Part 3
STARTING AND
DRIVING
Before starting the engine
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, head restraint height and steering wheel angle.
3. Adjust inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
How to start the engine—
(a) Before cranking
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Manual transmission: Press the mission into neutral. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor until the engine is started. A starter safety device will prevent the starter from operating if the clutch pedal is not fully depressed.
Automatic transmission: Put the selector lever in “P”. If you need to restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, put the selector lever in “N”. A starter safety device will prevent the starter from operating if the selector lever is in any drive position.
4. Automatic transmission only: Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until driving off.
139
(b) Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the instructions in “(a) Before cranking”.
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection system in your engine automatically controls the proper air-fuel mixture for starting. You can start a cold or hot engine as follows:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, crank the engine by turning the key to
“START”. Release it when the engine starts.
2. After the engine runs for about 10 seconds, you are ready to drive.
If the weather is below freezing, let the engine warm up for a few minutes before driving.
If the engine stalls...
Simply restart it, using the correct procedure given in normal starting.
If the engine will not start—
See “If your vehicle will not start” in Part 4.
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 15 seconds at a time. This may overheat the starter and wiring systems.
Do not race a cold engine.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine checked immediately.
Tips for driving in various conditions
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you much better control
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle. Avoid driving onto high, sharp-edged objects and other road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire damage resulting in tire bursts.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking brake, and place the transmission in “P” (automatic) or in first or reverse
(manual). If necessary, block the wheels.
Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that there is no traffic near you, and then press the pedal lightly. If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake pulled. If they still do not work safely, pull to the side of the road and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.
140
!
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure that the parking brake is fully released and the parking brake reminder light is off.
Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the engine is running.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear, and poor fuel economy.
To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed and downshift.
Remember, if you ride the brakes excessively, they may overheat and not work properly.
Be careful when accelerating, upshifting, downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. Sudden acceleration or engine braking could cause the vehicle to spin or skid.
Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle has high-speed capability tires.
Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) 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.
Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will not hold the vehicle securely.
Winter driving tips
Make sure you have ethylene-glycol antifreeze in the radiator.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter starting.
Chapter 7-3 tells you how to visually inspect the battery. Your Toyota dealer and most service stations will be pleased to check the level of charge.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold weather.
See Chapter 7-2 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call your Toyota dealer— he will be pleased to help.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de-icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from freezing. To open a frozen lock, try heating the key before inserting it.
141
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it may damage your vehicle’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into
“P” (automatic) or into first or reverse
(manual) and block the rear wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may freeze, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you carry some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains, window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel, jumper cables, etc.
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, performance, braking, durability and driving economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Your safety and satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious driving habits. For your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload your vehicle or trailer. Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes. Ask your local Toyota dealer for further details before towing.
WEIGHT LIMITS
Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
142
!
CAUTION
The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo load) must not exceed 907 kg (2000 lb.). Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) indicated on the
Certification Label. The gross vehicle weight is the sum of weights of the unloaded vehicle, driver, passengers, luggage, hitch and trailer tongue load. It also includes the weight of any special equipment installed on your vehicle.
The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from distribution of the gross vehicle weight on both axles must not exceed the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Certification Label.
The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue load is 9 to 11% of the total trailer weight, not exceeding the maximum of 90 kg (200 lb.). Never load the trailer with more weight in the back than in the front. About 60% of the trailer load should be in the front half of the trailer and the remaining 40% in the rear.
143
HITCHES
Use only a hitch which is recommended by the hitch manufacturer and conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer. Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
Toyota recommends removing the ing a trailer to reduce the possibility of additional damage caused by the hitch if your vehicle is struck from behind.
NOTICE
Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can cause damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires. Also, never install a hitch which may interfere with the normal function of an Energy
Absorbing Bumper, if so equipped.
BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS
Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.
A safety chain must always be used between the towing vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the chain for turns. The chain should cross under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground in case it becomes damaged or separated. For correct safety chain procedures, follow the hitch or trailer manufacturer’s recommendations.
!
CAUTION
If the total trailer weight exceeds
453 kg (1000 lb.), trailer brakes are required.
Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system as it would lower its braking effectiveness.
Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is danger of the trailer wandering over into another lane.
TIRES
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure indicated below (see Chapter 7-2 for instructions.):
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2
or bar, psi)
Sedan and coupe
5S-FE engine
Front
Rear
210 (2.1, 30)
210 (2.1, 30)
1MZ-FE engine
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 220 (2.2, 32)
Wagon
5S-FE engine
Front
Rear
220 (2.2, 32)
240 (2.4, 35)
1MZ-FE engine
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 240 (2.4, 35)
The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the total trailer weight.
144
TRAILER LIGHTS
Trailer lights must comply with federal, state/provincial and local regulations.
