Toyota C-HR (2023 year). Manual in english

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4-1. Before driving

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Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.

WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment

The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly,
may block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or pas-
sengers, possibly causing an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible.

●

Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher than
the seatbacks.

●

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 luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard

●

Secure all items in the occupant compartment.

●

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 prop-
erly fastened.

■

Load and distribution

●

Do not overload your vehicle.

●

Do not apply loads 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

Trailer towing



2ZR-FXE engine for Guadeloupe, Martinique, F. Guiana and
Svalbard

Toyota  does  not  recommend
towing a trailer with your vehi-
cle.
Toyota  also  does  not  recom-
mend 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 towing or for the use of
tow hitch mounted carriers.



Except for 2ZR-FXE engine for Guadeloupe, Martinique, F. Guiana
and Svalbard

Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger carrying vehi-
cle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, per-
formance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. Your safety
and satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment
and  cautious  driving  habits.  For  your  safety  and  the  safety  of
others, do not overload the vehicle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in
accordance with the trailer’s characteristics and operating con-
ditions.
Toyota  warranties  do  not  apply  to  damage  or  malfunction
caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Ask  your  local  authorized  Toyota  retailer  or  Toyota  authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer for further details before towing,
as there are additional legal requirements in some countries.

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◆

Weight limits

Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass),
MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and permissible
drawbar load before towing. (



P. 764)

◆

Towing hitch/bracket

Toyota recommends the use of the Toyota hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. Other products of a suitable nature and comparable quality
may also be used.
For vehicles where the towing device blocks any of the lights or
license plate, the following shall be observed:

●

Do not use towing devices that cannot be easily removed or
repositioned.

●

Towing devices must be removed or repositioned when not in
use.

■

Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load

Total trailer weight

Weight  of  the  trailer  itself  plus
the  trailer  load should  be  within
the  maximum  towing  capacity.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous. (



P. 764)

When towing a trailer, use a fric-
tion coupler or friction stabilizer
(sway control device).

Permissible drawbar load

Allocate the trailer load so that the drawbar load is greater than 25 kg
(55.1 lb.) or 4% of the towing capacity. Do not let the drawbar load
exceed the indicated weight. (



P. 764)

Important points regarding trailer loads

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4-1. Before driving

■

Information tag (manufacturer’s label)

Gross vehicle mass

The combined weight of the driver, passengers, luggage, towing hitch,
total curb mass and drawbar load should not exceed the gross vehicle
mass by more than 100 kg (220.5 lb.). Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous.

Maximum permissible rear axle capacity

The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum per-
missible rear axle capacity by 15% or more. Exceeding this weight is
dangerous.
The values for towing capacity were derived from testing conducted at
sea level. Take note that engine output and towing capacity will be
reduced at high altitudes.



Type A



Type B

WARNING

■

When the gross vehicle mass or maximum permissible axle capacity is
exceeded

Failing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or
serious injury.

●

Add an additional 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm

or bar, 3 psi) to the recommended

tire inflation pressure value. (



P. 774)

●

Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up
areas or 100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is the lower.

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519 mm (20.4 in.)
519 mm (20.4 in.)

894 mm (35.2 in.)
559 mm (22.0 in.)
379 mm (14.9 in.)
387 mm (15.2 in.)
44 mm (1.7 in.)

Installation positions for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball

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4-1. Before driving

■

Tire information

●

Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm

or bar, 3 psi)

greater than the recommended value when towing. (



P. 774)

●

Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total
trailer weight and according to the values recommended by the manufac-
turer of your trailer.

■

Trailer lights

Please consult at any authorized retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any
reliable repairer when installing trailer lights, as incorrect installation may
cause damage to the vehicle’s lights. Please take care to comply with your
state’s laws when installing trailer lights.

■

Break-in schedule

Toyota recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components
should not be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).

■

Safety checks before towing

●

Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
is not exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer will add
to the load exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that the total load exerted
on the vehicle is within the range of the weight limits. (



P. 295)

●

Ensure that the trailer load is secure.

