2012 TOYOTA MATRIX Owners Manual

401
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■
License plate lights
Open the back door and remove
the cover.
To protect the cover, place a rag
between the flathead screwdriver
and the cover, as shown in the
illustration.
Turn the bulb base counterclock-
wise.
Remove the light bulb.
■ LED high mounted stoplight
The high mounted stoplight consists of a numbe r of LEDs. If any of
the LEDs burn out, take your vehicle to your Toyota dealer to have
the light replaced.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

402 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Condensation build-up on th e inside of the lens
Contact your Toyota dealer for more information in the following situations.
Temporary condensation build-up on the inside of the headlight lens does
not indicate a malfunction.
● Large drops of water are built up on the inside of the lens.
● Water has built up inside the headlight.
■ Removing and installing the fender liner clip
CAUTION
■Replacing light bulbs
●Turn off the headlights. Do not attempt to replace the bulb immediately
after turning off the headlights.
The bulbs become very hot and may cause burns.
● Do not touch the glass portion of the light bulb with bare hands. Hold the
bulb by the plastic or metal portion.
If the bulb is scratched or dropped it may blow out or crack.
● Fully install light bulbs and any parts used to secure them. Failing to do so
may result in heat damage, fire, or water entering the headlight unit. This
may damage the headlights or cause condensation to build up on the lens.
■ To prevent damage or fire
Make sure bulbs are fully seated and locked.
Removing
Installing

When trouble arises5
403
5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ......... 404
If your vehicle needs to be towed ........................ 405
If you think something is wrong ............................ 411
Fuel pump shut off system ........................... 412 5-2. Steps to take in an
emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... ....................... 413
If you have a flat tire......... 424
If the engine will not start ................................ 438
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P................. 439
If you lose your keys ........ 440
If the battery is discharged ..................... 441
If your vehicle overheats ....................... 446
If the vehicle becomes stuck .............................. 449
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ..................... 451

404
5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the emergency flashers on longer than necessary when the
engine is not running.
Use the emergency flashers if th e vehicle malfunctions or is
involved in an accident.
Press the switch to flash all
the turn signal lights. To turn
them off, press the switch
once again.

5
When trouble arises
405
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The engine is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
2WD models: If towing your vehicle with a wheel-lift type truck from
the front, the vehicle's rear wheels and axles must be in good condi-
tions. ( P. 407, 410)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.
AWD models: If towing your vehicle with a wheel-lift type truck, use a
towing dolly. ( P. 407, 410)

406 5-1. Essential information
Emergency towingIf a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet. This should only be attempted on hard surfaced roads
for short distances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
1.8 L 4-cylinder (2ZR-FE) engine Towing eyelet
2.4 L 4-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine Towing eyelet

5
When trouble arises
407
5-1. Essential information
Towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck
to prevent body damage.
Towing with a wheel-lift type truckFrom the front (2WD models) Release the parking brake.
From the front (AWD models) Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.

408 5-1. Essential information
From the rearAutomatic transmission: Use a
towing dolly under the front
wheels.
Manual transmission: We recom-
mend to use a towing dolly under
the front wheels.
When not using a towing dolly,
turn the engine switch to the
“ACC” position and shift the shift
lever to N.
Using a flat bed truck
If you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45.
Do not overly tighten the tie
downs or the vehicle may be
damaged.
■ Emergency towin g procedure
Release the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Turn the engine switch to the “ACC” (engine off) or “ON” (engine
running) position.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3