Page 258 of 688
2582-4. Using other driving systems
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) Disabling the TRAC system
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing to turn
the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release The TRAC OFF indicator light will
come on.
Push again to turn the sys-
tem back on.
■ Turning off both TRAC and VSC system
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold for
more than 3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
● The TRAC OFF indicator light and VSC OFF indicator light will
come on.
● Press again to turn the systems back on.
Page 259 of 688

2592-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) ■ When the “TRAC OFF” indicator li ght comes on even if the VSC OFF
switch has not been pressed
TRAC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota
dealer.
■ Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automati-
cally re-enabled in the following situations:
● When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned off (vehicles with
smart key system)
● When the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” position (vehicles with-
out smart key system)
● If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling
will not occur when vehicle speed increases.
■ 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.
Page 261 of 688

2612-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) CAUTION■ When TRAC and VSC are off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As there are systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving force,
do not turn off TRAC and VSC unless necessary.
■ 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.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the speci-
fied tire pressure level.
The ABS and VSC will not function correctly if different tires are fitted 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 the system to malfunction.
■ Active Torque Control 4WD system
● The AWD system of this vehicle is intended to ensure driving stability on
normal roads. It is not designed for use in demanding situations such as
rally driving.
● Take care when driving on slippery road surfaces.
Page 262 of 688

2622-4. Using other driving systems
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U)Hill-start assist control
■ Hill-start assist contro l operating conditions
The system operates in the following situations:
• The shift lever is in a position other than “P”.
• The parking brake is not applied.
• The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
■ 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 vehicl e to roll backward) and then firmly
depress it again. If the system still does not operate, check that the oper-
ating conditions explained above have been met.Hill-start assist control helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards when starting on 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.
Page 277 of 688

2772-5. Driving information
2
When driving
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) ■ 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 th e 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.
■ 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” without setting
the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing
it from being released. If necessa ry block the wheels to prevent
inadvertent sliding or creeping.
Page 290 of 688

2902-5. Driving information
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) If using a weight distributing hitch when towing, return the front
axle to the same weight as before the trailer connection.
If front axle weight cannot be measured directly, measure the front
fender height above the front axle before connection. Adjust weight
distributing hitch torque until fr ont fender is returned to the same
height as before connection.
The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight can
be measured with platform scales found at a highway weighing sta-
tion, building supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Toyota rec-
ommends the use of Toyota hitch/brac ket for your vehicle. For details,
contact your Toyota dealer.
● If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.
● Use only a hitch that c onforms to the gross trailer weight require-
ment of your vehicle.
● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coating 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.
Page 292 of 688
2922-5. Driving information
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) Positions for towing hitch receiver and hitch ball
Weight carrying ball position:
46.5 in. (1180 mm)
Hitch receiver pin hole posi-
tion: 39.2 in. (996.5 mm)
Connecting trailer lights
Please consult your dealer when inst alling 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.
Page 293 of 688

2932-5. Driving information
2
When driving
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. Help to avoid
an accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when
towing:
● Speed limits for towing a trailer vary by state or province. Do not
exceed the posted towing speed limit.
● Toyota recommends that the vehicle-trailer speed limit is 65 mph
(104 km/h) on a flat, straight, dry road. Do not exceed this limit, the
posted towing speed limit or the speed limit for your trailer as set
forth in your trailer owner’s man ual, whichever is lowest. Instability
of the towing vehicle-trailer combin ation (trailer sway) increases as
speed increases. Exceeding speed limits may cause loss of con-
trol.
● Before starting out, check the trailer lights, tires 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-trailer combination.
● 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. (Thi s 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.