Toyota Corolla (2020 year). Owner's manual - part 9

134

4-1. Before driving

4-1.Before driving

■

Starting the engine

P.147, 148

■

Driving



Continuously variable trans-
mission

1

With the brake pedal 
depressed, shift the shift 
lever to D. (P.153)

2

Release the parking brake. 
(P.163, 164)

3

Gradually release the brake 
pedal and gently depress the 
accelerator pedal to acceler-
ate the vehicle.



Manual transmission

1

While depressing the clutch 
pedal, shift the shift lever to 
1. (P.160)

2

Release the parking brake. 
(P.163, 164)

3

Gradually release the clutch 
pedal. At the same time, gen-
tly depress the accelerator 
pedal to accelerate the vehi-
cle.

■

Stopping



Continuously variable trans-
mission

1

With the shift lever in D, 
depress the brake pedal.

2

If necessary, set the parking 
brake.

If the vehicle is to be stopped for an 

extended period of time, shift the 

shift lever to P. (P.153)



Manual transmission

1

While depressing the clutch 
pedal, depress the brake 
pedal.

2

If necessary, set the parking 
brake.

If the vehicle is to be stopped for an 

extended period of time, shift the 

shift lever to N. (P.160)

■

Parking the vehicle



Continuously variable trans-
mission

1

With the shift lever in D, 
depress the brake pedal to 
stop the vehicle completely.

2

Set the parking brake 
(P.163, 164), and shift the 
shift lever to P. (P.153)

Check the parking brake indicator 

is illuminated.

3

Vehicles without a smart key 
system: Turn the engine 
switch to OFF to stop the 
engine.
Vehicles with a smart key 
system: Press the engine 
switch to stop the engine.

Driving the vehicle

The following procedures 
should be observed to 
ensure safe driving:

Driving procedure

135

4-1. Before driving

4

Dr

iv

ing

4

Slowly release the brake 
pedal.

5

Lock the door, making sure 
that you have the key on your 
person.

If parking on a hill, block the wheels 

as needed.



Manual transmission

1

While depressing the clutch 
pedal, depress the brake 
pedal.

2

Set the parking brake. 
(P.163, 164)

Check that the parking brake indi-

cator is illuminated.

3

Shift the shift lever to N. 
(P.160)

If parking on a hill, shift the shift 

lever to 1 or R and block the wheels 

as needed.

4

Vehicles without a smart key 
system: Turn the engine 
switch to OFF to stop the 
engine.
Vehicles with a smart key 
system: Press the engine 
switch to stop the engine.

5

Slowly release the brake 
pedal.

6

Lock the door, making sure 
that you have the key on your 
person.

■

Starting off on a steep 
uphill



Continuously variable trans-
mission

1

Make sure that the parking 
brake is set and shift the shift 
lever to D.

Hill-start assist control will operate. 

(P.251)

2

Gently depress the accelera-
tor pedal.

3

Release the parking brake.



Manual transmission

1

Make sure that the parking 
brake is set and shift the shift 
lever to 1.

Hill-start assist control will operate. 

(P.251)

2

Lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal at the same time as 
gradually releasing the clutch 
pedal.

3

Release the parking brake.

■

Driving in the rain

●

Drive carefully when it is raining, 

because visibility will be reduced, 

the windows may become 

fogged-up, and the road will be 

slippery.

●

Drive carefully when it starts to 

rain, because the road surface will 

be especially slippery.

●

Refrain from high speeds when 

driving on an expressway in the 

rain, because there may be a 

layer of water between the tires 

and the road surface, preventing 

the steering and brakes from 

operating properly.

136

4-1. Before driving

■

Engine speed while driving 

(vehicles with a continuously 

variable transmission)

In the following conditions, the 

engine speed may become high 

while driving. This is due to auto-

matic up-shifting control or 

down-shifting implementation to 

meet driving conditions. It does not 

indicate sudden acceleration.

