traction control TOYOTA SOLARA 2007 (in English) User Guide

154
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 will deacti-
vate 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 344 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.
If the vehicle is going to skid during driv-
ing, the slip indicator light blinks and an
alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition key is turned
to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on,
contact your Toyota dealer.
Vehicle stability control
system

155
“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.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 “TRAC 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 bursts or sudden air
leakage should occur.
Tire pressure warning system

265
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
“ABS” warning light (vehicles with
vehicle stability control system)
The light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to the “ON” position. If the anti−
lock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns off
after a few seconds. Thereafter, if the
system malfunctions, the light comes on
again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti −lock brake system, the brake assist
system, the traction control system and
the vehicle stability control system do not
operate, but the brake system still oper-
ates conventionally.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti −lock brake system does not operate
so that the wheels could lock up during
a sudden braking or braking on slippery
road surfaces. If either of the following conditions oc-
curs, this indicates a malfunction some-
where in the components monitored by
the warning light system. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible to
service the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, or remains on.
The light comes on while you are driv-
ing.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on
together with the brake system warn-
ing light, immediately stop your ve-
hicle at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.
DRUMINDISC TYPE PARKING BRAKE
SYSTEM
Your vehicle has a drum −in −disc type
parking brake system. This type of brake
system n eeds bedding −down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking
brake shoes and/or drums are replaced.
Have your Toyota dealer perform the bed-
ding− down.
BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (vehicles with
vehicle stability control system)
When you slam the brakes on, the
brake assist system judges as an emer-
gency stop and provides more powerful
braking for a driver who cannot hold
down the brake pedal firmly.
When you slam the brakes on, more pow-
erful braking will be applied. At this time,
you may hear a sound in the engine
compartment and feel the vibrations of the
brake pedal. This does not indicate a mal-
function.
The brake assist system becomes opera-
tive after the vehicle has accelerated to
a speed in excess of approximately 10
km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the
vehicle decelerates to a speed below
approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).

274 This information has been prepared
in accordance with regulations issued
by the National Highway Traffic Safe-
ty Administration of the U.S. Depart-
ment of Transportation. It provides
the purchasers and/or prospective
purchasers of Toyota vehicles with in-
formation on uniform tire quality grad-
ing.
Your Toyota dealer will help answer
any questions you may have as you
read this information.
DOT quality grades—All passenger
vehicle tires must conform to Fed-
eral Safety Requirements in addi-
tion to these grades. Quality
grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum sec-
tion width. For example: Treadwear
200 Traction AA Temperature ATreadwear—
The treadwear grade is
a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested un-
der controlled conditions on a speci-
fied government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and a half (1 −1/2) times as well
on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving hab-
its, service practices and differences
in road characteristics and climate. Traction AA, A, B, C—
The traction
grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C, and they represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor trac-
tion performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned
to this tire is based on braking
(straight ahead) traction tests and
does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
—Uniform tire quality grading

282 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 279.
CAUTION
Even if the total load of occu-
pant’s weight and the cargo load
is less than the total load capac-
ity, do not apply the load uneven-
ly. That may cause not only dam-
age to the tire but also deteriora-
tion to the steering ability due to
imbalance of the vehicle possibly
causing an accident.
Determine what kind of tires your
vehicle is originally equipped with.
1. Summer tires
Summer tires are high −speed capabil-
ity tires best suited to highway driving
under dry conditions.
Since summer tires do not have the
same traction performance as snow
tires, summer tires are inadequate for
driving on snow −covered or icy roads.
For driving on snow −covered or icy
roads, we recommend using snow
tires. If installing snow tires, be sure
to replace all four tires.
2. All season tires
All season tires are designed to pro-
vide better traction in snow and to be
adequate for driving in most winter
conditions, as well as for use all year
round. All season tires, however, do not have
adequate traction performance
compared with snow tires in heavy or
loose snow. Also, all season tires fall
short in acceleration and handling
performance compared with summer
tires in highway driving.
The details about how to distinguish
summer tires from all season tires are
described on page 269.
CAUTION

