Page 195 of 396

1954-6. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■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 excessi ve 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 systems. Contact your Toyota dealer.
WARNING
■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 wet or slick roads.
■ 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
following 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 uneven surfaces
■ TRAC may not operat e 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. 
         
        
        
     
        
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1964-6. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator 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.
■
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 furt her information when replacing tires
or wheels.
■Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will
affect the driving assist systems,  and may cause a system to malfunc-
tion. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 205 of 396

2055-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
5
Interior features
■Other functions
●Switching between outside ai r and recirculated air modes 
( → P. 205)
● Defogging the windshield ( →P. 205)
● Defogging the rear window and outside rear view mirrors 
(→ P. 206)
■Switching between outside air  and recirculated air modes
Press .
The mode switches between outsi de air mode (introduces air from
outside the vehicle) (indicator of f) and recirculated air mode (recy-
cles air inside the vehicle) (indicator on) each time the button is
pressed.
■Defogging the windshield
Defoggers are used to defog the windshield and front side win-
dows. 
Set the air outlet selector dial to   position.
If the recirculated air mode is used, it will automatically switch to the out-
side air mode.
In this position, the outside/recirculated air mode cannot be changed to
the recirculated air mode.
Perform the following operations accordingly:
● To adjust the fan speed, turn  the fan speed control dial.
● To adjust the temperature setting,  turn the temperature control
dial.
● Vehicles with the   button: If  the dehumidification function is
not operating, press   to oper ate the dehumidification func-
tion.
To defog the windshield and the side windows early, turn the air flow and
temperature up.
Other functions 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 208 of 396

2085-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Fogging up of the windows
●Vehicles with the   button: The windows will easily fog up when the
humidity in the vehicle is high. Turning   on will dehumidify the air from
the outlets and defog the windshield effectively.
● Vehicles with the   button: If you turn   off, the windows may fog up
more easily.
● The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■ Outside/recirculated air mode
When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effective
in preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interior. During cooling
operation, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior
effectively.
■ When the indicator light  on   goes off by itself (vehicles with the 
button)
Press   to turn off the dehumidification function and turn it on again. There
may be a problem in the air conditioning system if the indicator light goes off
again. Turn the air conditioning system off and have it inspected by your Toy-
ota dealer.
■ When the outside temperature falls to nearly 32 °F (0 °C) (vehicles with
the  button)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when   is pressed.
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air m\
ode.
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring: 
It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
■ Air conditioning filter
→P. 268 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 233 of 396

2336-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly(without uneven pedal effort or catching).
Automatic transmis-
sion “Park” mecha-
nism• When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P,
is the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearancefrom the floor? ( →P. 344)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of free play? (→P. 344)
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side when the
brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor when the brakes are applied.
Clutch pedal
• Does the clutch pedal move smoothly?
• Does the clutch pedal have appropriate clearancefrom the floor?
• Does the clutch pedal have the correct amount of
free play? ( →P. 343)
Head restraints• Do the head restraints move smoothly and lock
securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake
• Does the parking brake lever move smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake ison, is the vehicle securely stopped? 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 235 of 396

2356-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) 
programs
The OBD system determin es that a problem exists somewhere in the
emission control system. Your vehi cle may not pass the I/M test and
may need to be repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer to service the
vehicle.
● When the battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set duri ng ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may
not be completely set.
● When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on indicating a temporary
malfunction and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
The error code in the OBD system  will not be cleared unless the vehi-
cle is driven 40 or more times.
Contact your Toyota dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which
include OBD (On Board Diagnos tics) checks. The OBD system
monitors the operation of  the emission control system.
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M  test in the following situations:
When the malfunction indicator la mp still remains on after sev-
eral driving trips
If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 253 of 396
2536-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Tires
Check if the treadwear indicators are showing on the tires. Also check
the tires for uneven wear, such as excessive wear on one side of the
tread.
Check the spare tire condition and pressure if not rotated.
New tread
Worn tread
Treadwear indicator
The location of treadwear indicators is shown by a “TWI” or “ Δ”
mark, etc., molded into the sidewall of each tire.
Replace the tires if the treadwear indicators are showing on a
tire.
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance sched-
ules and treadwear.
Checking tires
1
2
3 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 256 of 396

2566-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
●The treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.
●You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to
expose the fabric, and bulges  indicating internal damage
●A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size
or location of a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult with your Toyota dealer.
■Replacing tires and wheels (vehicles with a tire pressure warning
system)
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not reg-
istered, the tire pressure  warning system will not work properly. After driv-
ing for about 20 minutes, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1
minute and stays on to indicate a system malfunction.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even
if it has seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
■Routine tire inflation pressure checks (vehicles with a tire pressure
warning system)
The tire pressure warning system does not replace routine tire inflation
pressure checks. Make su re to check tire inflation pressure as part of
your routine of daily vehicle checks.
■Low profile tires (vehicles with 195/50R16 tires)
Generally, low profile tires will wear mo re rapidly and tire grip perfor-
mance will be reduced on snowy and/ or icy roads when compared to
standard tires. Be sure to use snow tires or tire chains on snowy and/or
icy roads and drive carefully at a speed appropriate for road and weather
conditions.