Get Information Before Driving Guide for Toyota Aurion 4 Door First Generation (2006-2012)

2

INFORMATION

BEFORE DRIVING

YOUR TOYOTA

Running-in period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

Fuel pump shut off system . . . . . . . . 187

Operation in foreign countries . . . . . 187

Three-way catalytic converters . . . . 188

Engine exhaust cautions . . . . . . . . . 189

Facts about engine oil

consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

Long reach iridium-tipped spark

plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Brake pad wear indicators . . . . . . . . 195

Luggage stowage precautions . . . . . 195

Your Toyota’s identification . . . . . . . . 196

Vehicle identification number . . . . 196

Engine number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Suspension and chassis . . . . . . . . . . 197

INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA

Running-in period

Fuel

Drive gently and avoid high speeds.

Selecting the proper fuel is essential for

satisfactory engine performance.

Your vehicle does not need an elaborate run-

ning-in. But following a few simple tips for the

first 1000 km can add to the future economy

and long life of your vehicle:

Engine damage caused by use of improper

fuels is not covered under Toyota’s new ve-

hicle warranty.

D Avoid full throttle acceleration when start-

FUEL TYPE

ing and driving.

Use only unleaded petrol.

D Avoid racing the engine.

To help prevent petrol station mix-ups, your

vehicle has a smaller fuel tank opening. The

special nozzle on pumps with unleaded fuel

will fit it, but the larger standard nozzle on

pumps with leaded petrol will not.

D Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300

km.

D Do not drive for a long time at any single

speed, either fast or slow.

Unleaded petrol containing up to 10% ethanol

may be safely used in your vehicle.

D Do not tow a trailer during the first 800

km.

NOTICE

Do not use leaded petrol. Use of leaded

petrol will cause the three-way catalytic

converter to lose its effectiveness and

the emission control system to function

improperly. Also, this can increase

maintenance costs.

OCTANE NUMBER

Select unleaded petrol with a Research

Octane Number of 91 or higher.

Use of fuel with an octane number lower than

stated will cause persistent heavy knocking.

If severe, this will lead to engine damage.

If your engine knocks

If you detect heavy knocking even when

using the recommended fuel, or if you hear

steady knocking while holding

a

steady

speed on level roads, consult your Toyota

dealer.

However, occasionally, you may notice light

knocking for a short time while accelerating

or driving up hills. This is normal and there

is no need for concern.

FUEL TANK CAPACITY

70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 Imp. gal.)

186

INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA

Fuel pump shut off system

Operation in foreign countries

The fuel pump shut off system stops supply-

ing fuel to the engine to minimise the risk of

fuel leakage when the engine stalls or an air-

bag inflates upon collision. To restart the en-

gine after the fuel pump shut off system acti-

vates, set the ignition switch to ACC or LOCK

once and start it.

If you plan to drive your Toyota in another

country

First, comply with the vehicle registration

laws.

Second, confirm the availability of the cor-

rect fuel.

CAUTION

Inspect the ground under the vehicle be-

fore restarting the engine. If you find

that fuel has leaked onto the ground, the

fuel system has been damaged and is in

need of repair. In this case, do not re-

start the engine.

187

INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA

Three-way catalytic converters

NOTICE

A large amount of unburned gases flow-

ing into the three-way catalytic con-

verter may cause it to overheat and

create a fire hazard. To prevent this and

other damage, observe the following

precautions:

D Use only unleaded petrol.

D Do not drive with an extremely low

fuel level; running out of fuel could

cause the engine to misfire, creating

an excessive load on the three-way

catalytic converter.

The three-way catalytic converter is an

emission control device installed in the

exhaust system.

D Do not allow the engine to run at idle

speed for more than 20 minutes.

The purpose is to reduce pollutants in the ex-

haust gas.

D Avoid racing the engine.

D Do not push-start or pull-start your

vehicle.

CAUTION

D Do not turn off the ignition while the

vehicle is moving.

D Keep people and combustible materi-

als away from the exhaust pipe while

the engine is running. The exhaust

gas is very hot and may cause serious

injury.

D Keep your engine in good running

order. Malfunctions in the engine elec-

trical system, electronic ignition sys-

tem/distributor ignition system or fuel

system could cause an extremely high

three-way catalytic converter tem-

perature.

D Do not drive, idle or park your vehicle

over anything that might burn easily

such as grass, leaves, paper or rags.

D If the engine becomes difficult to start

or stalls frequently, take your vehicle

in for a check-up as soon as possible.

Remember, your Toyota dealer knows

your vehicle and its three-way cataly-

tic converter system best.

