Toyota Matrix (2014 year). Instruction - part 25

390

5-1. Essential information

MATRIX_U

Emergency towing

If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet. This should only be attempted on hard surfaced roads
for short distances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.

1.8 L 4-cylinder (2ZR-FE) engine

Towing eyelet

2.4 L 4-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine

Towing eyelet

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5-1. Essential information

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Towing with a sling-type truck

Do not tow with a sling-type truck
to prevent body damage.

Towing with a wheel-lift type truck

From the front (2WD models)

Release the parking brake.

From the front (AWD models)

Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.

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5-1. Essential information

MATRIX_U

From the rear

Automatic transmission: Use a
towing dolly under the front
wheels.

Manual transmission: We recom-
mend to use a towing dolly under
the front wheels.

When not using a towing dolly,
turn the engine switch to the
“ACC” position and shift the shift
lever to N.

Using a flat bed truck

If you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45

°.

Do not overly tighten the tie
downs or the vehicle may be
damaged.

■

Emergency towing procedure

Release the parking brake.

Shift the shift lever to N.

Turn the engine switch to the “ACC” (engine off) or “ON” (engine
running) position.

STEP

1

STEP

2

STEP

3

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5-1. Essential information

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CAUTION

■

Caution while towing

●

Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. 
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelet and the cables or chains. Always
be cautious of the surroundings and other vehicles while towing.

●

If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering
will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.

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5-1. Essential information

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NOTICE

■

To prevent body damage when towing with a sling-type truck

Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

■

To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission and Active
Torque Control 4WD system (AWD models) when towing using a
wheel-lift type truck (vehicles with an automatic transmission)

■

To prevent damaging the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck

●

When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.

●

Vehicles with a manual transmission: Do not tow the vehicle when the
engine switch is in the “LOCK” position or the key is removed. 
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels
straight.

■

Recreational towing (behind motor home, etc.) 

Vehicles with an automatic transmission: Never dinghy tow your vehicle to
prevent causing serious damage to the Active Torque Control 4WD system
(AWD models) and transmission. (

→P. 181)

2WD models: Never tow this vehicle from
the rear with the front wheels on the
ground. This may cause serious damage
to the transmission. If towing from the
rear, use a towing dolly.

AWD models: Never tow this vehicle with
any of the wheels on the ground. This
may cause serious damage to the trans-
mission and Active Torque Control 4WD
system. Use a towing dolly.

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5-1. Essential information

MATRIX_U

If you think something is wrong

If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.

■

Visible symptoms
● Fluid leaks under the vehicle

(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)

● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points

higher than normal

■

Audible symptoms
● Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine

■

Operational symptoms
● Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost

touches the floor

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5-1. Essential information

MATRIX_U

Fuel pump shut off system

Follow the procedure below to restart the engine after the system is
activated.

Turn the engine switch to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position.
Restart the engine.

NOTICE

■

Before starting the engine

Inspect the ground under the vehicle.
If you find that fuel has leaked on to the ground, the fuel system has been
damaged and is in need of repair. Do not restart the engine. Have the vehi-
cle checked and repaired by your Toyota dealer.

To minimize the risk of fuel leakage when the engine stalls or an air-
bag inflates upon collision, the fuel pump shut off system stops sup-
plying fuel to the engine.

STEP

1

STEP

2

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MATRIX_U

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds...

Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.

The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake sys-
tem. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.

*: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer: The buzzer sounds to indicate that

the parking brake is still engaged (with the vehicle having reached a speed
of 3 mph [5 km/h]).

Warning light

Warning light/Details

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)*
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system

This light also comes on when the parking brake is not 
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully 
released the system is operating normally.

Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights turn
on or flash. If a light turns on or flashes, but then turns off, this does
not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the system.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

MATRIX_U

Stop the vehicle immediately.

The following warning indicates the possibility of damage to the vehi-
cle that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.

Have the vehicle inspected immediately.

Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to
the system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

Warning light

Warning light/Details

Charging system warning light

Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system.

Low engine oil pressure warning light

Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low.

Warning light

Warning light/Details

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

Malfunction indicator lamp
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The electronic automatic transmission control system 

(if equipped).

SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

MATRIX_U

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

ABS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• ABS;  or
• The brake assist system.

Electric power steering system warning light (warning 
buzzer)
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS system.

Slip indicator light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The VSC system; or
• The TRAC system. 

(Flashes)

Cruise control indicator light (if equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the cruise control system.

(AWD models)

Active Torque Control 4WD system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the Active Torque Control 4WD 
system.

■

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving

First check the following:

●

Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.

●

Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.

The malfunction indicator lamp will go off after taking several driving trips.
If the malfunction indicator lamp does not go off even after several trips, con-
tact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

Warning light

Warning light/Details

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

MATRIX_U

Follow the correction procedures.

After taking the specified steps to correct the suspected problem,
check that the warning light turns off.

CAUTION

■

When the electric power steering warning light comes on

The steering wheel may become extremely heavy.
If the steering wheel becomes heavier than usual when operating, firmly
hold and operate it using more force than usual.

Warning light

Warning light/Details

Correction procedure

Open door warning light 
(warning buzzer)*

1

Indicates that a door is not 
fully closed.

Check that all doors are 
closed.

