1997 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual

leaded gasoline will cause the three-way catalytic converter to lose its effectiveness and the emis- sion control system to function im- properly. Also, this can increase maintenance costs.

OCTANE NUMBER Select Research Octane number 91 (Oc- tane Rating 87) or higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of pre- mium unleaded gasoline with a Re- search Octane number of 96 (Ocatne Rating 91) or higher is recommended. Use of unleaded fuel with an octane num- ber or rating lower than stated above will cause persistant heavy knocking. If se- vere, this will lead to engine damage.

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FUEL TANK CAPACITY 70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 Imp. gal)

If your engine knocks... If you detact 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, now and then, you may notice light knocking for a short time while accel- erating or driving up hills. This is no cause for concern. GASOLINES CONTAINING DETER- GENT ADDITIVES Toyota recommens use of gasolines that contain detergent additives to avoid build-up of engine deposits. For further details, ask your Toyota dealer or a local gasoline retailer.. GASOLINES CONTAINING MTBE Gasolines that contain MTBE (Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether) are available in the market. If you use a gasoline mixed with MTBE, make certain that it does not contain more than 15% of MTBE. If the use of gasolines containing MTBE causes poor driveability and/or poor fuel economy, you should discontinue the use of fuels containing MTBE.

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GASOLINES CONTAINING ALCOHOL If you use gasohol in your Toyota, be sure that it is unleaded, has an octane rating no lower than 87 and does not contain more than 10% ethonol. Gasohol is a mixture of gasoline and etha- nol. Toyota does not recommend the use of gasolines containing methonol. If you use gasoline containing methonol, use only gasoline meeting the requirements above and also containing less than 5% metha- nol with cosolvents and corrosion inhibi- tors for methanol.

NOTICE

(cid:2)Do not use gasohol other than stated above. It will cause fuel sys- tem damage or vehicle perfor- mance problems.

(cid:2)If driveablity problems are encoun- tered (poor hot starting, vaporiz- ing, engine knock, etc.), discontin- ue the use.

(cid:2)Take care not to spill gasohol dur- ing refueling. Gashol may cause paint damage.

Three-way catalytic converter

Operation in foreign countries If you plan to drive your Toyota in another country... First, comply with the vehicle registration laws. Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded and minimum oc- tane number).

The three-way catalytic converter is an emission control device installed in the exhaust system. Its purpose is to reduce pollutants in the exhaust gas.

CAUTION

(cid:1) Keep people and combustible ma- terials away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The ex- haust gas is very hot.

(cid:1) Do not drive, idle or park your ve- hicle over anything that might burn easily such as grass, leaves, paper or rags.

NOTICE

A large amount of unburned gases flowing into the three-way catalytic converter may cause it to overheat and create a fire hazard. To prevent this and other damage, observe the following precautions: (cid:2)Use only unleaded gasoline. (cid:2)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.

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(cid:2)To ensure that the three-way cata- lytic converter and the engine emission control system operate properly, your vehicle must re- ceive the periodic inspections re- quired by the Toyota Maintenance Schedule. For scheduled mainte- nance information, refer to the separate “Owner’s Manual Sup- plement/Maintenance Schedule”.

(cid:2)Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for more than 20 min- utes.

(cid:2)Avoid racing the engine. (cid:2)Do not push-start or pull-start

your vehicle.

(cid:2)Do not turn off the ignition while

the vehicle is moving.

(cid:2)Keep your engine in good running order. Malfunctions in the engine electrical system, electronic igni- tion system/distributor ignition system or fuel system engine ex- haust cautions could cause an ex- tremely high three-way catalytic converter temperature.

(cid:2)If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, take your vehicle in for a check-up as soon as possible. Remember, your To- yota dealer knows your vehicle and its three-way catalytic con- verter system best.

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Engine exhaust cautions

CAUTION

(cid:1) Avoid inhaling the engine ex- haust. It contains carbon monox- ide, which is a colorless and odor- less gas. It can cause uncon- sciousness or even death.

(cid:1) Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose connec- tions. The system should be checked from time to time. If you hit something, or notice a change in the sound of the exhaust, have the system checked immediately. (cid:1) 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 paticularly dangerous situation.

(cid:1) Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with the engine running. If it is unavoidable, how- ever, do so only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.

(cid:1) Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. An open or unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust gases to be drawn into the ve- hicle. If you must drive with the trunk lid open to accommodate a large object, close the windows, open all the instrument panel vents and have the heating or cooling system deliver fresh air into the vehicle by turning the fan to high speed with the air intake control button set at the outside air mode.

(cid:1) 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 obstructions.

(cid:1) If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive with the windows open and the trunk lid closed. Have the cause immediately lo- cated and corrected.

Facts about engine oil consumption FUNCTIONS OF ENGINE OIL Engine oil has the primary functions of lu- bricating and cooling the inside of the en- gine, and plays a major role in maintaining the engine in proper working order. ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION It is normal that an engine should con- sume some engine oil during normal engine operation. The causes of oil consumption in a normal engine are as follows. (cid:1) 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 cylinder wall is burned by the high temperature com- bustion gases during the combustion process.

