2014 TOYOTA CAMRY Owners Manual

209
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
When the TRAC/VSC systems are operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or if any of the drive wheels
spins, the slip indicator light
flashes to indicate that the
TRAC/VSC systems are operat-
ing.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavi ly 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)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning 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.
■BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if equipped)
P. 214

210 2-4. Using other driving systems
Disabling the TRAC/VSC systemsIf the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC/VSC sys-
tems may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may
need to turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.
■ Turning off the TRAC system only
Quickly push and release the
switch to turn off TRAC.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
should come on.
Press the switch again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
Push and hold the switch for
more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped to turn off
TRAC and VSC.
The “TRAC OFF” and VSC OFF
indicator lights should come on.
Press the switch again to turn the
systems back on.

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2
When driving
■When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on even if the VSC OFF
switch has not been pressed
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRAC 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.
■ 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.
■ Reactivation of the TRAC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on
when vehicle speed increases. However, when both TRAC and VSC sys-
tems are turned off, the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed
increases.
■ 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 within 10 minutes.
■ If the slip indicator comes on...
It may indicate a malfunction in the TRAC and VSC. Contact your Toyota
dealer.

212 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle's stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the fol-
lowing situations:
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven surfaces
■ 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.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light 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. As these are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.

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2
When driving
CAUTION
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed 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 a system to malfunction.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)
: If equipped
The Blind Spot Monitor is a system that has 2 functions;
●The Blind Spot Monitor function
Assists the driver in making the decision when changing lanes
●The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
Assists the driver when backing up
These functions use same sensors.
BSM main switch
Pressing the switch turns the system on or off. When the switch is set
to on, the switch’s indicator illuminates. Common switch for Blind Spot
Monitor function and Rear Cross Traffic Alert function.
Outside rear view mirror indicator
Blind Spot Monitor function:
When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the outside rear view mir-
ror indicator comes on while the turn signal lever is not operated and
the outside rear view mirror indicator flashes while the turn signal lever
is operated.

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2-4. Using other
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2
When drivingThe Blind Spot Monitor function
The Blind Spot Monitor function uses radar sensors to detect vehicles
that are traveling in an adjacent la ne in the area that is not reflected
in the outside rear view mirror (the blind spot), and advises the driver
of the vehicles existence via the outside rear view mirror indicator.
■ The Blind Spot Monitor function detection areas
The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
The range of the detection area
extends to: Approximately 11.5 ft. (3.5 m)
from the side of the vehicle
The first 1.6 ft. (0.5 m) from the
side of the vehicle is not in the
detection area
Approximately 9.8 ft. (3 m)
from the rear bumper
Approximately 3.3 ft. (1 m) for-
ward of the rear bumper
Rear Cross Traffic Alert function:
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is
detected, the outside rear view mirror indicators flash.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer (Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
only)
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is
detected, a buzzer sounds from behind the rear seat.

216 2-4. Using other driving systems
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert functionThe Rear Cross Traffic Alert functions when your vehicle is in
reverse. It can detect other vehicles approaching from the right or left
rear of the vehicle. It uses radar sensors to alert the driver of the
other vehicle’s existence through flashing the outside rear view mirror
indicators and sounding a buzzer.
■ The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function detection areas
The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
To give the driver a more consist ent time to react, the buzzer can
alert for faster vehicles from farther away.
Approaching vehicles Detection areas