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Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in response to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) (if equipped)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
TRC (Traction Control) (if equipped)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the front wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
Active Torque Control 4WD system (4WD models)
Automatically switches from front-wheel drive to four-wheel drive
(4WD) according to the driving conditions, helping to ensure reliable
handling and stability. Examples of conditions where the system will
switch to 4WD are when cornering going uphill, starting off or accelerat-
ing, and when the road surface is slippery due to snow, rain, etc.
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.
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When the TRC and VSC are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or if the front wheels (2WD
models) or all wheels (4WD
models) spin, the slip indicator
light flashes to indicate that the
TRC/VSC have been engaged.
Disabling the TRC/VSC systems
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRC/VSC systems
may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to
turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
Turning off TRC system only
To turn the TRC system off,
quickly press and release the
button.
The slip indicator light should
come on.
Press the button again to turn the
system back on.
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URBAN CRUISER_EE (OM52C21E)Turning off both TRC and VSC systems
To turn the TRC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the but-
ton for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped.
The “VSC OFF” indicator light
and slip indicator light will come
on.
Press the button again to turn the
system back on.
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRC and VSC
A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate 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.
EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard.
This dose not indicate a malfunction.
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Reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems after turning off the engine
Turning off the engine after turning off the TRC/VSC systems will automati-
cally reactivate them.
Reactivation of the TRC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC system will turn on when
vehicle speed increases. However, when both TRC and VSC systems are
turned off, the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS is reduced to prevent the system from over-
heating 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 system should return to normal after about 10 minutes.
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CAUTION
The 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
roads.
Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The 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 roads with uneven roads
TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
When the TRC/VSC systems are off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do
not turn the TRC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
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CAUTION
Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the appro-
priate tire pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fit-
ted on the vehicle.
Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.
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Four-wheel drive lock (4WD models)
Four-wheel drive lock mode can be operated when
Vehicles without smart entry & start system
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with smart entry & start system
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
Four-wheel drive lock mode
Four-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the brakes are applied to
ensure the ABS and VSC system operate effectively.
Four-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the vehicle speed exceeds
40 km/h (25 mph).
Four-wheel drive lock mode can be used when a large amount of
drive power needs to be applied to all the wheels, such as when the
vehicle gets stuck in mud and you need to free it.
Push the button.
The torque of the engine is dis-
tributed to the rear wheels to
the maximum extent possible
in accordance with driving con-
ditions.
Push the button again cancels
four-wheel drive lock mode
and returns the Active Torque
Control 4WD system to nor-
mal mode. (P. 217)
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2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
CAUTION
Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:
Receptacles containing gasoline
Aerosol cans
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load.
Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible.
Be sure all items are secured in place.
To maintain vehicle balance while driving, position luggage
evenly within the luggage compartment.
For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.