(cid:1) Oil is also used to lubricate the stems of the intake valves. Some of this oil is sucked into the combustion cham- ber together with the intake air and is burned along with the fuel. High tem- perature exhaust gases also burn the oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve stems.

The amount of engine oil consumed de- pends on the viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the conditions the vehicle is driven under. More oil is consumed by high-speed driv- ing and frequent acceleration and decel- eration. A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston rings and cylinder walls have not become conditioned. When judging the amount of oil con- sumption, note that the oil may become diluted and make it difficult to judge the true level accurately. As an example, if a vehicle is used for re- peated short trips, and consumes a nor- mal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show any drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000 km (600 miles) or more. This is because the oil is gradually becoming diluted with the fuel or moisture, making it appear that the oil level has not changed. 133

Twin ground electrode spark plugs

Your engine is fitted with twin ground elec- trode spark plugs.

NOTICE

Use only twin ground electrode spark plugs for your engine performance.

Brake system TANDEM MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE SYSTEM The tandem master cylinder brake sys- tem is a hydraulic system with two sepa- rate sub-systems. If either sub-system should fail, the other will still work. Howev- er, the pedal will be harder to press, and your stopping distance will be longer. Also, the brake system warning light may come on.

CAUTION

Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system. Have your brakes fixed immediately.

BRAKE BOOSTER The brake booster uses engine vacuum to power-assist the brakes. If the engine should quit while you are driving, you can bring the vehicle to a stop with normal pedal pressure. There is enough reserve vacuum for one or two stops—but no more!

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 as high speeds. 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 essen- tial that the oil level be checked regularly. Toyota recommends that the oil level be checked every time you refuel the vehicle.

NOTICE

Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to serious engine trouble due to insufficient oil.

For detailed information on the oil level check, see “Checking the engine oil level” in Chapter 7-2.

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CAUTION

(cid:1) Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls. Each push on the pedal uses up your vacuum re- serve.

(cid:1) Even if the power assist is com- pletely lost, the brakes will still work. But you will have to push the pedal hard—much harder than nor- mal. And your braking distance will be longer.

lock-up of

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (with “ABS” warning light) The anti-lock brake system is designed to automatically prevent the wheels during sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfaces. This assists in providing directional stability and steering performance of the vehicle under these circumstances. The anti-lock brake system becomes op- erative after the vehicle has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately 10
km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle decelerates to a speed below approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).

You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle is started. This means that the anti-lock brake system is in the self check mode, and does not indicate a malfunction. Effective way to press the “ABS” brake pedal: When the anti-lock brake system function 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 firmly. Do not pump the brake. This will result in reduced braking performance. The brake pedal pulsation caused by the anti-lock brake system may indicate haz- ardous road surface conditions. Although the anti-lock brake system assists in pro- viding vehicle control, it is still important to drive with all due care, because the anti- lock brake system cannot overcome the laws of physics that act on your vehicle: (cid:1) Braking capability is dependent on tire

friction with the road surface.

(cid:1) Even though the anti-lock brake sys- tem is operating, a driver cannot main- tain full control on certain slippery road surfaces, when cornering at high speeds, or in violent maneuvers.

(cid:1) Avoid high speeds on wet roads. The anti-lock brake system cannot elimi- nate the risk of hydroplaning and loss of tire friction.

Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Compared with ve- hicles not fitted with an anti-lock brake system, your vehicle may require a longer stopping distance in the following cases: (cid:1) Driving on rough, gravel or snow-cov-

ered roads.

(cid:1) Driving with tire chains installed. (cid:1) Driving on roads where the road sur- face is pitted or has other differences in surface height.

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TYPE

PARKING

DRUM-IN-DISC BRAKE SYSTEM Your vehicle has a drum-in-disc type parking brake system. This type brake system needs bedding-down of the brake shoes periodically or whenever the park- ing brake shoes and/or drums are re- placed. Have your Toyota dealer perform the bed- ding-down.

“ABS” warning light This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position. After about 3 seconds, the light will go off. If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning light system. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible to service the vehicle. (cid:1) The light does not come on as de-

scribed above, or remains on.

(cid:1) The light comes on while driving. Even if the anti-lock brake system should fail, the brake system will still operate con- ventionally. However, when the ‘ABS’’ warning light is on (and the brake system warning light is off), the anti-lock brake system is not assisting brake perfor- mance so that the wheels can lock-up during sudden braking or braking on slip- pery road surfaces. Have your vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible

Type A

Type B

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Brake pad wear limit indicators

Luggage stowage precautions When stowing luggage or cargo in the ve- hicle, observe the following: (cid:1) Put luggage or cargo in the trunk when at all possible. Be sure all items are se- cured in place.

(cid:1) Be careful

to keep

the vehicle balanced. Locating the weight as far forward as possible helps maintain balance.

(cid:1) For better fuel economy, do not carry

unneeded weight.

The brake pad wear limit indicators on your disc brakes give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn to where replacement is required. If you hear a squealing or scraping noise while driving, have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible. Expensive ro- tor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when necessary.