●

The vehicle is judged to be driving 

uphill or downhill

●

When the accelerator pedal is 

released

●

When the brake pedal is 

depressed while sport mode is 

selected

■

Restraining the engine output 

(Brake Override System)

●

When the accelerator and brake 

pedals are depressed at the same 

time, the engine output may be 

restrained.

●

A warning message is displayed 

on the multi-information display 

while the system is operating.

■

Restraining sudden start 

(Drive-Start Control [vehicles 

with a continuously variable 

transmission])

●

When the following unusual oper-

ation is performed, the engine out-

put may be restrained.

• When the shift lever is shifted from 

R to D, D to R, N to R, P to D, or P 
to R (D includes B

*1

 or M

*2

) with 

the accelerator pedal depressed, 

a warning message appears on 

the multi-information display. If a 

warning message is shown on the 

multi-information display, read the 

message and follow the instruc-

tion.

• When the accelerator pedal is 

depressed too much while the 

vehicle is in reverse.

*1

:Vehicles without paddle shift 

switches

*2

:Vehicles with paddle shift 

switches

●

While Drive-Start Control is being 

activated, your vehicle may have 

trouble escaping from the mud or 

fresh snow. In such case, deacti-

vate TRAC (P.251) to cancel 

Drive-Start Control so that the 

vehicle may become able to 

escape from the mud or fresh 

snow.

■

Breaking in your new Toyota

To extend the life of the vehicle, 

observing the following precautions 

is recommended:

●

For the first 186 miles (300 km):

Avoid sudden stops.

●

For the first 621 miles (1000 km):

• Do not drive at extremely high 

speeds.

• Avoid sudden acceleration.

• Do not drive continuously in low 

gears.

• Do not drive at a constant speed 

for extended periods.

■

Operating your vehicle in a for-

eign country

Comply with the relevant vehicle 

registration laws and confirm the 

availability of the correct fuel. 

(P.526)

WARNING

Observe the following precau-

tions.

Failure to do so may result in 

death or serious injury.

■

When starting the vehicle 

(vehicles with a continuously 

variable transmission)

Always keep your foot on the 

brake pedal while stopped with 

the engine running. This prevents 

the vehicle from creeping.

137

4-1. Before driving

4

Dr

iv

ing

WARNING

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not drive if you are unfamil-

iar with the location of the brake 

and accelerator pedals to avoid 

depressing the wrong pedal.

• Accidentally depressing the 

accelerator pedal instead of the 

brake pedal will result in sudden 

acceleration that may lead to an 

accident.

• When backing up, you may twist 

your body around, leading to a 

difficulty in operating the pedals. 

Make sure to operate the pedals 

properly.

• Make sure to keep a correct 

driving posture even when mov-

ing the vehicle only slightly. This 

allows you to depress the brake 

and accelerator pedals properly.

• Depress the brake pedal using 

your right foot. Depressing the 

brake pedal using your left foot 

may delay response in an emer-

gency, resulting in an accident.

●

Do not drive the vehicle over or 

stop the vehicle near flammable 

materials.

The exhaust system and 

exhaust gases can be 

extremely hot. These hot parts 

may cause a fire if there is any 

flammable material nearby.

●

During normal driving, do not 

turn off the engine. Turning the 

engine off while driving will not 

cause loss of steering or brak-

ing control, but the power assist 

to these systems will be lost. 

This will make it more difficult to 

steer and brake, so you should 

pull over and stop the vehicle as 

soon as it is safe to do so.

However, in the event of an 

emergency, such as if it 

becomes impossible to stop the 

vehicle in the normal way: 



P.472

●

Use engine braking (shift posi-
tion B

*1

 or downshift

*2, 3

) to 

maintain a safe speed when 

driving down a steep hill.

