2012 TOYOTA SEQUOIA tow

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2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■Cautions regarding the driving assist systems
●Assisting the driver to judge proper following distance
The dynamic laser cruise control determines whether the following dis-
tance between the driver’s own vehicle and a designated vehicle traveling
ahead is appropriate or not. It is not capable of making any other type of
judgement. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for the driver to remain
vigilant and to determine whether or not there is a possibility of danger in
any given situation.
● Assisting the driver to operate the vehicle
The dynamic laser cruise control has no capability to prevent or avoid a
collision with a vehicle traveling ahead. Therefore, if there is ever any dan-
ger, the driver must take immediate and direct control of the vehicle and
act appropriately in order to ensure the safety of all involved.
■ To avoid inadvertent cruise control activation
Switch the cruise control off using the ON-OFF button when not in use.
■ Situations unsuitable for dynamic laser cruise control
Do not use dynamic laser cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in inappropriate speed control and could cause an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
●In heavy traffic
● On roads with sharp bends
● On winding roads
● On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice and snow
● On steep downhills, or where there are sudden changes between sharp up
and down gradients
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.
● At entrances to expressways
● When weather conditions are bad enough that they may prevent the sen-
sors from functioning correctly (fog, rain, snow, sandstorm, direct sunlight,
etc.)
● When an approach warning buzzer is heard often
● When your vehicle is towing a trailer or during emergency towing

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2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■Conditions under which the vehicle -to-vehicle distance control may
not function correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the laser radar
sensor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and a fatal or
serious accident may result.
● When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the
functioning of the sensor
● When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the lug-
gage compartment etc.)
● When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
● When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
● When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly
● When your vehicle is towing a trailer or during emergency towing
■ Handling the laser radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the cruise control system can function effec-
tively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an acci-
dent.
●Keep the sensor clean at all times.
Clean the sensor with a soft cloth so you do not mark or damage them.
● Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction.
If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always
have the area inspected and adjusted by a Toyota dealer.
● Do not disassemble the sensor.
● Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, surrounding area.
● Do not modify or paint the sensor.
● Do not replace them with non-genuine parts.

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2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Sensor detection information
●Certain vehicle conditions and the surrounding environment may affect
the ability of a sensor to correctly detect an obstacle. Particular instances
where this may occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on a sensor.
• A sensor is frozen.
• A sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle
engines, air brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing
ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensors in the vicinity.
• A sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or radio antenna.
• A bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or right-angled curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• The area directly under the bumpers is not detected. Objects lower than the sensors or thin stakes etc. may be detected ini-
tially, but as they draw closer, they may cease to be detected.
• A towing hitch is mounted to the vehicle.
• A non-genuine Toyota suspension (lowered suspension etc.) is installed.
• When attaching a two-way radio antenna.
• When a towing eyelet is mounted on your vehicle.
• When the bumper is damaged.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of
their shapes, signs and other objects may be judged by a sensor to be closer
than they are.
● The shape of the obstacle may prevent a sensor from detecting it. Pay
particular attention to the following obstacles:
• Wires, fences, ropes, etc.
• Cotton, snow and other materials that absorb sound waves
• Sharply-angled objects
• Low obstacles

238 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Conditions under which the sensors will not detect a vehicle
The Blind Spot Monitor system is not designed to detect the following types
of vehicles and/or objects:
●Vehicles that enter the detection area from the opposite direction
● Motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians etc. that enter the detection area*
● Following vehicles that are in the same lane*
● Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationary objects
that enter the detection area*
● Vehicles driving 2 lanes across from your vehicle that enter the detection
area*
*: Depending on conditions, unnecessary detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur
■ Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor system may not func-
tion correctly
● The Blind Spot Monitor system may not detect vehicles correctly in the
following conditions:
• During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow etc.
• When there is a significant difference in speed between your vehicle
and the vehicle that enters the detection area
• When a vehicle is in the detection area from a stop and remains in the detection area as your vehicle accelerates
• If a vehicle enters the detection area when driving up or down consec- utive steep inclines
• When driving on a road surface that is wet due to rain, previous rain, standing water etc.
• When multiple vehicles approach with only a small gap between each vehicle
• When vehicle lanes are wide, and the vehicle in the next lane is too far away from your vehicle
• When the vehicle that enters the detection area is traveling at about the same speed as your vehicle
• When towing anything such as trailer, boat, etc.

244 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■The electronically modulated air susp ension must be turned off in the
following circumstances:
Otherwise, the automatic leveling function may cause the vehicle’s height to
change, and you may catch part of your body in the vehicle, resulting in an
unexpected accident:
● When driving through water such as shallow streams (Put the vehicle
height in HI mode and turn off the electronically modulated air suspension.
Drive at 18 mph [30 km/h] or slower.)
● When jacking up the vehicle, installing tire chains or tying the vehicle with
chains/wires for transportation via flat bed truck (Turn the system to the
manual mode and stop the engine.)
● When the vehicle must be towed (Put the vehicle height in N mode and
turn the system to the manual mode.)
● When the vehicle gets stuck (Turn the system to the manual mode.)
● When disconnecting a trailer (Put the vehicle height in LO mode and turn
the system to the manual mode.)
■ Selecting the correct height mode
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the vehicle, as well as dan-
gerous handling characteristics, which may lead to fatal or injury accidents.
●Before you lower the vehicle’s height, check under the vehicle to make
sure that no one is there.
● HI mode should only be used when driving on rough roads, for example
when driving off-road.
Because the vehicle’s center of gravity will become higher when in the
mode, the vehicle may become unstable when turning abruptly, resulting
in an accident.
● Do not select HI mode when you load cargo on the roof luggage carrier.
Because the vehicle’s center of gravity will become higher when in the
mode, the vehicle may become unstable when turning abruptly, resulting
in an accident.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension System)
: If equipped
■Driving mode
●Sport mode is suitable for winding mountain road driving, high speed
driving or towing a trailer.
● Normal mode is suitable for ordinary driving.
AVS controls the suspension accord ing to the road and driving con-
ditions. Selecting an optimum driving mode allows good vehicle
posture and steering wheel operation.
Sport mode
For winding mountain road
driving or high speed driving.
Normal mode
For ordinary driving.
Comfort mode
For driving on a bumpy road.

260 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■TRAC or A-TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if TRAC or A-TRAC 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 Trailer Sway Control 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.
■ Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not able to reduce trailer sway in all situ-
ations. Depending on many factors such as the conditions of the vehicle,
trailer, road surface, and driving environment, the Trailer Sway Control sys-
tem may not be effective. Refer to your trailer owner’s manual for information
on how to tow your trailer properly.
■ If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury.
●Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.
● Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to
reduce speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle
and trailer should stabilize. ( P. 292)

266
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distributionCargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity)  (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The co mbined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s
placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the av ailable amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400  750 (5  150)
= 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible.
● Be sure all items are secured in place.
● Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
● For better fuel economy, do no t carry unnecessary weight.