2011 TOYOTA MATRIX overheating

111 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
CAUTION
■Exhaust gases
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO) that is colorless and
odorless. Inhaling exhaust gases may lead to death or a serious health haz-
ard.
●If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area, stop the engine. In a closed
area, such as a garage, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle.
This may lead to death or a serious health hazard.
●The exhaust should be checked occasionally. 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 your Toyota dealer.
Failure to do so may allow exhaust gases to enter the vehicle, resulting in
death or a serious health hazard.
■When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, you may accidentally move the shift
lever or depress the accelerator pedal, which could cause an accident or fire
due to engine overheating. 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.

127
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Parking brake
■Usage in winter time
See “Winter driving tips” for parking brake usage in winter time. (P. 154)
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake
wear.
Sets the parking brake
Fully set the parking brake while depressing the brake pedal.
Releases the parking brake
Slightly raise the lever and lower it completely while pressing the but-
ton.
U.S.A. Canada

131 2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
Instrument panel light control
The brightness of the instrument panel lights can be adjusted.
Darker
Brighter
When the headlight switch is
turned on, the brightness will be
reduced slightly unless the con-
trol button is turned fully clock-
wise.
■Display
In the following situations, the correct outside temperature may not be dis-
played, or the display may take longer than normal to change.
●When stopped, or driving at low speeds (less than 12 mph [20 km/h])
●When the outside temperature has changed suddenly (at the entrance/
exit of a garage, tunnel, etc.)
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
●The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is
in the red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place, and check the engine after it has cooled completely. (
P. 433)

148 2-4. Using other driving systems
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from
excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. The sys-
tem should return to normal within 10 minutes.
CAUTION
■ABS does not operate effectively when
●Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn
tires on a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■Stopping distance when ABS is operating on the wet or slick roads
ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle's stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations.
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or uneven roads
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

165 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
●To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system perfor-
mance when using engine braking, do not use 5th gear (manual
transmission), or do not put the transmission in “D” (automatic
transmission).
●Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's engine may
overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when
driving up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air condition-
ing (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
(P. 433)
●Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P (automatic transmission) or in 1 or R (manual
transmission). Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so
only after performing the following:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into 1 or R (manual transmission) or P (automatic trans-
mission) and turn off the engine.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

434 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■Overheating
If you observe the following, your vehicle may be overheating.
●The engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone or a loss of
power is experienced.
●Steam is coming from under the hood.
CAUTION
■To prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of
your vehicle
●If steam is seen coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until
the steam has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot, caus-
ing serious injury such as burns.
●Keep hands and clothing away from the fan and other belts while the
engine is running.
●Do not loosen the coolant reservoir cap while the engine and radiator are
hot.
Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam
released under pressure.
Add engine coolant if neces-
sary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if engine coolant is
unavailable.
(P. 449)
Have the vehicle checked at the nearest Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
STEP5

491 Alphabetical index
Child-protectors ........................ 30
Cleaning
Exterior ................................. 316
Interior .................................. 319
Seat belts ............................. 320
Clock ........................................ 295
Compass .................................. 311
Condenser ............................... 344
Console box............................. 287
Cooling system
Engine overheating .............. 433
Cruise control .......................... 141
Cup holder ............................... 288
Curtain shield airbags .............. 71
Customizable features ............ 472
Daytime running light
system ................................... 136
Defogger
Rear window......................... 179
Side mirror ............................ 179
Dimension ................................ 442
Dinghy towing .................. 167,168
Display
Trip meter ............................. 129
Do-it-yourself maintenance .... 328
Doors
Door lock .......................... 26, 29
Door windows ......................... 57
Side mirrors ............................ 55
Driver's seat belt reminder
light ........................................ 404Driving
Break-in tips ..........................106
Correct posture .......................69
Procedures ............................104
Winter driving tips..................154
Electric power steering ...........145
Emergency flashers
Switch....................................390
Emergency, in case of
If a warning light turns on ......401
If the engine will not start ......425
If the shift lever cannot be
shifted from P......................426
If the vehicle has a
discharged battery ..............428
If the warning buzzer
sounds ................................401
If you have a flat tire .............411
If you lose your keys .............427
If you think something is
wrong ..................................397
If your vehicle becomes
stuck ...................................436
If your vehicle has to be
stopped in an emergency ...438
If your vehicle needs to be
towed ..................................391
If your vehicle overheats .......433
D
E

492 Alphabetical index
Engine
Compartment ........................ 337
Engine switch ........................ 115
Hood...................................... 332
How to start the
engine ................................. 115
Identification number ............. 443
If the engine will not start ...... 425
Ignition switch........................ 115
Overheating........................... 433
Engine coolant
Capacity ................................ 449
Checking ............................... 343
Preparing and checking
before winter ....................... 154
Engine coolant temperature
gauge ...................................... 129
Engine immobilizer system.......66
Engine oil
Capacity ................................ 447
Checking ............................... 339
Preparing and checking
before winter ....................... 154
Engine oil maintenance
data ......................................... 341
EPS ............................................ 145
Event data recorder ................. 399Floor mat .................................. 303
Fluid
Brake..................................... 345
Washer.................................. 349
Fog lights
Replacing light bulbs ............. 380
Switch ................................... 137
Wattage................................. 456
Front passenger occupant
classification system .............. 83
Front passenger's seat belt
reminder light ........................ 404
Front seats
Adjustment .............................. 38
Front side marker lights
Replacing light bulbs ............. 380
Switch ................................... 135
Wattage................................. 456
Front turn signal lights
Replacing light bulbs ............. 380
Switch ................................... 126
Wattage................................. 456
Fuel
Capacity ................................ 446
Fuel gauge ............................ 129
Fuel pump shut off system .... 398
Gas station information ......... 500
Information ............................ 457
Refueling ................................. 62
Type ...................................... 446F