●

Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle if
the traffic behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust the
extending arms of these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that they
always provide maximum visibility of the road behind.

■

Maintenance

●

Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for
towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle compared to
normal driving.

●

Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).

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4-1. Before driving

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■

If trailer sway occurs

One or more factors (crosswinds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can
adversely affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing instability.

●

If trailer swaying occurs:
• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.

Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.

• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to

reduce speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.

If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle
and trailer should stabilize (if enabled, Trailer Sway Control can also help to
stabilize the vehicle and trailer.).

●

After the trailer swaying has stopped:
• Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants out of the vehicle.
• Check the tires of the vehicle and the trailer.
• Check the load in the trailer.

Make sure the load has not shifted.
Make sure the tongue weight is appropriate, if possible.

• Check the load in the vehicle.

Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded after occupants get in.

If you cannot find any problems, the speed at which trailer swaying occurred
is beyond the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer combination. Drive at a
lower speed to prevent instability. Remember that swaying of the towing vehi-
cle-trailer increases as speed increases.

NOTICE

■

When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum

Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that
area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to
corrosion, which will weaken the section concerned and may result in dam-
age. Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when attaching a
steel bracket.

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4-1. Before driving

Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to
avoid accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind
when towing:

■

Checking connections between trailer and lights

Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection between
the trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well as before
starting off.

■

Practicing driving with a coupled trailer

●

Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer
coupled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.

●

When  reversing  with  a  coupled  trailer,  hold  the  section  of  the
steering  wheel  nearest  to  you  and  rotate  clockwise  to  turn  the
trailer left or counterclockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a little
at  a  time  to  prevent  steering  error.  Have  someone  guide  you
when reversing to lessen the risk of an accident.

■

Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance

At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle running
ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined
length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking that may
cause skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out of control. This
is especially true when driving on wet or slippery road surfaces.

■

Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering

Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer colliding
with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approaching
turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid sudden braking.

■

Important points regarding turning

The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve
than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the
turns wider than you would normally do.

Guidance

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4-1. Before driving

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■

Important points regarding stability

Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when mov-
ing alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement
occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly applying
the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while braking.

■

Passing other vehicles

Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before exe-
cuting lane changes.

■

Transmission information

To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system perfor-
mance when using engine braking, do not use the transmission in
D. Shift the shift lever to B.

■

If the engine overheats

Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30



C (85



F) may result in the engine overheating. If the

engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is over-
heating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and
stop the vehicle in a safe place. (



P. 755)

■

When parking the vehicle

Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle
and trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P.

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4-1. Before driving

WARNING

Follow all the instructions described in this section.
Failure to do so could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Trailer towing precautions

When towing, make sure that none of the weight limits are exceeded.
(



P. 295)

■

To avoid accident or injury

●

Vehicles with a compact spare tire:
Do not tow a trailer when the compact spare tire is installed on your vehi-
cle.

●

Vehicles with an emergency tire puncture repair kit:
Do not tow a trailer when the tire installed is repaired with the emergency
tire puncture repair kit.

●

Do not use the following systems when trailer towing.

• Cruise control

• Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range

• LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)

• PCS (Pre-Collision System)

• BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)

: If equipped

■

Vehicle speed in towing

Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.

■

Before descending hills or long declines

Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while
descending steep or long downhill grades.

■

Operation of the brake pedal

Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.

NOTICE

■

Do not directly splice trailer lights

Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your vehicle’s electrical system
and cause a malfunction.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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Power (ignition) switch

Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is in P.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.

and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display.

If it is not displayed, the hybrid system cannot be started.

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 hybrid system will operate nor-
mally.
Continue  depressing  the  brake
pedal  until  the  “READY”  indicator
is illuminated.
The  hybrid  system  can  be  started
from any power switch mode.

Check that the “READY” indicator is illuminated.

If the “READY” indicator changes from a flashing light to a solid light and
the buzzer sounds, the hybrid system is starting normally.
The vehicle will not move when the “READY” indicator is off.
The vehicle can move when the “READY” indicator is on even if the engine
is stopped. (The gasoline engine starts or stops automatically in accor-
dance with the state of the vehicle.)

