158ENGINE (IGNITION) SWITCH, TRANSMISSION AND PARKING BRAKE
ST16005
“VSC” warning light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the traction control system
or the vehicle stability control system.
The light will come on when the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position and
will go off after a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
systemdoes not work. However, as con-
ventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing.
In the following cases, contact any autho-
rized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another
duly qualified and equipped professional:
DThe warning light does not come on
after the engine switch is turned to the
“ON” position.
DThe warning light remains on after the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position.
DThe warning light comes on while driv-
ing.The vehicle stability controlsystem au-
tomatically controls the brakes and en-
gine to help prevent the vehicle from
skidding when cornering on a slippery
road surface or operating steering
wheel abruptly.
The vehicle stability control system is acti-
vated when the vehicle speed is more
than 15 km/h (9 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the sys-
tem is in the self−check mode but does
not indicate a malfunction.
CAUTION
DDo not rely excessively on the ve-
hicle stability controlsystem. Even
if the system is operating, you
must always drive carefully and at-
tentively. Reckless driving will re-
sult in an unexpected accident and
cause death or serious injury. If the
slip indicator light blinks, and spe-
cial care should be taken while
driving.
DOnly use tires of specified size. The
size, manufacture, brand and tread
pattern for all 4 tires should be the
same. If you use the tires other
than specified, or different type or
size, the vehicle stability control
system may not function correctly.
When replacing the tires or wheels,
contact any authorized Toyota deal-
er or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied professional. (See “Checking
and replacing tires” on page 270 in
Section 7−2.)
DIn situations where the road surface
is covered with ice or snow, your
vehicle should be fitted with snow
tire or tire chains.
11 02.18
AYGO WE 99E37E
Vehicle stability control
system
200INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA
Brake system
The tandem master cylinder brakesystem
is a hydraulic system with two separate
sub−systems. If either sub−system should
fail, the other will still work. However, the
pedal will be harder to press, and your
stopping distance will increase. Also, the
brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a
single brake system. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
BRAKE BOOSTER
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to
power−assist the brakes. If the engine
should quit while you are driving, you can
bringthevehicletoastopwithnormal
pedal pressure. There is enough reserved
vacuum for one or two stops—but no
more!
CAUTION
DDo not pump the brake pedal if the
engine stalls. Each push on the
pedal uses up the reserved vacuum.
DEven if the power assist is com-
pletely lost, the brakes will still
work. But you will have to push the
pedal hard, much harder than nor-
mal. And your braking distance will
increase.
ANTI−LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
The anti−lock brake system is designed
to help prevent lock−up of the wheels
during a sudden braking or braking on
slippery road surfaces. This assists in
providing directional stability and steer-
ing performance of the vehicle under
these circumstances.
Effective way to press the ABS brake
pedal:
When the anti−lock brake system func-
tion is in action, you may feel the brake
pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this
situation, to let the anti−lock brake sys-
tem work for you, just hold the brake
pedal down more firmly. Do not pump
the brake in a panic stop. This will re-
sult in reduced braking performance.
The anti−lock brake system becomes op-
erative after the vehicle has accelerated
to a speed in excess of approximately 10
km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the
vehicle decelerates to a speed below
approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
Depressing the brake pedal on slippery
road surfaces such as on a manhole cov-
er, a steel plate at a construction site,
joints in a bridge, etc. on a rainy day
tends to activate the anti−lock brake sys-
tem.
You may hear a click or motor sound in
the engine compartment for a few seconds
when the engine is started or just after
the vehicle begins to move. This means
that the anti−lock brake system is in self−
check mode, and does not indicate a mal-
function.
When the anti−lock brake system is ac-
tivated, the following conditions may
occur. They do not indicate a malfunc-
tion of the system:
AYGO WE 99E37E11 02.18
202INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA
MS21009
“ABS” warning light
Vehicles without vehicle stability control
system—
The light comes on when the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position. If
the anti−lock brake system works properly,
the light turns off after a few seconds.
Thereafter, if the system malfunctions, the
light comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti−lock brake systemdoes not operate,
but the brake system stilloperates con-
ventionally.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti−lock brake systemdoes not operate
so that the wheels could lock up during
a sudden braking or braking on slippery
road surfaces.
If either of the following conditions oc-
cur, this indicates a malfunction some-
where in the components monitored by
the warning light system. Contact any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped
professional, as soon as possible to
service the vehicle.