D To ensure the three-way catalytic con-

verter and the entire emission control

system operate properly, your vehicle

must receive the periodic inspections

required by the Toyota Maintenance

Schedule. For full details of your

maintenance schedule, read the sepa-

rate “Warranty and Service Book”.

188

INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA

Engine exhaust cautions

D If you can smell exhaust fumes even

though there are no other vehicles in

the surrounding area, have your vehi-

cle checked by your Toyota dealer.

CAUTION

D Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It

contains carbon monoxide, which is

a colourless and odourless gas. It can

cause unconsciousness, serious in-

jury or even death.

D Continued inhalation of exhaust

fumes can lead to death by gas pois-

oning.

D Make sure the exhaust system has no

holes or loose connections. The sys-

tem should be checked from time to

time.

D If you hit something, or notice

a

change in the sound of the exhaust,

have the system checked immediately.

D Do not run the engine in a garage or

enclosed area except for the time

needed to drive the vehicle in or out.

The exhaust gases cannot escape,

making this a particularly dangerous

situation.

D Do not remain for a long time in a

parked vehicle with the engine run-

ning. If it is unavoidable, however, do

so only in an unconfined area and ad-

just the heating or cooling system to

force outside air into the vehicle.

D Keep the boot lid closed while driving.

An open or unsealed boot lid may

cause exhaust gases to be drawn into

the vehicle.

D To allow proper operation of your

vehicle’s ventilation system, keep the

inlet grilles in front of the windshield

clear of snow, leaves, or other ob-

structions.

D If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehi-

cle, open the windows and close the

boot lid to ensure plenty of fresh air

enters the vehicle.

189

INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA

Facts about engine oil

consumption

FUNCTIONS OF ENGINE OIL

As an example, if a vehicle is used for re-

peated short trips, and consumes a normal

amount of oil, the dipstick may not show any

drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000 km

or more. This is because the oil is gradually

becoming diluted with fuel or moisture, mak-

ing it appear that the oil level has not

changed.

Engine oil has the primary functions of lubri-

cating and cooling the inside of the engine,

and plays a major role in maintaining the en-

gine in proper working order.

ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION

It is normal that an engine should con-

sume some engine oil during normal en-

gine operation. The causes of oil con-

The diluting ingredients evaporate out when

the vehicle is then driven at high speeds, as

on an expressway, making it appear that oil

is excessively consumed after driving at high

speeds.

sumption in

follows.

a

normal engine are as

D Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston

rings and cylinders. A thin film of oil is left

on the cylinder wall when a piston moves

downwards in the cylinder. High negative

pressure generated when the vehicle is

decelerating sucks some of this oil into

the combustion chamber. This oil as well

as some part of the oil film left on the cyl-

inder wall is burned by the high tempera-

ture combustion gases during the com-

bustion process.

IMPORTANCE OF ENGINE OIL LEVEL

CHECK

One of the most important points in proper

vehicle maintenance is to keep the engine oil

at the optimum level so that oil function will

not be impaired. Therefore, it is essential that

the oil level be checked regularly. Toyota re-

commends that the oil level be checked every

time you refuel the vehicle.

D Oil is also used to lubricate the stems of

the intake valves. Some of this oil is

sucked into the combustion chamber to-

gether with the intake air and is burned

along with the fuel. High temperature ex-

haust gases also burn the oil used to lubri-

cate the exhaust valve stems.

NOTICE

Failure to check the oil level regularly

could lead to serious engine trouble due

to insufficient oil.

For detailed information on oil level check,

see “Checking the engine oil level” on page

258 in Section 7-2.

The amount of engine oil consumed de-

pends on the viscosity of the oil, the qual-

ity of the oil and the conditions the vehicle

is driven under.

More oil is consumed by high-speed driving

and frequent acceleration and deceleration.

A new engine consumes more oil, since its

pistons, piston rings and cylinder walls have

not become conditioned.

Oil consumption: Max. 1.0 L per 1000 km

(1.1 qt., 0.9 lmp. qt.)

When judging the amount of oil consump-

tion, note that the oil may become diluted

and make it difficult to judge the true level

accurately.

190

INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA

Long reach iridium-tipped

spark plugs

Brake system

The tandem master cylinder brake system is

a hydraulic system with two separate sub-

systems. If either sub-system should fail, the

other will still work. However, the pedal will

be harder to press, and your stopping dis-

tance will increase. Also, the brake system

warning light may come on.

Long reach

type

CAUTION

Do not drive your vehicle with only a

single brake system. Have your brakes

fixed immediately.

Your engine is fitted with long reach irid-

ium-tipped spark plugs.

BRAKE BOOSTER

The brake booster uses engine vacuum to

power-assist the brakes. If the engine should

stop while you are driving, you can bring the

vehicle to a stop with normal pedal pressure.

