Get Driving -> Before driving (Vehicle load, Trailer towing) Guide for Toyota Avanza SUV First Generation (2003-2011)

117

Driving

4

4-1. Before driving

4-4. Refueling

Opening the fuel tank

cap...................................154

Driving the vehicle .............118

Cargo and luggage............127

4-5. Using the driving support

systems

Trailer towing

(except for South Africa)...128

Toyota parking

Trailer towing

assist-sensor ...................157

(for South Africa) ...............129

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving assist systems .......161

4-6. Driving tips

Engine (ignition) switch .....137

Automatic transmission .....140

Manual transmission..........142

Turn signal lever................144

Parking brake ....................145

Winter driving tips ..............165

Eco-friendly driving tips......167

4-3. Operating the lights

and wipers

Headlight switch ................146

Fog light switch..................148

Windshield wipers

and washer......................150

Rear window wiper

and washer......................152

118

4-1. Before driving

Driving the vehicle

The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe

driving:

Starting the engine

→P. 137

Driving

 Vehicles with an automatic transmission

1

With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to D.

(→P. 140)

2

Release the parking brake. (→P. 145)

3

Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelera-

tor pedal to accelerate the vehicle.

 Vehicles with a manual transmission

1

While depressing the clutch pedal, shift the shift lever to 1.

(→P. 142)

2

Release the parking brake. (→P. 145)

3

Gradually release the clutch pedal. At the same time, gently

depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.

Stopping

 Vehicles with an automatic transmission

1

With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.

2

If necessary, set the parking brake.

If the vehicle is to be stopped for an extended period of time, shift the shift

lever to P or N. (→P. 140)

 Vehicles with a manual transmission

1

While depressing the clutch pedal, depress the brake pedal.

2

If necessary, set the parking brake.

If the vehicle is to be stopped for an extended period of time, shift the shift

lever to N. (→P. 142)

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4-1. Before driving

Parking the vehicle

 Vehicles with an automatic transmission

1

With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.

2

Set the parking brake (→P. 145), and shift the shift lever to P

(→P. 140).

3

4

Turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position to stop the engine.

Lock the door, making sure that you have the key on your person.

If parking on a hill, block the wheels as needed.

 Vehicles with a manual transmission

1

While depressing the clutch pedal, depress the brake pedal.

2

Set the parking brake. (→P. 145)

3

Shift the shift lever to N. (→P. 142)

4

Turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position to stop the engine.

4

5

Lock the door, making sure that you have the key on your person.

If parking on a hill, shift the shift lever to 1 or R and block the wheels as

needed.

Starting off on a steep uphill

 Vehicles with an automatic transmission

1

Make sure that the parking brake is set and shift the shift lever to D.

2

Gently depress the accelerator pedal.

3

Release the parking brake.

 Vehicles with a manual transmission

1

With the parking brake firmly set and the clutch pedal fully

depressed, shift the shift lever to 1.

2

Lightly depress the accelerator pedal at the same time as gradually

releasing the clutch pedal.

3

Release the parking brake.

120

4-1. Before driving

■Driving in the rain

●Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the win-

dows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.

●Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be espe-

cially 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 sur-

face, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.

■Engine speed while driving (vehicles with an automatic transmission)

In the following conditions, the engine speed may become high while driving.

This is due to automatic up-shifting control or down-shifting implementation to

meet driving conditions. It does not indicate sudden acceleration.

●The vehicle is judged to be driving uphill or downhill

●When the accelerator pedal is released

■Breaking in your new Toyota

To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is recom-

mended:

●For the first 300 km (186 miles):

Avoid sudden stops.

●For the first 800 km (500 miles):

Do not tow a trailer. (for South Africa)

●For the first 1000 km (621 miles):

• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.

• Avoid sudden acceleration.

• Do not drive continuously in low gears.

• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.

■Eco-friendly driving

During Eco-friendly acceleration opera-

tion (Eco driving), Eco Driving Indicator

Light will turn on. When the accelerator

pedal is depressed excessively, and when

the vehicle is stopped, the light turns off.

Eco Driving Indicator Light will not operate

in the following conditions:

●The shift lever is in anything other than D (automatic transmission) or

1 (manual transmission).

●The vehicle speed is approximately 110km/h (69 mph) or higher.

Eco Driving Indicator Light can be activated or deactivated. (→P. 74)

■Operating your vehicle in a foreign country

Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability

of the correct fuel. (→P. 348)

121

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■When starting the vehicle (vehicles with an automatic transmission)

Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the engine

running. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.

■When driving the vehicle

●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accel-

erator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.

• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake

pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident.

• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to difficulty

in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.

• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the

vehicle only slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and accelera-

tor pedals properly.

• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake

pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, result-

ing in an accident.

4

●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.

The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot

parts may cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.

●During normal driving, do not turn off the engine. Turning the engine off

while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the

power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to

steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it

is safe to do so.

However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible

to stop the vehicle in the normal way: →P. 295

●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. 140)

●Do not adjust the positions 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.

●Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body

are not outside the vehicle.

122

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

●On vehicles with an automatic transmission, do not let the vehicle roll

backward while the shift lever is in a driving position, 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.

●On vehicles with an automatic transmission, 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.

●On vehicles with an automatic transmission, 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.

123

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

■If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear indicators)

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 (automatic transmission) or N, the

vehicle may accelerate suddenly and unexpectedly, causing an accident.

●On vehicles with an automatic transmission, 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.

4

●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.

●Do not leave cigarette lighters in the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a

place such as the glove box or on the floor, it may be lit accidentally when

luggage is loaded or the seat is adjusted, causing a fire.

124

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

●Do not attach adhesive discs to the windshield or windows. Do not place

containers such as air fresheners on the instrument panel or dashboard.

Adhesive discs or containers may act as lenses, causing a fire in the vehi-

cle.

●Do not leave a door or window open if the curved glass is coated with a

metallized film such as a silver-colored one. Reflected sunlight may cause

the glass to act as a lens, causing a fire.

●On vehicles with an automatic transmission, always apply the parking

brake, shift the shift lever to P, stop the engine and lock the vehicle.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.

If the vehicle is parked with the shift lever in P but the parking brake is not

set, the vehicle may start to move, possibly leading to an accident.

●Do not touch the exhaust pipe while the engine is running or immediately

after turning the engine off.

Doing so may cause burns.

■When taking a nap in the vehicle

Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move the shift

lever or depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or fire

due to engine overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly

ventilated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to

death or a serious health hazard.

■When braking

●When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.

Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and this may cause

one side of the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also, the

parking brake may not securely hold the vehicle.

●If the brake booster device does not operate, do not follow other vehicles

closely and avoid hills or sharp turns that require braking.

In this case, braking is still possible, but the brake pedal should be

depressed more firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will increase.

Have your brakes fixed immediately.

●Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.

Each push on the brake pedal uses up the reserve for the power-assisted

brakes.

●The brake system consists of 2 individual hydraulic systems; if one of the

systems fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal

should be depressed more firmly than usual and the braking distance will

increase.

Have your brakes fixed immediately.

125

4-1. Before driving

NOTICE

■When driving the vehicle

 Vehicles with an automatic transmission

●Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during

driving, as this may restrain the engine output.

●Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake

pedals at the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.

 Vehicles with a manual transmission

●Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during

driving, as this may restrain the engine output.

●Do not shift gears unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. After shifting,

do not release the clutch pedal abruptly. Doing so may damage the clutch,

transmission and gears.

●Observe the following to prevent the clutch from being damaged.

• Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving.

Doing so may cause clutch trouble.

4

• Do not use any gear other than the 1st gear when starting off and mov-

ing forward.

Doing so may damage the clutch.

• Do not use the clutch to hold the vehicle when stopping on an uphill

grade.

Doing so may damage the clutch.

●Do not shift the shift lever to R when the vehicle is still moving. Doing so

may damage the clutch, transmission and gears.

■When parking the vehicle (vehicles with an automatic transmission)

Always set the parking brake, and shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so

may cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if

the accelerator pedal is accidentally 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.

126

4-1. Before driving

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 depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehi-

cle.

●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.

●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.

●The vehicle will lean abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat tire (→P. 314)

■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 engine oil, transmission fluid, differen-

tial oil, etc.

●Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-

ble), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

127

4-1. Before driving

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following information about storage precau-

tions, cargo capacity and load:

WARNING

■Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment

The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:

●Receptacles containing gasoline

●Aerosol cans

■Storage precautions

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly,

may block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or pas-

sengers, possibly causing an accident.

4

●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible.

●Do not stack anything in the luggage compartment higher than the seat-

backs.

●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations:

• At the feet of the driver

• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)

• On the instrument panel

• On the dashboard

●Secure all items in the occupant compartment.

●Vehicles with a rear seat: when you fold down the rear seats, long items

should not be placed directly behind the front seats.

●Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not designed

for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts prop-

erly fastened.

■Load and distribution

●Do not overload your vehicle.

●Do not apply loads unevenly.

Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control

which may cause death or serious injury.

128

4-1. Before driving

Trailer towing (except for South Africa)

Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.

Toyota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch

or the use of a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicy-

cle, etc. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing or for the

use of tow hitch mounted carriers.

129

4-1. Before driving

Trailer towing (for South Africa)

Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger carrying vehi-

cle.

Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, perfor-

mance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. Your safety

and satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment

and cautious driving habits. For your safety and the safety of

others, do not overload the vehicle or trailer.

To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in

accordance with the trailer’s characteristics and operating con-

ditions.

Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction

caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.

4

Contact your Toyota dealer for further information about addi-

tional requirements such as towing kits, etc.

◆ Weight limits

Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass),

MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and permissible

drawbar load before towing. (→P. 338)

◆ Towing hitch/bracket

Toyota recommends the use of the Toyota hitch/bracket for your

vehicle. Other products of a suitable nature and comparable quality

may also be used.

