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208 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Sensor detection information
●Certain vehicle conditions and the surrounding environment may affect
the ability of a sensor to correctly detect an obstacle. Particular instances
where this may occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on a sensor.
• A sensor is frozen.
• A sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle
engines, air brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing
ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensors in the vicinity.
• A sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or radio antenna.
• A bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or right-angled curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• The area directly under the bumpers is not detected. Objects lower than the sensors or thin stakes etc. may be detected ini-
tially, but as they draw closer, they may cease to be detected.
• A towing hitch is mounted to the vehicle.
• A non-genuine Toyota suspension (lowered suspension etc.) is installed.
• When attaching a two-way radio antenna.
• When a towing eyelet is mounted on your vehicle.
• When the bumper is damaged.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of
their shapes, signs and other objects may be judged by a sensor to be closer
than they are.
● The shape of the obstacle may prevent a sensor from detecting it. Pay
particular attention to the following obstacles:
• Wires, fences, ropes, etc.
• Cotton, snow and other materials that absorb radio waves
• Sharply-angled objects
Page 213 of 660
213
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Displayed area
■ Rear view monitor system camera
The area covered by the camera is lim-
ited. Objects that are close to either
corner of the bumper or under the
bumper cannot be seen on the screen.
The area displayed on the screen may
vary according to vehicle orientation or
road conditions.
Corners of bumper
In the following cases, it may become dif-
ficult to see the images on the screen,
even when the system is functioning cor-
rectly.
●The vehicle is in a dark area, such
as at night.
● The temperature near the lens is
extremely high or low.
● Water droplets are on the camera
lens or humidity is high, such as
when it rains.
● Foreign matter, such as snow or
mud, adheres to the camera lens.
● The sun or headlights are shining
directly into the camera lens.
● A bright object such as a white wall
is reflected in the mirror surface
over the monitor.
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214 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Smear effect
CAUTION
■When using the rear view monito r system, observe the following pre-
cautions to avoid an accident that coul d result in death or serious inju-
ries.
● Never depend solely on the monitor system when reversing.
● Always check visually and with the mirrors to confirm your intended path is
clear.
● Always check the vehicle surroundi ng area, because the guide lines are
ancillary lines.
● The guide lines are ancillary lines and does not change even if the steer-
ing wheel is turned.
● Depicted distances between objects and flat surfaces differ from actual
distances.
● Do not use the system if back door is open.
If a bright light, such as sunlight
reflected off the vehicle body, is picked
up by the camera, a smear effect* char-
acteristic to the camera may occur.
*: Smear effect A phenomenon that
occurs when a bright light is picked
up by the camera; when transmitted
by the camera, the light source
appears to have a vertical streak
above and below it.
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215
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■Conditions which may affect the rear view monitor system
● If the back of the vehicle has been hit, the camera’s position and mounting
angle may have changed. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer.
● Rapid temperature changes, such as when hot water is poured on the
vehicle in cold weather, may cause the system to function abnormally.
● If the camera lens is dirty, it cannot transmit a clear image. Rinse with
water and wipe with a soft cloth. If extremely dirty, wash with a mild
cleanser and rinse.
● The displayed image may be darker and moving images may be slightly
distorted when the system is cold.
■ Caution while dr iving in reverse
● Do not change modes while the vehicle is moving.
NOTICE
●As the camera has a water proof construction, do not detach, disassemble
or modify it. This may cause incorrect operation.
● If the camera lens becomes dirty, it cannot transmit a clear image. If water
droplets, snow, or mud adhere to the lens, rinse with water and wipe with a
soft cloth. If the lens is extremely dirty, wash it with a mild cleanser and
rinse.
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232 2-4. Using other driving systems
To disable A-TRAC (4L mode on 4WD models)If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, A-TRAC may reduce
power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn the sys-
tem off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it. Stop the vehicle completely, and
press the VSC OFF switch for
more than 3 seconds.
The slip indicator will come on.
The system is in all off mode.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.
■Automatic A-TRAC reactivat ion (A-TRAC OFF mode)
With A-TRAC OFF mode, slip indicator turn on. The A-TRAC system will turn
on when the vehicle speed increases.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, TRAC, A-TRAC, VSC and
brake assist system
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started and just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not
indicate 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 the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ If the brake system overheats
TRAC or A-TRAC will cease operation and a buzzer will sound to alert the
driver. Stop the vehicle in a safe place. (There is no problem with continuing
normal driving.)
Page 254 of 660
254 2-5. Driving information
Hitch● If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.
● Use only a hitch that c onforms to the gross trailer weight require-
ment.
● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
● Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer.
After removing the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle
body to prevent entry of any substances into the vehicle.
Page 256 of 660
256 2-5. Driving information
Connecting trailer lightsUse the wire harness stored in the rear end under body. 4 pin, 7 pin connectors
4 pin connector
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257
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 ac cidents are driver error, excessive
speed and improper trailer loading. Keep the following in mind when
towing.
● Speed limits for towing a trailer vary by state or province. Do not
exceed the posted towing speed limit.
● Before starting out, check the trailer’s light and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
● Practice turning, stopping and reve rsing 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. (Thi s 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 o ne vehicle and trailer length.
● Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and
loss of control. This is especiall y true on wet or slippery surfaces.
● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before mak-
ing a turn.
● Note that when making a turn, th e trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making
a larger than normal turning radius.