2011 TOYOTA YARIS SEDAN steering

122
2-1. Driving procedures
Hor n
nAfter adjusting the steering wheel
Make sure that the steering wheel is securely locked.
The horn may not sound if the steering wheel is not securely locked.
(→ P. 51)
To sound the horn, press on or
close to the mark.

141
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
When the VSC/TRAC are operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or the front wheels spin, the
indicator flashes to indicate that
VSC/TRAC have been engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavi ly when operating the vehicle.
nABS (Anti-lock Brake System) (if equipped)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
nBrake Assist (if equipped)
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
nVSC (Vehicle Stability Control) (if equipped)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
nTRAC (Traction Control) (if equipped)
Maintains drive power and prevents the front wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
nEPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.

143
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
nVSC OFF mode
Stop the vehicle completely, and
press the VSC OFF switch for
more than 3 seconds.
The TRAC OFF and VSC OFF
indicators will come on.
The system is in TRAC off and
VSC off mode.
nSounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, TRAC, VSC and brake
assist system
lA 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
l 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.
n If the brake system overheats
TRAC will cease operation and a buzzer will sound to alert the driver. Stop
the vehicle in a safe place. (There is no problem with continuing normal driv-
ing.)

144 2-4. Using other driving systems
nAutomatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC
Turning the engine switch OFF after turning off the TRAC and VSC systems
will automatically re-enable them.
n Automatic TRAC reactivation
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when
vehicle speed increases.
n Automatic TRAC and VSC reactivation
If the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not turn on
even when vehicle speed increases.
n If the slip indicator light up
There is a malfunction in the TRAC and VSC systems. Contact your Toyota
dealer and have your Toyota inspected.
n EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
n 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.

148 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
nThings that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk.
lReceptacles containing gasoline
lAerosol cans
nStorage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may result in death or serious injury.
lDo not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the
item may get under the clutch, brake or accelerator pedal and prevent
the pedals from being depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or
hit the driver or passengers, causing an accident.
• Driver’s feet
• Front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• Package tray
• Instrument panel
• Dashboard
• Auxiliary box or tray that has no lid
lSecure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and
injure someone during emergency braking, sudden swerving or an
accident.
lNever allow anyone to ride in the enlarged trunk. It is not designed for
passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts prop-
erly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer death or
serious bodily injury, in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving
or an accident.
nCapacity and distribution
lDo not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
lEven if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less
than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper
loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.

149
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Vehicle load limits
nTotal load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (→P. 256)
CAUTION
nOverloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the ti res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
n Total load capacity: 845 lb. (383 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants,
cargo and luggage.
n Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the ma ximum number of occupants
whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants are within the seating capacity,
do not exceed the total load capacity.
n Towing capacity (Canada): 700 lb. (318 kg)
Towing capacity means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer
weight plus its cargo weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.
n Towing capacity (except Canada):
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
n Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants.

159
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
l
Reversing with a trailer attached is difficult and requires practice.
Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to
move the trailer to the right. (Thi s is generally opposite to reversing
without a trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have
someone guide you when reversing to reduce the risk of an acci-
dent.
l As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to-
vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h)
of speed, allow at least o ne vehicle and trailer length.
l Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and
loss of control. This is especiall y true on wet or slippery surfaces.
l Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
Vehicles with a manual transmis sion: Prevent excessive clutch
slippage by keeping engine rpm low and not racing the engine.
Always start out in first gear.
l Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before mak-
ing a turn.
l Note that when making a turn, th e trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making
a larger than normal turning radius.
l Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway . Periodically check the rear to
prepare for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may
cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying occurs, firmly grip
the steering wheel, reduce speed immediately but gradually, and
steer straight ahead. Never increase speed. If you make no
extreme correction with the stee ring or brakes, your vehicle and
trailer will stabilize.

164 2-5. Driving information
NOTICE
nDinghy towing direction
n To prevent the steering from locking
Ensure the engine switch is in the ACC position.
Do not tow the vehicle backwards.
Doing so may cause serious damage.