2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Owners Manual - Before driving

Before driving

Driving the vehicle

Driving procedure

■ Driving

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

2. Release the parking brake.

3. Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.

■ Stopping

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.

■ Parking the vehicle

1. With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle completely.

2. Set the parking brake, and shift the shift lever to P.

Check the parking brake indicator is illuminated.

Do not press the shift lever button after shifting the shit position to P.

3. Vehicles without a smart key system: Turn the engine switch to OFF to stop the engine.

Vehicles with a smart key system: Press the engine switch to stop the engine.

4. Slowly release the brake pedal.

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

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

■ Starting off on a steep uphill

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.

■When starting off on a uphill

The hill-start assist control will activate.

■Driving in the rain

• Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the windows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
• Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be especially 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 surface, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.

■Engine speed while driving

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

■Restraining the engine output (Brake Override System)

• When the accelerator and brake pedals are depressed at the same time, the engine output may be restrained.
• A warning message is displayed on the multi-information display while the system is operating.

■Breaking in your new Toyota

To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is recommended:

• For the first 186 miles (300 km): Avoid sudden stops.
• For the first 500 miles (800 km): Do not tow a trailer.
• For the first 621 miles (1000 km):
  • 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.

■Operating your vehicle in a foreign country

Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability of the correct fuel.

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

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

■When starting the vehicle

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 accelerator 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 a 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 accelerator pedals properly.
  • Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, resulting in an accident.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• AWD models: Do not drive the vehicle off-road.

  This is not an AWD vehicle designed for off-road driving.

  Proceed with all due caution if it becomes unavoidable to drive off-road.

• AWD models: Do not drive across a river or through other bodies of water.

  This may cause electric/electronic components to short circuit, damage the engine or cause other serious damage to the vehicle.

• Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-speed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) 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.

■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

• Do not let the vehicle roll backward while a forward driving position is selected, 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.

• 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.

• Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed. Shifting the shift lever to any positions 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.

■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 or N, the vehicle may accelerate suddenly and unexpectedly, causing an accident.

• 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.
• 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, spray cans, or soft drink cans in the vehicle when it is in the sun.

  Doing so may result in the following:

  • 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 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 vehicle.
• 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.

• 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 pipes 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.

■If the vehicle becomes stuck (AWD models)

Do not spin the wheels excessively when a driven wheel is up in the air, or the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may damage the driveline components or propel the vehicle forward or backward, causing an accident.

NOTICE

■When driving the vehicle

• 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.

■When parking the vehicle

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.

■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 vehicle.

• 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.

■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 becomes flooded or stuck in mud or sand, be sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following:

• Brake function
• Changes in the quantity and quality of the engine oil, transaxle fluid, transfer oil (AWD models), rear differential oil (AWD models), etc.
• Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft (AWD models), bearings and suspension joints (where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

Sudden start restraint control (Drive-Start Control [DSC] )

When the following unusual operation is performed with the accelerator pedal depressed, the engine output may be restrained.

• When the shift lever is shifted to R*.
• When the shift lever is shifted from P or R to forward drive shift positon such as D*.

When the system operates, a message appears on the multi-information display. Read the message and follow the instruction.

*: Depending on the situation, the shift position may not be changed.

■Drive-Start Control (DSC)

When the TRAC is turned off, sudden start restraint control also does not operate. If your vehicle have trouble escaping from the mud or fresh snow due to sudden start restraint control operation, deactivate TRAC so that the vehicle may become able to escape from the mud or fresh snow.

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo capacity and load:

Capacity and distribution

Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.

(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) - (Total weight of occupants)

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -

(1) Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your vehicle's placard.

(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.

For example, if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5 - 150) = 650 lbs.)

(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.

That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.

(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle.

Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

Calculation formula for your vehicle

1. Cargo capacity
2. Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight)

When 2 people with the combined weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in your vehicle, which has a total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight) of B lb. (kg), the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be C lb. (kg) as follows:

B^*2 lb. (kg) - A^*1 lb. (kg) = C^*3 lb. (kg)

*1: A =Weight of people
*2: B =Total load capacity
*3: C =Available cargo and luggage load

In this condition, if 3 more passengers with the combined weight of D lb. (kg) get on, the available cargo and luggage load will be reduced E lb. (kg) as follows:

C lb. (kg) - D^*4 lb. (kg) = E^*5 lb. (kg)

*4: D =Additional weight of people
*5: E =Available cargo and luggage load

As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants increases, the cargo and luggage load will be reduced by an amount that equals the increased weight due to the additional occupants. In other words, if an increase in the number of occupants causes an excess of the total load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus cargo and luggage load), you must reduce the cargo and luggage on your vehicle.

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 passengers, possibly causing an accident.

• Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible.
• Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher than the seatbacks.
• 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 properly fastened.

• 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 luggage cover
  • On the instrument panel
  • On the dashboard
• Secure all items in the occupant compartment.

■Capacity and distribution

• Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle weight rating.
• Even if the total load of occupant's weight and the cargo load is less than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which may cause death or serious injury.

■When using a roof luggage carrier (vehicles with roof rails)

Observe the following precautions:

• Place the cargo so that its weight is distributed evenly between the front and rear axles.
• If loading long or wide cargo, never exceed the vehicle overall length or width.
• Before driving, make sure the cargo is securely fastened on the roof luggage carrier.
• Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of gravity of the vehicle higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly and result in death or serious injury.
• If driving for a long distance, on rough roads, or at high speeds, stop the vehicle now and then during the trip to make sure the cargo remains in its place.
• Do not exceed 75 lb. (34 kg) cargo weight on the roof luggage carrier.

NOTICE

■When loading cargo (vehicles with a moon roof)

Be careful not to scratch the surface of the moon roof.

Vehicle load limits

Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, towing capacity and cargo capacity.

• Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight)
  Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and luggage.
• Seating capacity
  Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
• TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)
  TWR means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.
• Cargo capacity
  Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight and the number of occupants.

■Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.

WARNING

■Overloading the vehicle

Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering and braking ability, resulting in an accident.

Trailer towing

Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger- and-load-carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer can have an adverse impact on handling, performance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. For your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload your vehicle or trailer. You must also ensure that you are using appropriate towing equipment, that the towing equipment has been installed correctly and used properly, and that you employ the requisite driving habits.

Vehicle-trailer stability and braking performance are affected by trailer stability, brake performance and setting, trailer brakes, the hitch and hitch systems (if equipped).

To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accordance with your trailer's characteristics and operating conditions.

Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.

Contact your Toyota dealer for further information about additional requirements such as a towing kit, etc.

■Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height

No matter which class of tow hitch applies, for a more safe trailer hookup, the trailer ball setup must be the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.

1. Coupler
2. Trailer ball

■Before towing

Check that the following conditions are met:

• Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated.
• Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's recommendation.
• All trailer lights work as required by law.
• All lights work each time you connect them.
• The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
• The trailer is level when it is hitched.

  Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and check for improper tongue weight, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.

• The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
• The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.

■Break-in schedule

If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components (such as an engine, transaxle, transfer [AWD models], rear differential [AWD models] or wheel bearing), Toyota recommends that you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km).

After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can start towing. However, for the next 500 miles (800 km), drive the vehicle at a speed of less than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and avoid full throttle acceleration.

■Maintenance

• If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to the additional load.

  (See "Scheduled Maintenance Guide" or "Owner's Manual Supplement".)

• Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

■If trailer sway occurs

One or more factors (crosswinds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing instability.

• If trailer swaying occurs:
  • Firmly grip the steering wheel.

    Steer straight ahead.

    Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.

  • Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to reduce speed.

    Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.

If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer should stabilize.

(if enabled, Trailer Sway Control can also help to stabilize the vehicle and trailer.)

• After the trailer swaying has stopped:
  • Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants out of the vehicle.
  • Check the tires of the vehicle and the trailer.
  • Check the load in the trailer.

    Make sure the load has not shifted.

