Scion iA. Service Manual - part 12

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3-5. Brake

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For parking in snow, refer to Winter Driving (

P. 131) regarding parking

brake use.

The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on P. 157.

When the disc brake pads
become worn, the built-in wear
indicators contact the disc plates.
This causes a screeching noise to
warn that the pads should be
replaced.

When you hear this noise, consult your Scion dealer as soon as pos-
sible.

NOTICE

Driving with the parking brake on will cause excessive wear of the brake
parts.

Warning Light

Brake Pad Wear Indicator

WARNING

■

Do not drive with worn disc pads
Driving with worn disc pads is dangerous. The brakes could fail and cause a
serious accident. As soon as you hear a screeching noise consult your
Scion dealer.

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3-5. Brake

During emergency braking situations when it is necessary to depress
the brake pedal with greater force, the brake assist system provides
braking assistance, thus enhancing braking performance.

When the brake pedal is depressed hard or depressed more quickly,
the brakes apply more firmly.

●

When the brake pedal is depressed hard or depressed more quickly, the
pedal will feel softer but the brakes will apply more firmly. This is a normal
effect of the brake assist operation and does not indicate a malfunction.

●

When the brake pedal is depressed hard or depressed more quickly, a
motor/pump operation noise may be heard. This is a normal effect of the
brake assist and does not indicate a malfunction.

●

The brake assist equipment does not supersede the functionality of the
vehicle’s main braking system.

Brake Assist

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3-5. Brake

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Hill Launch Assist (HLA)



For vehicles with a manual transaxle, Hill Launch Assist (HLA) oper-
ates on a downward slope when the shift lever is in the reverse (R)
position, and on an upward slope when the shift lever is in a position
other than the reverse (R) position.

For vehicles with an automatic transaxle, Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
operates on a downward slope when the shift lever is in the reverse
(R) position, and on an upward slope when the shift lever is in a for-
ward gear.

●

Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not operate on a gentle slope. In addition, the
gradient of the slope on which the system will operate changes depending
on the vehicle’s load.

●

Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not operate if the parking brake is applied, the
vehicle has not stopped completely, or the clutch pedal is released.

●

While Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is operating, the brake pedal may feel stiff
and vibrate, however, this does not indicate a malfunction.

●

Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not operate while the TCS/DSC indicator light
is illuminated.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on P. 156.

●

Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not turn off even if the DSC OFF switch is
pressed to turn off the TCS/DSC.



: If equipped

Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is a function which assists the driver in
accelerating from a stop while on a slope. When the driver
releases the brake pedal and depresses the accelerator pedal
while on a slope, the function prevents the vehicle from rolling.
The braking force is maintained automatically after the brake
pedal is released on a steep grade.

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3-5. Brake

WARNING

■

Do not rely completely on Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is an auxiliary device for accelerating from a stop
on a slope. The system only operates for about two seconds and therefore,
relying only on the system, when accelerating from a stop is dangerous
because the vehicle may move (roll) unexpectedly and cause an accident.

The vehicle could roll depending on the vehicle’s load or if it is towing some-
thing. In addition, for vehicles with a manual transaxle, the vehicle could still
roll depending on how the clutch pedal or the accelerator pedal is operated.

Always confirm the safety around the vehicle before starting to drive the
vehicle.

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3-6. ABS/TCS/DSC

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Antilock Brake System (ABS)

The driver will feel a slight vibration in the brake pedal and may hear a
chattering noise from the brake system. This is normal ABS system
operation. Continue to depress the brake pedal without pumping the
brakes.

The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on P. 157.

●

Braking distances may be longer on loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for
example) which usually have a hard foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less distance to stop under these conditions
because the tires will build up a wedge of surface layer when the wheels
skid.

●

The sound of the ABS operating may be heard when starting the engine or
immediately after starting the vehicle, however, it does not indicate a mal-
function.

The ABS control unit continuously monitors the speed of each
wheel. If one wheel is about to lock up, the ABS responds by
automatically releasing and reapplying that wheel’s brake.

WARNING

■

Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for safe driving
The ABS cannot compensate for unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, and hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and road contact because of
water on the road surface). You can still have an accident.

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3-6. ABS/TCS/DSC

Traction Control System (TCS)

The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on P. 157.

To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF switch (

P. 197).

The Traction Control System (TCS) enhances traction and safety
by controlling engine torque and braking. When the TCS detects
driving wheel slippage, it lowers engine torque and operates the
brakes to prevent loss of traction.

