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
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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
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA201
DYou may hear the anti−lock brake sys-
tem operating and feel the brake pedal
pulsating and the vibrations of the ve-
hicle body and steering wheel. You
may also hear the motor sound in the
engine compartment even after the ve-
hicle is stopped.
DAt the end of the anti−lock brake sys-
tem activation, the brake pedal may
movealittleforward.
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the anti−lock
brake system: Although the anti−lock
brake system assists in providing ve-
hicle control, it is still important to
drive with all due care and maintain
a moderate speed and safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you, be-
cause there are limits to the vehicle
stability and effectiveness of steering
wheel operation even with the anti−
lock brake system on.
If tire grip performance exceeds its
capability, or if hydroplaning occurs
during high speed driving in the rain,
the anti−lock brake system does not
provide vehicle control.
Anti−lock brake system is not de-
signed to shorten the stopping dis-
tance: Always drive at a moderate
speed and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you.
Compared with vehicles without an
anti−lock brake system, your vehicle
may require a longer stopping dis-
tance in the following cases:
DDriving on rough, gravel or snow−
covered roads.
DDriving with tire chains installed.
DDriving over the steps such as the
joints on the road.
DDriving on roads where the road
surface is pitted or has other differ-
ences in surface height.
Install all 4 tires of specified size at
appropriate pressure: The anti−lock
brake system detects vehicle speeds
using the speed sensors for respec-
tive wheels’ turning speeds. The use
of tires other than specified may fail
to detect the accurate turning speed
resulting in a longer stopping dis-
tance.
AYGO WE 99E37E11 02.18
STARTING AND DRIVING211
Before starting the engine, be sure to
follow the instructions in “(a) Before
cranking”.
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequen-
tial multiport fuel injection system in your
engine automatically controls the proper
air−fuel mixture for starting. You can start
a cold or hot engine as follows:
Multi−mode manual transmission:With
your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the engine switch to the “START” posi-
tion and crank the engine while depress-
ing the brake pedal. Release the key
when the engine starts. The engine can-
not be cranked if the shift lever is in a
position except “N” or the brake pedal
is not depressed.
Manual transmission:With your foot off
the accelerator pedal, crank the engine
by turning the engine switch to the
“START” position. Release it when the
engine starts.
Engine should be warmed up by driving,
not idling. For warming up drive with a
smoothly turning engine until the engine
coolant temperature is within the normal
range.
If the engine stalls...
Simply restart it, using the correct proce-
dure given in normal starting.
If the engine will not start...
See “If your vehicle will not start” on page
220 in Section 4.
NOTICE
zDo not crank for more than 30 se-
conds at a time. This may overheat
the starter and wiring systems.
zDo not race a cold engine.
zIf the engine becomes difficult to
start or stalls frequently, have the
engine checked immediately.
Pre−trip safety check
It is a good idea to do a safety check
before starting out on a trip. A few min-
utes of checking can help ensure safe and
pleasant driving. Just a basic familiarity
with your vehicle is required and a careful
eye! Or, if you would like, any authorized
Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional, will
be pleased to make this check for you at
nominal cost.
CAUTION
If you make this check in an enclosed
garage, make sure there is adequate
ventilation. Engine exhaust is poison-
ous.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
Outside the vehicle
Tires.Check the pressure with a gauge
and look carefully for cuts, damage, or
excessive wear.
Wheel bolts.Make sure no bolts are mis-
sing or loose.
Fluid leaks.After the vehicle has been
parked for a while, check underneath for
leaking fuel, oil, water, or fluid. (Water
dripping from the air conditioning after use
is normal.)
Lights.Make sure the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signals and other
lights are all working. Check the headlight
aim.
Inside the vehicle
Spare tire, jack and wheel bolt wrench.
Check the spare tire pressure and make
sure you have your jack and wheel bolt
wrench.
AYGO WE 99E37E11 02.18
(b) Starting the engine
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
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY231
—Raising your vehicle
MS41014b
6. After making sure that no one is in
the vehicle, raise it high enough so
that the spare tire can be installed.
Remember you will need more ground
clearance when putting on the spare tire
than when removing the flat tire.
To raise the vehicle, turn the jack handle
clockwise. As the jack touches the vehicle
and begins to lift, double−check that it is
properly positioned.
CAUTION
Never get under the vehicle when the
vehicle is supported by the jack
alone.
—Changing wheels
MS41015a
7. Remove the wheel bolts and change
tires.
Lift the flat tire straight off and put it
aside.
Roll the spare wheel into position and
align the vehicle side holes with the tire
wheel holes. Then secure the wheel with
the bolts.
AYGO WE 99E37E11 02.18