    Make sure the tongue weight is appropriate, if possible.

  • Check the load in the vehicle.

    Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded after occupants get in.

If you cannot find any problems, the speed at which trailer swaying occurred is beyond the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer combination.

Drive at a lower speed to prevent instability. Remember that swaying of the towing vehicle-trailer increases as speed increases.

WARNING

■Trailer towing precautions

To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accordance with the trailer's characteristics and operating conditions.

Failure to do so could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. Vehicle stability and braking performance are affected by trailer stability, brake setting and performance, and the hitch. Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer.

■To avoid accident or injury

• Do not exceed the TWR, unbraked TWR, GCWR, GVWR or GAWR.
• Adjust the tongue weight within the appropriate range. Place heavier loads as close to the trailer axle as possible.
• Do not exceed 65 mph (104 km/h), the posted towing speed limit or the speed limit for your trailer as set forth in your trailer owner's manual, whichever is lowest. Slow down sufficiently before making a turn, in cross winds, on wet or slippery surface, etc. to help avoid an accident.

  If you experience a vehicle-trailer instability from reducing a certain speed, slow down and make sure you keep your vehicle speed under the speed of which you experience the instability.

• Do not make jerky, abrupt or sharp turns.
• Do not apply the brakes suddenly as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
• Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue weight capacities.
• Do not use the following systems when trailer towing.
  • Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range
  • LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
  • LDA (Lane Departure Alert)
  • PKSB (Parking Support Brake) (if equipped)
  • RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) (if equipped)
  • PCS (Pre-Collision System)
  • BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if equipped)
• Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do not make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long downhill grades.
• Vehicle-trailer instability is more likely on steep long downhills.

  Before descending steep or long downhill grades, slow down and downshift. Do not make sudden downshifts when descending steep or long downhill grades. Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too frequently.

  This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency.

• Do not tow a trailer when the compact spare tire is installed on your vehicle.

■When towing a trailer

Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.

• If the gross trailer weight exceeds unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are required. Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.
• Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle's 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 into another lane.

Towing related terms

■ GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross combination weight. The gross combination weight is the sum of the total vehicle weight (including the occupants, cargo and any optional equipment installed on the vehicle) and the weight of the trailer being towed (including the cargo in the trailer).

■ GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight. The gross vehicle weight is the total weight of the vehicle. When towing a trailer, it is the sum of the vehicle weight (including the occupants, cargo and any optional equipment installed on the vehicle) and the tongue weight.

■ GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross axle weight. The gross axle weight is the load placed on each axle (front and rear).

1. Front GAWR
2. Rear GAWR

■ TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross trailer weight. The gross trailer weight is the sum of the trailer weight and the weight of the cargo in the trailer.

TWR is calculated assuming base vehicle with one driver, one front passenger, towing package (if available), hitch and hitch systems (if required).

Additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the vehicle will reduce the trailer weight rating so as not to exceed GCWR, GVWR and GAWR.

1. With brakes

■ Unbraked TWR (Unbraked Trailer Weight Rating)

The trailer weight rating for towing a trailer without a trailer service brake system.

1. Without brakes

■ Tongue Weight

The load placed on the trailer hitch ball.

Weight limits

• The gross trailer weight must never exceed 1500 lb. (680 kg).
• The gross combination weight must never exceed the following:
  • 2WD models: 5790 lb. (2625 kg)
  • AWD models: 5955 lb. (2700 kg)
• The gross vehicle weight must never exceed the GVWR indicated on the Certification Label.
• The gross axle weight on each axle must never exceed the GAWR indicated on the Certification Label.
• If the gross trailer weight is over the unbraked TWR, trailer service brakes are required.

GCWR, TWR and Unbraked TWR

Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all within the limits.

■ GCWR*

2WD models: 5790 lb. (2625 kg)

AWD models: 5955 lb. (2700 kg)

■ TWR*

1500 lb. (680 kg)

■ Unbraked TWR*

1500 lb. (680 kg)

*: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE International per SAE J2807.