130

4-1. Before driving

Important points regarding trailer loads

■ Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load

1

Total trailer weight

Weight of the trailer itself plus

the trailer load should be

within the maximum towing

capacity. Exceeding this

weight is dangerous.

(→P. 338)

When towing a trailer, use a

friction coupler or friction sta-

bilizer (sway control device).

2

Permissible drawbar load

Allocate the trailer load so that the drawbar load is greater than

25 kg (55.1 lb.) or 4% of the towing capacity. Do not let the draw-

bar load exceed the indicated weight. (→P. 338)

131

4-1. Before driving

■ Information tag (manufacturer’s plate)

1

Gross vehicle mass

2

Maximum permissible rear

axle capacity

KBAV410302E

■ Gross vehicle mass

The combined weight of the driver, passengers, luggage, towing

hitch, total curb mass and drawbar load should not exceed the

gross vehicle mass by more than 100 kg (220.5 lb.). Exceeding this

weight is dangerous.

4

■ Maximum permissible rear axle capacity

The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum

permissible rear axle capacity by 15% or more. Exceeding this

weight is dangerous.

The values for towing capacity were derived from testing conducted

at sea level. Take note that engine output and towing capacity will

be reduced at high altitudes.

WARNING

■When the gross vehicle mass limit or maximum permissible axle

capacity is exceeded

Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up

areas or 100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is lower.

Failing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or

serious injury.

132

4-1. Before driving

Installation positions* for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball

■ Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load

1

45 mm (1.8 in.)

2

354 mm (13.9 in.)

3

497 mm (19.6 in.)

4

502 mm (19.8 in.)

KBAV410303E

5

915 mm (36.0 in.)

6

687 mm (27.0 in.)

7

525 mm (20.7 in.)

8

376 mm (14.8 in.)

9

52 mm (2.0 in.)

10

447 mm (17.6 in.)

11

96 mm (3.8 in.)

112

84 mm (3.3 in.)

KBAV410304E

*: Gross vehicle mass and standard tire size

133

4-1. Before driving

■Tire information

●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust the tire pressure

to the recommended pressure. (→P. 346)

●Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total

trailer weight and according to the values recommended by the manufac-

turer of your trailer.

■Trailer lights

Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every

time you hitch up the trailer. Directly wiring up to your vehicle may damage

the electrical system and stop the lights from functioning correctly.

■Break-in schedule

Toyota recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components

should not be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).

■Safety checks before towing

●Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball

is not exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer will add

to the load exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that the total load exerted

on the vehicle is within the range of the weight limits. (→P. 130)

4

●Ensure that the trailer load is secure.

●Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle if

the traffic behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust the

extending arms of these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that they

always provide maximum visibility of the road behind.

■Maintenance

●Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for

towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle compared to

normal driving.

●Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for

approximately 1000 km (600 miles).

NOTICE

■When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum

Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that

area.

When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to

corrosion, which will weaken the section concerned and may result in dam-

age.

Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when attaching a

steel bracket.

134

4-1. Before driving

Guidance

Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to

avoid accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind

when towing:

■ Checking connections between trailer and lights

Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection between

the trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well as before

starting off.

■ Practicing driving with a coupled trailer

● Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer

coupled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.

● When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the

steering wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the

trailer left or counterclockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a little

at a time to prevent steering error. Have someone guide you

when reversing to lessen the risk of an accident.

■ Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance

At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle running

ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined

length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking that may

cause skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out of control. This

is especially true when driving on wet or slippery road surfaces.

■ Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering

Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer colliding

with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approaching

turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid sudden braking.

■ Important points regarding turning

The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve

than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the

turns wider than you would normally do.

135

4-1. Before driving

■ Important points regarding stability

Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong

crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by

passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when mov-

ing alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement

occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly applying

the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while braking.

■ Passing other vehicles

Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer, and

ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before exe-

cuting lane changes.

■ Transmission information

 Vehicles with an automatic transmission

To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine brak-

ing, do not use the transmission in D. (→P. 140)

4

 Vehicles with a manual transmission

To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine brak-

ing, do not use the transmission in 5 gear. (→P. 142)

■ If the engine overheats

Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures

exceeding 30°C (85°F) may result in the engine overheating. If the

high engine coolant temperature warning light flashes or comes on,

turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and stop the

vehicle in a safe place. (→P. 331)

■ When parking the vehicle

Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle

and trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P

for automatic transmissions or 1 or R for manual transmissions.

136

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

Follow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could

cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

■Trailer towing precautions

When towing, make sure that none of the weight limits are exceeded.

(→P. 130)

■Vehicle speed in towing

Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.

■Before descending hills or long declines

Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while

descending steep or long downhill grades.

■Operation of the brake pedal

Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time.

Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.

Driving -> Before driving (Vehicle load, Trailer towing) for Your Toyota Avanza SUV First Generation (2003-2011)

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