Do not mix summer and all sea-
son tires on your vehicle as
this can cause dangerous han-
dling characteristics, resulting
in loss of control.
 Do not use tires other than the
manufacturer’s designated
tires, and never mix tires or
wheels of the sizes different
from the originally equipped
tires and wheels.
Types of tires

307
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow,
mud, sand, etc., then you may attempt
to rock the vehicle free by moving it
forward and backward.
Vehicles with traction control system—
Turn off the traction control system to
become unstuck to allow the tires to
spin enough to remove the vehicle from
the obstruction. (For details, see “Trac-
tion control system” on page 151 in
Section 17.)
CAUTION
Do not attempt to rock the vehicle
free by moving it forward and back-
ward if people or objects are any-
where near the vehicle. During the
rocking operation the vehicle may
suddenly move forward or backward
as it becomes unstuck, causing injury
or damage to nearby people or ob-
jects.
NOTICE
If you rock your vehicle, observe the
following precautions to prevent dam-
age to the transmission and other
parts.
Do not depress the accelerator ped-
al while shifting the selector lever
or before the transmission is com-
pletely shifted to forward or reverse
gear.
 Do not race the engine and avoid
spinning the wheels.
 If your vehicle remains stuck after
rocking the vehicle several times,
consider other ways such as tow-
ing.
(a) Towing with wheel lift type truck—
—From front
—From rear
(b) Using flat bed truck
If your vehicle becomes stuck If your vehicle needs to be
towed—

347
CAUTION
Do not include a compact spare
tire when rotating the tires. It is
designed for temporary use only.
Initial adjustment of the tire pres-
sure warning system is necessary
after you have rotated your tires.
See “Tire pressure warning sys-
tem” on page 155 in Section 17.
WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR
CHAINS
Snow tires or chains are recommended
when driving on snow or ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional tires
provide better traction than snow tires.
SNOW TIRE SELECTION
If you need snow tires, select tires of
the same size, construction and load
capacity as the originally installed tires.
Do not use tires other than those men-
tioned above. Do not install studded tires
without first checking local regulations for
possible restrictions.
CAUTION
Do not use snow tires other than the
manufacturer ’s recommended size, as
this may cause dangerous handling
characteristics resulting in loss of
control. Otherwise, an accident may
occur resulting in death or serious
injuries.
SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION
Snow tires should be installed on all
wheels.
Installing snow tires on the front wheels
only can lead to an excessive difference
in road grip capability between the front
and rear tires which could cause loss of
vehicle control.
When storing removed tires you should
store them in a cool dry place. Mark the
direction of rotation and be sure to install
them in the same direction when replac-
ing.
CAUTION
Do not drive with the snow tires
incorrectly inflated.
Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph)
with any type of snow tires.
Installing snow tires and
chains

370
Instrument panel
Fuses (type A)1. HEAD LH LWR 15 A: Left−hand head-
light (low beam)
2. HEAD RH LWR 15 A: Right−hand
headlight (low beam)
3. DRL 5 A: Daytime running light system
4. A/C 10 A: Air conditioning system
5. EFI2 5 A: Multiport fuel injection sys-
tem/sequential multiport fuel injection
system
6. ST 5 A: Starting system
7. SPARE 10 A: Spare fuse
8. SPARE 15 A: Spare fuse 9. SPARE 5 A:
Spare fuse
10. AM2 30 A: Starting system, “IGN” and
“IG2” fuses
11. HEAD LH UPR 10 A: Left−hand head-
light (high beam)
12. HEAD RH UPR 10 A: Right−hand
headlight (high beam)
13. ALTS 5 A: Charging system
14. IGN 15 A: Ignition system, multi −infor-
mation display
15. IG2 10 A: Multiport fuel injection sys-
tem/sequential multiport fuel injection
system, SRS airbag system, cruise
control system, gauges and meters,
front passenger occupant classification
system
16. DOOR1 25 A: Multiplex communication
system (power door lock system, auto −
door locking system, wireless remote
control system)
17. EFI 20 A: Multiport fuel injection sys-
tem/sequential multiport fuel injection
system, emission control system
18. HORN 10 A: Horns
19. D.C.C 30 A: “ECU−B”, “RAD1” and
“DOME” fuses 20. A/F 25 A:
Multiport fuel injection sys-
tem/sequential multiport fuel injection
system
21. ABS No.2 25 A: Anti−lock brake sys-
tem, vehicle stability control system,
traction control system, brake assist
system
22. ETCS 10 A: Multiport fuel injection
system/s equential multiport fuel injec-
tion system
23. HAZ 15 A: Emergency flashers
Fuses (type B)
24. P/W No.2 7.5 A (convertible): Side power windows
25. FOG 15 A: Front fog lights
26. OBD 7.5 A: On−board diagnosis sys-
tem
27. AMP 25 A: Audio system
28. STOP 15 A: Stop lights, high mounted
stoplight, anti −lock brake system, shift
l