This means that on a slick surface, the engine adjusts automati-
cally to provide optimum power to the drive wheels, limiting
wheel spin and loss of traction.

WARNING

■

Do not rely on the Traction Control System (TCS) as a substitute for
safe driving
The Traction Control System (TCS) cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed, tailgating (following another vehicle too
closely), and hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and road contact because
of water on the road surface). You can still have an accident.

■

Use snow tires or tire chains and drive at reduced speeds when roads
are covered with ice and/or snow
Driving without proper traction devices on snow and/or ice-covered roads is
dangerous. The Traction Control System (TCS) alone cannot provide ade-
quate traction and you could still have an accident.

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3-6. ABS/TCS/DSC

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This indicator light stays on for a
few seconds when the ignition is
switched ON. If the TCS or DSC is
operating, the indicator light
flashes.

If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC or the brake assist system may
have a malfunction and they may not operate correctly. Take your
vehicle to your Scion dealer.

●

In addition to the indicator light flashing, a slight lugging sound will come
from the engine. This indicates that the TCS/DSC is operating properly.

●

On slippery surfaces, such as fresh snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.

TCS/DSC Indicator Light

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3-6. ABS/TCS/DSC

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

DSC operation is possible at speeds greater than 12 mph (20 km/h).

The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction. 
Refer to Warning Lights on P. 157.

The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) automatically controls
braking and engine torque in conjunction with systems such as
ABS and TCS to help control side slip when driving on slippery
surfaces, or during sudden or evasive maneuvering, enhancing
vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (

P. 193) and TCS (P. 194).

WARNING

■

Do not rely on the Dynamic Stability Control as a substitute for safe
driving
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed, tailgating (following another vehicle too
closely), and hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and road contact because
of water on the road surface). You can still have an accident.

NOTICE

●

The DSC may not operate correctly unless the following are observed:

• Use tires of the correct size specified for your Scion on all four wheels.
• Use tires of the same manufacturer, brand and tread pattern on all four

wheels.

• Do not mix worn tires.

●

The DSC may not operate correctly when tire chains are used or a tempo-
rary spare tire is installed because the tire diameter changes.

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3-6. ABS/TCS/DSC

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This indicator light stays on for a
few seconds when the ignition is
switched ON. If the TCS or DSC is
operating, the indicator light
flashes.

If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC or the brake assist system may
have a malfunction and they may not operate correctly. Take your
vehicle to your Scion dealer.

This indicator light stays on for a
few seconds when the ignition is
switched ON. 

It also illuminates when the DSC
OFF switch is pressed and TCS/
DSC is switched off.
Refer to DSC OFF Switch on P. 197.

If the light remains illuminated and the TCS/DSC is not switched off,
take your vehicle to your Scion dealer. The DSC may have a malfunc-
tion.

Press the DSC OFF switch to turn
off the TCS/DSC. The DSC OFF
indicator light in the combination
meter will illuminate.

Press the switch again to turn the TCS/DSC back on. The DSC OFF
indicator light will turn off.

TCS/DSC Indicator Light

DSC OFF Indicator Light

DSC OFF Switch

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3-6. ABS/TCS/DSC

●

When DSC is on and you attempt to free the vehicle when it is stuck, or
drive it out of freshly fallen snow, the TCS (part of the DSC system) will acti-
vate. Depressing the accelerator will not increase engine power and freeing
the vehicle may be difficult. When this happens, turn off the TCS/DSC.

●

If the TCS/DSC is off when the engine is turned off, it automatically activates
when the ignition is switched ON.

●

Leaving the TCS/DSC on will provide the best traction.

●

If the DSC OFF switch is pressed and held for 10 seconds or more, the DSC
OFF switch malfunction detection function operates and the DSC system
activates automatically. The DSC OFF indicator light turns off while the DSC
system is operative.

●

Vehicles with Smart City Brake Support (SCBS):
If the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) operates with the TCS/DSC turned
off, the TCS/DSC becomes operational automatically.

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3-7. Fuel Economy Monitor

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Fuel Economy Monitor



Select the 

 icon on the home screen to display the applications

screen.

Select the “Fuel Economy Monitor”.

Operate the commander switch or touch the screen and display the
menu.

When the menu is displayed by touching the screen, the display is hidden
automatically after 6 seconds.

