pushing from the
reveres side.
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP1

388
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the vehicle becomes stuck
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
For vehicles with an 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.
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 (automatic transmission) or N (manual transmis-
sion).
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 the D or R position (automatic trans-
mission) or 1 or R position (manual transmission) and care-
fully apply the accelerator to free the vehicle.STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

431 Alphabetical index
Daytime running light
system ................................... 126
Defogger
Rear window......................... 168
Side mirror ............................ 168
Dimension ................................ 390
Dinghy towing .................. 156,157
Display
Trip meter ............................. 119
Do-it-yourself maintenance .... 279
Doors
Door glasses .......................... 51
Door lock .......................... 26, 29
Side mirrors ............................ 49
Driver's seat belt reminder
light ........................................ 355
Driving
Break-in tips ........................... 98
Correct posture....................... 63
Procedures ............................. 96
Winter driving tips ................. 144
Electric power steering........... 135
Emergency, in case of
If a warning light turns on ..... 352
If the engine will not start...... 376
If the shift lever cannot be
shifted from P ..................... 377
If the vehicle has a
discharged battery ............. 379
If the warning buzzer
sounds ............................... 352If you have a flat tire .............362
If you lose your keys .............378
If you think something is
wrong ..................................348
If your vehicle becomes
stuck ...................................388
If your vehicle needs to be
towed ..................................342
If your vehicle overheats .......385
Engine
Compartment ........................288
Engine switch ........................106
Hood......................................283
How to start the
engine .................................106
Identification number .............391
If the engine will not start ......376
Ignition switch........................106
Overheating...........................385
Engine coolant
Capacity ................................396
Checking ...............................295
Preparing and checking before
winter ..................................144
Engine coolant temperature
gauge ......................................119
Engine immobilizer system.......60
Engine oil
Capacity ................................395
Checking ...............................290
Preparing and checking before
winter ..................................144
Engine oil maintenance
data .........................................293
EPS ............................................135
Event data recorder .................350D
E