Performing the following operations when carrying the elec-
tronic key on your person starts the hybrid system or changes
power switch modes.

Starting the hybrid system

1
2
3

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4-2. Driving procedures

Stop the vehicle completely.
Set the parking brake (



P. 324), and shift the shift lever to P

(



P. 313).

Press the power switch.

The hybrid system will stop.

Release the brake pedal and check that “ACCESSORY” on the
multi-information display is off.

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

Off

The emergency flashers can be
used.
The multi-information display will
not be displayed.

ACCESSORY mode

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

ON mode

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

: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off the hybrid sys-

tem, the power switch will be turned to ACCESSORY mode, not to off.

Stopping the hybrid system

Changing power switch modes

1
2

IGNITION ON

ACCESSORY

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4-2. Driving procedures

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If the hybrid system is stopped with the shift lever in a position other
than P, the power switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to
ACCESSORY mode. Perform the following procedure to turn the
switch off:

Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check  that  “ACCESSORY”  and  “Turn  power  OFF.”  are  displayed
on  the  multi-information  display  and  then  press  the  power  switch
once.
Check  that  “ACCESSORY”  and  “Turn  power  OFF.”  on  the  multi-
information display is off.

■

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or ON
mode (the hybrid system is not operating) for more than an hour with the shift
lever in P, the power switch will automatically turn off. However, this function
cannot entirely prevent the 12-volt battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle
with the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long periods of time
when the hybrid system is not operating.

■

Sounds and vibrations specific to a Hybrid Electric Vehicle



P. 120

■

Electronic key battery depletion



P. 188

When stopping the hybrid system with the shift lever in a posi-
tion other than P

1
2
3

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4-2. Driving procedures

■

When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving con-
ditions

When starting the hybrid system, the flashing time of the “READY” indicator
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.

■

Conditions affecting operation



P. 208

■

Note for the entry function



P. 209

■

If the hybrid system does not start

●

The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (



P. 129)

Contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any
reliable repairer.

●

Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The hybrid system may not
start if the shift lever is displaced out of P.
“Shift to P Position to Start.” will be displayed on the multi-information dis-
play.

■

Steering lock

After turning the power switch off and opening and closing the doors, the
steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the
power switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.

■

When the steering lock cannot be released

“Push POWER Switch while Turning The
Steering Wheel in Either Direction.” will be
displayed on the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press
the power switch while turning the steer-
ing wheel left and right.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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■

Steering lock motor overheating prevention

To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be sus-
pended if the hybrid system is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period
of time. In this case, refrain from operating the hybrid system. After about 10
seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning.

■

When the “Entry & Start System Malfunction. See Owner’s Manual.” is
displayed on the multi-information display

The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any autho-
rized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer
immediately.

■

If the “READY” indicator does not come on

In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after perform-
ing the proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immedi-
ately.

■

If the hybrid system is malfunctioning



P. 690

■

If the electronic key battery is depleted



P. 643

■

Operation of the power switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the power switch mode may
not change or the hybrid system may not start.

●

If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the power
switch off, the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After turning the
power switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid sys-
tem.

■

If the smart entry & start system has been deactivated in a customized
setting



P. 744

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4-2. Driving procedures

WARNING

■

When starting the hybrid system

Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not
depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any
circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Caution while driving

If a hybrid system failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or
open the doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activa-
tion of the steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an accident, result-
ing in death or serious injury.

■

Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency

●

If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the
vehicle, press and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds, or
press it briefly 3 times or more in succession. (



P. 669)

However, do not touch the power switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of
steering or braking control, however, power assist to the steering will be
lost. This will make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so 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  hybrid  system  after  an  emergency  shutdown  while
driving,  press the  power switch. When restarting the  hybrid system after
stopping  the  vehicle,  shift  the  shift  lever  to  P  and  then  press  the  power
switch.

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