Using the brakes continuously 

may cause the brakes to over-

heat and lose effectiveness. 
(



P.153, 155, 160)

*1

:Vehicles with a continuously 

variable transmission (without 
paddle shift switches)

*2

:Vehicles with a continuously 

variable transmission (with 
paddle shift switches)

*3

:Vehicles with a manual trans-

mission

●

Do not adjust the positions of 

the steering wheel, the seat, or 

the inside or outside rear view 

mirrors while driving.

Doing so may result in a loss of 

vehicle control.

●

Always check that all passen-

gers’ arms, heads or other parts 

of their body are not outside the 

vehicle.

138

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

●

Do not drive in excess of the 

speed limit. Even if the legal 

speed limit permits it, do not 

drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) 

unless your vehicle has 

high-speed capability tires. Driv-

ing over 85 mph (140 km/h) 

may result in tire failure, loss of 

control and possible injury. Be 

sure to consult a tire dealer to 

determine whether the tires on 

your vehicle are high-speed 

capability tires or not before 

driving at such speeds.

■

When driving on slippery 

road surfaces

●

Sudden braking, acceleration 

and steering may cause tire 

slippage and reduce your ability 

to control the vehicle.

●

Sudden acceleration, engine 

braking due to shifting, or 

changes in engine speed could 

cause the vehicle to skid.

●

After driving through a puddle, 

lightly depress the brake pedal 

to make sure that the brakes 

are functioning properly. Wet 

brake pads may prevent the 

brakes from functioning prop-

erly. If the brakes on only one 

side are wet and not functioning 

properly, steering control may 

be affected.

■

When shifting the shift lever

●

Vehicles with a continuously 

variable transmission: Do not let 

the vehicle roll backward while a 

forward driving position is 

selected, or roll forward while 

the shift lever is in R.

Doing so may cause the engine 

to stall or lead to poor brake and 

steering performance, resulting 

in an accident or damage to the 

vehicle.

●

Vehicles with a continuously 

variable transmission: Do not 

shift the shift lever to P while the 

vehicle is moving.

Doing so can damage the trans-

mission and may result in a loss 

of vehicle control.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to R 

while the vehicle is moving for-

ward.

Doing so can damage the trans-

mission and may result in a loss 

of vehicle control.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to a 

driving position while the vehicle 

is moving backward.

Doing so can damage the trans-

mission and may result in a loss 

of vehicle control.

●

Moving the shift lever to N while 

the vehicle is moving will disen-

gage the engine from the trans-

mission. Engine braking is not 

available when N is selected.

●

Vehicles with a continuously 

variable transmission: Be care-

ful not to shift the shift lever with 

the accelerator pedal 

depressed. Shifting the shift 

lever to any positions other than 

P or N may lead to unexpected 

rapid acceleration of the vehicle 

that may cause an accident and 

result in death or serious injury.

■

If you hear a squealing or 

scraping noise (brake pad 

wear indicators)

Have the brake pads checked and 

replaced by your Toyota dealer as 

soon as possible.

Rotor damage may result if the 

pads are not replaced when 

needed.

It is dangerous to drive the vehicle 

when the wear limits of the brake 

pads and/or those of the brake 

discs are exceeded.

139

4-1. Before driving

4

Dr

iv

ing

WARNING

■

When the vehicle is stopped

●

Do not race the engine.

If the vehicle is in any gear other 

than P (continuously variable 

transmission) or N, the vehicle 

may accelerate suddenly and 

unexpectedly, causing an acci-

dent.

●

Vehicles with a continuously 

variable transmission: In order 

to prevent accidents due to the 

vehicle rolling away, always 

keep depressing the brake 

pedal while the engine is run-

ning, and apply the parking 

brake as necessary.

●

If the vehicle is stopped on an 

incline, in order to prevent acci-

dents caused by the vehicle roll-

ing forward or backward, always 

depress the brake pedal and 

securely apply the parking 

brake as needed.

●

Avoid revving or racing the 

engine.

Running the engine at high 

speed while the vehicle is 

stopped may cause the exhaust 

system to overheat, which could 

result in a fire if combustible 

material is nearby.

