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306 2-4. Using other driving systems
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■Hill-start assist control buzzer
● When hill-start assist control is activated, the buzzer will sound once.
● In the following situations, hill-start assist control will be canceled and the
buzzer will sound twice.
• No attempt is made to drive the vehicle within approximately 2 seconds
of releasing the brake pedal.
• Push the P position switch.
• The parking brake is applied.
• The brake pedal is depressed again.
• The brake pedal has been depressed for more than approximately 3 minutes.
■ If the slip indicator light comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■Hill-start assist control
● Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control
may not operate effectively on extremely steep inclines or roads covered
in ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline for an extended
period of time, as doing so may lead to an accident.
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311
2-4. Using other
driving systems
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2
When driving
■Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may
also be occasions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals,
bicycles, motorcycles, trees, or snowdrifts.
■ Situations in which the pre-collis ion system does not function properly
The system may not function effectively in situations such as the following:
● On roads with sharp bends or uneven surfaces
● If a vehicle suddenly moves in front of your vehicle, such as at an inter-
section
● If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of your vehicle, such as when overtak-
ing
● In inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or sand storms
● When your vehicle is skidding with the VSC system off
● When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs
● When the axis of the radar is out of adjustment
■ Automatic cancelation of the pre-collision system
When a malfunction occurs due to sensor contamination, etc. that results in
the sensors being unable to detect obstacles, the pre-collision system will be
automatically disabled. In this case, the system will not activate even if there
is a collision possibility.
■ When there is a malfunction in the system, or if th e system is tempo-
rarily unusable
Warning lights and/or warning messages will turn on or flash. ( P. 502, 516)
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314 2-4. Using other driving systems
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CAUTION
■When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary in any of the following situations.
● 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.)
● Vehicles that cut in suddenly
● Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
● Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
■ Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-collision system can function effec-
tively:
● Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover 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 become
inaccurate or malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a
strong impact, always have the area inspected and adjusted by your
Toyota dealer.
● Do not disassemble the sensor.
● Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or sur-
rounding area.
● Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
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344 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
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■Operating conditions
The Solar Ventilation System may not operate under the following circum-
stances due to a lack of power from the solar panel:
● Low amount of sunlight
● Ever when a part of the solar panel is cast by a shadow.
● Ever when a part of the solar panel is covered by fallen leaves or dirt.
● The solar panel is not at a high temperature.
■ Before using the Solar Ventilation System
Remove dirt or fallen leaves from the solar panel in order to ensure sufficient
electrical output.
■ Efficient use of the So lar Ventilation System
Efficient control of temperature increase can be achieved by using the sys-
tem in conjunction with the Remote Air Conditioning System. ( P. 346)
■ When using the Sola r Ventilation System
● Make sure that the “POWER” switch is in ON mode when turning the
ventilation switch on. If the ventilation switch is turned on while the
“POWER” switch is OFF, the air mode and the status of the air vents will
remain unchanged.
● If the Solar Ventilation System is not needed, be sure to turn the ventila-
tion switch off.
Dirty air and exhaust fumes from other vehicles may be drawn from out-
side. Also, use in winter may cause heated interior air to leave the vehi-
cle, thus leading to a drop in temperature.
■ Sounds when using the Solar Ventilation System
If the amount of sunlight is insufficient, you may hear a sound coming from
the air conditioning system. This is the sound of a control function to pre-
serve the fan and does not indicate a malfunction.
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3-5. Other interior features
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Outside temperature display
■Operating conditions
The “POWER” switch is in ON mode.
■ Display
In the following situations, the correct outside temperature may not be dis-
played, or the display may take longer than normal to change.
● When stopped, or driving at low speeds (less than 16 mph [25 km/h])
● When the outside temperature has changed suddenly (at the entrance/
exit of a garage, tunnel, etc.)
■ When -- is displayed
The system may be malfunctioning. Take your vehicle to your Toyota dealer.
The displayed temperature ranges from -40 °F (-40 °C) up to 122 °F
(50 °C).
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406 4-1. Maintenance and care
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■Caring for leather areas
Toyota recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year
to maintain the quality of the vehicle’s interior.
■ Shampooing the carpets
There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a
sponge or brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not use
water. Wipe dirty surfaces and let them dry. Excellent results are obtained by
keeping the carpet as dry as possible.
■ Seat belts
Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a cloth or sponge. Also
check the belts periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.
CAUTION
■Water in the vehicle
● Do not splash or spill liquid in the vehicle, such as on the floor, in the
hybrid battery (traction battery) air vents, and in the luggage compartment.
Doing so may cause the hybrid battery (traction battery), electrical compo-
nents, etc. to malfunction or catch fire.
● Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle interior wet.
(P. 144)
An electrical malfunction may cause the airbags to deploy or not function
properly, resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Cleaning the interior (esp ecially instrument panel)
Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel may reflect off
the windshield, obstructing the driver’s view and leading to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
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407
4-1. Maintenance and care
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4
Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■
Cleaning detergents
● Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehi-
cle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces:
• Non-seat portions: Organic substances such as benzene or gasoline,
alkaline or acidic solutions, dye, and bleach
• Seats: Alkaline or acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, and alcohol
● Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel’s or other
interior part’s painted surface may be damaged.
■ Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration o\
f
leather surfaces:
● Remove any dust or dirt from leather surfaces immediately.
● Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.
● Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or containing wax on the uphol-
stery, as they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats
up significantly.
■ Water on the floor
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes
into contact with electrical components such as the audio system above or
under the floor of the vehicle. Water may also cause the body to rust.
■ When cleaning the inside of the windshield (vehicles with LKA [Lane-
Keeping Assist])
Be careful not to touch the camera sensor ( P. 289).
If the camera is accidentally scratched or hit, LKA may not operate properly
or may cause a malfunction.
■ Cleaning the inside of the rear window
● Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this may cause
damage to the rear window defogger heater wires. Use a cloth dampened
with lukewarm water to gently wipe the window clean. Wipe the window in
strokes running parallel to the heater wires.
● Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires.
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415
4-2. Maintenance
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4
Maintenance and care
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which
include OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system moni-
tors the operation of the emission control system.
■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere
in the emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/
M test and may need to be repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer
to service the vehicle.
■ Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test in the following situa-
tions:
●When the 12-volt battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are se t during ordinary driving are
erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes
may not be completely set.
● When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on indicating a tempo-
rary malfunction and your vehi cle may not pass the I/M test.
■ When the malfunction indicator lamp still remains on after
several driving trips
The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the
vehicle is driven 40 or more times.
■ If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
Contact your Toyota dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.