CAUTION

(cid:1) Do not place anything on the filler panel behind the rear seatback. Such items may be thrown about and possibly injure people in the vehicle during sudden braking or an accident.

(cid:1) Do not drive with objects left on top of the instrument panel. They may interfere with the driver’s field of veiw. Or they may move during sharp vehicle acceleration or turning, and impair the driver’s control of the vehicle. In an acci- dent they may injure the vehicle occupants.

NOTICE

Do not load the vehicle beyond the vehicle capacity weight specified in Part 8.

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Your Toyota’s identification— —Vehicle identification number

-Engine number

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also on the Certification Label.

The engine number is stamped on the engine block as shown.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the legal identifier for your ve- hicle. This number is on the left top of the instrument panel, and can be seen through the windshield from outside. This is the primary identification number for your Toyota. It is used in registering the ownership of your vehicle.

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Suspension and chassis

CAUTION

Do not modify the suspension/ chassis with lift kits, spacers, springs, etc. It can cause danger- ous handling characteristics, re- sulting in loss of control.

Theft prevention labels (except for Canada) Your new vehicle carries theft preven- tion labels which are approximately 56
mm (2.20 in.) by 16 mm (0.63 in.). The purpose of these labels is to reduce the incidence of vehicle thefts by facilitat- ing the tracing and recovery of parts from stolen vehicles. The label is designed so that once it is applied to a surface, any at- tempt to remove it will result in destroying the integrity of the label. Transferring these labels intact from one part to anoth- er, will be impossible.

NOTICE

You should not attempt to remove the theft prevention labels as it may violate certain state or federal laws.

.Summer tires

Types of tires Make sure what kind of tires your ve- hicle is originally equipped with. 1. Summer tires are high-speed capability tires best suited to highway driving under dry conditions. Since summer tires do not have the same traction performance as snow tires, sum- mer tires are inadequate for driving on snow-covered or icy roads. For driving on snow-covered or icy roads, we recom- mend using snow tires. If installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires. 2. All season tires All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to be adequate for driving in most winter conditions, as well as for use all year round. All season tires, however, do not have ad- equate traction performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose snow. Also, all season tires fall short in accelera- tion and handling performance compared with summer tires in highway driving.

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CAUTION

(cid:1) Do not mix summer and all season tires on your vehicle as this can cause dangerous handling charac- teristics, resulting in loss of con- trol.

(cid:1) Do not use tires other than the manufacturer’s designated tires, and never mix tires or wheels of the sizes different from the originals.

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Part 3
STARTING AND DRIVING (cid:1) Before starting the engine (cid:1) How to start the engine (cid:1) Tips for driving in various

conditions

(cid:1) Winter driving tips (cid:1) Trailer towing (cid:1) How to save fuel and make your

vehicle last longer, too

Before starting the engine 1. Check the area around the vehicle be-

fore 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 acces-

sories.

3. Put the selector lever in “P”. If you need to restart the engine while the ve- hicle is moving, put the selector lever in “N”. A starter safety device will pre- vent the starter from operating if the selector lever is in any drive position. 4. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to

the floor until driving off.

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(b) Starting the engine Before starting the engine, be sure to fol- low the instructions in “(a) Before crank- ing”. Normal starting procedure The multiport fuel injection system/se- quential 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 ped- al, crank the engine by turning the key to “START”. Release it when the en- gine starts.

2. After the engine runs for about 10 sec-

onds, you are ready to drive.

If the weather is below freezing, let the en- gine warm up for a few minutes before driving. If the engine stalls... Simply restart it, using the correct proce- dure given in normal starting. If the engine will not start— See “If your vehicle will not start” in Part 4.

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NOTICE

(cid:2)Do not crank for more than 30 sec- onds at a time. This may overheat the starter and wiring systems.

(cid:2)Do not race a cold engine. (cid:2)If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine checked immediately.

Tips for driving in various conditions (cid:1) Always slow down in gusty cross- winds. This will allow you much better control

(cid:1) Drive slowly onto curbs and, if pos- sible, 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 result- ing in tire bursts.

(cid:1) When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the park- ing brake, and place the transmission in “P”. If necessary, block the wheels. (cid:1) 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 depressed. If they still do not work safely, pull to the side of the road and call a Toyota deal- er for assistance.

CAUTION

(cid:1) Before driving off, make sure that the parking brake if fully released and the parking brake reminder light is off.

(cid:1) Do not leave your vehicle unat- tended while the engine is running. (cid:1) Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear, and poor fuel economy.

(cid:1) 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.

(cid:1) Be careful when accelerating, up- shifting, downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. Sudden ac- celeration or engine braking, could cause the vehicle to spin or skid.

(cid:1) 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 con- sult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds. (cid:1) Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a lon- ger 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 in- spect 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 vis- cosity. 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 in- serting it.

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Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you carry some emer- gency equipment. Some of the things you might put in the ve- hicle are tire chains, window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel, jump- er cables, etc.

