Scion xD. Service Manual - part 11

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2-4. Using other driving systems

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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

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Driving assist systems

When the TRAC/VSC systems are operating

The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC systems
are operating.

To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-

tems operate automatically in response to various driving situations.

Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and

should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.

■

ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface

■

Brake assist

Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation

■

VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)

Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces

■

TRAC (Traction Control)

Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads

■

EPS (Electric Power Steering)

Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel

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Disabling the TRAC system

If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may

reduce power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing 

 to turn

the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.

To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release

.

The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
will come on.

Press 

 again to turn the

system back on.

■

Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems

To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold 

 for more than

3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.

The “TRAC OFF” indicator light and VSC OFF indicator light will come on.

Press 

 again to turn the systems back on.

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■

When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on even if the VSC OFF
switch has not been pressed

TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Scion dealer.

■

Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRAC and
VSC systems

●

A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake
pedal is depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just after the
vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate 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 ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.

■

EPS operation sound

When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

■

Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC systems

After turning the TRAC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automati-
cally re-enabled in the following situations:

●

When the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” position

●

If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling
will not occur when vehicle speed increases.

■

Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system

The effectiveness of the 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.

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CAUTION

■

The ABS does not operate effectively when

●

The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).

●

The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
roads.

■

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, especially in the fol-
lowing situations:

●

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 potholes or uneven surfaces

■

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 system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.

■

When 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.

■

When the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off

Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force,
do not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.

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CAUTION

■

Replacing tires

Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.

The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.

Contact your Scion dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.

■

Handling of tires and the suspension

Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

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2-5. Driving information

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following information about storage precau-

tions, cargo capacity and load:

● Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever

possible.

● Be sure all items are secured in place.
● To maintain vehicle balance while driving, position luggage

evenly within the luggage compartment.

● For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

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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 combined 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” amount 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 weight of luggage and cargo being

loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4. 

(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be

transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle. (

P. 180)

Scion does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your vehi-
cle is not designed for trailer towing.

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Calculation formula for your vehicle

Cargo capacity

Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) (

P. 350)

When 2 people with the combined weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in
your vehicle, which has a total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight)
of B lb. (kg), the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity
will be C lb. (kg) as follows: 

B

*

2

 lb. (kg) - A

*

1

 lb. (kg) = C

*

3

 lb. (kg)

*

1

: A = Weight of people

*

2

: B = Total load capacity

*

3

: C = Available cargo and luggage load

In this condition, if 3 more passengers with the combined weight of
D lb. (kg) get on, the available cargo and luggage load will be reduced
E lb. (kg) as follows: 

C lb. (kg) - D

*

4

 lb. (kg) = E

*

5

 lb. (kg)

*

4

: D = Additional weight of people

*

5

: E = Available cargo and luggage load

As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage load will be reduced by an amount
that equals the increased weight due to the additional occupants. In
other words, if an increase in the number of occupants causes an
excess of the total load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus
cargo and luggage load), you must reduce the cargo and luggage on
your vehicle.

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CAUTION

■

Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment

The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compart-
ment:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precautions. 
Failing to do so may result in death or serious injury.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possi-
ble.

●

Do not stack anything in the luggage compartment higher than the
seatbacks. Such items may be thrown about and possibly injure peo-
ple in the vehicle in the event of sudden braking or in an accident.

●

Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the
item may get under the clutch, brake or accelerator pedal and prevent
the pedals from being depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or
hit the driver or passengers, causing an accident:

• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
• Auxiliary box or tray that has no lid

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CAUTION

●

Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and
injure someone during sudden braking, sudden swerving or an acci-
dent.

●

When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be place
directly behind the front seats.

●

Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not
designed for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat
belts properly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer
death or serious bodily injury, in the event of sudden braking, sudden
swerving or an accident.

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating. 

●

Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less
than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. 
Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking con-
trol which may cause death or serious injury.

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Vehicle load limits

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (

P. 261)

CAUTION

■

Overloading the vehicle

Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires, 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 (vehicle capacity weight): (

P. 350)

Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage. 

■

Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)

Seating capacity means the maximum 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. 

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Winter driving tips

Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving

the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-

ate to the prevailing weather conditions.

■

Pre-winter preparations
● Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-

peratures.

• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid

● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-

ity of battery electrolyte.

● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set

of tire chains for the front tires.

Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.

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■

Before driving the vehicle

Perform the following according to the driving conditions:

● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is

frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.

● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,

remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.

● Remove any ice that has accumulated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow

that may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the
brakes.

■

When driving the vehicle

Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suit-
able to the road conditions.

■

When parking the vehicle (in the winter time or in the cold
latitudes)

Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P (automatic trans-
mission) or 1 or R (manual transmission) without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it
from being released. If necessary, block the wheels to prevent
inadvertent sliding or creeping.

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Selecting tire chains

Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain
size is regulated for each size.

Side chain:

0.12 in. (3.0 mm)
1.18 in. (30.0 mm)
0.39 in. (10.0 mm)

Cross chain:

0.16 in. (4.0 mm)
0.98 in. (25.0 mm)
0.55 in. (14.0 mm)

Regulations on the use of tire chains

Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing
chains.

■

Tire chain installation

Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:

●

Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.

●

Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the
rear tires.

●

Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains
after driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).

●

Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.

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CAUTION

■

Driving with snow tires

Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.

●

Use tires of the size specified.

●

Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.

●

Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.

●

Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.

■

Driving with tire chains

Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.

●

Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.

●

Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.

●

Avoid sudden turns and braking, as use of chains may adversely affect
vehicle handling.

●

Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.