TOYOTA FR-S 2014 Owners Manual (in English)

201
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
When the TRAC/VSC systems are operatingThe 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 res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavi ly 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

202 2-4. Using other driving systems
Disabling the TRAC systemIf 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.

203
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
Selecting TRAC mode and VSC mode
Modes can be selected to suit your driving conditions as follows:
Driving
conditionsTRAC
modesVSC modesIndicator lights
Normal roadsOn Normal mode 
Rough roads Off Normal mode
Sport driving On
“VSC SPORT”
mode
Off “VSC SPORT”
mode
Off Off

204 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Turning off both TR AC 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 START STOP” switch is turned off
● 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.

205
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■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 START STOP” switch is turned off after driving in “VSC
SPORT” mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not opera te 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.

206 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■When the TRAC/VSC syst ems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force,
do not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Scion dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

207
2
When driving
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distributionCargo 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 co mbined 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 av ailable 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 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 avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load:
● Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.
● Be sure all items are secured in place.
● To maintain vehicle balance while driving, position luggage
evenly within the luggage compartment.
● For better fuel economy, do no t carry unnecessary weight.

208 2-5. Driving information
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Cons ult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
(  P. 378)
Scion does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your
vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.
Calculation formula for your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) (P. 378)
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 2 more passengers with the combined weight of D
lb. (kg) get on, the available carg o 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

209
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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 du e to the additional occupants. In
other words, if an increase in th e 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.
CAUTION
■Things that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans

210 2-5. Driving information
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.