2012 TOYOTA MATRIX suspension

84 1-7. Safety information
CAUTION
■SRS airbag precautions
●If breathing becomes difficult after the SRS airbag has deployed, open a
door or window to allow fresh air in, or leave the vehicle if it is safe to do
so. Wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent skin irritation.
● If the areas where the SRS airbags are stored, such as the steering wheel
pad and front and rear pillar garnishes, are damaged or cracked, have
them replaced by your Toyota dealer.
■ Modification and disposal of SRS airbag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or perform any of the following modifications
without consulting your Toyota dealer.
The SRS airbags may malfunction or deploy (inflate) accidentally, causing
death or serious injury.
● Installation, removal, disassembly and repair of the SRS airbags.
● Repairs, modifications, removal or replacement of the steering wheel,
instrument panel, dashboard, seats or seat upholstery, front, side and rear
pillars or roof side rail.
● Repairs or modifications of the front fender, front bumper, or side of the
occupant compartment.
● Installation of snow plows, winches, etc. to the front grille (bull bars, kan-
garoo bar etc.).
● Modifications to the vehicle's suspension system.
● Installation of electronic devices such as mobile two-way radios or CD
players.
● Modifications to your vehicle for a person with a physical disability.

117
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indica-
tors)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon
as possible.
Rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads
and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded.
■ If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
● The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
● The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( P. 427)
■ When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
●Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, tran-
saxle, transfer (AWD vehicles), differential, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft (AWD vehicles), bearings and
suspension joints (where possible) and the function of all joints, bearings,
etc.

128 2-1. Driving procedures
2.4 L 4-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine (with double wishbone rear suspension)mph (km/h)
1.8 L 4-cylinder (2ZR-FE) engine mph (km/h)
Shift positionMaximum speed
1 31 (50)
2 54 (87)
3 83 (134)
4 113 (183)
Shift positionMaximum speed
1 34 (55)
2 56 (91)
3 82 (132)
4 121 (195)

156 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■When 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 TRAC and VSC 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 off TRAC and VSC unless necessary.
■ 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 recom-
mended tire pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fit-
ted 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.
■ Active Torque Control 4WD system
●The AWD system of this vehicle is intended to ensure driving stability on
normal roads. It is not designed for use in demanding situations such as
rally driving.
● Take care when driving on slippery road 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

5
When trouble arises
411
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
■ Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature g auge needle continually points
higher than normal
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

454
6-1. Specifications
Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.)
Dimensions and weights
*1: Except S or XRS grade models
*2: S or XRS grade models
*3: Unladen vehicle
*4: Vehicles without double wishbone rear suspension
*5: Vehicles with double wishbone rear suspension
*6: 2.4 L 4-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine only
Overall length171.9 in. (4365 mm)*1
173.0 in. (4395 mm)*2
Overall width
69.5 in. (1765 mm)
Overall height*361.0 in. (1550 mm)*4
61.4 in. (1560 mm)*5
Wheelbase102.4 in. (2600 mm)
TreadFront 59.8 in. (1519 mm)
Rear 59.9 in. (1522 mm)
Vehicle capacity weight
(Occupants + luggage) 850 lb. (385 kg)
Trailer weight rating*6
(Trailer weight + cargo weight) 1500 lb. (680 kg)

500
AT T E N T I O N
■Précautions avec les sacs de sécurité gonflables SRS
●Si vous avez des difficultés à respirer après le déploiement de l’airbag
SRS, ouvrez une porte ou une vitre pour faire entrer de l'air frais, ou bien
descendez du véhicule si cela ne présente pas de danger. Essuyez tout
résidu dès que possible afin d'éviter d'éventuelles irritations de la peau.
● Si les parties renfermant les airbags SRS, telles que la garniture du volant
et les garnitures de montants avant et arrière, apparaissent abîmées ou
craquelées, faites-les remplacer par votre concessionnaire Toyota.
■ Modification et mise au rebut des éléments du système de sacs de
sécurité gonflables SRS
Consultez impérativement votre concessionnaire Toyota si vous avez besoin
d'intervenir sur votre véhicule ou de procéder à l'une des modifications
suivantes.
Les airbags SRS risquent de ne pas fonctionner correctement ou de se
déployer (gonfler) accidentellement, provoquant ainsi des blessures graves,
voire mortelles.
●Installation, dépose, démontage et réparations des airbags SRS.
● Réparations, modifications, démontage ou remplacement du volant, du
tableau de bord, de la planche de bord, des sièges ou de leur garnissage,
des montants avant, latéraux et arrière ou du rail latéral de toit.
● Réparations ou modifications des ailes avant, du bouclier avant ou des
flancs de l'habitacle.
● Installation de chasse-neige, de treuils, etc., sur la calandre (pare-buffle,
pare-kangourou, etc.).
● Modification du système de suspension du véhicule.
● Installation d'appareils électroniques, tels qu'un radioémetteur/récepteur
ou d'un lecteur CD.
● Aménagements du véhicule visant à permettre sa conduite par une
personne atteinte d'un handicap physique.