emergency towing TOYOTA tC 2012 Owners Manual (in English)

210 2-4. Using other driving systems
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
CAUTION
■To avoid operating the cruise control by mistake
Switch the cruise control off using the “ON-OFF” button when not in use.
■ Situations unsuitable for cruise control
Do not use cruise control in any of the following situations. 
Doing so may result in loss of control and could cause an accident resulting
in death or serious injury.
● In heavy traffic
● On roads with sharp bends
● On winding roads
● On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
● On steep hills 
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.
● During emergency towing

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.

358 5-1. Essential information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
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

5
When trouble arises
359
5-1. Essential information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
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
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
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.

380
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
If you have a flat tire
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare tire provided.
■Before jacking up the vehicle
●Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.
● Set the parking brake.
● Shift the shift lever to P (automatic transmission) or R (manual
transmission).
● Stop the engine.
● Turn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
Jack handle
Jack
Wheel nut

wrench
Spa r e tire
Towing eyelet

5
When trouble arises
387
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Stowing the flat tire
Before stowing the flat tire,
remove the center wheel orna-
ment by pushing from the
reverse side.
Put the flat tire on the center of
the luggage mat with the outer
side of the wheel facing up. Hook
the end of the belt to either rear
cargo hook.
Pass the belts from between the
wheel spokes through the cen-
ter hole of the wheel.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

5
When trouble arises
393
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
CAUTION
■After using the tools and jack
Before driving, make sure all the tools and jack are securely in place in
their storage location to reduce the po
ssibility of personal injury during a
collision or sudden braking.
■When stowing the flat tire
●Make sure the rear seats are in their original position.
●Secure it using a tire tie-down belt. Otherwise, the flat tire may fly out
in case of the sudden braking or an accident, resulting in death or seri-
ous injury.

412 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
NOTICE
■To avoid damage to the transmission and other components
● Avoid spinning the wheels and depressing the accelerator pedal more
than necessary.
● If the vehicle remains stuck even after these procedures are performed,
the vehicle may require towing to be freed.

471
Alphabetical index
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Tachometer .............................. 188
Tail lights
Replacing light bulbs ............ 341
Switch ................................... 197
Wattage ................................ 426
Theft deterrent system
Engine immobilizer system... 100
Theft prevention labels ........... 103
Tire inflation pressure ............ 320
Tire information Glossary ............................... 437
Size ...................................... 433
Tire identification number ..... 432
Uniform tire quality 
grading ............................... 434
Tires Chains .................................. 222
Checking .............................. 310
If you have a flat tire ............. 380
Inflation pressure .................. 320
Inflation pressure sensor ...... 311
Information ........................... 430
Replacing ............................. 380
Rotating tires ........................ 310
Size ...................................... 425
Snow tires............................. 222
Spare tire .............................. 380
Tire pressure warning 
system................................ 310
Tools......................................... 380
Total load capacity .................. 221
Towing Dinghy towing ............... 229, 230
Emergency towing ................ 354
Trailer towing ........................ 228
TRAC ........................................ 211
Traction control ....................... 211
Trailer towing........................... 228
Trip meter................................. 188
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ............ 341
Switch ................................... 185
Wattage ................................ 426 Valet key .....................................28
Vanity mirrors...........................257
Vehicle data recording ..............22
Vehicle identification

number ...................................416
Vehicle stability control...........211
VSC............................................211
Warning buzzers
Brake system ........................363
Open door .............................367
Seat belt reminder .................367
Warning lights Anti-lock brake system ..........365
Automatic transmission fluid 
temperature ........................366
Brake assist system ..............365
Brake system ........................363
Charging system .... ...............364
Electric power steering system 
warning light........................366
Electronic engine control 
system ................................365
High coolant temperature ......367
Low engine oil pressure ........364
Low fuel level ........................367
Low tire pressure...................369
Low washer fluid ...................367
Malfunction indicator lamp ....365
Open door .............................367
Pretensioners ........................365
Seat belt reminder light .........367
Smart key system... ...............370
SRS airbags ..........................365
Tire pressure warning light ....369
Washer
Checking ...............................308
Preparing and checking 
before winter .......................222
Switch....................................201
Washing and waxing ...............270TV
W