Trailer towing Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on han- dling, 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 safe- ty and the safety of others, you must not overload your vehicle or trailer. Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or mal- function caused by towing a tailer for com- merical 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 with- in 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 com- pany, junk yard, etc.

Use a washer fluid containing an anti- freeze 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” and block the rear wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water accu- mulated 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.

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CAUTION

(cid:1) The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo load) must not exceed 907 kg (2000 lb.). Ex- ceeding this weight is dangerous.

(cid:1) The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) indicated on the Certification Label. The gross ve- hicle 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 equip- ment installed on your vehicle.

(cid:1) 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.

(cid:1) The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue load is 9 to 11 % of the total trailer weight, not exceeding the maxi- mum 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 re- maining 40 % in the rear.

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HITCHES (cid:1) Use only a hitch which is recom- mended by the hitch manufacturer and conforms to the total trailer weight re- quirment.

(cid:1) Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer, and bolt the hitch securely to the rear bumper. Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease. (cid:1) Toyota recommends removing the trailer hitch whenever you are not tow- ing a trailer to reduce the possibility of additional damage caused by the hitch if your vehicle is struck from behind. After removing the hitch, seal any mounting holes in the vehicle body to prevent entry of pollutants such as ex- haust fumes, dirt, water, etc.

NOTICE

Do not use axle-mounting hitches 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.

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recommends

BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS (cid:1) Toyota

trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable federal and state/provincial regula- tions.

(cid:1) 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 seper- ated. For correct safety chain proce- dures, trailer manufacturer’s recommendations.

the hitch or

follow

CAUTION

(cid:1) If the total trailer weight exceeds 453 kg (1000 lb.), trailer brakes are required.

(cid:1) Never tap into your vehicle’s hy- draulic system as it would lower its braking effectiveness.

(cid:1) 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 (cid:1) Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. See Chapter 7-2 for instructions.

(cid:1) The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the total trailer weight.

TRAILER LIGHTS (cid:1) 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 trail- er. Check for correct operation of the turn signals and stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may dam- age your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction of your lights.

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE (cid:1) Toyota recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new vehicle or a ve- hicle with any new power train compo- nent (engine, transmission, differen- tial, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.

MAINTENANCE

(cid:1)

If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will re- quire more frequent maintenance due to the additional load. For this informa- tion, please refer to the scheduled maintenance information in the “Own- er’s Manual Supplement/Maintenance Schedule”.

(cid:1) Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.

PRE-T OWING SAFETY CHECK (cid:1) 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 suspen- sion or other possible causes.

(cid:1) Make sure the trailer cargo is securely

loaded so that it cannot shift.

(cid:1) Check that your rear view mirrors con- form 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 tow- ing. The three main causes of vehicle trailer accidents are driver error, ex- cessive speed and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when tow- ing: (cid:1) Before starting out, check operation of the lights and all vehicle-trailer con- nections. After driving a short dis- tance, 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.

(cid:1) Backing with a trailer is difficult and re- quires 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 back- ing to reduce the risk of an accident. (cid:1) Because stopping distance may be in- creased, 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 ve- hicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.

(cid:1) Avoid jerky starts or sudden accelera-

tion.

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(cid:1) 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.

(cid:1) 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.

(cid:1) Crosswinds and rough roads will ad- versely affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay atten- tion to the rear from time to time to pre- pare 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 sta- bilize.

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(cid:1) Be careful when passing other ve- hicles. Passing requires considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty of room be- fore changing lanes. In order to maintain engine braking ef- ficiency, do not use overdrive.

(cid:1)

(cid:1) Because of the added load of the trail- er, 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.

(cid:1) Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firm- ly. Put the transmission in “P”. 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 un- der 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 frimly. 5. Shift into “P” and turn off the engine. When restarting out after parking on a slope: 1. With the transmission in “P” position, start the engine. Be sure to keep the brake pedal depressed.

2. Shift into the “2”, “L” or “R” position. 3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull or back away from the wheels blocks. Stop and ap- ply your brakes.

4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.

CAUTION

(cid:1) Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is lower. Because insta- bility (swaying) of a towing ve- hicle-trailer combination usually increases as the speed increases, exceeding 72 km/h (45 mph) may cause loss of control.

(cid:1) Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long down- hill grades. Do not make sudden downshifts

(cid:1) Avoid holding the pedal down too long or too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result braking efficiency.

reduced

in

How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer, too Getting more kilometers/mileage from a li- ter/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: (cid:1) Keep your tires inflated at the cor- rect pressure. Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel. See Chapter 7-2 for instructions.

(cid:1) Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater fuel consumption.

(cid:1) Avoid

lenghty 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.

(cid:1) Accelerate slowly and smoothly.

Avoid jackrabbit starts.

(cid:1) 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.

(cid:1) Avoid engine lug or overrevving. Use a gear position suitable for the road on which you are travelling.

(cid:1) Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down. Stop-and-go driving wastes fuel.

(cid:1) 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.

(cid:1) Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams

whenever possible.

(cid:1) Do not rest your foot on the clutch or brake pedal. This causes needless wear, overheating and poor fuel econ- omy.

