Page 198 of 672

198
SIENNA_OM_OM08007U_(U)
4-1. Before driving
WARNING
Observe the following precautions. 
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
●Sudden  braking,  acceleration  and  steering  may  cause  tire  slippage  and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle.
● Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine
speed could cause the vehicle to skid.
● 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.
■ When shifting the shift lever
●Do not let the vehicle roll backward while the shift lever is in a driving posi-
tion,  or  roll  forward  while  the  shift  lever  is  in  R.  Doing  so  may  cause  the
engine to stall or lead to poor brake and steering performance, resulting in
an accident or damage to the vehicle.
● 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  braking  is  not  available  when  N  is
selected.
● Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
Shifting the shift lever to a gear other than P or N may lead to unexpected
rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an accident and result in
death or serious injury. 
     
        
        Page 199 of 672

SIENNA_OM_OM08007U_(U)
1994-1. Before driving
4
Driving
WARNING
Observe the following precautions. 
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indica-
tors)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon
as possible. 
Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
It  is  dangerous  to  drive  the  vehicle  when  the  wear  limits  of  the  brake  pads
and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded.
■ When the vehicle is stopped
●Do not race the engine. 
If the vehicle is in any gear other than P or N, the vehicle may accelerate
suddenly and unexpectedly, causing an accident.
● In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep
depressing  the  brake  pedal  while  the  engine  is  running,  and  apply  the
parking brake as necessary.
● If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused
by the vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake pedal
and securely apply the parking brake as needed.
● Avoid revving or racing the engine. 
Running the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped may cause
the exhaust system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible
material is nearby.
■ When the vehicle is parked
●Do  not  leave  glasses,  cigarette  lighters,  spray  cans,  or  soft  drink  cans  in
the vehicle when it is in the sun. 
Doing so may result in the following:
• Gas  may  leak  from  a  cigarette  lighter  or  spray  can,  and  may  lead  to  a
fire.
• The  temperature  inside  the  vehicle  may  cause  the  plastic  lenses  and plastic material of glasses to deform or crack.
• Soft  drink  cans  may  fracture,  causing  the  contents  to  spray  over  the
interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehicle’s
electrical components. 
     
        
        Page 492 of 672
492
SIENNA_OM_OM08007U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
Check the battery as follows:
■Battery exterior
Make  sure  that  the  battery  terminals  are  not  corroded  and  that
there are no loose connections , cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
WARNING
■ When filling the reservoir
Take  care  as  brake  fluid  can  harm  your  hands  and  eyes  and  damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It  is  normal  for  the  brake  fluid  level  to  go  down  slightly  as  the  brake  pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.
Battery
1
2