TOYOTA MATRIX 2008 E130 / 1.G Owners Manual

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Recommended shifting speeds
The transmission is fully synchronized and
upshifting or downshifting is easy.
For the best compromise between fuel
economy and vehicle performance, you
should upshift or downshift at the following
speeds:Gear km/h (mph)
1 to 2 or 2 to 1 24 (15)
2 to 3 or 3 to 2 40 (25)
3 to 4 or 4 to 3 64 (40)
4 to 5 or 5 to 4 72 (45)
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 58 (36)
2 98 (61)
3 142 (88)
4 180 (112)
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 skid or
spin.
NOTICE
 Do not use any gears other than
first gear when starting off and
moving forward. Doing so may dam-
age the clutch.
 Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped before shifting into reverse.

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The traction control system automatical-
ly helps prevent the spinning of front
wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition key is turned to “ON”,
the system automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicle and
power against front wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction
control system is in operation. Do not
drive the vehicle under any speed or
maneuvering conditions which may
cause the vehicle to lose traction
control. In situations where the road
surface is covered with ice or snow,
your vehicle should be fitted with
snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious
speed for the present road condi-
tions.
NORMAL DRIVING MODE
Leave the system on during the ordi-
nary driving so that it can operate
when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the trac-
tion control system is in the self−check
mode, but does not indicate a malfunction. When the traction control system is oper-
ating, the following conditions occur:
The system controls the spinning of the
front wheels. At this time, the slip indi-
cator light/traction control system off
indicator light blinks.
You may feel vibration or noise in your
vehicle, caused by operation of the
brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
The indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition key is turned
to “ON”.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The indicator light does not come on
when the ignition key is turned “ON”.
The indicator light remains on after the
ignition is turned on.
The indicator light comes on with the
normal driving mode while driving.
Traction control system

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TRACTION CONTROL OFF MODE
When getting the vehicle out of mud or
newly fallen snow, etc., turn off the
traction control system. This system
that controls engine performance inter-
feres with the process of freeing front
wheels.
To turn off: Push “TRAC OFF” switch.
The slip indicator light/traction control sys-
tem off indicator light will come on.
The vehicle stability control system is al-
ways activated, even if the traction control
system is turned off.To turn on: Push “TRAC OFF” switch
once again.
The slip indicator light/traction control sys-
tem off indicator light will go off.
The indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition key is turned
to “ON”. It will come on again when you
push the “TRAC OFF” switch to turn off
the traction control system.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The indicator light does not come on
when the ignition key is turned “ON”.
The indicator light remains on after the
ignition is turned on.
The indicator light comes on with the
normal driving mode while driving.
“VSC” warning light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the traction control system
or the vehicle stability control system.
The light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to “ON” and will go off after
a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
system does not work. However, as con-
ventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing.

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In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.
The slip indicator light/traction control sys-
tem off indicator light will come on when
the “VSC” warning light comes on even if
the “TRAC OFF” switch is not pushed. The vehicle stability control system
helps provide integrated control of the
systems such as antilock brake sys-
tem, traction control, engine control,
etc. This system automatically controls
the brakes and engine to help prevent
the vehicle from skidding when corner-
ing on a slippery road surface or oper-
ating steering wheel abruptly.
The vehicle stability control system is acti-
vated when your vehicle speed reaches or
exceeds 15 km/h (9 mph), and is deacti-
vated when the vehicle speed reduces to
below 15 km/h (9 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the sys-
tem is in the self
−check mode, but does
not indicate a malfunction.
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the ve-
hicle stability control system. Even
if the vehicle stability control sys-
tem is operating, you must always
drive carefully and attentively to
avoid serious injury. Reckless driv-
ing will result in an unexpected ac-
cident. If the slip indicator light
flashes, an alarm sounds, and spe-
cial care should be taken while
driving.
Only use tires of specified size. The
size, manufacture, brand and tread
pattern for all 4 tires should be the
same. If you use the tires other
than specified, or different type or
size, the vehicle stability control
system may not function correctly.
When replacing the tires or wheels,
contact your Toyota dealer. (See
“Checking and replacing tires” on
page 283 in Section 72.)
In situations where the road surface
is covered with ice or snow, your
vehicle should be fitted with snow
tires or tire chains.
Vehicle stability control
system

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If the vehicle is going to skid during driv-
ing, the slip indicator light/traction control
system off indicator light blinks and an
alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
The slip indicator light/traction control sys-
tem off indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition key is turned
to “ON”. If you select the traction control
off mode, the indicator light will come on
again.In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The indicator light does not come on
when the ignition key is turned “ON”.
The indicator light remains on after the
ignition is turned on.
The indicator light comes on with the
normal driving mode while driving.
“VSC” warning light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the vehicle stability control
system or the traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to “ON” and will go off after
a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
system does not work. However, as con-
ventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing.