■

When the vehicle is parked

●

Do not leave glasses, cigarette 

lighters, spray cans, or soft 

drink cans in the vehicle when it 

is in the sun.

Doing so may result in the fol-

lowing:

• Gas may leak from a cigarette 

lighter or spray can, and may 

lead to a fire.

• The temperature inside the 

vehicle may cause the plastic 

lenses and plastic material of 

glasses to deform or crack.

• Soft drink cans may fracture, 

causing the contents to spray 

over the interior of the vehicle, 

and may also cause a short cir-

cuit in the vehicle’s electrical 

components.

●

Do not leave cigarette lighters in 

the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter 

is in a place such as the glove 

box or on the floor, it may be lit 

accidentally when luggage is 

loaded or the seat is adjusted, 

causing a fire.

●

Do not attach adhesive discs to 

the windshield or windows. Do 

not place containers such as air 

fresheners on the instrument 

panel or dashboard. Adhesive 

discs or containers may act as 

lenses, causing a fire in the 

vehicle.

●

Do not leave a door or window 

open if the curved glass is 

coated with a metallized film 

such as a silver-colored one. 

Reflected sunlight may cause 

the glass to act as a lens, caus-

ing a fire.

●

Vehicles with a continuously 

variable transmission: Always 

apply the parking brake, shift 

the shift lever to P, stop the 

engine and lock the vehicle.

Do not leave the vehicle unat-

tended while the engine is run-

ning.

If the vehicle is parked with the 

shift lever in P but the parking 

brake is not set, the vehicle may 

start to move, possibly leading 

to an accident.

Vehicles with a manual trans-

mission: Always apply the park-

ing brake, stop the engine and 

lock the vehicle.

Do not leave the vehicle unat-

tended while the engine is run-

ning.

140

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

●

Do not touch the exhaust pipes 

while the engine is running or 

immediately after turning the 

engine off.

Doing so may cause burns.

■

When taking a nap in the vehi-

cle

Always turn the engine off. Other-

wise, if you accidentally move the 

shift lever or depress the acceler-

ator pedal, this could cause an 

accident or fire due to engine 

overheating. Additionally, if the 

vehicle is parked in a poorly venti-

lated area, exhaust gases may 

collect and enter the vehicle, lead-

ing to death or a serious health 

hazard.

■

When braking

●

When the brakes are wet, drive 

more cautiously.

Braking distance increases 

when the brakes are wet, and 

this may cause one side of the 

vehicle to brake differently than 

the other side. Also, the parking 

brake may not securely hold the 

vehicle.

●

If the brake booster device does 

not operate, do not follow other 

vehicles closely and avoid hills 

or sharp turns that require brak-

ing.

In this case, braking is still pos-

sible, but the brake pedal 

should be depressed more 

firmly than usual. Also, the brak-

ing distance will increase. Have 

your brakes fixed immediately.

●

Do not pump the brake pedal if 

the engine stalls.

Each push on the brake pedal 

uses up the reserve for the 

power-assisted brakes.

●

The brake system consists of 2 

individual hydraulic systems; if 

one of the systems fails, the 

other will still operate. In this 

case, the brake pedal should be 

depressed more firmly than 

usual and the braking distance 

will increase. Have your brakes 

fixed immediately.

■

If the vehicle becomes stuck

Do not spin the wheels exces-

sively when a driven wheel is up 

in the air, or the vehicle is stuck in 

sand, mud, etc. This may damage 

the driveline components or pro-

pel the vehicle forward or back-

ward, causing an accident.

NOTICE

■

When driving the vehicle 

(vehicles with a continuously 

variable transmission)

●

Do not depress the accelerator 

and brake pedals at the same 

time during driving, as this may 

restrain the engine output.

●

Do not use the accelerator 

pedal or depress the accelera-

tor and brake pedals at the 

same time to hold the vehicle on 

a hill.

