Page 197 of 439

197 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. The three
main causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive
speed and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when towing.
●Before starting out, check the trailer’s light and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
●Practice turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel
of the vehicle.
●Reversing with a trailer attached is difficult and requires practice.
Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to
move the trailer to the right. (This is generally opposite to reversing
without a trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have
someone guide you when reversing to reduce the risk of an acci-
dent.
●As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to-
vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h)
of speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length.
●Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and
loss of control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
●Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration. Vehicles with a manual
transmission, prevent excessive clutch slippage by keeping engine
rpm low and not racing the engine. Always start out in first gear.
●Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before mak-
ing a turn. 
     
        
        Page 277 of 439
Maintenance and care4
277
4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting 
the vehicle exterior .........  278
Cleaning and protecting 
the vehicle interior ..........  280
4-2. Maintenance
Maintenance 
requirements ..................  283
General maintenance.......  285
Emission inspection and 
maintenance (I/M) 
programs........................  288
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service 
precautions ....................  289
Hood ................................  293
Engine compartment ........  294
Tires .................................  308
Tire inflation pressure ......  313
Wheels .............................  317
Air conditioning filter.........  319
Key battery .......................  322
Checking and replacing 
fuses ..............................  324
Light bulbs........................  335 
     
        
        Page 302 of 439

301 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Turn the engine switch off.
Depress the brake pedal 20 times or more.
Remove the reservoir cap.
Add newly opened brake fluid up to the MAX line.
.
Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Items Rag or paper towel
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.
■If you spill fluid
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint. 
     
        
        Page 303 of 439
302 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Power steering fluid
■Fluid level
The fluid level should be within the appropriate range.
Full (when cold)
Add fluid (when cold)
Full (when hot)
Add fluid (when hot)
Hot: Vehicle has been driven around 50 mph (80 km/h) for 20
minutes, or slightly longer in frigid temperatures. (Fluid
temperature, 140°F - 175°F [60°C - 80°C])
Cold: Engine has not been run for about 5 hours. (Room tem-
perature, 50°F - 85°F [10°C - 30°C])
■Checking the fluid level
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall and remove the reservoir cap again.
Check the fluid level.
Fluid type Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
Items Rag or paper towel 
     
        
        Page 356 of 439

5
When trouble arises
355 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The following warnings indicate the possibility of damage to the vehi-
cle that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.
*: The light may come on when the oil level is extremely low. It is not designed
to indicate low oil level, and the oil level must be checked using the engine
oil level dipstick.
Have the vehicle inspected immediately.
Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to
the system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging sys-
tem.
Low engine oil pressure warning light
Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low*.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Malfunction indicator lamp
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system;
• The electronic automatic transmission control sys-
tem; or
• Emission control system.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; 
or
• The seat belt pretensioner system. 
     
        
        Page 361 of 439

360 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■Key reminder buzzer
The buzzer indicates that the key has not been removed (with the engine
switch in the ACC or LOCK position and the driver’s door opened).
■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
First check the following:
●Is your vehicle low on gas?
If it is, refuel the vehicle immediately.
●Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after taking several driving trips.
If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.
■Front passenger detection sensor and passenger seat belt reminder
If luggage or other load is placed on the front passenger seat, depending on
its weight, the reminder light to flash and buzzer to sound.
■
When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level.
■The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes such
as natural air leaks or tire inflation pressure changes caused by temper-
ature. In this case, adjusting the tire inflation pressure will turn off the
warning light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with a spare tire
The spare tire is also equipped with the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter. The tire pressure warning light will turn on if the tire inflation
pressure of the spare tire is low. If a tire goes flat, even though the flat
tire is replaced with the spare tire, the warning light does not turn off.
Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire and adjust the proper tire
inflation pressure. The tire pressure warning light will turn off after a few
minutes. 
     
        
        Page 362 of 439

5
When trouble arises
361 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■If the tire pressure warning system is inoperative
The tire pressure warning system will be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters are used.
●If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is
not registered in the tire pressure warning computer.
●If the tire inflation pressure is 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm2 or bar) or
higher.
The tire pressure warning system may be disabled in the following
conditions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies
are nearby.
●If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle.
●If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
●If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular around the
wheels or wheel housings.
●If non-genuine Toyota wheels are used. (Even if you use Toyota
wheels, the tire pressure warning system may not work properly with
some types of tires.)
●If tire chains are used.
●If the spare tire is in a location subject to poor radio wave signal
reception.
●If a large metallic object which can interfere with signal reception is
put in the luggage compartment.
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1
minute frequently
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute fre-
quently when the engine switch is turned to the ON position, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer. 
     
        
        Page 383 of 439

382
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■Starting the engine when the battery is discharged (vehicles with an
automatic transmission)
The engine cannot be started by push-starting.
■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.
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.
Once the vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper
cables in the exact reverse order in which they were con-
nected.
Once the engine starts, have the vehicle checked at your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.