tow TOYOTA ECHO 2004 1.G Owners Manual

222004 ECHO from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM52526U)
SU12017a
2. In front of the vehicle, pull up the
auxiliary catch lever and lift the
hood.
SU12054a
3. Hold the hood open by inserting the
support rod into the slot.
To insert the support rod into the slot,
move it straight up. If it is moved to the
side or toward the inside of the vehicle,
it may become detached.
Before closing the hood, check to see that
you have not forgotten any tools, rags,
etc. and return the support rod to its clip−
this prevents rattles. Then lower the hood
and make sure it locks into place. If nec-
essary, press down gently on the front
edge to lock it.
CAUTION
After inserting the support rod into
the slot, make sure the rod supports
the hood security from falling down
on to your head or body.
NOTICE
Be sure to return the support rod to
its clip before closing the hood. Clos-
ing the hood with the support rod up
could cause the hood to bend.

282004 ECHO from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM52526U)
Seats
While the vehicle is being driven, all ve-
hicle occupants should have the seatback
upright, sit well back in the seat and prop-
erly wear the seat belts provided.
CAUTION
Do not drive the vehicle unless the
occupants are properly seated. Do
not allow any passengers to sit on
top of a foldeddown seatback, or
in the luggage compartment or car-
go area. Persons not properly
seated and/or not properly re-
strained by seat belts can be se-
verely injured in the event of emer-
gency braking or a collision.
During driving, do not allow any
passengers to stand up or move
around between seats. Otherwise,
severe injuries can occur in the
event of emergency braking or a
collision.
Driver seat
CAUTION
The SRS driver airbag deploys with
considerable force, and can cause
death or serious injury especially if
the driver is very close to the airbag.
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (“NHTSA”) advises:
Since the risk zone for driver airbag
is the first 5075 mm (23 in.) of
inflation, placing yourself 250 mm (10
in.) from your driver airbag provides
you with a clear margin of safety.
This distance is measured from the
center of the steering wheel to your
breastbone. If you sit less than 250
mm (10 in.) away now, you can
change your driving position in sever-
al ways:
Move your seat to the rear as far
as you can while still reaching the
pedals comfortably.
Slightly recline the back of the
seat. Although vehicle designs vary,
many drivers can achieve the 250
mm (10 in.) distance, even with the
driver seat all the way forward, sim-
ply by reclining the back of the
seat somewhat. If reclining the back
of your seat makes it hard to see
the road, raise yourself by using a
firm, nonslippery cushion, or raise
the seat if your vehicle has that
feature.
If your steering wheel is adjustable,
tilt it downward. This points the air-
bag toward your chest instead of
your head and neck.
The seat should be adjusted as rec-
ommended by NHTSA above, while
still maintaining control of the foot
pedals, steering wheel, and your view
of the instrument panel controls.
Front seats—
—Front seat precautions

832004 ECHO from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM52526U)
SU14015a
Ty p e A
SU14016
Ty p e B
To turn on the windshield wipers, move
the lever to the desired setting.
The key must be in the “ON” position.
Ty p e A —
Lever position
Speed setting
Position 1Slow
Position 2Fast
For a single sweep of the windshield,
push the lever up and release it.
Ty p e B —
Lever position
Speed setting
Position 1Intermittent
Position 2Slow
Position 3Fast
For a single sweep of the windshield,
push the lever up and release it.To squirt washer fluid, pull the lever
toward you.
For instructions on adding washer fluid,
see “Adding washer fluid” in Section 7−3.
In freezing weather, warm the windshield
with the defroster before using the washer.
This will help prevent the washer fluid
from freezing on your windshield, which
can block your vision.
NOTICE
Do not operate the wipers if the wind-
shield is dry. It may scratch the
glass.
Windshield wipers and washer

1002004 ECHO from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM52526U)
SU16003
(b) Overdrive switch
You can select either third gear(with over-
drive off) or forth gear (with overdrive on)
by pushing this switch.
To turn the overdrive off, push the switch.
The “O/D OFF” indicator light should come
on. To turn the overdrive again, push the
switch again. The “O/D OFF” indicator
light should go off.
Always drive your vehicle with the over-
drive on for better fuel economy and
quieter driving.
If the engine is turned off when the over-
drive is off and restarted, the overdrive
will automatically be on.(c) Normal driving
1. Start the engine as instructed in “How
to start the engine” in Section 3. The
transmission must be in “P” or “N”.
2. With your foot holding down the brake
pedal, shift the selector lever to “D”.
When the lever is in the “D” position, the
automatic transmission system will select
the most suitable gear for running condi-
tions such as normal cruising, hill climb-
ing, hard towing, etc.
Always turn the overdrive on for better
fuel economy and quieter driving. If the
engine coolant temperature is low, the
transmission will not shift into overdrive
gear even with the overdrive on.
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelera-
tor pedal while shifting.
3. Release the parking brake and brake
pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal
slowly for smooth starting.
(d) Using engine braking
To use engine braking, you can downshift
the transmission as follows:
Push the overdrive switch. The “O/D
OFF” indicator light will come on and
the transmission will downshift to third
gear.
Shift into the “2” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to second gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than 91 km/h (57 mph), and
stronger engine braking will be en-
abled.
Shift into the “L” position. The trans-
mission will downshift to first gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than 45 km/h (28 mph), and
maximum engine braking will be en-
abled.