(cid:1) Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The faster you drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By re- ducing your speed, you will cut down on fuel consumption.

(cid:1) 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.

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(cid:1) Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc. This not only lessens weight but also helps prevent corrosion.

(cid:1) Keep your vehicle tuned-up and in top shape. A dirty air cleaner, improp- er valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and grease, brakes not adjusted, etc. all lower engine performance and con- tribute to poor fuel economy. For lon- ger 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 ve- hicle receives more frequent mainte- nance (For scheduled maintenance in- formation, please refer to the separate “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Main- tenance 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 system operates properly only when the engine is running.

emission

control

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Part 4
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY (cid:1) If your vehicle will not start (cid:1) If your engine stalls while

driving

(cid:1) If your vehicle overheats (cid:1) If you have a flat tire (cid:1) If your vehicle needs to be

towed

(cid:1) If you cannot shift automatic

transmission selector lever

(cid:1) If you lose your keys (cid:1) If you lose your wireless remote

control transmitter

If your vehicle will not start— (a) Simple checks Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the correct starting pro- cedure given in “How to start the engine” in Part 3 and that you have sufficient fuel. If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too slowly— 1. Check that the battery terminals are

2.

3.

tight and clean. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked, the battery is discharged. You may try jump starting. See “(c) Jump starting” for further in- structions.

If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will not start— 1. Check that all the push-on connectors are tight. (For example, connectors at the spark plugs, ignition coil and/or dis- tributor) If the connectors are O.K., the engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking. See “(b) Starting a flooded engine” for further instructions.

2.

If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop.

NOTICE

Do not pull— or push-start the vehicle. It may damage the vehicle or cause a collision when the engine starts. Also the three-way catalytic converter may overheat and become a fire hazard.

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(cid:1) The gas normally produced by a battery will explode if a flame or spark is brought near. Use only standardized jumper cables and do not smoke or light a match while jump starting.

NOTICE

The battery used for boosting must be 12 V. Do not jump start unless you are sure that the booster battery is correct.

(b) Starting a flooded engine If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking. If this happens, turn the key to “START” with the accelerator pedal held down. Keep the key and accelerator pedal so for 15 seconds and release them. Then try starting the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal. If the engine does not start after 15 sec- onds of cranking, release the key, wait a few minutes and try again. If the engine still will not start, it needs ad- justment or repair. Call a Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for assistance.

NOTICE

Do not crank for more than 30
seconds at a time. This may overheat the starter and wiring systems.

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(c) Jump starting To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your vehicle which might result from battery explosion, acid burns, electrical burns, or damaged electronic components, these instruc- tions must be followed precisely. If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, we strongly recommend that you seek the help of a competent me- chanic or towing service.

CAUTION

(cid:1) Batteries contain sulfuric acid which is poisonous and corro- sive. Wear protective safety glasses when jump starting, and avoid spilling acid on your skin, clothing, or vehicle.

(cid:1) If you should accidentally get acid on yourself or in you eyes, remove any contaminated clothing and flush the affected area with water immediately. Then get immediate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while en route to the medical office.

JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE 1.

If the booster battery is installed in another vehicle, make sure the ve- hicles are not touching. Turn off all un- necessary lights and accessories. If required, remove all the vent plugs from the booster and discharged bat- teries. Lay a cloth over the open vents on the batteries. (This helps reduce the explosion hazard, personal injuries and burns.) If the engine in the vehicle with the booster battery is not running, start it and let it run for a few minutes. During jump starting, run the engine at about 2000 rpm with the accelerator pedal lightly depressed.

2.

3.

4. Make the cable connection in the order

a, b, c, d. a. Connect the clamp of the positive (red) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal on the discharged battery. b. Connect the clamp at the other end of the positive (red) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal on the booster battery.

c. Connect the clamp of the negative (black) cable to the negative (-) termi- nal on the booster battery. d. Connect the clamp at the other end of the negative (black) jumper cable to a solid, stationary, unpainted, metallic point of the vehicle with the discharged battery. The recommended connecting point is shown in the following illustration:

153

5. Start your engine in the normal way. After starting, run it at about 2000 rpm for several minutes with the accelera- tor pedal lightly depressed.

6. Carefully disconnect the cables in the exact reverse order: the negative cable and then the positive cable.

7. Carefully dispose of the battery cover cloths—they may now contain sulfuric acid. If removed, replace all the battery vent plugs.

8.

If the cause of your battery discharging is not apparent (for example, lights left on), you should have it checked.

If your engine stalls while driving If your engine stalls while driving… 1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off the road to a safe place.

2. Turn on your emergency flashers. 3. Try starting the engine again. If the engine will not start, see “If your ve- hicle will not start”.

CAUTION

If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not work so steering and braking will be much harder than usual.

Do not connect it to or near any part that moves when the engine is cranked.

CAUTION

When making the connections, to avoid serious injury, do not lean over the battery or accidentally let the jumper cables or clamps touch anything except the correct battery terminals or the ground.