There is enough reserved vacuum for one or

two stops—but no more!

NOTICE

Use only iridium-tipped spark plugs. Do

not adjust the spark gap for engine per-

formance or smooth driveability.

CAUTION

For details about the spark plug type, see

“Service specifications” on page 281 in Sec-

tion 8.

D Do not pump the brake pedal if the en-

gine stalls. Each push on the pedal

uses up your reserved vacuum.

D Even if the power assist is completely

lost, the brakes will still work. But you

will have to push the pedal hard, much

harder than normal. And your braking

distance will increase.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM

The anti-lock brake system is designed to

help prevent lock-up of the wheels during

sudden braking or braking on slippery

road surfaces. This assists in providing

directional stability and steering perform-

ance of the vehicle under these circum-

stances.

191

INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA

D At the end of the anti-lock brake system

activation, the brake pedal may move a

little forward.

CAUTION

Effective way to press the ABS brake

pedal:

D When the anti-lock brake system func-

tion is in action, you may feel the

brake pedal pulsating and hear

a

noise. In this situation, to let the anti-

lock brake system work for you, just

hold the brake pedal down more firm-

ly. Do not pump the brake in a panic

stop. This will result in reduced brak-

ing performance.

The anti-lock brake system becomes opera-

tive after the vehicle has accelerated to a

speed in excess of approximately 10 km/h.

It stops operating when the vehicle deceler-

ates to a speed below approximately 5 km/h.

Depressing the brake pedal on slippery road

surfaces such as on a manhole cover, a steel

plate at a construction site, joints in a bridge,

etc. on a rainy day tends to activate the anti-

lock brake system.

You may hear a click or motor sound in the

engine compartment for a few seconds when

the engine is started or just after the vehicle

begins to move. This means that the anti-lock

brake system is in the self-check mode, and

does not indicate a malfunction.

When the anti-lock brake system is acti-

vated, the following conditions may occur.

They do not indicate a malfunction of the

system:

D You may hear the anti-lock brake system

operating and feel the brake pedal pulsat-

ing and the vibrations of the vehicle body

and steering wheel. You may also hear the

motor sound in the engine compartment

even after the vehicle is stopped.

192

INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA

CAUTION

D Do not overestimate the anti-lock brake

system. There are limits to the vehicle’s

stability and the effectiveness of steer-

ing wheel operation even when the anti-

lock brake system is operating.

D Always drive with due care and main-

tain a moderate speed and safe dis-

tance from the vehicle in front of you.

D The anti-lock brake system does not

provide vehicle control if:

D tyre grip performance exceeds its

capability, or

ABS warning light

The light comes on when the ignition switch

is set to ON. If the anti-lock brake system

works properly, the light turns off after a few

seconds. Thereafter, if the system malfunc-

tions, the light comes on again.

D if hydroplaning (aquaplaning) oc-

curs during high speed driving in

the rain.

D The anti-lock brake system is not de-

signed to reduce the stopping dis-

tance. In fact, compared with vehicles

without anti-lock brake systems, your

vehicle may require a longer stopping

distance in the following cases:

When the ABS warning light is on (and the

brake system warning light is off), the anti-

lock brake system does not operate, but the

brake system still operates conventionally.

When the ABS warning light is on (and the

brake system warning light is off), the anti-

lock brake system does not operate, so that

the wheels could lock up during a sudden

braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.

D when driving on rough, gravel or

snow-covered roads,

D when driving with tyre chains in-

stalled,

If either of the following conditions oc-

curs, this indicates a malfunction some-

where in the components monitored by

the warning light system. Contact your

Toyota dealer as soon as possible to ser-

vice the vehicle.

D when driving over joins or steps in

the road, or

D when driving on roads where the

road surface is pitted or has other

differences in surface height.

D Always use 4 tyres of specified size

at appropriate pressure. The anti-lock

brake system detects vehicle speeds

using the speed sensors for individual

wheels’ turning speeds. Accurate

turning speed may fail to be detected,

resulting in a longer stopping dis-

tance if unspecified tyres are used.

D The light does not come on when the igni-

tion switch is set to ON, or remains on.

D The light comes on while you are driving.

A warning light turning on briefly during oper-

ation does not indicate a problem.

193

INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA

Vehicle stability control system—

DRUM-IN-DISC TYPE PARKING BRAKE

SYSTEM

The light comes on when the ignition

switch is set to ON. If the anti-lock brake

system and the brake assist system work

properly, the light turns off after a few sec-

onds. Thereafter, if the system malfunc-

tions, the light comes on again.