■

When driving the vehicle 

(vehicles with a manual trans-

mission)

●

Do not depress the accelerator 

and brake pedals at the same 

time during driving, as this may 

restrain the engine output.

●

Do not shift gears unless the 

clutch pedal is fully depressed. 

After shifting, do not release the 

clutch pedal abruptly. Doing so 

may damage the clutch, trans-

mission and gears.

141

4-1. Before driving

4

Dr

iv

ing

NOTICE

●

Observe the following precau-

tions.

Failure to do so may cause 

excessive premature wear or 

damage to the clutch, eventu-

ally making it difficult to acceler-

ate and start off from a stop. 

Have the vehicle inspected by 

your Toyota dealer.

• Do not rest your foot on the 

clutch pedal or depress it any 

time other than when shifting.

Doing so may cause clutch trou-

ble.

• Do not use any gear other than 

the 1st gear when starting off 

and moving forward. 

Doing so may damage the 

clutch.

• Do not use the clutch pedal to 

adjust vehicle speed.

Doing so may damage the 

clutch.

• When stopping the vehicle with 

the shift lever in a position other 

than N, make sure to fully 

depress the clutch pedal and 

stop the vehicle using the 

brakes.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to R 

without the vehicle completely 

stopped.

Doing so may damage the 

clutch, transmission and gears.

■

When parking the vehicle 

(vehicles with a continuously 

variable transmission)

Always set the parking brake and 

shift the shift lever to P. Failure to 

do so may cause the vehicle to 

move or the vehicle may acceler-

ate suddenly if the accelerator 

pedal is accidentally depressed.

■

Avoiding damage to vehicle 

parts

●

Do not turn the steering wheel 

fully in either direction and hold 

it there for an extended period 

of time.

Doing so may damage the 

power steering motor.

●

When driving over bumps in the 

road, drive as slowly as possible 

to avoid damaging the wheels, 

underside of the vehicle, etc.

■

If you get a flat tire while driv-

ing

A flat or damaged tire may cause 

the following situations. Hold the 

steering wheel firmly and gradu-

ally depress the brake pedal to 

slow down the vehicle.

●

It may be difficult to control your 

vehicle.

●

The vehicle will make abnormal 

sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will lean abnor-

mally.

Information on what to do in case 

of a flat tire (



P.503)

■

When encountering flooded 

roads

Do not drive on a road that has 

flooded after heavy rain etc. 

Doing so may cause the following 

serious damage to the vehicle:

●

Engine stalling

●

Short in electrical components

●

Engine damage caused by 

water immersion

In the event that you drive on a 

flooded road and the vehicle 

becomes flooded or stuck in mud 

or sand, be sure to have your Toy-

ota dealer check the following:

142

4-1. Before driving

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 
vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined 
weight of the driver and passen-
gers that will be riding in your 
vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined 
weight of the driver and passen-
gers 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 passen-
gers in your vehicle, the amount 
of available cargo and luggage 
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 − 

NOTICE

●

Brake function

●

Changes in the quantity and 

quality of the engine oil, tran-

saxle fluid, clutch fluid, etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the bear-

ings and suspension joints 

(where possible), and the func-

tion of all joints, bearings, etc.

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following 
information about storage 
precautions, cargo capacity 
and load:

Capacity and distribution

143

4-1. Before driving

4

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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 calcu-
lated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing 
a trailer, load from your trailer 
will be transferred to your vehi-
cle. Consult this manual to 
determine how this reduces the 
available cargo and luggage 
load capacity of your vehicle. 
(P.145)

Toyota does not recommend towing 
a trailer with your vehicle. Your 
vehicle is not designed for trailer 
towing.

Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle 
capacity weight) (P.524)

When 2 people with the com-
bined weight of A lb. (kg) are rid-
ing 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 passen-
gers 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 lug-
gage 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 num-
ber 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.

Calculation formula for 
your vehicle

144

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

■

Things that must not be car-

ried in the trunk

The following things may cause a 

fire if loaded in the trunk:

●

Receptacles containing gaso-

line

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precau-

tions.

Failure to do so may prevent the 

pedals from being depressed 

properly, may block the driver’s 

vision, or may result in items hit-

ting the driver or passengers, pos-

sibly causing an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the 

trunk whenever possible.

●

To prevent cargo and luggage 

from sliding forward during 

braking, do not stack anything in 

the enlarged trunk. Keep cargo 

and luggage low, as close to the 

floor as possible.

●

When you fold down the rear 

seats, long items should not be 

placed directly behind the front 

seats.

●

Do not place cargo or luggage 

in or on the following locations.

• At the feet of the driver

• On the front passenger or rear 

seats (when stacking items)

• On the package tray

• On the instrument panel

• On the dashboard

●

Secure all items in the occupant 

compartment.

●

Never allow anyone to ride in 

the enlarged trunk. It is not 

designed for passengers. They 

should ride in their seats with 

their seat belts properly fas-

tened.

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum 

axle weight rating or the total 

vehicle weight rating.

●

Even if the total load of occu-

pant’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 control which may 

cause death or serious injury.

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4-1. Before driving

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■

Total load capacity and seating 

capacity

These details are also described on 

the tire and loading information 

label. (P.453)

Vehicle load limits

Vehicle load limits include 
total load capacity, seating 
capacity, towing capacity 
and cargo capacity.



Total load capacity (vehicle 
capacity weight): P.524

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



Seating capacity: 5 occu-
pants (Front 2, Rear 3)

Seating capacity means the max-
imum number of occupants 
whose estimated average weight 
is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.



Towing capacity

Toyota does not recommend tow-
ing a trailer with your vehicle.



Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase or 
decrease depending on the 
weight and the number of occu-
pants.

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle

Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to 

the tires, but also degrade steer-

ing and braking ability, resulting in 

an accident.

Trailer towing

Toyota does not recom-
mend towing a trailer with 
your vehicle. Toyota also 
does not recommend the 
installation of a tow hitch or 
the use of a tow hitch carrier 
for a wheelchair, scooter, 
bicycle, etc. Your vehicle is 
not designed for trailer tow-
ing or for the use of tow 
hitch mounted carriers.

146

4-1. Before driving

Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed 
to be dinghy towed (with 4 
wheels on the ground) 
behind a motor home.

NOTICE

■

To avoid serious damage to 

your vehicle

Do not tow your vehicle with the 

four wheels on the ground.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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4-2.Driving procedures

1

Check that the parking brake 
is set. (P.163, 164)

2

Check that the shift lever is in 
P (continuously variable 
transmission) or N (manual 
transmission).

3

Firmly depress the brake 
pedal (continuously variable 
transmission) or clutch pedal 
(manual transmission).

4

Turn the engine switch to 
START to start the engine.

■

If the engine does not start

The engine immobilizer system may 

not have been deactivated. (P.67) 

Contact your Toyota dealer.

■

When the steering lock cannot 

be released

When starting the engine, the 

engine switch may seem stuck in 

OFF. To free it, turn the key while 

turning the steering wheel slightly 

left and right.

1

OFF (“LOCK” position)

The steering wheel is locked and 
the key can be removed. (vehicles 
with a continuously variable trans-
mission: The key can be removed 
only when the shift lever is in P.)

2

ACC (“ACC” position)

Some electrical components such 

Engine (ignition) 

switch (vehicles with-

out a smart key sys-

tem)

Starting the engine

WARNING

■

When starting the engine

Always start the engine while sit-

ting in the driver’s seat. Do not 

depress the accelerator pedal 

while starting the engine under 

any circumstances. Doing so may 

cause an accident resulting in 

death or serious injury.

NOTICE

■

When starting the engine

●

Do not crank the engine for 

more than 30 seconds at a time. 

This may overheat the starter 

and wiring system.

●

Do not race a cold engine.

●

If the engine becomes difficult to 

start or stalls frequently, have 

your vehicle checked by your 

Toyota dealer immediately.

Changing the engine 
switch positions

148

4-2. Driving procedures

as the audio system can be used.

3

ON ( “ON” position)

All electrical components can be 
used.

4

START ( “START” position)

For starting the engine.

■

Turning the key from ACC to 

OFF

1

 Shift the shift lever to P (continu-

ously variable transmission) or N 

(manual transmission).

2

Push in the key and turn it to 

OFF.

■

Key reminder function

A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door 

is opened while the engine switch is 

in OFF or ACC to remind you to 

remove the key.

1

Check that the parking brake 
is set. (P.163, 164)

2

Check that the shift lever is in 
P (continuously variable 
transmission) or N (manual 
transmission).

3

Firmly depress the brake 
pedal (continuously variable 
transmission) or clutch pedal 
(manual transmission).

 and a message will be dis-

played on the multi-information dis-

play. If it is not displayed, the 

engine cannot be started.

4

Press the engine switch 
shortly and firmly.

When operating the engine switch, 

one short, firm press is enough. It is 

not necessary to press and hold the 

switch.
The engine will crank until it starts 

or for up to 30 seconds, whichever 

is less.
Continue depressing the brake 

pedal (continuously variable trans-

mission) or clutch pedal (manual 

transmission) until the engine is 

completely started.

WARNING

■

Caution when driving

Do not turn the engine switch to 

OFF while driving. If, in an emer-

gency, you must turn the engine 

off while the vehicle is moving, 

turn the engine switch only to 

ACC to stop the engine. An acci-

dent may result if the engine is 

stopped while driving. (P.472)

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

Do not leave the engine switch in 

ACC or ON for long periods of 

time without the engine running.

Engine (ignition) 

switch (vehicles with 

a smart key system)

Performing the following 
operations when carrying 
the electronic key on your 
person starts the engine or 
changes engine switch 
modes.

Starting the engine

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4-2. Driving procedures

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The engine can be started from any 

engine switch mode.

■

If the engine does not start

●

The engine immobilizer system 

may not have been deactivated. 

(P.67)

Contact your Toyota dealer.

●

If a message related to start-up is 

shown on the multi-information 

display, read the message and fol-

low the instructions.

■

If the battery is discharged

The engine cannot be started using 

the smart key system. Refer to 

P.515 to restart the engine.

■

Electronic key battery depletion

P.97

■

Conditions affecting operation

P.113

■

Notes for the entry function

P.114

■

Steering lock function

●

After turning the engine switch off 

and opening and closing the 

doors, the steering wheel will be 

locked due to the steering lock 

function. Operating the engine 

switch again automatically can-

cels the steering lock.

●

When the steering lock cannot be 

released, “Push Engine Switch 

while Turning Steering Wheel in 

Either Direction” will be displayed 

on the multi-information display. 

Press the engine switch shortly 

and firmly while turning the steer-

ing wheel left and right.

●

To prevent the steering lock motor 

from overheating, operation of the 

motor may be suspended if the 

engine is turned on and off repeat-

edly in a short period of time. In 

this case, refrain from operating 

the engine switch. After about 10 

seconds, the steering lock motor 

will resume functioning.

■

Electronic key battery

P.458

■

Operation of the engine switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly 

and firmly, the engine switch 

mode may not change or the 

engine may not start.

●

If attempting to restart the engine 

immediately after turning the 

engine switch off, the engine may 

not start in some cases. After turn-

ing the engine switch off, please 

wait a few seconds before restart-

ing the engine.

■

Customization

If the smart key system has been 

deactivated in a customized setting, 

refer to P.513.

WARNING

■

When starting the engine

Always start the engine while sit-

ting in the driver’s seat. Do not 

depress the accelerator pedal 

while starting the engine under 

any circumstances.

Doing so may cause an accident 

resulting in death or serious injury.