154

If your vehicle overheats If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, if you experience a loss of power, or if you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has probably overheated. You should follow this procedure… 1. Pull safely off the road, stop the ve- hicle and turn on your emergency flashers. Put the transmission in “P” (automatic) or neutral (manual) and apply the parking brake. Turn off the air conditioning if it is being used. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator or reservoir, stop the engine. Wait until the steam subsides before opening the hood. If there is no coolant boiling over or steam, leave the engine running and make sure the electric cooling fan is operating. If it is not, turn the ignition off.

2.

CAUTION

To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is a sign of very high pressure.

3. Look for obvious coolant leaks from the radiator, hoses, and under the ve- hicle. However, note that water drain- ing from the air conditioning is normal if it has been used.

CAUTION

When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing away from the moving fan and engine drive belts.

4.

5.

If the coolant is leaking, stop the en- gine immediately. Call a Toyota dealer for assistance. If there are no obvious leaks, check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add coolant to the reservoir while the en- gine is running. Fill it about half full.

CAUTION

Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out under pressure.

in

level

6. After the engine coolant temperature has cooled to normal, again check the coolant If necessary, bring it up to half full again. Serious coolant loss indicates a leak in the system. You should have it checked as soon as possible at your Toyota dealer.

the reservoir.

155

If you have a flat tire— 1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off the road to a safe place well away from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the center di- vider of a highway. Park on a level spot with firm ground.

2. Stop the engine and turn on your

emergency flashers.

3. Firmly set the parking brake and put

the transmission in “P”.

4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle

on the side away from traffic.

5. Read the following instructions thor-

oughly.

CAUTION

to

following

When jacking, be sure to observe the reduce the possibility of personal injury: (cid:1) Follow jacking instructions. (cid:1) Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is supported by the jack.

156

(cid:1) Stop the vehilce at a level place and chock the wheel diagnonally opposite the one being changed. Otherwise, the vehicle will move and possibly cause un- expected accident.

to

(cid:1) Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack point. Raising the ve- hicle with jack improperly posi- tioned will damage the vehicle or may allow the vehicle to fall off the jack and cause injury to the per- son.

(cid:1) Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is supported by the jack alone.

(cid:1) Use the jack only for lifting your

vehicle during wheel changing.

(cid:1) Do not raise the vehicle with some-

one in the vehicle.

(cid:1) When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack.

NOTICE

Do not continue driving with a deflated tire. Driving even a short distance can damage a tire beyond repair.

—Required tools and spare tire

1. Get the required tools and spare

tire. 1. Tool bag 2. Jack 3. Jack handle 4. Spare tire

To prepare yourself for an emergency, you should familiarize yourself with the use of the jack, each of the tools and their storage locations.

—Blocking the wheel

Turn the jack joint by hand. To remove: turn the joint in direction 1 until the jack is free. To store: turn the joint in direction 2 until the jack is firmly secured to prevent it fly- ing forward during a collision or sudden braking.

To remove the spare tire: 1. Loosen the nut and remove it. 2. Remove the spare tire cover. 3. Loosen the bolt and remove it. 4. Remove the spacer. Then take the spare tire out of the vehicle. When storing the spare tire, put it in place with the outer side of the wheel facing up. Then secure the tire by repeating the above removal steps in reverse order to prevent it from flying forward during a col- lision or sudden braking.

2. Block the wheel diagnoally oppo- site the flat tire to keep the vehicle from rolling when it is jacked up.

When blocking the wheel, place a wheel block from the front for the front wheels or from the rear for the rear wheels.

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—Removing wheel ornament

—Loosening wheel nuts

3. Remove the wheel ornament. Pry off the wheel ornament, using the bev- eled end of the wheel nut wrench as shown.

CAUTION

Do not try to pull the ornament by hand. Take due care in handling the ornament to avoid unexpected personal injury.

Steel wheels

Aluminum wheels

158

4. Loosen all the wheel nuts. Always loosen the wheel nuts before rais- ing the vehicle. The nuts turn counterclockwise to loosen. To get maximum leverage, fit the wrench to the nut so that the handle is on the right side, as shown above. Grab the wrench near the end of the handle and pull up on the handle. Be careful that the wrench does not slip off the nut. Do not remove the nuts yet—just unscrew them about one-half turn.

—Positioning the jack

—Raising your vehicle

CAUTION

Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is supported by the jack alone.

5. Position the jack at the correct jack

point as shown

Make sure the jack is positioned on a level and solid place.

6. After making sure that no one is in the vehicle, raise it high enough so that the spare tire can be installed. Remember you will need more ground clearance when putting in the spare tire than when removing the flat tire. To raise the vehicle, insert the jack handle into the jack (it is a loose fit) and turn it clockwise. As the jack touches the vehicle and begins to lift, double-check that it is properly positioned.

159

—Changing wheels

—Reinstalling wheel nuts

7. Remove the wheel nuts and change

tires.

Lift the flat tire straight off and put it aside. Roll the spare wheel into position and align the holes in the wheel with the bolts. Then lift up the wheel and get at least the top bolt started through its hole. Wiggle the tire and press it back over the other bolts.