ock control system, vehicle stability
control system, multiport fuel injection
system/s equential multiport fuel injec-
tion system
29. AM1 7.5 A: Starting system
30. P/W 25 A: Power windows
31. S/ROOF 25 A: Electric moon roof

371
32. TAIL 10 A: Tail lights, parking lights,
license plate lights, front fog lights,
multiport fuel injection system/sequen-
tial multiport fuel injection system
33. PANEL 10 A: Glove box light, multi −in-
formation display, instrument cluster
lights, instrument panel lights
34. ECUIG 10 A: SRS airbag system,
anti −lock brake system, vehicle stability
control system, traction control system,
brake assist system, compass, anti −
glare inside rear view mirror, electric
moon roof, power windows, multiplex
communication system
35. HTR 10 A: Air conditioning system,
rear window defogger, outside rear
view mirror defoggers
36. WASH 15 A: Windshield washer
37. S/HTR 20 A: Seat heaters
38. GAUGE1 10 A: Gauges and meters,
multi −information display, shift lock con-
trol system, turn signal lights, back −up
lights, cruise control system, charging
system, theft deterrent system, auto-
matic transmission
39. WIP 25 A: Windshield wipers
40. RAD1 20 A: Audio system 41. ECUB 10 A:
Multiplex communication
system (power door lock system, secu-
rity system, auto −door locking system,
automatic light control system, head-
light delay off system, tail light auto
cut system, illuminated entry system,
daytime running light system, wireless
remote control system), air conditioning
system, front passenger occupant clas-
sification system, gauges and meters,
vehicle stability control system
42. DOME 7.5 A: Ignition switch light, inte-
rior light, personal lights, trunk light,
vanity lights, wireless remote control
system, multi −information display
43. ECU ACC 7.5 A: Power rear view mir-
rors, multi −information display, gauges
and meters, automatic transmission,
multiplex communication system
44. CIG 15 A: Power outlet
45. P/POINT 15 A: Power outlet
46. RAD2 10 A: Audio system
47. MIR HTR 10 A: Outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers, multiport fuel injection
system/se quential multiport fuel injec-
tion system Fuses (type C)
48. MAIN 40 A: Headlights, daytime run-
ning light system, multiport fuel injec-
tion system/sequential multiport fuel in-
jection system, “HEAD LH LWR”,
“HEAD RH LWR”, “HEAD LH UPR”,
“HEAD LH UPR” and “DRL” fuses
49. ABS No.1 50 A: Anti−lock brake sys-
tem, vehicle stability control system,
traction control system, brake assist
system
50. CDS 30 A: Electric cooling fan
51. RDI 30 A: Electric cooling fan
52. HTR 50 A: Air conditioning system
53. TSK 30 A (convertible): Convertible
top control system, quarter windows
54. PWR 30 A: Side power windows
55. P/SEAT 30 A: Power
seats
Fuses (type D)
56. ALT 120 A: “HEAD LH LWR”, “HEAD
RH LWR”, “DRL”, “A/C”, “AM2”, “HEAD
LH UPR”, “HEAD RH UPR”, “ALT −S”,
“IGN”, “IG2”, “DOOR1”, “EFI”, “HORN”,
“D.C.C”, “A/F”, “ABS No.2”, “ETCS”,
“HAZ”, “DEF”, “MAIN”, “ABS No.1”,
“CDS”, “RDI” and “HTR (50 A)” fuses
57. DEF 40 A: Rear window defogger, out-
side rear view mirror defoggers