See your local recreational vehicle dealer or rental agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for your trailer. Check for correct operation of the turn signals and stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may damage your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction of your lights.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE
Toyota recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first
800 km (500 miles) of driving.
MAINTENANCE
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to the additional load. For this information, please refer to the scheduled maintenance information in the “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Maintenance
Schedule”.
Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately
1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
PRE-T OWING SAFETY CHECK
Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition, and check for improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other possible causes.
Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it cannot shift.
Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any applicable federal, state/ provincial or local regulation. If not, install the rear view mirrors required for towing purpose.
TRAILER TOWING TIPS
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently than when not towing. The three main causes of vehicletrailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when towing:
Before starting out, check operation of the lights and all vehicle-trailer connections. After driving a short distance, stop and recheck the lights and connections. Before actually towing a trailer, practice turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away from traffic until you learn the feel.
Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to move the trailer to the left.
Move your hand to the right to move the trailer to the right. (This procedure is generally opposite to that when backing without a trailer). Also, just turn the steering wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or prolonged turning.
Have someone guide you when backing to reduce the risk of an accident.
Because stopping distance may be increased, vehicle-to-vehicle distance should be increased when towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length between you and the vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration. If your vehicle has manual transmission, prevent excessive clutch slippage by keeping engine rpm low and not racing the engine. Always start out in first gear.
145
146
Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns.
The trailer could hit your vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn to avoid the necessity of sudden braking.
Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Therefore, compensate for this by making a larger than normal turning radius with your vehicle.
Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to the rear from time to time to prepare yourself for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately but gradually. Never increase speed.
Steer straight ahead. If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, the vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty of room before changing lanes.
In order to maintain engine braking efficiency, do not use fifth gear (manual transmission) or overdrive (automatic transmission).
Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over
30
°
C [85
°
F]) when going up a long or steep grade with a trailer. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in use), pull off the road and stop in a safe spot. Refer to
“If your vehicle overheats” in Part 4 of this manual.
Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. Put the transmission in “P” (automatic) or in first or reverse (manual).
Avoid parking on a slope with a trailer, but if it cannot be avoided, do so only after performing the following:
1. Apply the brakes and hold.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release your brakes slowly until the blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Shift into first or reverse (manual) or
“P” (automatic) and turn off the engine.
When restarting out after parking on a slope:
1. With the transmission in “P” position
(automatic) or the clutch pedal depressed
(manual), start the engine. (With an automatic transmission, be sure to keep the brake pedal depressed.)
2. Shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake (also foot brake on automatic transmission vehicles) and slowly pull or back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply your brakes.
4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.
!
CAUTION
Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is lower. Because instability (swaying) of a towing vehicle-trailer combination usually increases as the speed increases, exceeding 72 km/h (45 mph) may cause loss of control.
Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do not make sudden downshifts.
Avoid holding the pedal down too long or too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency.
How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer, too
Getting more kilometers/mileage from a liter/gallon of fuel is easy—just take it easy.
It will help make your vehicle last longer, too. Here are some specific tips on how to save money on both fuel and repairs:
Keep your tires inflated at the cor-
rect pressure. Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel. See Chapter
7-2 for instructions.
Do not carry unneeded weight in
your vehicle. Excess weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater fuel consumption.
Avoid lengthy warm-up idling.
Once the engine is running smoothly, begin driving—but gently. Remember, however, that on cold winter days this may take a little longer.
Accelerate slowly and smoothly.
Avoid jackrabbit starts. Get into high gear as quickly as possible.
Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start again later.
Avoid engine lug or overrevving.
Use a gear position suitable for the road on which you are travelling.
Avoid continuous speeding up and
slowing down. Stop-and-go driving wastes fuel.
Avoid unnecessary stopping and
braking. Maintain a steady pace. Try to time the traffic signals so you only need to stop as little as possible or take advantage of through streets to avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper distance from other vehicles to avoid sudden braking. This will also reduce wear on your brakes.
Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible.
Do not rest your foot on the clutch
or brake pedal. This causes needless wear, overheating and poor fuel economy.
Maintain a moderate speed on
highways. The faster you drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your speed, you will cut down on fuel consumption.
Keep the front wheels in proper
alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and slow down on rough roads. Improper alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an extra load on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.
147
Keep the bottom of your vehicle
free from mud, etc. This not only lessens weight but also helps prevent corrosion.
Keep your vehicle tuned-up and in
top shape. A dirty air cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and grease, brakes not adjusted, etc.
all lower engine performance and contribute to poor fuel economy. For longer life of all parts and lower operating costs, keep all maintenance work on schedule, and if you often drive under severe conditions, see that your vehicle receives more frequent maintenance (For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the separate
“Owner’s Manual Supplement/Maintenance Schedule”).
!
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your power steering and brake booster will not function without the engine running. Also, the emission control system operates properly only when the engine is running.
148
