TOYOTA YARIS HYBRID 2012 Owners Manual

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Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Therefore, observe the following precautions before
recharging:
If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to
disconnect the ground cable.
Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and
disconnecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.
When disconnecting the 12-volt battery terminals
Always disconnect the negative (-) terminal first.
After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
Unlocking the doors using the smart entry & start system may not be
possible immediately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this hap-
pens, use the wireless remote control or the mechanical key to lock/
unlock the doors.
Vehicles with an electronic key: Start the hybrid system with the
“POWER” switch in ACCESSORY mode. The hybrid system may not
start with the “POWER” switch turned off. However, the hybrid system will
operate normally from the second attempt.
Caution symbols
The meanings of each caution symbol on the top of the battery are
as follows:
No smoking, no naked
flames, no sparksBattery acid
Shield eyesNote operating
instructions
Keep away from childrenExplosive gas

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Vehicles with an electronic key: The “POWER” switch mode is recorded
by the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery is reconnected, the vehicle will return
the “POWER” switch mode to the status it was in before the 12-volt bat-
tery was disconnected. Make sure to turn off the power before discon-
nect the 12-volt battery. Take extra care when connecting the 12-volt
battery if the “POWER” switch mode prior to discharge is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact any autho-
rized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional.
CAUTION
Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may
produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk
of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or
near the 12-volt battery:
Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals with tools.
Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt battery.
Keep children away from 12-volt battery.
Where to safely charge the 12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the 12-volt
battery in a garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.
When disconnecting the 12-volt battery terminals
Always disconnect the negative (-) terminal first. If the positive (+) terminal is
disconnected first and touches a surrounding metal surface sparks will be
produced, possibly starting a fire. It could also result in an electric shock or
serious injury.
How to recharge the 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (3.5 A or less). The 12-volt battery may explode
if charged at a quicker rate.

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CAUTION
Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.
When replacing the 12-volt battery
Use a 12-volt battery designed for this vehicle. Failure to do so may cause
gas (hydrogen) to enter the passenger compartment, causing a fire or explo-
sion.
For replacement of the 12-volt battery, contact any authorized Toyota dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
NOTICE
When recharging the 12-volt battery
Never recharge the 12-volt battery while the hybrid system is operating.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.

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Tires
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance schedules
and treadwear.
Checking tires
New tread
Treadwear indicator
Worn tread
The location of treadwear indi-
cators is shown by the “TWI” or
“” marks, etc., molded on the
sidewall of each tire.
Check spare tire condition and
pressure if not rotated.
Tire rotation
Vehicles with a spare tire of different wheel type from the
installed tires or an emergency tire puncture repair kit
Rotate the tires in the order
shown.
To equalize tire wear and help
extend tire life, Toyota recom-
mends that tire rotation is car-
ried out approximately every
10000 km (6000 miles).
Front

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When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to
expose the fabric, and bulges indicating internal damage
A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size
or location of a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult with any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if it
has seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
Low profile tires (vehicles with 195/50R16 tires)
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip performance
will be reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when compared to standard tires.
Be sure to use snow tires or tire chains on snowy and/or icy roads and drive
carefully at a speed appropriate for road and weather conditions.
If the tread on snow tires wears down below 4 mm (0.16 in.)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost.
Vehicles with a spare tire of the same wheel type as the
installed tires
Rotate the tires in the order
shown.
To equalize tire wear and help
extend tire life, Toyota recom-
mends that tire rotation is car-
ried out approximately every
10000 km (6000 miles).
Front

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CAUTION
When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drive train as well as dan-
gerous handling characteristics, which may lead to an accident resulting in
death or serious injury.
Do not mix tires of different makes, models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear.
Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Toyota.
Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply
tires).
Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires.
Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously.
Vehicles with a compact spare tire: Do not tow if your vehicle has a com-
pact spare tire installed.

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NOTICE
Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or potholes.
These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing the
cushioning ability of the tires. In addition, driving on rough roads may cause
damage to the tires themselves, as well as the vehicle’s wheels and body.
Low profile tires (vehicles with 195/50R16 tires)
Low profile tires may cause greater damage than usual to the tire wheel
when sustaining impact from the road surface. Therefore, pay attention to
the following:
Be sure to use proper tire inflation pressure. If tires are under-inflated, they
may be damaged more severely.
Avoid potholes, uneven pavement, curbs and other road hazards. Failure
to do so may lead to severe tire and wheel damage.
If tire inflation pressure of each tire becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.

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Tire inflation pressure
Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure may result in the following:
Reduced fuel efficiency
Reduced driving comfort and tire life
Reduced safety
Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it checked by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure, observe the following:
Check only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or has not been
driven for more than 1.5 km or 1 mile, you will get an accurate cold tire
inflation pressure reading.
Always use a tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of the tire can be misleading. In addition, tire inflation
pressure that is even just a few pounds off can affect ride quality and
handling.
Do not reduce tire inflation pressure after driving. It is normal for tire infla-
tion pressure to be higher after driving.
Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle is
balanced.
Make sure to maintain proper tire inflation pressure. Tire inflation
pressure should be checked at least once per month. However, Toy-
ota recommends that tire inflation pressure be checked once every
two weeks. (P. 672)

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CAUTION
Proper inflation is critical to save tire performance
Keep your tires properly inflated. Otherwise, the following conditions may
occur and result in an accident causing death or serious injury:
Excessive wear
Uneven wear
Poor handling
Possibility of blowouts resulting from overheated tires
Poor sealing of the tire bead
Wheel deformation and/or tire separation
A greater possibility of tire damage from road hazards
NOTICE
When inspecting and adjusting tire inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire valve caps back on.
Without the valve caps, dirt or moisture could get into the valve and cause
air leakage, which could result in an accident. If the caps are lost, replace
them as soon as possible.

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Wheels
If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be replaced.
Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel or cause a loss of
handling control.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that
they are equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter,
rim width and inset*.
Replacement wheels are available at any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
*: Conventionally referred to as “offset”.
Toyota does not recommend using the following:
Wheels of different sizes or types
Used wheels
Bent wheels that have been straightened
Aluminum wheel precautions (if equipped)
Use only Toyota wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use
with your aluminum wheels.
When rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000 miles).
Be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using
tire chains.
Use only Toyota genuine balance weights or equivalent and
use a plastic or rubber hammer when balancing your wheels.