1012004 ECHO from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM52526U)
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to spin or
skid.
(e) Using “2” and “L” positions
The “2” and “L” positions are used for
strong engine braking as described pre-
viously.
With the selector lever in “2” or “L”, you
can start the vehicle in motion as with the
lever in “D”.
With the selector lever in “2”, the vehicle
will start in first gear and automatically
shift to second gear.
With the selector lever in “L”, the trans-
mission is engaged in first gear.
NOTICE
Be careful not to overrev the en-
gine. The approximate maximum al-
lowable speed for each position is
given below for your reference:
“2” 110 km/h (69 mph). . . . . . . . . .
“ L” 60 km/ h ( 37 mph). . . . . . . . . .
Do not continue hill climbing or
hard towing for a long time in the
“2” or “L” position. This may cause
severe automatic transmission dam-
age from overheating. To prevent
such damage, “D” position should
be used in hill climbing or hard
towing.
(f) Backing up
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal held down with
your foot, shift the selector lever to the
“R” position.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the ve-
hicle is moving.
(g) Parking
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Pull the parking brake lever up fully to
securely apply the parking brake.
3. With the brake pedal pressed down,
shift the selector lever to the “P” posi-
tion.
CAUTION
While the vehicle is moving, never
attempt to move the selector lever
into “P” position under any circum-
stances. Serious mechanical damage
and loss of vehicle control may re-
sult.
(h) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly shifts up
and down between third gear and over-
drive when climbing a gentle slope, the
overdrive switch should be turned off.
Be sure to turn the switch on immedi-
ately afterward.
When towing a trailer, in order to main-
tain engine braking efficiency, do not
use overdrive.

1032004 ECHO from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM52526U)
Downshift to the appropriate gear if accel-
eration is needed when you are cruising
below the above downshifting speeds.
Upshifting too soon or downshifting too
late will cause lugging, and possibly ping-
ing. Regularly revving the engine to maxi-
mum speed in each gear will cause ex-
cessive engine wear and high fuel
consumption.
Maximum allowable speeds
To get on a highway or to pass slower
traffic, maximum acceleration may be nec-
essary. Make sure you observe the follow-
ing maximum allowable speeds in each
gear:
gear km/h (mph)
1 54 (33)
2 100 (62)
3 146 (91)
NOTICE
Do not downshift if you are going
faster than the maximum allowable
speed for the next lower gear.
Good driving practice
If it is difficult to shift into reverse, put
the transmission in neutral, release the
clutch pedal momentarily, and then try
again.
When towing a trailer, in order to main-
tain engine braking efficiency, do not
use fifth gear.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to spin or
skid.
NOTICE
Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped before shifting into reverse.
Parking brake
SU16006
Ty p e A
SU16007
Ty p e B

1322004 ECHO from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM52526U)
When driving on dusty roads, close all
windows. If dust thrown up by the ve-
hicle is still drawn into the vehicle after
closing the windows, it is recommended
that the air intake selector be set to
FRESH and the fan speed selector to
any setting except “OFF”.
If following another vehicle on a dusty
road, or driving in windy and dusty
conditions, it is recommended that the
air intake selector be temporarily set to
RECIRCULATED, which will close off
the outside passage and prevent out-
side air and dust from entering the
vehicle interior.
When turning the temperature selector
fully to the left–“Max.cool” position,
cold air comes out from the center
vents in spite of the position of the air
flow selector.Heating
For best results, set controls to:
Fan speed—Any setting except “OFF”
Temperature—Towards red zone
Air intake—FRESH (outside air)
Air flow—FLOOR
Air conditioning—OFF
For quick heating, select recirculated
air for a few minutes. To keep the
windows from fogging, select fresh af-
ter the vehicle interior has been
warmed.
Press the “A/C” button on for dehumidi-
fied heating.
Choose floor/windshield air flow to heat
the vehicle interior while defrosting or
defogging the windshield.Air conditioning
For best results, set controls to:
Fan speed—Any setting except “OFF”
Temperature—To w a r d s blue zone
Air intake—FRESH (outside air)
Air flow—PANEL
Air conditioning—ON
For quick cooling, move the air intake
selector to recirculate for a few min-
utes.
Ventilation
For best results, set controls to:
Fan speed—Any setting except “OFF”
Temperature—Towards blue zone
Air intake—FRESH (outside air)
Air flow—PANEL
Air conditioning—OFF

