ENGINE (IGNITION) SWITCH, TRANSMISSION AND PARKING BRAKE157
Traction control system
The traction control system automatical-
ly helps control the spinning of front
wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the engine switch is turned to the
“ON” position, the system automatically
turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicle and
power against front wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction
control system is in operation. Do not
drive the vehicle under any speed or
maneuvering conditions which may
cause the vehicle to lose traction
control. In situations where the road
surface is covered with ice or snow,
your vehicle should be fitted with
snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious
speed for the present road condi-
tions.
MS16014
Leave the system on during the ordi-
nary driving so that it can operate
when needed.
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 trac-
tion control system is in the self−check
mode, but does not indicate a malfunction.
When the traction control system isoper-
ating, the following conditions occur:
DThe system controls the spinning of the
front wheels. At this time, the slip indi-
cator light blinks.
DYou may feel vibration or noise in your
vehicle, caused by operation of the
brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the engine switch is turned
to the “ON” position. If the indicator light
does not come on when the engine switch
is turned on, contact any authorized Toyo-
ta dealer or repairer, or another duly qual-
ified and equipped professional.
11 02.18
AYGO WE 99E37E
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
OTHER EQUIPMENT191
Before driving:
DCheck that the floor mat is securely
fixed in the correct place with the
provided retaining hook (clip). Be
especially careful to perform this
check after cleaning the floor.
DWith the engine stopped and the
shift lever in N, fully depress each
pedal to the floor to make sure it
does not interfere with the floor
mat.
AYGO WE 99E37E11 02.18
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA197
The three−way catalytic converter is an
emission control device installed in the
exhaust system.
The purpose is to reduce pollutants in the
exhaust gas.
CAUTION
DKeep people and combustible mate-
rials away from the exhaust pipe
while the engine is running. The
exhaust gas is very hot.
DDo not drive, idle or park your ve-
hicle over anything that might burn
easily such as grass, leaves, paper
or rags.
NOTICE
A large amount of unburned gases
flowing into the three−way catalytic
converter may cause it to overheat
and create a fire hazard. To prevent
this and other damage, observe the
following precautions:
zUse only unleaded gasoline.
zDo not drive with an extremely low
fuel level; running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, creat-
ing an excessive load on the three−
way catalytic converter.
zDo not allow the engine to run at
idle speed for more than 20 min-
utes.
zAvoid racing the engine.
zDo not push−start or pull−start your
vehicle.
zDo not turn off the engine while the
vehicle is moving.
zKeep your engine in good running
order. Malfunctions in the engine
electrical system, electronic ignition
system/distributor ignition system
or fuel system could cause an ex-
tremely high three−way catalytic
converter temperature.
zIf the engine becomes difficult to
start or stalls frequently, take your
vehicle in for a check−up to any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer,
or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
zTo ensure that the three−way
catalytic converter and the entire
emission control system operate
properly, your vehicle must receive
the periodic inspections required by
the Toyota Maintenance Schedule.
For scheduled maintenance
information, refer to the “Toyota
Service Booklet” or “Toyota
Warranty Booklet”.
AYGO WE 99E37E11 02.18
Three−way catalytic converter
198INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA
Engine exhaust cautions
CAUTION
DExhaust gases include harmful car-
bon monoxide (CO) that is colorless
and odorless. Inhaling exhaust
gases may lead to death or a seri-
ous health hazard.
DThe exhaust should be checked oc-
casionally. If there is a hole or
crack caused by corrosion, damage
to a joint or abnormal exhaust
noise, be sure to have the vehicle
inspected and repaired by any au-
thorized Toyota dealer or repairer,
or another duly qualified and
equipped professional. Failure to do
so may allow exhaust gases to en-
ter the vehicle, resulting in death or
a serious health hazard.
DIf the vehicle is in a poorly venti-
lated area, turn the engine off. In a
closed area, such as a garage, ex-
haust gases may collect and enter
the vehicle. This may lead to death
or a serious health hazard.
DDo not remain for a long time in a
parked vehicle with the engine run-
ning. If it is unavoidable, however,
do so only in an unconfined area
and adjust the heating or cooling
system to force outside air into the
vehicle.
DKeep the back door closed while
driving. An open or unsealed back
door may cause exhaust gases to
be drawn into the vehicle.
DTo allow proper operation of your
vehicle’s ventilation system, keep
the inlet grilles in front of the wind-
shield clear of snow, leaves, and
other obstructions.
DIf the smell of exhaust is noticed
inside the vehicle, open the win-
dows. Large amounts of exhaust in
the vehicle can cause driver drowsi-
ness and an accident, resulting in
death or a serious health hazard.
Have the vehicle inspected by any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer,
or another duly qualified and
equipped professional immediately.