DThe light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position, or remains on.
DThe light comes on while you are driv-
ing.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on
together with the brake system warn-
ing light, immediately stop your ve-
hicle at a safe place and contact any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer,
or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
In this case, not only the anti−lock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.
“ABS” warning light
Vehicles with vehicle stability control sys-
tem—
The light comes on when the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position. If
the anti−lock brake system and the brake
assist system work properly, the light
turns off after a few seconds. Thereafter,
if the system malfunctions, the light
comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti−lock brake system, the brake assist
system, the traction control system and
the vehicle stability control system do not
operate, but the brakesystem stilloper-
ates conventionally.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti−lock brake systemdoes not operate
so that the wheels could lock up during a
sudden braking or braking on slippery
road surfaces.
AYGO WE 99E37E11 02.18
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA203
If either of the following conditions oc-
curs, this indicates a malfunction some-
where in the components monitored by
the warning light system. Contact any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped
professional, as soon as possible to
service the vehicle.
DThe light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position or remains on.
DThe light comes on while you are driv-
ing.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on
together with the brake system warn-
ing light, immediately stop your ve-
hicle at a safe place and contact any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer,
or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
In this case, not only the anti−lock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.
BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM
When you slam the brakes on, the
brake assist system judges as an emer-
gency stop and provides more powerful
braking for a driver who cannot hold
down the brake pedal firmly.
When you slam the brakes on, more pow-
erful braking will be applied. At this time,
you may hear a sound in the engine
compartment and feel the vibrations of the
brake pedal. This does not indicate a mal-
function.Vehicles with vehicle stability control sys-
tem—
The brake assist system becomesopera-
tive after the vehicle has accelerated to a
speed in excess of approximately 10 km/h
(6 mph). It stops operating when the ve-
hicle decelerates to a speed below
approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
For an explanation of thissystem’s warn-
ing light, see “Service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers” on page 127 in Sec-
tion 1−6.
AYGO WE 99E37E11 02.18
212STARTING AND DRIVING
Seat belts.Check that the buckles lock
securely. Make sure the belts are not
worn or frayed.
Instruments and controls.Especially
make sure the service reminder indicators,
instrument lights, and defroster are work-
ing.
Brakes.Make sure the pedal has enough
clearance.
In the engine compartment
Spare fuses.Make sure you have spare
fuses. (See “Fuse locations” on page 259
in Section 7−1.)
Coolant level.Make sure the coolant lev-
el is correct. (See page 267 in Section
7−2 for instructions.)
Battery and cables.All the battery cells
should be filled to the proper level with
distilled water. Look for corroded or loose
terminals and a cracked case. Check the
cables for good condition and connections.
Wiring.Look for damaged, loose, or dis-
connected wires.
Fuel lines.Check the lines for leaks or
loose connections.
AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE
Exhaust system.Listen for any leakage.
Have any leaks fixed immediately. (See
“Engine exhaust cautions” on page 198 in
Section 2.)
Engine oil level.Stop the engine and
check the dipstick with the vehicle parked
on a level spot. (See page 264 in Section
7−2 for instructions.)
WHILE DRIVING
Instruments.Make sure the speedometer
and gauges are working.
Brakes.In a safe place, check that the
brakes do not pull to one side when ap-
plied.Anything unusual?Look for loose parts
and leaks. Listen for abnormal noises.
If everything looks O.K., set your mind at
ease and enjoy your trip!
AYGO WE 99E37E11 02.18
STARTING AND DRIVING213
DAlways slow down in gusty crosswinds.
This will allow you much better control.
DDrive slowly onto curbs and, if pos-
sible, at a right angle. Avoid driving
onto high, sharp−edged objects and
other road hazards. Failure to do so
can lead to severe tire damage such
as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps
or travelling on a bumpy road. Other-
wise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
DWhen parking on a hill, turn the front
wheels until they touch the curb so
that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the
parking brake, and place the transmis-
sion in “M(1)”, “E(1)” or “R” (multi−
mode manual transmission), or first or
reverse (manual transmission). If nec-
essary, block the wheels.
DWashing your vehicle or driving through
deep water may get the brakes wet. To
see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you, and then
press the pedal lightly. If you do not
feel a normal braking force, the brakes
are probably wet. To dry them, drive
the vehicle cautiously while lightly
pressing the brake pedal with the park-
ing brake applied. If they still do not
work safely, pull to the side of the road
and call any authorized Toyota dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional, for assis-
tance.