Before putting on wheels, remove any corrosion on the mounting surfaces with a wire brush or such. Installation of wheels without good metal-to-metal contact at the mounting surface can cause wheel nuts to loosen and eventually cause a wheel to come off while driving. Therefore after the first 1600 km (1000 miles), check to see that the wheel nuts are tight.

8. Reinstall all the wheel nuts finger

tight.

Reinstall the wheel nuts (tapered end in- ward) and tighten them as much as you can by hand. Press back on the tire back and see if you can tighten them more.

160

—Lowering your vehicle

—Reinstalling wheel ornament

CAUTION

When lowering the vehicle, make sure all portions of your body and all other persons around will not be injured as the vehicle is lowered to the ground.

Steel wheels

9. Lower the vehicle completely and

tighten the wheel nuts.

Turn the jack handle counterclockwise to lower the vehicle. Use only the wheel nut wrench and turn it clockwise to tighten the nuts. Do not use other tools or any additional leverage oth- er than your hands, such as a hammer, pipe or your foot. Make sure the wrench is securely engaged over the nut. Tighten each nut a little at a time in the or- der shown. Repeat the process until all the nuts are tight.

Aluminum wheels

161

10. Reinstall the wheel ornament. 1. Put the wheel ornament into position. On some models, align the cutout of the wheel ornamant with the valve stem as shown. 2. Then tap it firmly with the side or heel

of your hand to snap it into place.

CAUTION

Take due care ornament personal injury.

in handling the to avoid unexpected

—After changing wheels 11. Check the air pressure of the

replaced tire.

Adjust the air pressure to the specification designated in Part 8. If the pressure is lower, drive slowly to the nearest service station and fill to the correct pressure. Do not forget to reinstall the tire inflation valve cap as dirt and moisture could get into the valve core and possibly cause air leakage. If the cap is missing, have a new one put on as soon as possible. 12. Restow all the tools, jack and flat

tire securely.

As soon as possible after changing wheels, tighten the wheel nuts to the torque specified in Part 8 with a torque wrench, have a technician repair the flat tire and replace the spare tire with it.

CAUTION

Before driving, make sure all the tools, jack and flat tire are securely in place in their storage location to reduce the possibility of personal injury during a collision or sudden braking.

162

If your vehicle needs to be towed—

the

instructions given

If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your Toyota dealer or a commercial tow truck ser- vice. In consultation with them, have your vehicle towed using either (a) or (b). Only when you cannot receive a tow- ing service from a Toyota dealer or commercial tow truck service, tow your vehicle carefully in accordance with in “—Emergency towing” in this part. Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are gener- ally aware of the state/provincial and local laws pertaining to towing. Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly. Although most operators know the correct procedure, it is possible to make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle, make sure the following few precautions are observed. If necessary, show this page to the tow truck driver.

TOWING PRECAUTIONS: Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use a towing dolly. (a) Towing with wheel lift type truck From front— Release the parking brake.

NOTICE

When lifting wheels, take care to ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Otherwise, the bumper and/or underbody of the towed vehicle will be damaged during towing.

From rear— Use a towing dolly under the front wheels.

NOTICE

(cid:2)Never tow a vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, as this may cause serious damage to the transmission.

163

(cid:2)Do not tow with the key removed or in the “LOCK” position when towing from the rear without a towing dolly. The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight.

(b) Using flat bed truck

—Emergency towing

(c) Towing with sling type truck

Front

NOTICE

Do not tow with sling type truck, either from the front or rear. This may cause body damage.

164

Rear (except U.S. mainland)

If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your Toyota dealer or a commercial tow truck ser- vice. If towing service is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be tem- porarily towed by a cable or chain se- cured to either emergency towing eye- let under the vehicle. Use extreme caution when towing vehicles. A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the brakes. Towing in this manner may be done only on hard-surfaced roads for a short dis- tance and at low speeds. Also, the wheels, axles, drive train, steering and brakes must all be in good condition.

CAUTION

CAUTION

If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not work so steering and braking will be much harder than usual.

Use extreme caution when towing vehicles. Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would place excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet and towing cable or chain. The eyelets and towing cable or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.

NOTICE

Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or chain to the towing eyelets provided.

Before towing, release the parking brake and put the transmission in “N”. The key must be in “ACC” (engine off) or “ON” (en- gine running).

165

If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever (floor shift)

If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever (column shift)

If you cannot shift the selector lever out of “P” position to other positions even though the brake pedal is de- pressed, use the shift lock override button as follows: 1. Turn the ignition key to “LOCK” position. Make sure the parking brake is set.

2. Pry up the cover with a flat-bladed

screwdriver or equivalent.

3.

Insert your finger into the hole to push down the shift lock override button. You can shift out of “P” position only while pushing the button.

4. Shift into “N” position. 5. 6. Start the engine. For your safety,

Insert the cover.

keep the brake pedal depressed.

Be sure to have the system checked by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

If you cannot shift the selector lever out of “P” position to other postions even though the brake pedal is de- pressed, use the shift lock override button as follows: 1. Turn the ignition key to “LOCK” position. Make sure the parking brake is set.

