2012 TOYOTA YARIS HATCHBACK light

164 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the but-
ton for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
and VSC OFF indicator light will
come on.
Press the button again to turn the
systems back on.
■When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on even if the VSC OFF
switch has not been pressed
TRAC system cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and
TRAC
● 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.
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Reactivation of the TRAC/VSC systems after turning off the engine
Turning off the engine after turning off the TRAC/VSC systems will automati-
cally reactivate them.

166 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Be especially careful and drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and
power may be lost.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■ When the TRAC/VSC syst ems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. Do not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary, as these are
the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force by automatically
controlling braking and engine outputs.
■ Replacing tires
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause the ABS, VSC and TRAC systems not to function
correctly.
●Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity.
● Do not use tires of noticeably different wear level.
● Make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire inflation
pressure level. ( →P. 351)
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

179
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Trailer tongue load
● A recommended tongue load varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described below.
● In order to ensure the recommended values shown below, the
trailer must be loaded by referring to the following instructions.
The trailer cargo load should be di stributed so that the tongue load
is 9 to 11% of the gross trailer weight, not exceeding 70 lb. (31 kg).
(Tongue load / Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9 to 11%)
The gross trailer weight and tongue l oad can be measured with plat-
form scales found at a highway weighing station, building supply
company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Gross trailer weight
Tongue load
Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established
by the hitch manufacturer. Even th ough the vehicle may be rated for
towing a higher weight, the operat or must never exceed the maxi-
mum weight rating specified for the trailer hitch.
Connecting trailer lights
Please consult your dealer when installing 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.

180 2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing tipsYour vehicle will handle differently w hen towing a trailer. In order to
avoid accident, death or serious in jury, keep the following in mind
when towing:
● Before starting out, check the trailer lights 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.
● 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. (This 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 jackknifing and
loss of control. This is especiall y true on wet or slippery surfaces.
● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration. Vehicles with a manual
transmission, prevent excessive cl utch slippage by keeping engine
rpm low and not racing the engine. Always start out in first gear.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before mak-
ing turn.
● Note that when making a turn, th e trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making
a larger than normal turning radius.

181
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
●
Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway . Periodically check the rear to
prepare for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may
cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying occurs, firmly grip
the steering wheel, reduce speed immediately but gradually, and
steer straight ahead. Never increase speed. If you make no
extreme correction with the stee ring or brakes, your vehicle and
trailer will stabilize.
● Take care when passing other vehicles. Passing requires consider-
able distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of
your trailer, and be sure you hav e plenty of room before changing
lanes.
● To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system perfor-
mance when using engine braking, do not use the transmission in
D (vehicles with an automatic transmission) or 5 (vehicles with a
manual transmission).
● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may
overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when
driving up a long or steep grade. If the high engine coolant temper-
ature warning light flashes or co mes on overheating, immediately
turn off the air conditioning (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road
and stop in a safe place. ( →P. 334)

183
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■
Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( →P. 351)
● Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation.
● 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 vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched.
Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper tongue
load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
● The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● The rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial or local
regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing
purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components
(such as an engine, transmission, differential and wheel bearing), Toyota
recommends that you do not tow a trailer until it has been driven for over 500
miles (800 km).
However, avoid full throttle acceleration.
■ Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner’s Manual Supplement”.)
● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approxi-
mately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

185
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
Hitches
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the
hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be rated for towing a
higher weight, the operator must never exceed the maximum weight rating
specified for the trailer hitch.
●If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.
● Use only a hitch that conforms to the gross trailer weight requirement.
● The towing capacity of 700 lb. (315 kg) can only be guaranteed when
using a genuine Toyota hitch assembly or equivalent.
● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat 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.
■ When towing a trailer
●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.

186 2-5. Driving information
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 use axle-mounted hitches, as they can cause damage to the axle
housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
■ Safety chain
A safety chain must always be used between the towing vehicle and the
trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the chain for turns. The chain should cross
under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground in
the case that it becomes damaged or separated. For the correct safety chain
installation procedure, ask your Toyota dealer.
■ Do not directly splice trailer lights
Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your vehicle’s electrical system
and cause a malfunction.