TOYOTA VENZA 2012 Owners Manual (in English)

231
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
VENZA_U (OM73013U)
When the Enhanced VSC/TRAC are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or if the front wheels (2WD
models) or four wheels (AWD
models) spin, the slip indicator
light flashes to indicate that the
Enhanced VSC/TRAC have
been engaged.
■Active Torque Control 4WD (if equipped)
Automatically switches from front-wheel drive to AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
according to driving conditions, helping to ensure reliable handling and
stability. Examples of conditions where the system will switch to AWD
are when cornering, going uphill, star ting off or accelerating, and when
the road surface is slippery due to snow or rain etc.

232 2-4. Using other driving systems
VENZA_U (OM73013U)
To disable TRAC and/or Enhanced VSCIf the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC and Enhanced
VSC may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may
need to turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.
■ Turning off TRAC
Quickly push and release the
button to turn off TRAC.
The TRAC OFF indicator light
should come on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off TRAC and Enhanced VSC
Push and hold the button for
more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped to turn off
TRAC and Enhanced VSC.
The TRAC OFF indicator light
and Enhanced VSC OFF indica-
tor light will come on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.

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2-4. Using other
driving systems
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When driving
VENZA_U (OM73013U)
■When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on even if the VSC OFF
switch has not been pressed
TRAC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota
dealer.
■ Automatic reactivation of TRAC and Enhanced VSC
Vehicles with smart key system
Turning the “ENGINE START STOP” switch off after turning off the TRAC
and Enhanced VSC will automatically re-enable them.
Vehicles without smart key system
Turning the engine switch to the “LOCK” position after turning off the
TRAC and Enhanced VSC will automatically re-enable them.
■ Automatic TRAC reactivation
If only the TRAC is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed
increases.
■ Automatic TRAC and Enha nced VSC reactivation
If the TRAC and Enhanced VSC are turned off, the systems will not turn on
even when vehicle speed increases.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRAC and
Enhanced VSC
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.

234 2-4. Using other driving systems
VENZA_U (OM73013U)
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Reduced effectiveness of EPS system
The effectiveness of EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur,
refrain from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine
off. The EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations.
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with pothol es or roads with uneven roads
■ TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

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2-4. Using other
driving systems
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When driving
VENZA_U (OM73013U)
CAUTION
■When TRAC and Enhanced VSC are off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As there are systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do
not turn off TRAC and Enhanced VSC unless necessary.
■ When the Enhanced VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the speci-
fied tire pressure level.
The ABS and Enhanced VSC will not function correctly if different tires are
fitted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.
■ Active Torque Control 4WD system
● The AWD system of this vehicle is intended to ensure driving stability on
normal roads. It is not designed for use in demanding situations such as
rally driving.
● Take care when driving on slippery road surfaces.

236
VENZA_U (OM73013U)
2-5. Driving information
Utility vehicle precautions
Utility vehicle feature● Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity
than ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes
this type of vehicle to be more likel y to rollover. And, utility vehicles
have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehi-
cles.
● It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary
passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed
to perform satisfactorily under of f-road conditions. Therefore, sharp
turns at excessive speeds may cause rollover.
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has higher
ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its
center of gravity.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
VENZA_U (OM73013U)
CAUTION
■
Utility vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precautions to help minimize the risk of serious
personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
● In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
● Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury.
● Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehi-
cle gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden
braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly and result in
death or serious injury.
● Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher
center of gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordi-
nary passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control.
● Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or
straight down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-road vehicle)
can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or backward.

238 2-5. Driving information
VENZA_U (OM73013U)
Off-road drivingYour vehicle is not designed to be driven off-road. However, in the
event that off-road driving cannot be avoided, please observe the fol-
lowing precautions to help avoid the areas prohibited to vehicles.
● Drive your vehicle only in areas wh ere off-road vehicles are permit-
ted to travel.
● Respect private property. Get owner’s permission before entering
private property.
● Do not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers and signs
that restrict travel.
● Stay on established roads. When conditions are wet, driving tech-
niques should be changed or trav el delayed to prevent damage to
roads.
■ Additional information for off-road driving
For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and Puerto Rico:
To obtain additional information pertaini ng to driving your vehicle off-road,
consult the following organizations.
● State and Local Parks and Recreation Departments
● State Motor Vehicle Bureau
● Recreational Vehicle Clubs
● U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
VENZA_U (OM73013U)
CAUTION
■
Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to help minimize the risk of serious
personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
● Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving
in dangerous places.
● Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and espe-
cially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
● Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in
sand, mud, water or snow.
● After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that
there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped
on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the
vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody,
a breakdown or fire could occur.
● When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.

240 2-5. Driving information
VENZA_U (OM73013U)
NOTICE
■To prevent the water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the
engine or other components does not occur.
● Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
● Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ulti-
mately damage.
● Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and pre-
mature failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and
transfer case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■ When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check
the depth of the water and the bottom of the river bed for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
■ Inspection after off-road driving
● Sand and mud that has accumulate d in brake drums and around brake
discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system compo-
nents.
● Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driv-
ing that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.