Page 163 of 688

1632-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) Starting on a steep incline
Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to “D”.
Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
Release the parking brake.
■ Starting off on a hill
Hill-start assist control will operate. ( P. 262)
■ Driving in the rain
● Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the
windows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
● Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be
especially slippery.
● Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain,
because there may be a layer of water between the tires and the road
surface, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly. Vehicles with smart key system:
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch off and stop the
engine.
Vehicles without smart key system:
Turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position and stop the
engine.
Lock the door, making sure that you have the key on your
person. STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
Page 166 of 688

1662-1. Driving procedures
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) CAUTION● Do not shift the shift lever to “P” while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle
control.
● Do not shift the shift lever to “R” while the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle
control.
● Do not shift the shift lever to a driving position while the vehicle is moving
backward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle
control.
● Moving the shift lever to “N” while the vehicle is moving will disengage the
engine from the transmission. Engine br aking is not available when “N” is
selected.
● During normal driving, do not turn off the engine. Turning the engine off
while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, however,
power assist to the steering will be lost. This will make it more difficult to
steer smoothly, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it
is safe to do so.
In the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the
vehicle in the normal way: P. 608.
● Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving
down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. ( P. 181)
● When stopped on an inclined surface, use the brake pedal and parking
brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or forward and causing
an accident.
Page 167 of 688

1672-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) CAUTION ● Do not adjust the position of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents
that may result in death or serious injury.
● Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their bod-
ies are not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-
speed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire
failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer
to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability
tires or not before driving at such speeds.
■ When driving on slippery road surfaces
● Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
● Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine
speed could cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident.
● After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make
sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent
the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in
an accident.
■ When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may
cause an accident and result in death or serious injury.
Page 171 of 688
1712-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) NOTICE■ While driving the vehicle
● Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during
driving, as this may restrain driving torque.
● Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress accelerator and brake pedals
together to hold the vehicle on a hill.
■ When parking the vehicle
Always put the shift lever in “P”. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is acci-
dentally depressed.
■ Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
● Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for
an extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
● When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
Page 172 of 688

1722-1. Driving procedures
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) NOTICE■ If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
● It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
● The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
● The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( P. 579)
■ When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
● Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, tran-
saxle, transfer (AWD models), differential (AWD models), etc.
● Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft (AWD models), bearings and
suspension joints (where possible) and the function of all joints, bearings,
etc.
Page 175 of 688

1752-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) ■ When the steering lock cannot be released
■ If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 109)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ When the “ENGINE START STOP” sw itch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode (engine is not
running) for more than an hour with the shift lever in “P”, the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch will automatically turn off.
■ Electronic key battery depletion
P. 3 7
■ When the electronic key battery is discharged
P. 595
■ Conditions aff ecting operation
P. 3 5
■ Note for the entry function
P. 3 8 The green indicator light on the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch will flash and a
message will be shown on the multi-infor-
mation display (TFT type only). To free it,
press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
while turning the steering wheel slightly in
either direction.
Page 176 of 688

1762-1. Driving procedures
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) CAUTION■ When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the
accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle,
press and hold the “ENGINE START STOP” switch for more than 2 seconds,
or press it briefly 3 times or more in succession. ( P. 608)
However, do not touch the “ENGINE START STOP” switch while driving
except in an emergency. Turning the engine off while driving will not cause
loss of steering or braking control, however, power assist to the steering will
be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so you should pull
over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
NOTICE■ To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCESSORY or IGNI-
TION ON mode for long periods without the engine running.
■ When starting the engine
● Do not race a cold engine.
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehi-
cle checked by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Page 177 of 688
1772-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
VENZA_OM_OM73030U_(U) Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without smar t key system) ■ Starting the engine
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in “P”.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the “START” position and start
the engine.
■ Engine (ignition) switch
“LOCK” The steering wheel is locked
and the key can be removed.
(The key can be removed only
when the shift lever is in “P”.)
“ACC” Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
“ON” All electrical components can
be used.
“START” For starting the engine.STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4