2012 TOYOTA YARIS Owners Manual

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.

187
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Dinghy towing (vehicles with an automatic transmission)
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with the four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on
the ground) behind a motor home.

188
2-5. Driving information
Dinghy towing (vehicles with a manual transmission)
Towing your vehicle with 4 wheels on the groundTo prevent damage to your vehicle, perform the following procedures
before towing: Shift the shift lever to N.
Turn the engine switch to the “ACC” position.
Ensure that the audio system and other powered devices are turned
off.
Release the parking brake.
After towing, leave the engine in idle for at least 3 minutes before
driving the vehicle.
■Necessary equipment and accessories
Specialized equipment and accessories are required for dinghy towing. Con-
tact the service branch of the motor home manufacturer regarding recom-
mended equipment.
Your vehicle can be dinghy towed in a forward direction (with 4
wheels on the ground) behind a motor home.

189
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
Dinghy towing direction
■ To prevent the steering from locking
Ensure the engine switch is in the “ACC” position.
Do not tow the vehicle backward.
Doing so may cause serious damage.

190 2-5. Driving information

Interior features3
191
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Air conditioning system .... 192
Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defoggers ....................... 199
3-2. Using the audio system Using the AUX port/USB port ........................ 200
Using the steering wheel audio switches ............... 201
3-3. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ............... 202
• Personal lights ................ 203
• Interior light .................... 203
3-4. Using the storage features List of storage features .... 204
• Glove box....................... 205
• Cup holders ................... 205
• Bottle holders ................. 207 3-5. Other interior features
Sun visors ........................ 208
Vanity mirrors ................... 209
Clock ................................ 210
Outside temperature display............................ 211
Power outlet ..................... 213
Floor mat .......................... 214
Luggage compartment features .......................... 216

192
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Air conditioning system
Vehicles without an air conditioning on/off button
Vehicles with an air conditioning on/off button
Fan speed control dial
Air outlet selector dial Temperature control dial
Outside/recirculated air mode button
Fan speed control dial
Air outlet selector dial Temperature control dial
Outside/recirculated air mode button
Air conditioning on/off button