2012 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER Owners Manual

177
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Clutch star t cancel switch (vehicles with a manual transmission)
■Clutch start system
The system is designed to keep the starter motor from operating if the clutch
pedal is not depressed all the way down.
The switch allows the vehicle to be driven out of difficult situations
by cranking the engine with the clutch engaged.
Never use the switch for normal engine starting. Be sure to follow the
starting procedure. ( P. 127)
Press the CLUTCH START
CANCEL switch to cancel the
clutch start system with the
engine switch is turned to the
ON position.
The indicator will come on
when the clutch start system is
canceled.
The clutch start cancel switch
is automatically turned off
when the engine switch is
turned off.

178
2-4. Using other driving systems
Driving assist systems
When TRAC (TRC)/VSC are operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, or if the rear wheels (2WD
models) or any of the drive
wheels (4WD models) spins, the
slip indicator flashes to indicate
that TRAC (TRC)/VSC have
been engaged.
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 h eavily 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)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC/TRC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the rear wheels (2WD models) or
all wheels (4WD models) from spinning when starting the vehicle or
accelerating on slippery roads.

179
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
To disable TRAC and VSC (2WD m odels and H2 mode [automatic
transmission] on 4WD models)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC and VSC 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 TRAC and VSC
Press and hold the switch for
more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped to turn off
TRAC and VSC.
The VSC OFF and TRAC OFF
indicators will come on.
Push the switch again to turn both
systems back on.

180 2-4. Using other driving systems
To disable TRAC (TRC) and/or VSC (H4 mode [automatic transmission]
or H and HL mode [manual transmission] on 4WD models)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC (TRC) and VSC
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 TRAC (TRC)
Quickly press and release the
switch to turn off TRAC (TRC).
The TRAC OFF (TRC OFF) indi-
cator will come on.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off TRAC (TRC) and VSC
Press and hold the switch for
more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped to turn off
TRAC (TRC) and VSC.
The VSC OFF and TRAC OFF
(TRC OFF) indicators will come
on.
Push the switch again to turn both
systems back on.
U.S.A. Canada
U.S.A. Canada

181
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■When the TRAC OFF (TRC OFF) indi cator light comes on even if the
VSC OFF switch has not been pressed
TRAC (TRC) system cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Automatic reactivation of TRAC (TRC) and VSC
Turning the engine switch off after turning off the TRAC (TRC) and VSC sys-
tems will automatically re-enable them.
■ Automatic VSC reactivation (2WD models)
If only the TRAC system is turned off, VSC OFF and AUTO LSD indicators
turn on. The VSC system will turn on when the vehicle speed increases.
■ Automatic TRAC (TRC) and VSC reactivation
If the TRAC (TRC) and VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not turn
on, even when vehicle speed increases.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, TRAC (TRC), VSC and
brake assist system
● 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.
■ If the brake system overheats
TRAC (TRC) will cease operation and a buzzer will sound to alert the driver.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place. (Ther e is no problem with continuing normal
driving.)

182 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of the gripping performance have been exceeded.
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■ 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 pothol es or roads with uneven roads
■ When VSC is activated
The slip indicator flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator flashes.
■ TRAC (TRC) may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if TRAC (TRC) is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ 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, VSC and TRAC (TRC ) will not function correctly if different tires
are fitted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer 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.

183
2
When driving
2-5. Driving information
Off-road precautions
Off-road vehicle feature● Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity
than ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes
this type of vehicle to be more likel y to rollover. And, utility vehicles
have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehi-
cles.
● An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the
road allowing you to anticipate problems.
● It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary
passenger cars any more than lo w-slung sports cars designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-r oad conditions. Therefore, sharp
turns at excessive speeds may cause rollover.
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has higher
ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its
center of gravity to make it capable of performing in a wide variety of
off-road applications.

184 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Off-road vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of serious per-
sonal injury or damage to your vehicle:
●In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
● Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury.
● Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehi-
cle gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden
braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly.
● Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher
center of gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordi-
nary passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control.
● When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
● Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or
straight down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-road vehicle)
can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or backward.