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Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in response to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
VSC+ (Vehicle Stability Control +)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road
surfaces by controlling steering performance.
TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintains drive power and prevents the front wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.
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Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRC and
VSC+
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.
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur,
refrain from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine
off. The EPS system should return to normal after about 10 minutes.
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Hill-start assist control
Hill-start assist control operating conditions
The hill-start assist control system operates under the following condi-
tions.
• The shift lever is in a position other than “P” (Multidrive or automatic
transmission).
• The parking brake is not applied.
• The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
The hill-start assist control system does not operate when “CHECK VSC
SYSTEM” is displayed on the multi-information display.
Hill-start assist control
While hill-start assist control is operating, the brakes remain automati-
cally applied after the driver releases the brake pedal. The stop lights and
the high mounted stoplight turn on.
Hill-start assist control operates for about 2 seconds after the brake pedal
is released.
If the slip indicator does not flash and the buzzer does not sound when
the brake pedal is further depressed, slightly reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal (do not allow the vehicle to roll backward) and then firmly
depress it again. If the system still does not operate, check if the operat-
ing conditions explained above have been met.
Hill-start assist control helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards when starting on an incline or slippery slope.
To engage hill-start assist con-
trol, further depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is
stopped completely.
A buzzer will sound once to
indicate the system is acti-
vated. The slip indicator will
also start flashing.
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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.
• The shift lever is moved to “P” (Multidrive or automatic transmission).
• The parking brake is applied.
• The brake pedal is depressed again.
If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
CAUTION
Hill-start assist control
Do not overly rely on 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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CAUTION
Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may result in death or serious injury.
Do not stack anything in the luggage compartment higher than the seat-
backs.
Such items may be thrown about and possibly injure people in the vehicle
in the event of sudden braking or in an accident.
Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the items
may get under the clutch, brake or accelerator pedal and prevent the ped-
als from being depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or hit the
driver or passengers, causing an accident.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and injure
someone during sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not designed
for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts prop-
erly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer death or seri-
ous bodily injury, in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving or an
accident.
Load and distribution
Do not overload your vehicle.
Do not apply loads unevenly.
Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control
which may cause death or serious injury.
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Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have
accumulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis,
around the tires or on the brakes.
Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes
before getting in the vehicle.
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Selecting tire chains
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
3 mm (0.12 in.) in diameter
10 mm (0.39 in.) in width
30 mm (1.18 in.) in length
Cross chain
4 mm (0.16 in.) in diameter
14 mm (0.55 in.) in width
25 mm (0.98 in.) in length
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regulations before install-
ing chains.
Install the chains on the front tires.
Retighten the chains after driving 0.5 - 1.0 km (1/4 - 1/2 mile).
When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you
and the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to
road conditions.
When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to “P” (Multidrive or
automatic transmission) or to “1” or “R” (manual transmission)
without setting the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze
up, preventing it from being released. If necessary, block the
wheels to prevent inadvertent sliding or creeping.
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VERSO_WE_OM64550E_EURO5Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve
than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the
turns wider than you would normally.
Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when mov-
ing alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement
occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly apply-
ing the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while brak-
ing.
Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer, and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before exe-
cuting lane changes.
Transmission information
Multidrive or automatic transmission
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine brak-
ing, do not use the transmission in “D”. Transmission shift gear
position must be in “4” in the 7-speed sport sequential shiftmatic
mode (Multidrive) (P. 206) or the “M” mode (automatic trans-
mission) (P. 212).
Manual transmission
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine brak-
ing, do not use the transmission in “5” and “6” gear. (P. 219)
When towing a trailer, check the engine coolant temperature
warning light (Red)
Towing a loaded trailer up a long steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30C (85F) may result in the engine overheating.
If the engine coolant temperature warning light (Red) flashes or
comes on, turn the air conditioning off immediately and stop the
vehicle in a safe place. (P. 557)