CAUTION
DBefore driving off, make sure the
parking brake is fully released and
the parking brake reminder light is
off.
DDo not leave your vehicle unat-
tended while the engine is running.
DDo not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. It can cause
dangerous overheating, needless
wear, and poor fuel economy.
DTo drive down a long or steep hill,
reduce your speed and downshift.
Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and
not work properly.
DBe careful when accelerating, up-
shifting, downshifting or braking on
a slippery surface. Sudden accelera-
tion or engine braking could cause
the vehicle to skid or spin.
DDo not continue normal driving
when the brakes are wet. If they are
wet, your vehicle will require a
longer stopping distance, and it
may pull to one side when the
brakes are applied. Also, the park-
ing brake will not hold the vehicle
securely.
NOTICE
zDo not depress the accelerator and
brake pedals at the same time dur-
ing driving. If the brake pedal is
depressed while driving with the ac-
celerator pedal depressed, driving
torque may be restrained.
zDo not use the accelerator pedal or
depress the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time to hold the
vehicle on a hill.
AYGO WE 99E37E11 02.18
Tips for driving in various
conditions
214STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving in the rain
Driving on a slippery road surface
Drive carefully when it is raining, because
visibility will be reduced, the windows may
become fogged−up, and the road will be
slippery.
DDrive carefully when it starts to rain,
because the road surface will be espe-
cially slippery.
DRefrain from high speeds when driving
on an expressway in the rain, because
there may be a layer of water between
the tires and the road surface, prevent-
ing the steering and brakes from oper-
ating properly.
CAUTION
DSudden braking, acceleration and
steering when driving on a slippery
road surface may cause tire slip-
page and reduce your ability to
control the vehicle, resulting in an
accident.
DSudden changes in engine speed,
such as sudden engine braking,
may cause the vehicle to skid, re-
sulting in an accident.
DAfter driving through a puddle,
lightly depress the brake pedal to
make sure that the brakes are func-
tioning properly. Wet brake pads
may prevent the brakes from func-
tioning properly. If the brakes on
only one side are wet and not func-
tioning properly, steering control
may be affected, resulting in an ac-
cident.
When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded
after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause
serious damage to the vehicle.
NOTICE
Driving on a flooded road may cause
the engine to stall as well as cause
serious vehicle malfunctions such as
shorts in electrical components and
engine damage from water immersion.
In the event that you drive on a
flooded road and the vehicle is
flooded, be sure to have your Toyota
dealer check brake function, changes
in quantity and quality of engine oil,
transaxle fluid, etc. and lubricant con-
dition for the bearings and suspen-
sion joints (where possible) and the
function of all joints and bearings.
AYGO WE 99E37E11 02.18
216STARTING AND DRIVING
Trailer towing
MS31001
Toyota does not recommend towing a
trailer with your Toyota. It is not de-
signed for trailer towing.Improving fuel economy is easy—just take
it easy. It will help make your vehicle last
longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and
repairs:
DKeep your tires inflated at the cor-
rect pressure.Underinflation causes
tire wear and wastes fuel. See page
269 in Section 7−2 for instructions.
DDo not carry unnecessary weight in
your vehicle.Excess weight puts a
heavier load on the engine, causing
greater fuel consumption.
DAvoid lengthy warm−up idling.Once
the engine is running smoothly, begin
driving—but gently. Remember, howev-
er, that on cold winter days this may
take a little longer.
DAccelerate slowly and smoothly.
Avoid jackrabbit starts. Get into high
gear as quickly as possible.
DAvoid long engine idling.If you have
a long wait and you are not in traffic,
it is better to turn off the engine and
start again later.
DAvoid engine lugging or over−rev-
ving.Use a gear position suitable for
the road on which you are travelling.
DAvoid continuous speeding up and
slowing down.Stop−and−go driving
wastes fuel.
DAvoid unnecessary stopping and
braking.Maintain a steady pace. Try
to time the traffic signals so you only
need to stop as little as possible or
take advantage of through streets to
avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper dis-
tance from other vehicles to avoid sud-
den braking. This will also reduce wear
on your brakes.
DAvoid heavy traffic or traffic jams
whenever possible.
DDo not rest your foot on the clutch
or brake pedal.This causes premature
wear, overheating and poor fuel econo-
my.
AYGO WE 99E37E11 02.18
How to save fuel and make
your vehicle last longer