Select the icon in the menu and perform the operation. Each icon
operates as follows:

Hides the menu display.

Displays the application
screen.

Switches the Fuel Economy
Monitor in the order of Con-
trol Status and Fuel Con-
sumption.

Resets the fuel economy data.

Displays the following setting screen.

• Ending display on/off switching
• On/off switching for function which synchronizes reset fuel

economy data to trip meter (Trip A)



: If equipped

For vehicles with type B audio, the Control Status and Fuel Con-
sumption are switched and displayed by operating each icon in
the display.

In addition, after completing a trip, the total energy efficiency to
date is displayed in the ending display when the ending display
is turned on.

1

2

3

4

1
2

3

4
5

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3-7. Fuel Economy Monitor

Information regarding the fuel economy is displayed.

Displays the fuel economy for
the past 60 minutes.

• Displays the fuel economy

every minute for the past 1 to
10 minutes.

• Displays the fuel economy

every 10 minutes for the past
10 to 60 minutes.

Displays the average fuel economy over the past 5 resets and after
the current reset.

Calculates the average fuel economy every minute after vehicle
travel begins, and displays it.

●

The fuel economy data can be reset by doing the following operation:

• Press the reset switch from the menu screen.
• When the function which synchronizes the fuel economy monitor and the

trip meter is on, reset trip A of the trip meter.

• Delete the average fuel economy information displayed in the trip com-

puter.

●

After resetting the fuel economy data, “-- -” is displayed while the average
fuel economy is calculated.

When the ignition is switched off from ON after completing a trip, the
actual performance for the total fuel economy efficiency is displayed
for 5 seconds.

Fuel Consumption Display

1

Ending Screen Display

2

3

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3-8. Drive Selection

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Drive Selection (Automatic Transaxle) 



●

When the sport mode is selected, driving at higher engine speeds increases
and it may increase fuel consumption. Scion recommends that you cancel
the sport mode on normal driving.

●

Drive mode cannot be switched in the following conditions:

• ABS/TCS/DSC is operating
• Steering wheel is being operated abruptly

Press the drive selection switch to
the 

 side (forward) to select

the sport mode.

Pull the drive selection switch to
the 

 side (backward) to cancel

the sport mode.

●

When the ignition is switched off, the sport mode is canceled.

●

Depending on the driving conditions when sport mode is selected, the vehi-
cle may perform shift-down or slightly accelerate.



: If equipped

Drive selection is a system to switch the vehicle’s drive mode.
When the sport mode is selected, vehicle’s response against
accelerator operation is enhanced. This provides additional
quick acceleration which may be needed to safely make maneu-
vers such as lane changes, merging onto free ways, or passing
other vehicles.

WARNING

Do not use the sport mode when driving on slippery roads such as wet or
snow-covered roads. It may cause tire slipping.

Drive Selection Switch

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3-8. Drive Selection

When the sport mode is selected,
the select mode indicator light
turns on in the combination meter.

If the mode cannot be switched to drive mode, the select mode indicator light
flashes to notify the driver.

Select Mode Indicator Light

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3-9. Power Steering

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Power Steering

● Power steering is only operable when the engine is running. If the

engine is off or if the power steering system is inoperable, you can
still steer, but it requires more physical effort.
If the steering feels stiffer than usual during normal driving or the
steering vibrates, consult your Scion dealer.

● The warning light notifies the driver of system abnormalities and

operation conditions. 
In addition, the buzzer may also activate depending on the system
abnormality or operation condition.
Refer to Warning Lights on P. 157. 
Refer to Power Steering Warning Buzzer on P. 524.

NOTICE

Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme left or right for more than 5
seconds with the engine running. This could damage the power steering
system.

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3-10. Active Safety System

Active Safety System



◆

Pre-Crash Safety Technology

Pre-crash safety technology is designed to assist the driver in
averting collisions or reduce their severity in situations where they
cannot be avoided.
● Collision damage reduction in low vehicle speed range

Forward driving:
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) (

P. 205)

◆

Sensor

● Laser sensor

The laser sensor emits a near-infrared laser beam and receives
the beam reflected off the reflective surface of a vehicle or
obstruction in front, and the detected beam is then used for mea-
surement. The laser sensor is used for the Smart City Brake
Support (SCBS) system.

The laser sensor is installed at the top of the windshield near the
rearview mirror. 
Refer to Laser Sensor on P. 211.



: If equipped