brake TOYOTA FR-S 2014 (in English) Owner's Manual

142 2-1. Driving procedures
■When moving the shift lever out of P
If the shift lever is pushed sideways before the brake pedal is depressed,
shift lever operation may not be possible. Depress the brake pedal before
shifting the shift lever out of P.
■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer
If downshifting operations are performed at a vehicle speed by which down-
shifting is not possible (when downshifting will cause the engine speed to
enter the red zone), a buzzer will sound to warn the driver that downshifting
cannot be performed.
■When driving with cruise control activated
Downshifting can be performed even when using cruise control. After down-
shifting, the set speed continues. (P. 141, 143)
■Sport mode
●In sport mode, lower gears are used and gears change at a higher
engine speed.
●If sport mode is changed to while the shift lever is in the M position, the
“SPORT” indicator will come on but sport mode controls will not be car-
ried out. Shift the shift lever to the D position.
●Sport mode cannot be changed to when driving with cruise control acti-
vated.
■Snow mode
To prevent slipping, 1
st gear cannot be selected when in snow mode.
■Sport mode and snow mode automatic deactivation
In the following situations, the driving mode is automatically deactivated:
●When the engine is turned off after driving in sport mode or snow mode.
●When cruise control is activated while driving in sport mode.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 326

149
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Parking brake
■Usage in winter time
P. 185
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake
wear.
To set the parking brake, fully pull the parking brake lever while
depressing the brake pedal.
To release the parking brake, slightly raise the lever and lower it
completely while pressing the button.
U.S.A. Canada

165 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
■Daytime running light system
●Vehicles with an automatic transmission: To make your vehicle more visi-
ble to other drivers, the headlights turn on automatically (at a reduced
intensity) whenever the engine is started, the shift lever is shifted out of P
and the parking brake is released. Daytime running lights are not
designed for use at night.
●Vehicles with a manual transmission: To make your vehicle more visible
to other drivers, the headlights turn on automatically (at a reduced inten-
sity) whenever the engine is started and the parking brake is released.
Daytime running lights are not designed for use at night.
●Compared to turning on the headlights, the daytime running light system
offers greater durability and consumes less electricity, so it can help
improve fuel economy.
■Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the engine switch is turned to “LOCK” position and
the driver's door is opened with the key removed from the engine switch
while the lights are turned on.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the engine is not run-
ning.

171 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
■Cruise control can be set when
Vehicles with an automatic transmission
●The shift lever is in D or M and the vehicle is in the 2
nd gear or higher.
●Vehicle speed is above approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
Vehicles with a manual transmission
●The vehicle is in the 2
nd gear or higher.
●Vehicle speed is above approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
■Canceling and resuming the constant speed control
Pulling the lever toward you
cancels the constant speed
control.
The speed setting is also can-
celed when:
• The brakes are applied.
• The clutch pedal is
depressed (manual trans-
mission only).
• The shift lever is shifted to
N.
Pushing the lever up
resumes the constant
speed control.
Resuming is available when
the vehicle speed is more
than approximately 20 mph
(32 km/h).

174
2-4. Using other driving systems
Driving assist systems
When the TRAC/VSC systems are operating
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC (brake LSD
function)/VSC systems are oper-
ating.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in response to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
The TRAC system is also equipped with the brake LSD function.
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel

175 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Disabling the TRAC system
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing to turn
the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.
In this case, the brake LSD function remains on.
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the
button.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
will come on.
Press the button again to turn the
system back on.
“VSC SPORT” mode
Your vehicle is equipped with two types of control modes to accom-
modate various driving preferences. The control modes can be
selected with the “VSC SPORT” mode switch. Normal mode allows
secure and smooth normal driving. When the switch is pressed, “VSC
SPORT” mode is activated. Control characteristics such as the VSC
and TRAC are adjusted to afford maneuverability closer to what a
driver may have imagined, while a sense of security is retained.
“VSC SPORT” mode/Normal
mode
The “VSC SPORT” indicator and
VSC off indicator come on when
in “VSC SPORT” mode.

177 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
■Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than
3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light and the VSC off indicator light will come on.
In this case, the brake LSD function remains on.
Press the button again to turn the systems back on.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRAC and
VSC systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake
pedal is depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just after the
vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction
has occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automati-
cally reactivated in the following situations:
●When the engine switch is turned to “LOCK” position
●If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle
speed is more than approximately 31 mph (50 km/h).
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic reactivation
will not occur when vehicle speed increases.

178 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur,
refrain from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine
off. The EPS system should return to normal after a little while.
■Automatic deactivation of “VSC SPORT” mode
When the engine switch is turned to “LOCK” position after driving in “VSC
SPORT” mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn
tires on a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations:
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■When the VSC and/or brake LSD function is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.

183 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.
●To prevent cargo and luggage from sliding forward during braking, do
not stack anything in the enlarged trunk. Keep cargo and luggage low,
as close to the floor as possible.
●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 enlarged trunk. It is not designed for
passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts prop-
erly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer death or
serious bodily injury, in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving
or an accident.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the
item may get under the clutch, brake or accelerator pedal and prevent
the pedals from being depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or
hit the driver or passengers, causing an accident:
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the package tray
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and
injure someone during sudden braking, sudden swerving or an acci-
dent.
■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.

185
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires.
Make sure to install 4 tires that are of the specified size, and that all
4 tires are the same size, same maker, same brand and tread pat-
tern.
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
●To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have
accumulated on the exterior lights, vehicle's roof, chassis,
around the tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes
before getting in the vehicle.