2. Pry up the cover with a flat-bladed

screwdriver or equivalent.

166

If you lose your wireless remote control transmitter If you lose your transmitter, you can purchase a new one at your Toyota dealer. You can use the wireless remote control system with the new transmitter. Contact your Toyota dealer for detailed informa- tion.

If you lose your keys Many Toyota dealers can make a new key if you can give them the key num- ber. See the suggestion given in “Keys” in Chapter 1-2. If your keys are locked in the vehicle and you cannot get a duplicate, many Toyota dealers can still open the door for you, us- ing their special tools. If you must break a window to get in, we suggest breaking the smallest side window because it is the least expensive to replace. Be extremely cautious to avoid cuts from the glass.

167

3.

Insert the screwdriver or equivalent into the hole to pull down the shift lock override button. You can shift out of “P” position only while push- ing the button.

4. Shift into “N” position. 5. 6. Start the engine. For your safety,

Insert the cover.

keep the brake pedal depressed.

Be sure to have the system checked by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

168

Part 5
CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE (cid:1) Protecting your Toyota from

corrosion

(cid:1) Washing and waxing your

Toyota

(cid:1) Cleaning the interior

the

Protecting your Toyota from corrosion Toyota, through its diligent research, de- sign and use of the most advanced technology available, has done its part to help prevent corrosion and has provided you with finest quality vehicle construction. Now, it is up to you. Proper care of your Toyota can help ensure long- term corrosion prevention. The most common causes of corro- sion to your vehicle are: (cid:1) The accumulation of road salt, dirt and moisture in hard-to-reach areas un- der the vehicle.

(cid:1) Chipping of paint, or undercoating caused by minor accidents or by stones and gravel.

Care is especially important if you live in particular areas or operate your ve- hicle under certain environmental conditions: (cid:1) Road salt or dust control chemicals will accelerate corrosion, as will the pres- ence of salt in the air near the sea- coast or in areas of industrial pollution. (cid:1) High humidity accelerates corrosion especially when temperatures range just above the freezing point.

(cid:1) Wetness or dampness to certain parts of your vehicle for an extended period of time, may cause corrosion even though other parts of the vehicle may be dry.

(cid:1) High temperatures will cause corro- sion to those components of the ve- hicle which are prevented from quick- drying due to lack of proper ventilation. The above signifies the necessity to keep your vehicle, particularly the underside, as clean as possible and to repair any damage to paint or protective coatings as soon as possible. To help prevent corrosion on your Toyota, follow these guidelines: Wash your vehicle frequently: It is, of course, necessary to keep your vehicle clean by regular washing, but to prevent corrosion, the following points should be observed:

(cid:1)

If you drive on salted roads in the win- ter or if you live near the ocean, you should hose off the undercarriage at least once a month to minimize corro- sion.

169

(cid:1) High pressure water or steam is effec- tive for cleaning the vehicle’s under- side and wheel housings. Pay particu- lar attention to these areas as it is difficult to see all the mud and dirt. It will do more harm than good to simply wet the mud and debris without remov- ing them. The lower edge of doors, rocker panels and frame members have drain holes which should not be allowed to clog with dirt as trapped wa- ter in these areas can cause corrosion. (cid:1) Wash the underside of the vehicle

thoroughly when winter is over.

See “Washing and waxing your Toyota” for more tips. Check the condition of your vehicle’s paint and trim. If you find any chips or scratches in the paint, touch them up im- mediately to prevent corrosion from start- ing. If the chips or scratches have gone through the bare metal, have a qualified bodyshop make the repair.

Check the interior of your vehicle. Wa- ter and dirt can accumulate under the floor mats and could cause corrosion. Occa- sionally check under the mats to make sure the area is dry. Be particularly careful when transporting chemicals, cleansers, fertilizers, salt, etc; these should be trans- ported in proper containers. If a spill or leak should occur, immediately clean and dry the area. Use mud shields on your wheels. If you drive on salted or gravel roads, mud shields help protect your vehicle. Full- size shields, which come as near to the ground as possible, are the best. We rec- ommend that the fittings and the area where the shields are installed be treated to resist corrosion. Your Toyota dealer will be happy to assist in supplying and instal- ling the shields if they are recommended for your area. Do not park your vehicle in a damp, poorly ventilated garage. If you wash your vehicle in the garage, or if you drive it in covered with water or snow, your ga- rage may be so damp it will cause corro- sion. Even if your garage is heated, a wet vehicle can corrode if the ventilation is poor.

170

Washing and waxing your Toyota Washing your Toyota by hand Work in the shade and wait until the ve- hicle body is not hot to the touch.

CAUTION

When cleaning under floor or chas- sis, be careful not to injure your hands.

1. Rinse off loose dirt with a hose. Re- move any mud or road salt from the underside of the vehicle or in the wheel wells.

2. Wash with a mild car-wash soap, mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a soft cotton mitt and keep it wet by dipping it frequently into the wash water. Do not rub hard-let the soap and water remove the dirt.

Aluminum wheels: Use only a mild soap or neutral detergent. Plastic bumpers: Wash carefully. Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners. The bumper