Your vehicle has a drum-in-disc type parking

brake system. This type of brake system

needs bedding-down of the brake shoes peri-

odically or whenever the parking brake shoes

and/or drums are replaced.

When the ABS warning light is on (and

the brake system warning light is off), the

anti-lock brake system, the brake assist

system, the traction control system and

the vehicle stability control system do not

operate, but the brake system still oper-

ates conventionally.

Have your Toyota dealer perform the bed-

ding-down.

BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM

When you slam the brakes on, the brake

assist system judges as an emergency

stop and provides more powerful braking

for a driver who cannot hold down the

brake pedal firmly.

When the ABS warning light is on (and the

brake system warning light is off), the anti-

lock brake system does not operate so that

the wheels could lock up during a sudden

braking or braking on slippery road sur-

faces.

Without vehicle stability control system—

When you slam the brakes on, more powerful

braking will be applied. At this time, you may

hear a sound behind the brake pedal. This

does not indicate a malfunction.

If either of the following conditions oc-

curs, this indicates a malfunction some-

where in the components monitored by

the warning light system. Contact your

Toyota dealer as soon as possible to

service the vehicle.

With vehicle stability control system—

When you slam the brakes on, more powerful

braking will be applied. At this time, you may

hear a sound in the engine compartment and

feel the vibrations of the brake pedal. This

does not indicate a malfunction.

D The light does not come on when the igni-

tion switch is set to ON, or remains on.

The brake assist system becomes operative

after the vehicle has accelerated to a speed

in excess of approximately 10 km/h. It stops

operating when the vehicle decelerates to a

speed below approximately 5 km/h.

D The light comes on while you are driving.

A warning light turning on briefly during

operation does not indicate a problem.

For an explanation of this system’s warning

light, see “Warning lights and buzzers” on

page 113 in Section 1--6.

CAUTION

If the ABS warning light remains on to-

gether with the brake system warning

light, immediately stop your vehicle at a

safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.

In this case, not only will the anti-lock

brake system fail but the vehicle will also

become extremely unstable during brak-

ing.

194

INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA

Brake pad wear indicators

Luggage stowage precautions

When stowing cargo or luggage in the ve-

hicle, observe the following:

D Put cargo or luggage in the boot when at

all possible. Be sure all items are secured

in place.

D Be careful to keep the vehicle balanced.

Locating the weight as far forward as pos-

sible helps maintain balance.

D For better fuel economy, do not carry un-

necessary weight.

CAUTION

The brake pad wear indicators on your

disc brakes give a warning noise when the

brake pads are worn to where replacement

is required.

D To prevent cargo or luggage from slid-

ing forward during braking, do not

stack anything in the enlarged boot

higher than the seatback. Keep cargo

or luggage low, as close to the floor

as possible.

If you hear a squealing or scraping noise

while driving, have the brake pads checked

and replaced by your nearest Toyota dealer

immediately.

D Do not place anything on the parcel

shelf behind the rear seatback. Such

items may be thrown about and possi-

bly injure people in the vehicle during

sudden braking or an accident.

Avoid continuous driving with the warning

noise.

NOTICE

D Do not drive with objects left on top

of the instrument panel. They may

interfere with the driver’s field of

view. Or they may move during sharp

vehicle acceleration or turning, and

impair the driver’s control of the vehi-

cle. In an accident they may injure the

vehicle occupants.

Continuous driving without replacing

the brake pads will cause expensive

rotor damage and increasing brake

pedal effort to get the same stopping

distance.

195

INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA

Your Toyota’s identification—

—Vehicle identification number

Under the right front seat

Left rear door pillar

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is

the legal identifier for your vehicle. This

number is stamped under the right front

seat.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is

also on the manufacturer’s label.

The manufacturer’s label adhered on the left

front and rear door pillars also contains VIN

and other model data such as date of manu-

facture.

This is the primary identification number for

your Toyota. It is used in registering the

ownership of your vehicle.

Date of manufacture

The date of manufacture, indicated on the

vehicle as the “Built Date”, is the calendar

month and year in which the body shell and

powertrain sub-assemblies are joined and

the vehicle is driven or moved from the pro-

duction line.

Use the VIN, built date and other model data

to identify your Toyota for purposes such as

registration, parts ordering, insurance, and

communication with Toyota.

Left front door pillar

196

INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA

—Engine number

Suspension and chassis

CAUTION

Do not modify the suspension/chassis

with lift kits, spacers, springs, etc. It can

cause dangerous vehicle handling char-

acteristics, resulting in loss of control.

The engine number is stamped on the en-

gine block as shown.

197

INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA

198

Information Before Driving for Your Toyota Aurion 4 Door First Generation (2006-2012)

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