towing TOYOTA tC 2012 Owners Manual (in English)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
3
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
2-3. Operating the lights and 
Windshield wipers
Headlight switch .................. 197
Windshield wipers and 
washer .............................. 201
Rear window wiper and 
washer .............................. 204
2-4. Using other driving systems Cruise control ...................... 207
Driving assist systems ........ 211
2-5. Driving information Cargo and luggage ............. 216
Vehicle load limits ............... 221
Winter driving tips ............... 222
Trailer towing ...................... 228
Dinghy towing (automatic 
transmission) .................... 229
Dinghy towing (manual 
transmission) .................... 230
3-1. Using the air conditioning 
system and defogger
Air conditioning system ....... 234
Rear window and outside 
rear view mirror 
defoggers .......................... 242 3-2. Using the audio system
Using the AUX port/USB 
port ................................... 243
Using the steering wheel 
audio switches.................. 244
Using the microphone ........ 245
3-3. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ................. 246
• Personal/interior light 
main switch ....................... 247
• Personal/interior lights...... 248
• Interior light ...................... 249
3-4. Using the storage features List of storage features ....... 251
• Glove box ......................... 252
• Console box ..................... 253
• Auxiliary box ..................... 254
• Cup holders ...................... 254
• Bottle holders ................... 255
3-5. Other interior features Sun visors........................... 256
Vanity mirrors ..................... 257
Clock .................................. 258
Power outlet ....................... 259
Seat heaters ....................... 260
Sunshades ......................... 262
Floor mat ............................ 264
Luggage compartment 
features ............................ 266
3Interior features

When driving2
147
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
2-1. Driving proceduresDriving the vehicle............ 148
Engine (ignition) switch 
(vehicles without a smart 
key system).................... 163
Engine (ignition) switch 
(vehicles with a smart 
key system).................... 167
Automatic transmission .... 176
Manual transmission ........ 183
Turn signal lever .............. 185
Parking brake ................... 186
Horn ................................. 187 2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters ......... 188
Indicators and warning 
lights .............................. 192
2-3. Operating the lights and Windshield wipers
Headlight switch ............... 197
Windshield wipers and 
washer ........................... 201
Rear window wiper and 
washer ........................... 204
2-4. Using other driving systems Cruise control ................... 207
Driving assist systems ..... 211
2-5. Driving information Cargo and luggage .......... 216
Vehicle load limits ............ 221
Winter driving tips ............ 222
Trailer towing ................... 228
Dinghy towing (automatic 
transmission) ................. 229
Dinghy towing (manual 
transmission) ................. 230

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

217
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Capacity and distribution
Cargo 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 comb ined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehi-
cle’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 available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amoun t equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5 
150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined wei ght of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That weig ht may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trai ler, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available carg o and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle. ( P. 228)
Scion does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your
vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.

221
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 320)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle. 
It may not only cause damage to the ti res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 865 lb. (390 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
■Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maxi mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
■ Towing capacity
Scion does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.

228
2-5. Driving information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Trailer towing
Scion does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Scion
also does not recommend the installati on of a tow hitch or the use of
a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your vehi-
cle is not designed for trailer to wing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.

229
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Dinghy towing (automatic transmission)
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on
the ground) behind a motor home.

230
2-5. Driving information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Dinghy towing (manual transmission)
Towing your vehicle with 4 wheels on the groundTo prevent damage to your vehicle, perform the following procedures
before towing:
Shift the shift lever to N.
Vehicles without a smart key system 
Turn the engine switch to the “ACC” position. ( P. 163) 
Vehicles with a smart key system 
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to ACCESSORY
mode. ( P. 167)
Ensure that the audio system and other powered devices are turned
off.
Release the parking brake.
After towing, leave the engine in idle for at least 3 minutes before
driving the vehicle.
■Necessary equipment and accessories
Specialized equipment and accessories are required for dinghy towing. Con-
tact the service branch of the motor home manufacturer regarding recom-
mended equipment.
Your vehicle can be dinghy towed in a forward direction (with 4
wheels on the ground) behind a motor home.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

231
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
NOTICE
■
Dinghy towing direction
■ To prevent the steering from locking
Vehicles without a smart key system
Ensure the engine switch is in the “ACC” position.
Vehicles with a smart key system
Ensure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in ACCESSORY mode.
Do not tow the vehicle backward. 
Doing so may cause serious damage.

5
When trouble arises
353
5-1. Essential information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
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.