Low fuel level warning 
light

Indicates that remaining 
fuel is about 2.0 gal. (7.5 
L, 1.6 Imp. gal.) or less.

Refuel the vehicle.

(on the instru-

ment cluster)

Driver’s seat belt
reminder light
(warning buzzer)*

2

Warns the driver to fasten 
his/her seat belt.

Fasten the seat belt.

(on the center 

panel)

Front passenger’s seat 
belt reminder light
(warning buzzer)*

2

Warns the front passen-
ger to fasten his or her 
seat belt.

Fasten the seat belt.

(Canada)

Low windshield washer 
fluid level warning light

Low level of washer fluid

Fill the tank.

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401

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

MATRIX_U

Tire pressure warning 
light (if equipped)

When the light comes on: 
Low tire inflation pressure 
such as
• Natural causes (

→P. 403)

• Flat tire (

→P. 408)

Adjust the tire inflation 
pressure to the specified 
level.

The light will turn off after 
a few minutes. In case 
the light does not turn off 
even if the tire inflation 
pressure is adjusted, 
have the system checked 
by your Toyota dealer.

When the light comes on 
after blinking for 1 minute:
Malfunction in the tire 
pressure warning system 
(

→P. 404)

Have the system checked 
by your Toyota dealer.

Warning light

Warning light/Details

Correction procedure

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

MATRIX_U

*

1

: Open door warning buzzer:

A buzzer will sound if the vehicle reaches a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) with
any door open.

*

2

: Driver's and front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzers:

The driver’s and front passenger’s seat belts warning buzzers sound to alert
the driver and front passenger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. The
buzzer sounds intermittently for 10 seconds after the vehicle has reached a
speed of 12 mph (20 km/h). Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the
buzzer will sound at a different tone for 20 more seconds.

*

3

: Refer to the separate “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner's Manual

Supplement” for the maintenance interval applicable to your vehicle.

(U.S.A.)

Maintenance required 
reminder light

Indicates that mainte-
nance is required accord-
ing to the driven distance 
on the maintenance 
schedule.*

3

Illuminates for about 3 sec-
onds and then flashes for 
about 15 seconds approxi-
mately 4500 miles (7200 
km) after the maintenance 
data has been reset.

If necessary, perform main-
tenance.

Comes on and remains on if 
the distance driven exceeds 
5000 miles (8000 km) after 
the maintenance data has 
been reset. 
(The indicator will not work 
properly unless the mainte-
nance data has been reset.)

Perform the necessary 
maintenance.
Please reset the mainte-
nance data after the mainte-
nance is performed. 
(

→P. 321)

Warning light

Warning light/Details

Correction procedure

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403

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

MATRIX_U

■

SRS warning light

This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assembly, front airbag
sensors, side and curtain shield airbag sensors, curtain shield airbag sen-
sors, driver's seat position sensor, driver's seat belt buckle switch, front pas-
senger occupant classification system (ECU and sensors), “AIR BAG ON”
indicator light, “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light, front passenger's seat belt
buckle switch, seat belt pretensioners and force limiters, airbags, intercon-
necting wiring and power sources. (

→P. 73)

■

Front passenger detection sensor and passenger seat belt reminder

●

If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger
detection sensor may cause the warning light to flash, even if a passen-
ger is not sitting in the seat.

●

If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sensor may not detect a passen-
ger, and the warning light may not operate properly.

■

When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level.
Pushing the tire pressure warning reset switch does not turn off the tire
pressure warning light.

■

The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes such
as natural air leaks or tire inflation pressure changes caused by temper-
ature. In this case, adjusting the tire inflation pressure will turn off the
warning light (after a few minutes).

■

When a tire is replaced with a spare tire
The compact spare tire is not equipped with the tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warning light will
not turn off even though the flat tire is replaced with the spare tire.
Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire and adjust the proper tire
inflation pressure. The tire pressure warning light will turn off after a few
minutes.

404

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

MATRIX_U

■

If the tire pressure warning system is inoperative
The tire pressure warning system will be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)

●

If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters are used.

●

If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is
not registered in the tire pressure warning computer.

●

If the tire inflation pressure is 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm

2

 or bar) or

higher.

The tire pressure warning system may be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)

●

If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies
are nearby.

●

If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle.

●

If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.

●

If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular around the
wheels or wheel housings.

●

If non-genuine Toyota wheels are used. (Even if you use Toyota
wheels, the tire pressure warning system may not work properly with
some types of tires.)

●

If tire chains are used.

■

If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking
for 1 minute
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute fre-
quently when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer.

■

Customization that can be configured at Toyota dealer

The vehicle speed linked seat belt reminder buzzer can be disabled. 
(Customizable features 

→P. 469) However, Toyota recommends that the

seat belt reminder buzzer be operational to alert the driver and front passen-
ger that the seat belts are not fastened.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

MATRIX_U

CAUTION

■

If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could
cause loss of vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.

●

Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire
inflation pressure immediately.

●

If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pres-
sure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires.
If the tire is flat, change to the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired
by the nearest Toyota dealer.

●

Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate,
you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.

■

If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.

■

Maintenance of the tires
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label (tire and load information label). (If your vehicle has tires of a differ-
ent size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label [tire and load information label], you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)