DDo not leave the engine running in
an area with snow build−up, or
where it is snowing. If snowbanks
build up around the vehicle while
the engine is running, exhaust
gases may collect and enter the ve-
hicle. This may lead to death or a
serious health hazard.
DWhen taking a nap in the vehicle,
always turn the engine off. Other-
wise, you may accidentally move
the shift lever or depress the accel-
erator pedal, which could cause an
accident or fire due to engine over-
heating. Additionally, if the vehicle
is parked in a poorly ventilated
area, exhaust gases may collect and
enter the vehicle, leading to death
or a serious health hazard.
AYGO WE 99E37E11 02.18
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA199
FUNCTIONS OF ENGINE OIL
Engine oil has the primary functions of
lubricating and cooling the inside of the
engine, and plays a major role in main-
taining the engine in proper working order.
ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
It is normal that an engine should con-
sume some engine oil during normal
engine operation. The causes of oil
consumption in a normal engine are as
follows.
DOil is used to lubricate pistons, piston
rings and cylinders. A thin film of oil
is left on the cylinder wall when a pis-
ton moves downwards in the cylinder.
High negative pressure generated when
the vehicle is decelerating sucks some
of this oil into the combustion chamber.
This oil as well as some part of the oil
film left on the cylinder wall is burned
by the high temperature combustion
gases during the combustion process.
DOil is also used to lubricate the stems
of the intake valves. Some of this oil
is sucked into the combustion chamber
together with the intake air and is
burned along with the fuel. High tem-
perature exhaust gases also burn the
oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve
stems.
The amount of engine oil consumed de-
pends on the viscosity of the oil, the
quality of the oil and the conditions the
vehicle is driven under.
More oil is consumed by high−speed driv-
ing and frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since
its pistons, piston rings and cylinder walls
have not become conditioned.Oil consumption:Max. 1.0 L per 1000
km (1.1 qts./600 miles, 0.9 lmp.qts./600
miles)
When judging the amount of oil con-
sumption, note that the oil may become
diluted and make it difficult to judge
the true level accurately.
As an example, if a vehicle is used for
repeated short trips, and consumes a nor-
mal amount of oil, the dipstick may not
show any drop in the oil level at all, even
after 1000 km (600 miles) or more. This
is because the oil is gradually becoming
diluted with fuel or moisture, making it
appear that the oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out
when the vehicle is then driven at high
speeds, as on an expressway, making it
appear that oil has been excessively con-
sumed while driving at high speeds.
IMPORTANCE OF ENGINE OIL LEVEL
CHECK
One of the most important points in prop-
er vehicle maintenance is to keep the en-
gine oil at the optimum level so that oil
function will not be impaired. Therefore, it
is essential that the oil level be checked
regularly. Toyota recommends that the oil
level be checked every time you refuel
the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly
could lead to serious engine trouble
due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check,
see “Checking the engine oil level” on
page 264 in Section 7−2.
AYGO WE 99E37E11 02.18
Facts about engine oil
consumption
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
204INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA
The electric power steering system, us-
ing an electric motor, assists the turn-
ing of the steering wheel.
In the following cases, you may feel the
steering becomes heavy. However, the
electric power steering system warning
light does not come on. (Because it is
not a malfunction.)
DWhen maneuvering or turning frequently
over a long time
The power steering effect will be re-
duced to prevent the system from over-
heating. Avoid turning the steering
wheel, or stop the vehicle and turn the
engine switch to “ACC” or “LOCK”. The
system will become cool inabout 10
minutes.
NOTICE
Frequent maneuvering and turning
over a long time may cause damage
to the system in which the mecha-
nism prevents overheating of the elec-
tric power steering system.
DWhen racing the engine for 30 seconds
or more with the vehicle stopped
The normal power steering effect will
be obtained when you start driving.
DWhen the battery is discharged
Check the battery’s condition. If
necessary, recharge or replace the
battery. For details, see “Checking
battery condition” on page 278 in
Section 7−3.
INFORMATION
When the steering wheel is turned, a
motor operating sound (whining
sound) may be heard. This occurs
when the power steering motor works
and is not defective.
MS21008
Electric power steering system warning
light
The light comes on when the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position. If
the electric power steering system warning
light works properly, the light turns off
after a few seconds. If thesystem has
malfunctions, the light comes on again.
If either of the following conditions oc-
cur, this indicates a malfunction some-
where in the parts monitored by the
warning light system. Contact any au-
thorized 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 stays on while you are driv-
ing.
The warning light turning on while racing
the engine for a long time may not indi-
cate malfunction. To turn off the light, re-
start the engine and start driving.
AYGO WE 99E37E11 02.18
Electric power steering
system