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171
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
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 “TRAC OFF” indicator light
should come on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off TRAC and VSC
Push and hold the button for
more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped to turn off
TRAC and VSC.
The “TRAC OFF” and VSC OFF
indicator lights should come on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.
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172 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC
Vehicles with smart key system
Turning the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF after turning off the TRAC
and VSC systems will automatically re-enable them.
Vehicles without smart key system
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 slip indicator comes on...
It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC and TRAC. Contact your Toyota
dealer.
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179
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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 th e 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 accumu lated 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.
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185
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■
Before towing
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 392)
● 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 c onform to any federal, state/provincial
or local regulations. If they do not, inst all 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.
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189
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
●
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, immedi ately turn off the air condition-
ing (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
( P. 475)
● 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 first 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 pl ace, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into first or R (manual transmission) or P (automatic
transmission) 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 (m anual 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
automatic transmission), and sl owly 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
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192
2-5. Driving information
Dinghy towing (manual transmission)
Towing your vehicle with 4 wheels on the groundTo prevent damage to your vehicle, perform the following procedures
before towing. Shift the shift lever to neutral.
Switch to the “ACC” position. ( P. 135)
Ensure that the audio system and other powered devices have been
turned off.
Release the parking brake.
After towing, run the engine in idle for at least 3 minutes before driv-
ing the vehicle.
■Necessary equipment and accessories
Specialized equipment and accessories are required for dinghy towing. Con-
tact the service branch of the motor home manufacturer regarding recom-
mended equipment.
Your vehicle can be dinghy towed in a forward direction (with 4
wheels on the ground) behind a motor home.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
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193
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
Dinghy towing direction
■ To prevent the steering from locking
Ensure the engine switch is in the “ACC” position.
Do not tow the vehicle backwards.
Doing so may cause serious damage.
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202 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Using the automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically in accordance with the temperature set-
ting and ambient conditions. As a result, the following may occur.
●Immediately after
is pressed, the fan may stop for a while until
warm or cool air is ready to flow.
● Cool air may flow to the area around the upper body when the heater is
on.
■ Using the system in recirculated air mode
The windows will fog up more easily if the recirculated air mode is used for
an extended period.
■ Switching between outside air and recirculated air modes
Recirculated air mode or outside air mode may be automatically switched to
in accordance with the temperature setting and the inside temperature.
■ Window defogger feature
Recirculated air mode may automatically switch to outside air mode in situa-
tions where the windows need to be defogged.
■ When outside air temperat ure approaches 32°F (0°C)
The air conditioning system may not operate even when
is pressed.
■ When the indicator light on
flashes
Press
and turn off the air conditioning system before turning it on
once more. There may be a problem in the air conditioning system if the indi-
cator light continues to flash. Turn the air conditioning system off and have it
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
■ Windshield air flow button
When any of the following conditions occurs, the indicator light on the button
may flash and a motor sound may be heard. This does not indicate a mal-
function.
●The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in ON mode (vehicles with smart
key system) or the engine switch is in the “ON” position (vehicles without
smart key system) after the battery is reconnected.
● Engine starting and stopping is repeated at short intervals.
● The engine is started with the low voltage battery.
