2012 TOYOTA MATRIX lights

144 2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Wash/wipe operation
Wipers operate automatically.
Ty p e BIntermittent wind-
shield wiper opera-
tion
Low speed wind-
shield wiper opera-
tion
High speed wind-
shield wiper opera-
tion
Temporary operation
Increases the intermittent
windshield wiper frequency*
Decreases the intermittent
windshield wiper frequency*
*:If equipped

145
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
2
When driving
■
The windshield wipers and w ashers can be operated when
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked and if there is washer fluid in
the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
NOTICE
■When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■ When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled
toward you and held continually.
■ When a nozzle becomes blocked
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.
Wash/wipe operation
Wipers operate automatically.

146
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Rear window wiper and washer
: If equipped
Ty p e AIntermittent window
wiper operation
Normal window
wiper operation
Washer/wiper dual
operation
Wiper operates automatically.
Washer/wiper dual
operation
Wiper operates automatically.

147
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
2
When driving
■
The rear window wiper and washer can be operated when
The engine switch is in “ON”.
NOTICE
■When the rear window is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the rear window.
■ When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled
toward you and held continually.
■ When a nozzle becomes blocked
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.
Ty p e B
Intermittent window
wiper operation
Normal window
wiper operation
Washer/wiper dual
operation
Wiper operates automatically.
Washer/wiper dual
operation
Wiper operates automatically.

172 2-5. Driving information
HitchTrailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Toyota rec-
ommends the use of Toyota hitch/brac ket for your vehicle. For details,
contact your Toyota dealer.
● If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.
● Use only a hitch that c onforms to the gross trailer weight require-
ment of your vehicle.
● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coating of grease.
● Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer.
After removing the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle
body to prevent entry of any substances into the vehicle.
Positions for towing hitch receiver and hitch ball
Weight carrying ball position:
36.2 in. (920.3 mm)
Hitch receiver pin hole posi-
tion: 29.1 in. (739.4 mm)
Connecting trailer lightsPlease consult your dealer when inst alling trailer lights, as incorrect
installation may cause damage to the vehicle’s lights. Please take
care to comply with your state’ s laws when installing trailer lights.

173
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. Help to avoid
an accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when
towing:
● Speed limits for towing a trailer vary by state or province. Do not
exceed the posted towing speed limit.
● Toyota recommends that the vehicle-trailer speed limit is 65 mph
(104 km/h) on a flat, straight, dry road. Do not exceed this limit, the
posted towing speed limit or the speed limit for your trailer as set
forth in your trailer owner’s man ual, whichever is lowest. Instability
of the towing vehicle-trailer combin ation (trailer sway) increases as
speed increases. Exceeding speed limits may cause loss of con-
trol.
● Before starting out, check the trailer lights, tires and the vehicle-
trailer connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
● Practice turning, stopping and reve rsing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel
of the vehicle-trailer combination.
● 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.
● 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.
● Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in the trailer jack-
knifing and a loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet
or slippery surfaces.

176 2-5. Driving information
■Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height
■ Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 467)
● Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recom-
mendation.
● All trailer lights work as required by law.
● All lights work each time you connect them.
● The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trai\
ler.
● The trailer is level when it is hitched. Do not drive if the trailer is not level,
and check for improper tongue weight, overloading, worn suspension, or
other possible causes.
● The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
No matter which class of tow hitch
applies, for a more safe trailer hookup,
the trailer ball setup must be the proper
height for the coupler on the trailer.
Coupler
Trailer ball

180 2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the
hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of
towing a higher weight, the operator must determine the maximum weight
rating of the particular hitch assembly and never exceed the maximum
weight rating specified for the trailer-hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight
rating set by the trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause an accident resulting in
death or serious personal injuries.
■ When towing a trailer
Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable fed-
eral and state/provincial regulations.
●If the gross trailer weight exceeds unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are
required. Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all appli-
cable federal and state/provincial regulations.
● Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehi-
cle’s braking effectiveness.
● Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both
the trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch
ball, there is danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.
NOTICE
■When installing a trailer hitch
Use only the position recommended by your Toyota dealer. Do not install the
trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
■ Do not directly splice trailer lights
Do not directly splice trailer lights. Directly splicing trailer lights may damage
your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction.