Toyota bZ4X (2023 year). Manual in english

225

5-1. Before driving

ing

operation is performed with the
accelerator pedal depressed,
the EV system output may be
restrained.
• When the shift position is

shifted to R

• When the shift position is

shifted from P or R to forward
drive shift position such as D

When the system operates, a mes-
sage appears on the multi-informa-
tion display. Read the message and
follow the instruction.

: Depending on the situation, the

shift position may not be
changed.

■

Drive-Start Control (DSC)

●

When the TRAC is turned off

(



P.388), sudden start restraint

control also does not operate. If

your vehicle have trouble escap-

ing from the mud or fresh snow

due to sudden start restraint con-

trol operation, deactivate TRAC

(



P.388) so that the vehicle may

become able to escape from the

mud or fresh snow.

Also, sudden start restraint control

will not operate in the following con-

ditions:

• When “X-MODE” is selected (if

equipped)

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following
information about storage
precautions, cargo capac-
ity and load.

WARNING

■

Things that must not be car-

ried in the luggage compart-

ment

The following things may cause a

fire if loaded in the luggage com-

partment:

●

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

luggage compartment when-

ever possible.

●

Do not stack cargo and luggage

in the luggage compartment

higher than the seatbacks.

●

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 luggage cover (if

equipped)

• On the instrument panel

• On the dashboard

226

5-1. Before driving

Cargo capacity depends on the
total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load
capacity) - (Total weight of occu-
pants)

Steps for Determining Cor-
rect 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 -
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.228)

WARNING

• In front of the instrument cluster

●

Secure all items in the occupant

compartment.

●

When you fold down the rear

seats, long items should not be

placed 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.

Capacity and distribution

WARNING

■

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’ weight and the cargo load

is less than the total load capac-

ity, do not apply the load

unevenly. Improper loading may

cause deterioration of steering

or braking control which may

cause death or serious injury.

227

5-1. Before driving

ing

Cargo capacity

Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) (



P.550)

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:

lb. (kg) - A

lb. (kg) = C

lb.

(kg)

:A = Weight of people

:B = Total load capacity

: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

lb. (kg) = E

lb.

(kg)

:D = Additional weight of people

: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

WARNING

■

When loading cargo on the

roof luggage carrier (if

equipped)

Observe the following precau-

tions:

●

Place the cargo so that its

weight is distributed evenly

between the front and rear

axles.

●

If loading long or wide cargo,

never exceed the vehicle overall

length or width. (



P.550)

●

Before driving, make sure the

cargo is securely fastened on

the roof luggage carrier.

●

Loading cargo on the roof lug-

gage carrier will make the cen-

ter of gravity of the vehicle

higher. Avoid high speeds, sud-

den 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.

228

5-1. Before driving

■

Total load capacity and seating

capacity

These details are also described on

the tire and loading information

label. (



P.491)

WARNING

●

If driving for a long distance, on

rough roads, or at high speeds,

stop the vehicle now and then

during the trip to make sure the

cargo remains in its place.

●

Do not exceed 165.3 lb. (75 kg)

cargo weight on the roof lug-

gage carrier.

NOTICE

■

When loading cargo on the

roof luggage carrier (if

equipped)

Be careful not to scratch the sur-

face of the panoramic moon roof

(if equipped).

Vehicle load limits

Vehicle load limits include
total load capacity, seating
capacity, TWR (Trailer
Weight Rating) and cargo
capacity.



Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight):



P.550

Total load capacity means the
combined weight of occu-
pants, cargo and luggage.



Seating capacity:



P.550

Seating capacity means the
maximum number of occu-
pants whose estimated aver-
age weight is 150 lb. (68 kg)
per person.



TWR (Trailer Weight Rat-
ing)

Toyota does not recommend
towing a trailer with your vehi-
cle.



Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase
or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of
occupants.

231

5-2. Driving procedures

ing

5-2.Driving procedures

Check that the charging
cable is disconnected.
(



P.105, 113)

Pull the parking brake switch
to check that the parking
brake is set. (



P.243)

The parking brake indicator will

come on.

Firmly depress the brake
pedal.

and a message will be dis-

played on the multi-information dis-

play.

If it is not displayed, the EV system

cannot be started.

When the shift position is in N, the

EV system cannot start. Shift the

shift position to P when starting the

EV system. (



P.237)

Press the power switch
shortly and firmly.

When operating the power switch,

one short, firm press is enough. It is

not necessary to press and hold the

switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on,

the EV system will operate nor-

mally.
Continue depressing the brake

pedal until the “READY” indicator is

illuminated.
The EV system can be started from

any power switch mode.

Check that the “READY” indi-
cator is illuminated.

The vehicle cannot be driven if the

“READY” indicator is off.

■

Power switch illumination

According to the situation, the

power switch illumination operates

as follows.

●

When driver’s door or front pas-

senger’s door is opened, the

power switch illumination illumi-

nates.

●

When the power switch is in OFF

and depressing the brake pedal

with carrying the electronic key on

your person, the power switch illu-

mination blinks.

●

When the power switch is in ACC

or ON, the power switch illumina-

tion illuminates.

●

When the power switch mode is

changed from ACC or ON to OFF,

the power switch illumination illu-

minates for a certain amount of

time. Afterwards, the power switch

illumination turns off.

■

If the EV system does not start

●

The immobilizer system may not

have been deactivated. (



P.68)

Contact your Toyota dealer.

●

The charging cable may be con-

nected to the vehicle. (



P.89)

●

If a message related to start-up is

Power (ignition)

switch

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

Starting the EV system

232

5-2. Driving procedures

shown on the multi-information

display, read the message and fol-

low the instructions.

●

If the door is unlocked with the

mechanical key, the EV system

cannot be started using the smart

key system. Refer to P.540 to start

the EV system. However, if the

electronic key is carried inside the

vehicle and the doors are locked

(



P.170), the EV system can be

started.

■

When the ambient temperature

is low, such as during winter

driving conditions

●

When starting the EV system, the

flashing time of the “READY” indi-

cator may be long. Leave the

vehicle as it is until the “READY”

indicator is steady on, as steady

means the vehicle is able to move.

●

When the traction battery is

extremely cold (below approxi-

mately -22°F [-30°C]) under the

influence of the outside tempera-

ture, it may not be possible to start

the EV system. In this case, try to

start the EV system again after the

temperature of the traction battery

increases due to the outside tem-

perature increase, etc.

■

Sounds and vibrations specific

to an battery electric vehicle



P.74

■

If the 12-volt battery is dis-

charged

The EV system cannot be started

using the smart key system. Refer

to P.541 to restart the EV system.

■

Electronic key battery depletion



P.162

■

Conditions affecting operation



P.188

■

Note for the entry function



P.189

■

If there is a malfunction in the

smart key system

If “Smart Key System Malfunction”

is displayed on the multi-information

display, the system may be malfunc-

tioning. Have the vehicle inspected

by your Toyota dealer immediately.

■

If the “READY” indicator does

not come on

In the event that the “READY” indi-

cator does not come on even after

performing the proper procedures

for starting the vehicle, contact your

Toyota dealer immediately.

■

If the EV system is malfunction-

ing



P.80

■

Electronic key battery



P.497

■

Operation of the power switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly

and firmly, the power switch mode

may not change or the EV system

may not start.

●

If attempting to restart the EV sys-

tem immediately after turning the

power switch to OFF, the EV sys-

tem may not start in some cases.

After turning the power switch to

OFF, please wait a few seconds

before restarting the EV system.

■

Customization

If the smart key system has been

deactivated in a customized setting,

refer to P.540.

WARNING

■

When starting the EV system

Always start the EV system while

sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not

depress the accelerator pedal

while starting the EV system

under any circumstances.

Doing so may cause an accident

resulting in death or serious injury.

233

5-2. Driving procedures

ing

Stop the vehicle completely.

Set the parking brake.
(



P.243)

Press the P position switch.
(



P.237)

Check that the shift position indica-

tor shows P and the parking brake

indicator is illuminated.

Press the power switch.

The EV system will stop, and the

meter display will be extinguished

(the shift position indicator will be

extinguished a few seconds after

the meter display).

Release the brake pedal and
check that “ACCESSORY” or
“POWER ON” is not shown
on the meter.

■

Automatic EV system shut off

feature

●

The vehicle is equipped with a

feature that automatically shuts off

the EV system when the shift posi-

tion is in P with the EV system

operating for an extended period.

●

The EV system will automatically

shut off after approximately 1 hour

if it has been left operating while

the shift position is in P.

●

The timer for the automatic EV

system shut off feature will reset if

the brake pedal is depressed or if

the shift position is in a position

other than P.

●

After the vehicle is parked, if the

door is locked with the door lock

switch (



P.170) from the inside or

the mechanical key (



P.539) from

the outside, the automatic EV sys-

tem shut off feature will be dis-

abled. The timer for the automatic

EV system shut off feature will be

re-enabled if the driver’s door is

opened.

■

When the shift control system

malfunctions

When attempting to turn the power

switch off while there is a malfunc-

tion in the shift control system, the

power switch mode may change to

ACC. In this case, ACC may be

turned off by applying the parking

brake and pressing the power

switch again.

If there is a malfunction in the sys-

tem, have the vehicle inspected by

your Toyota dealer immediately.

■

Automatic P position selection

function



P.238

NOTICE

■

When starting the EV system

If the EV system becomes difficult

to start, have your vehicle

checked by your Toyota dealer

immediately.

■

Symptoms indicating a mal-

function with the power

switch

If the power switch seems to be

operating somewhat differently

than usual, such as the switch

sticking slightly, there may be a

malfunction. Contact your Toyota

dealer immediately.

Stopping the EV system

234

5-2. Driving procedures

Modes can be changed by
pressing the power switch with
the brake pedal released. (The
mode changes each time the
switch is pressed.)

WARNING

■

Stopping the EV system in an

emergency

●

If you want to stop the EV sys-

tem in an emergency while driv-

ing the vehicle, press and hold

the power switch for more than

2 seconds, or press it briefly 3

times or more in succession.

(



P.505)

However, do not touch the

power switch while driving

except in an emergency. Turn-

ing the EV system off while driv-

ing will not cause a loss of

steering or braking control.

However, power assist for the

steering wheel may be lost mak-

ing it difficult to steer smoothly

before stopping the vehicle

depending on the remaining

charge in the 12-volt battery or

usage conditions. In this situa-

tion, you should pull over and

stop the vehicle as soon as it is

safe to do so.

●

If the power switch is operated

while the vehicle is running, a

warning message will be shown

on the multi-information display

and a buzzer sounds.

●

When restarting the EV system

after an emergency shutdown,

press the power switch shortly

and firmly.

■

When parking

Exhaust gases include harmful

carbon monoxide (CO), which is

colorless and odorless. Observe

the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause

exhaust gases to enter the vehicle

and may lead to an accident

caused by light-headedness, or

may lead to death or a serious

health hazard.

●

If the vehicle is in a poorly venti-

lated area or a closed area,

such as a garage, stop the EV

system.

●

Do not leave the vehicle with

the EV system operating for a

long time. If such a situation

cannot be avoided, park the

vehicle in an open space and

ensure that exhaust fumes do

not enter the vehicle interior.

●

Do not leave the EV system

operating in an area with snow

build-up, or where it is snowing.

If snowbanks build up around

the vehicle while the EV system

is operating, exhaust gases

may collect and enter the vehi-

cle.

Changing power switch
modes

235

5-2. Driving procedures

ing

“ACCESSORY”

“POWER ON”

OFF

The emergency flashers can be
used.

ACC

Some electrical components such
as the audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed
on the multi-information display.

All electrical components can be
used.
“POWER ON” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.

: Setting can be customized.

(→P.571)

■

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACC for more

than 20 minutes or ON (the EV sys-

tem is not operating) for more than

an hour with the shift position in P,

the power switch will automatically

turn off. However, this function can-

not entirely prevent the 12-volt bat-

tery discharge. Do not leave the

vehicle with the power switch in

ACC or ON for long periods of time

when the EV system is not operat-

ing.

NOTICE

■

To prevent 12-volt battery dis-

charge

●

Do not leave the power switch

in ACC or ON for long periods of

time without the EV system on.

●

If “ACCESSORY” or “POWER

ON” is displayed on the multi-

information display, the power

switch is not in OFF. Exit the

vehicle after turning the power

switch to OFF.

236

5-2. Driving procedures

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-

Start Control)



P.224

■

If a message about a shift oper-

ation is shown

To prevent the shift position from

being selected incorrectly or the

vehicle from moving unexpectedly,

the shift position may be changed

automatically or operating the rotary

shifter may be required. In this case,

change the shift position following

the messages on the multi-informa-

tion display.

■

After recharging/reconnecting

the 12-volt battery



P.469

Transmission

Select the shift position
depending on your pur-
pose and situation.

Shift position purpose
and functions

Shift position Objective or function

Parking the vehi-

cle/starting the EV

system

Reversing

Neutral

(Condition in which

the power is not

transmitted)

Normal driving

WARNING

■

When driving on slippery

road surfaces

Be careful of sudden acceleration,

as this could result in the vehicle

skidding to the side or spinning.

NOTICE

■

Situations where shift control

system malfunctions are pos-

sible

If any of the following situations

occur, shift control system mal-

functions are possible. Immedi-

ately stop the vehicle in a safe

place on level ground, apply the

parking brake, and then contact

your Toyota dealer.

●

When the warning message

indicating the shift control sys-

tem malfunction appears on the

multi-information display.

(



P.522)

●

The display indicates that no

shift position is selected for

more than a few seconds.

237

5-2. Driving procedures

ing

Rotary shifter

Operate the dial shift slowly and
securely.
To switch to N, hold down the dial
shift and hold it for a while.
To switch to R or D, hold down the
dial shift and turn left or right
according to the arrow on the shift
position indicator.
Release the rotary shifter after each
shifting operation to allow it to
return to its regular position.
When shifting from P to N, D or R,
from N, D or R to P, from D to R, or
from R to D, ensure that the brake
pedal is being depressed and the
vehicle is stationary.

Shift position indicator

Meter display:
The current shift position is illumi-

nated.
Rotary shifter display:
The current shift position is illumi-
nated.
When selecting the shift position,
make sure that the shift position
has been changed to the desired
position by checking the shift posi-
tion indicator provided on the
instrument cluster.

P position switch

Fully stop the vehicle and set the
parking brake, and then press the P
position switch.
When the shift position is changed
to P, the switch illuminates.
Check that the shift position indica-
tor shows P.

■

Changing the shift position in

each power switch mode

●

The shift position cannot be

changed when the power switch is

in ACC or off.

●

When the power switch is in ON, if

the “READY” indicator is not illu-

minated, the shift position can

only be changed to N.

●

When the “READY” indicator is

illuminated, the shift position can

be changed from P to D, N, or R.

●

When the “READY” indicator is

flashing, the shift position cannot

be changed from P to any other

position, even if the rotary shifter

is operated. Operate the rotary

shifter again after the “READY”

indicator changes from flashing to

illuminated.

■

Shifting the shift position from

P to other positions

●

While depressing the brake pedal

firmly, operate the rotary shifter. If

the rotary shifter is operated with-

out depressing the brake pedal,

the buzzer will sound and the

Shift position display and
how to change the shift
position

238

5-2. Driving procedures

shifting operation will be disabled.

●

When selecting the shift position,

make sure that the shift position

has been changed to the desired

position by checking the shift posi-

tion indicator provided on the

instrument cluster.

■

The shift position cannot be

changed when

In the following situations, a buzzer

will sound to inform you that the shift

position cannot be changed. Use

the appropriate operation to attempt

to change the shift position again.

●

When attempting to change the

shift position from P with the brake

pedal not depressed

●

When attempting to change the

shift position from P with the

accelerator pedal depressed

●

When attempting to change the

shift position from N while stopped

or driving at an extremely low

speed with the brake pedal not

depressed

●

When attempting to change the

shift position from N while stopped

or driving at an extremely low

speed with the accelerator pedal

depressed

●

When the P position switch is

pressed while driving

When driving at an extremely low

speed, the shift position may

change to P.

■

The shift position automatically

changes to N when

In the following situations, a buzzer

will sound to inform you that the shift

position has been changed to N.

Use the appropriate operation to

attempt to change the shift position

again.

●

When attempting to change the

shift position to R while the vehicle

is moving forward

When driving at a low speed, the
shift position may change to R.

●

When attempting to change the

shift position to D while the vehicle

is moving backward

When driving at a low speed, the
shift position may change to D.

■

When N is selected while driv-

ing

When selecting N while traveling at

a speed above a certain level, hold

the rotary shifter at the N position.

■

Automatic P position selection

function

In the following situations, the shift

position is automatically changed to

●

When pressing the power switch

with the vehicle stopped while the

power switch is in ON and the shift

position is in a position other than

P (after the shift position has been

changed to P, the power switch
will turn off)

●

If the driver’s door is opened and

all of the following conditions are

met, while the shift position is in a

position other than P:

• The power switch is in ON.

• The driver is not wearing the seat

belt.

• The brake pedal is not depressed.
To start off the vehicle after the shift
position is changed to P, operate the
rotary shifter again.

●

When the vehicle is stopped after

the EV system has been stopped

in an emergency while driving

●

When voltage of the 12-volt bat-

tery drops while the shift position

is in a position other than P

: When the power switch is pressed

while driving at extremely slow
speeds, such as immediately
before stopping the vehicle, the
shift position may automatically
change to P. Make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped
before pressing the power switch.

239

5-2. Driving procedures

ing

■

If the shift position cannot be

shifted from P

There is a possibility that the 12-volt

battery is discharged. Check the 12-

volt battery in this situation.

(



P.541)

■

Customization

Some functions can be customized.

(



P.572)



By performing the following
operation, the shift position
can be held in N until the shift
position switches to P without
activating the automatic P
position selection function.

Operate the rotary shifter and
change the shift position to N
when the EV system is oper-
ating.

Return the rotary shifter to its
regular position.

Operate the rotary shifter to
N and hold it there until the
buzzer sounds.

Press the power switch within
5 seconds after the buzzer
sounds.

The EV system stops with the shift
position in N

Make sure to check that the buzzer

sounds and “Holding N Push P

Switch When Done” is displayed on

the multi-information display.



In order to shift to a position
other than N, first press the P

WARNING

■

For the rotary shifter

●

Do not remove the rotary shifter

knob or use anything but a gen-

uine Toyota rotary shifter knob.

Also, do not hang anything on

the rotary shifter.

Doing so could prevent the

rotary shifter from returning to

position, causing unexpected

accidents to occur when the

vehicle is in motion.

●

In order to prevent the shift

position from accidentally being

changed, do not touch the

rotary shifter when not using it.

■

P position switch

●

Do not press the P position

switch while the vehicle is mov-

ing.

If the P position switch is

pressed when driving at very

low speeds (for example,

directly before stopping the

vehicle), the vehicle may stop

suddenly when the shift position

switches to P, which could lead

to an accident.

●

In order to prevent the shift

position from accidentally being

changed, do not touch the P

position switch when not using

it.

NOTICE

■

When exiting the vehicle

(driver’s seat only)

Check that the shift position indi-

cator shows P and that the park-

ing brake indicator is illuminated

before opening the door and exit-

ing the vehicle.

Keeping the shift position
in N without activating the
automatic P position
selection function

240

5-2. Driving procedures

position switch to change the
shift position to P.



If the automatic P position
switching operation selection
function is performed oper-
ated with the EV system
stopped, the automatic P
position selection function
may not operate.
Always perform the operation
with the EV system started.

: To keep this state, do not operate

the power switch. If the power
switch is operated repeatedly, the
power switch will turn off after the
shift position has automatically
changed to P.

■

“X-MODE”



P.382

Acceleration/deceleration con-
trol can be performed only by
operating the accelerator pedal,
and the frequency of switching
to the brake pedal can be
greatly reduced. Since the
deceleration when the accelera-
tor pedal is released is stronger
than that of a conventional vehi-
cle, the vehicle can be deceler-
ated smoothly by slowly
releasing the pedal the acceler-
ator pedal without completely

releasing it.

When the Regeneration Boost
switch is pressed, the regenera-
tive braking force, when the
accelerator pedal is released,
becomes stronger than usual.

■

When Regeneration Boost can-

not be used In the following

cases, the system does not

operate.

●

When “X-MODE” is activated (If

equipped)

●

When the brake system or EV

system is malfunctioning

●

When regenerative braking is lim-

ited

Regenerative braking may be
restricted in the following situations:
• When the amount of charge of the

traction battery is high

• When the temperature of the trac-

tion battery is low or extremely

high

• When the temperature of the elec-

tric motor or power control unit is

extremely high

• When regenerative braking is con-

tinually used for a long time

■

Regenerative Braking

●

The vehicle cannot be stopped by

just releasing the accelerator

pedal. Step on the brake pedal

when the vehicle is stopped.

●

If the power switch is turned off

and then the EV system is

Selecting the driving
mode

Regeneration Boost
switch

Toyota bZ4X (2023 year). Manual in english - page 14