1332004 ECHO from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM52526U)
Defogging
The inside of the windshield
For best results, set controls to:
Fan speed—Any setting except “OFF”
Temperature—Towards red zone to heat;
blue zone to cool
Air intake—FRESH (outside air)
Air flow—WINDSHIELD
Turning the air flow control knob to wind-
shield position turns on the defroster−
linked air conditioning. This is to clean up
the front view more quickly.
When the “A/C” button is not pressed in,
turning the air flow control knob to a posi-
tion other than windshield or floor/wind-
shield turns off the air conditioning.
On humid days, do not blow cold air
on the windshield—the difference be-
tween the outside and inside tempera-
tures could make the fogging worse.Defrosting
The outside of the windshield
For best results, set controls to:
Fan speed—Any setting except “OFF”
Temperature—Towards red zone
Air intake—FRESH (outside air)
Air flow—WINDSHIELD
Turning the air flow control knob to wind-
shield position turns on the defroster−
linked air conditioning. This is to clean up
the front view more quickly.
When the “A/C” button is not pressed in,
turning the air flow control knob to a posi-
tion other than windshield or floor/wind-
shield turns off the air conditioning.
To heat the vehicle interior while de-
frosting the windshield, choose
floor/windshield air flow.
Instrument panel vents
SU18008
—Center vents —Side vents
CloseClose
Open
Open
If air flow control is not satisfactory, check
the instrument panel vents. The instrument
panel vents may be opened or closed as
shown.

1612004 ECHO from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM52526U)
Vehicle load limits include total load
capacity, seating capacity, towing ca-
pacity and cargo capacity. Follow the
load limits shown below.
Total load capacity:
351 kg (775 lb.)
Total load capacity means combined
weight of occupants, cargo and lug-
gage. Tongue load is included when
trailer towing.
Seating capacity:
Total 5 (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum
number of occupants whose weight
is supposed to be 68 kg (150 lb.) per
person. Depending on the weight of
person, the seating capacity given
may exceed the total load capacity.
NOTICE
Even if the number of occupants
are within the seating capacity,
do not exceed the total load ca-
pacity.
Towing capacity
Toyota does not recommend towing
a trailer with your vehicle. Your ve-
hicle is not designed for trailer towing.
Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or de-
crease depending on the size (weight)
and the number of occupants. For de-
tails, see “Capacity and distribution”
that follows.
CAUTION
Do not apply the load more than
each load limit. That may cause
not only damage to the tires, but
also deterioration to the steering
ability and braking ability, which
may cause an accident.
When stowing cargo and luggage in
the vehicle, observe the following:
Put cargo and luggage in the trunk
when at all possible. Be sure all
items are secured in place.
Be careful to keep the vehicle bal-
anced. Locating the weight as far
forward as possible helps maintain
the balance.
For better fuel economy, do not
carry unneeded weight.
CAUTION
To prevent cargo and luggage
from sliding forward during
braking, do not stack anything
in the trunk. Keep luggage or
packages low, as close to the
floor as possible.
Veh icle lo ad limit sCargo and luggage—
—Stowage precautions

1632004 ECHO from Aug. ’03 Prod. (OM52526U)
4. The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and lug-
gage 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 lug-
gage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400–750 (5x150)=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 car-
go and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle.
Toyota does not recommend tow-
ing a trailer with your vehicle. Your
vehicle is not designed for trailer
towing.
SU21020
Total load
capacityCargo
capacity
EXAMPLE ON YOUR VEHICLE
In case that 2 people with the com-
bined weight of 166 kg (366 lb.) are
riding in your vehicle with the total
load capacity of 351 kg (775 lb.), the
available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity will be as follows:
351 kg – 166 kg = 185 kg.
( 775 lb. – 366 lb. = 409 lb. )
From this condition, if 3 more passen-
gers with the combined weight of 176
kg (388 lb.) get on, the av ailable car-
go and luggage load will be reduced
as follows:185 kg – 176 kg = 9 kg.
( 409 lb. – 388 lb. = 21 lb. )
As shown in the above example, if the
number of occupants increases, the
cargo and luggage load equaling the
combined weight of occupants who
got on later must be reduced. In other
words, if the increase in the number
of occupants causes the excess of
the total load capacity (combined
weight of occupants plus cargo and
luggage load), you have to reduce the
cargo and luggage on your vehicle.
For details about total load capacity,
see “Vehicle load limits” on page 161.