TOYOTA tC 2012 Owners Manual (in English)

When trouble arises5
351
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5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ......... 352
If your vehicle needs to 
be towed ........................ 353
If you think something is  wrong ............................. 361
Fuel pump shut off 
system ........................... 362 5-2.
Steps to take in an 
emergency
If a warning light turns on  or a warning buzzer 
sounds... ........................ 363
If you have a flat tire......... 380
If the engine 
will not start .................... 395
If the shift lever cannot be 
shifted from P (automatic
transmission) ................. 398
If you lose your keys ........ 399
If the electronic key does 
not operate properly....... 400
If the vehicle battery is 
discharged ..................... 404
If your vehicle 
overheats ....................... 408
If the vehicle becomes 
stuck .............................. 411
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an 
emergency ..................... 413

352
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5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the emergency flashers on longer than necessary when the
engine is not running.
Use the emergency flashers if th e vehicle malfunctions or is
involved in an accident.
Press the switch to flash all
the turn signal lights. To turn
them off, press the switch
once again.

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When trouble arises
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5-1. Essential information
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If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Scion dealer before towing.
● The engine is running but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Scion dealer or a commercial towing service, using a lift-type
truck or flatbed truck. 
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.

354 5-1. Essential information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Emergency towingIf a tow truck is not available in
an emergency, your vehicle may
be temporarily towed using a
cable or chain secured to the
emergency towing eyelet(s).
This should only be attempted
on hard surfaced roads for short
distances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to
steer and operate the brakes.
The vehicle’s wheels, drive train,
axles, steering and brakes must
be in good condition.
For vehicles with an automatic
transmission, only the front tow-
ing eyelet may be used.

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5-1. Essential information
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Installing towing eyelets
Remove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a
rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle body as shown in the
illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

356 5-1. Essential information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Towing with a sling-type truckDo not tow with a sling-type truck
to prevent body damage.

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5-1. Essential information
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Towing with a wheel-lift type truck
From the front Release the parking brake.
From the rear Vehicles with an automatic trans-
mission: Use a towing dolly
under the front wheels.
Vehicles with a manual transmis-
sion: We recommend using a
towing dolly under the front
wheels.
Vehicles without a smart key sys-
tem: When not using a towing
dolly, turn the engine switch to the
“ACC” position and shift the shift
lever to N.
Vehicles with a smart key system:
When not using a towing dolly,
turn the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch to ACCESSORY mode
and shift the shift lever to N.

358 5-1. Essential information
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Using a flatbed truckIf you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45.
Do not overly tighten the tie
downs or the vehicle may be
damaged.
■ Before emergency towing
Release the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Vehicles without a smart key system: Turn the engine switch to the
“ACC” (engine off) or “ON” (engine running) position. 
Vehicles with a smart key system: Turn the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch to ACCESSORY (engine off) or IGNITION ON
(engine running) mode.
■ Emergency towing eyelet location
 P. 380
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

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CAUTION
■
Caution while towing
● Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelets and the cables or chains. Always
be cautious of the surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
● Vehicles without a smart key system: 
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position or remove the\
key. 
Vehicles with a smart key system: 
Do not turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch off. 
Doing so will lock the steering wheel and prevent operation, possibly caus-
ing an accident and resulting in death or serious injury.
● If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering
will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
■ Installing towing eyelets to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelets are installed securely. 
If not securely installed, towing eyelets may come loose during towing. This
may lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.

360 5-1. Essential information
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NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission when towing
using a wheel-lift type truck (vehic les with an automatic transmission)
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
■ To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck (vehicles with a manual transmission)
● Vehicles without a smart key system: Do not tow the vehicle from the rear
when the engine switch is in the “LOCK” position or the key is removed.
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheel\
s
straight.
● Vehicles with a smart key system: Do not tow the vehicle from the rear
when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is off. The steering lock mecha-
nism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight.
● When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.
■ To prevent body damage when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.
■ To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission in emergency
towing (vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Never tow a vehicle from the rear with four wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to the transmission.