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In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.
The slip indicator light/traction control sys-
tem off indicator light will come on when
the “VSC” warning light comes on even if
the “TRAC OFF” switch is not pushed. The tire pressure warning system warns
you that the tire inflation pressure is
low.
The tire pressure warning system is not
a substitute for checking normal tire infla-
tion pressure. Check the tire inflation
pressure with a tire pressure gauge regu-
larly.
CAUTION
The warning system may not activate
immediately if blowout or sudden air
loss should occur.
The tire pressure warning light comes on
when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position and goes off after a few
seconds. This means the tire pressure
warning system is operating properly. If
the tire inflation pressure becomes low,
the light comes on again. In this case,
adjusting the tire inflation pressure will
turn off the light after a few minutes. If
the light comes on after blinking for 1
minute, the tire pressure warning system
is not working properly.
Tire pressure warning system

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IndicatorstatusMeaningsDo this
ON
Tire inflation
pressure is
lowAdjust the
tire inflation
pressure
ON after
blinking for
1 minuteTire pres-
sure warn-
ing system
malfunctionHave the
system
checked at
your Toyota
dealer
CAUTION
If the tire pressure warning light
comes on, be sure to observe the
following precautions. Failure to do
so could cause loss of vehicle control
and result in death or serious injury.
Stop your vehicle in a safe place as
soon as possible. Adjust the tire
inflation pressure immediately.
If the tire pressure warning light
comes on even after tire inflation
pressure adjustment, it is probable
that you have a flat tire. Check the
tires. If the tire is flat, change to
the spare tire and have the flat tire
repaired by the nearest Toyota deal-
er.
Avoid abrupt maneuvering and bra-
king. If the vehicle tires deteriorate,
you could lose control of the steer-
ing wheel or the brakes.
The tire pressure warning light may turn
on due to natural causes such as natural
air leaks or tire inflation pressure changes
caused by temperature. In this case, ad-
justing the tire inflation pressure will turn
off the light after a few minutes. Pushing the tire pressure warning reset
switch should not turn off the tire pressure
warning light. Adjusting the tire inflation
pressure will turn off the light.
The compact spare tire is not equipped
with the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter. If a tire goes flat, the warning
light will not turn off even though the flat
tire is replaced with the spare tire. Re-
place the spare tire with the repaired tire
and adjust the proper tire inflation pressur-
e. The tire pressure warning light will turn
off after a few minutes.
CAUTION
Each tire, including the spare (if pro-
vided), should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label (tire
and load information label). (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size
than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label
(tire and load information label), you
should determine the proper tire infla-
tion pressure for those tires.)

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As an added safety feature, your ve-
hicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS–
tire pressure warning system) that il-
luminates a low tire pressure telltale
(low tire pressure warning light) when
one or more of your tires is signifi-
cantly underinflated. Accordingly,
when the low tire pressure telltale
(low tire pressure warning light) illu-
minates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly underin-
flated tire causes the tire to overheat
and can lead to tire failure. Under
inflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping abili-
ty.
Please note that the TPMS (tire pres-
sure warning system) is not a substi-
tute for proper tire maintenance, and
it is the driver ’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if
underinflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale (low
tire pressure warning light).Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS (tire pressure warning
system) malfunction indicator to indi-
cate when the system is not operat-
ing properly. The TPMS (tire pressure
warning system) malfunction indicator
is combined with the low tire pres-
sure telltale (tire pressure warning
light). When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle startups as long as
the malfunction exists. When the mal-
function indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or
signal low tire pressure as intended.TPMS (tire pressure warning system)
malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS (tire pressure warning sys-
tem) from functioning properly. Al-
ways check the TPMS (tire pressure
warning system) malfunction telltale
after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that
the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS (tire pressure
warning system) to continue to func-
tion properly.

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NOTICE
Do not use liquid sealants for a flat
tire as tire pressure warning valve
and transmitter will be damaged.
 When the tires must be repaired or
replaced, have them repaired or re-
placed by the nearest Toyota dealer
or authorized tire dealer. The tire
pressure warning valves and trans-
mitters will be affected by the
installation or removal of tires.
IF THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
LIGHT COMES ON AFTER BLINKING
FOR 1 MINUTE...
If the tire pressure warning light comes
on after blinking for 1 minute when the
ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, the tire pressure warning system
is not working properly.
The system will be disabled in the follow-
ing conditions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the
system will work properly.)
If tires not equipped with tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters are
used.
If the ID code on the tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters is not
registered in the tire pressure warning
ECU.
If the tire inflation pressure is more
than 500 kPa (5.1 kgf/cm2 or bar, 73
psi).
The system may be disabled in the follow-
ing conditions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the
system will work properly.)
If electronic devices or facilities using
similar radio wave frequencies are
nearby.
If a radio set at similar frequencies is
in use in the vehicle.
If a window tint that affects the radio
wave signals is installed.
If there is a lot of snow or ice on the
vehicle, in particular around the wheels
or wheel housings.
If non −genuine Toyota wheels are used.
If tire chains are used.

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If the tire pressure warning light comes on
after blinking for 1 minute frequently when
the ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, have the system checked by your
Toyota dealer.
Pushing the tire pressure warning reset
switch should not turn off the tire pressure
warning light.
Even if you use genuine wheels, the tire
pressure warning system may not work
properly with some types of tires.
For vehicles sold in U.S.A.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
NOTICE:
This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protec-
tion against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruc-
tions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interfer-
ence to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is en-
couraged to try to correct the interfer-
ence by one or more of the following
measures:
−Reorient or relocate the receiving an-
tenna.
− Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.− Connect the equipment into an outlet
on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
− Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
FCC WARNING:
Changes or modifications not ex-
pressly approved by the party respon-
sible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equip-
ment.
For vehicles sold in Canada
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.