Trailer Tongue Weight

• A recommended tongue weight varies in accordance with the types of trailers or towing as described below.
• To ensure the recommended values shown below, the trailer must be loaded by referring to the following instructions.
  • Tongue Weight

The gross trailer weight should be distributed so that the tongue weight is 9% to 11%.

(Tongue weight/Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9% to 11%)

1. Gross trailer weight
2. Tongue weight

The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight can be measured with platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.

Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Toyota recommends the use of Toyota hitch/bracket for your vehicle. For details, contact your Toyota dealer.

• If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Toyota dealer.
• Use only a hitch that conforms to the gross trailer weight requirement of your vehicle.
• Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
• Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coating of grease.
• Remove the hitch ball whenever you are not towing a trailer. Remove the trailer hitch if you do not need it.

  After removing the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle body to prevent entry of any substances into the vehicle.

WARNING

■Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the hitch manufacturer.

Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of towing a higher weight, the operator must determine the maximum weight rating of the particular hitch assembly and never exceed the maximum weight rating specified for the trailer-hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight rating set by the trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause an accident resulting in death or serious personal injuries.

NOTICE

■When installing a trailer hitch

Use only the position recommended by your Toyota dealer.

Do not install the trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.

Positions for towing hitch receiver and hitch ball

1. Weight carrying ball position: 37.5 in. (952.0 mm)
2. Hitch receiver pin hole position: 31.6 in. (801.5 mm)

Connecting trailer lights

Please consult your dealer when installing trailer lights, as incorrect installation may cause damage to the vehicle's lights.

Please take care to comply with your state's laws when installing trailer lights.

NOTICE

■Do not directly splice trailer lights

Do not directly splice trailer lights.

Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your vehicle's electrical system and cause a malfunction.

Trailer towing tips

Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. Help to avoid an accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when towing:

• Speed limits for towing a trailer vary by state or province.

  Do not exceed the posted towing speed limit.

• Toyota recommends that the vehicle-trailer speed limit is 65 mph (104 km/h) on a flat, straight, dry road. Do not exceed this limit, the posted towing speed limit or the speed limit for your trailer as set forth in your trailer owner's manual, whichever is lowest.

  Instability of the towing vehicle- trailer combination (trailer sway) increases as speed increases. Exceeding speed limits may cause loss of control.

• Before starting out, check the trailer lights, tires and the vehicle-trailer connections.

  Recheck after driving a short distance.

• Practice turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer attached in an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination.
• Reversing with a trailer attached 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 right. (This is generally opposite to reversing without a trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when reversing to reduce the risk of an accident.
• As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to vehicle distance should be increased.

  For each 10 mph (16 km/h) of speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length.

• Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in the trailer jackknifing and a loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
• Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
• Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making turn.
• Note that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making a wider than normal turning radius.
• Slow down before making a turn, in cross winds, on wet or slippery surfaces, etc.

  Increasing vehicle speed can destabilize the trailer.

• Take care 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.
• To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system performance when using engine braking, do not put the transmission in D. If in the M mode, the transmission shift range position must be in 6 or lower.
• Instability happens more frequently when descending steep or long downhill grades.

  Before descending, slow down and downshift. Do not make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long downhill grades.

• Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency.
• Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 85ºF [30ºC] ) when driving up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
• Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle's and the trailer's wheels when parking. Put the transmission in P and apply the parking brake. Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so only after performing the following:

1. Apply the brakes and keep them applied.

2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle's and trailer's wheels.

3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly until the blocks absorb the load.

4. Shift into P and apply the parking brake.

5. Turn off the engine.

• When restarting after parking on a slope:

1. With the transmission in P, start the engine. Be sure to keep the brake pedal depressed.

2. Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into R.

3. If the parking brake is in manual mode, release the parking brake.

4. Release the brake pedal, and slowly pull or back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.

5. Have someone retrieve the blocks.

Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the ground) behind a motor home.

NOTICE

■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle

Do not tow your vehicle with the four wheels on the ground.