DYNAMIC RADAR CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM GENERAL

OUTLINE

PRECAUTION

1. Observe the following precautions when using the constant speed control:

   
   

   1. When the constant speed control mode is selected, neither the presence of the vehicle ahead nor the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is detected as in the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode and the skid control buzzer does not sound. Pay special attention to the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.

   2. Turn off the ON-OFF button on the cruise control main switch whenever the constant speed control is not in use.

   3. Beware of a possible increase in vehicle speed when driving downhill.

   4. The RES switch control is activated when the cruise control main switch is pressed to the +RES side after the constant speed control is cancelled, and the ACC (+) switch control is activated when the cruise control main switch is pressed to the + RES side while driving at a constant speed.

   5. If the cruise main indicator light flashes while the constant speed control is on, first turn the constant speed control off. Then, turn the constant speed control back on. If the cruise main indicator light continues to flash after performing the above, there may be a malfunction in the system. Although this does not affect normal driving, have the vehicle inspected at a Toyota dealer.

   6. Do not use the constant speed control under the following road conditions. This may cause the driver not to drive the vehicle at a reasonable speed according to the road surface conditions and lose control of the vehicle due to tire spin, resulting in unexpected accidents.

      
      

      • Road with heavy traffic

      • Winding road

      • Steep downhill

      • Road with sharp bends

      • Frozen or snowy road

      • Slippery road surface

   7. Do not use the constant speed control when towing a vehicle. The weight of the vehicle being towed may impair the system function and deteriorate the control performance, resulting in unexpected accidents.

   8. The system cannot always hold the set vehicle speed due to the power performance limit affected by the road gradient, the number of occupants and load conditions.

2. Observe the following precautions when using the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control:

   
   

   1. The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control is a vehicle speed control device that is intended for use on motorways or roads where the traffic is light or moderate.

   2. Do not overly rely on the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control. There is a limit to the amount of control it can exert over vehicle distance. Always drive carefully and safely, being attentive of your surroundings and the distance between vehicles in front, and using the accelerator and brake pedals as appropriate to maintain the proper distance between other vehicles.

   3. The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control is not designed to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Although it will automatically apply the brakes, there are limits to the amount of brake control it can exert. In certain situations, such as the vehicle in front slowing drastically or another vehicle suddenly cutting in, automatic deceleration will be insufficient to maintain a safe distance. In these situations, a skid control buzzer and multi-information display will warn the driver to apply the brakes manually.

   4. The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control is not a collision avoidance system and does not provide an excuse for inattentive and careless driving.

   5. To avoid serious injury or death, do not use the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control under the following road conditions. The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control may automatically cancel if it detects bad weather.

      
      

      • In bad weather (such as rain, fog, snow, sandstorms and etc.)

      • Raindrops or snowflakes get in millimeter wave radar sensor glass.

      • Road with heavy traffic or road with sharp bends

      • Slippery road surface (such as frozen or snowy road)

      • Winding road

      • Steep downhill

      • When the vehicle is being repeatedly accelerated and decelerated in traffic.

      • When exiting a motorway.

      • Roads with continual steep up and downhills

   6. Do not use the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control when towing a vehicle. The weight of the vehicle being towed may impair the system function and deteriorate the control performance, resulting in unexpected accidents.

   7. Certain conditions make vehicle detection difficult or impossible. As the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control operates primarily by detecting the reflectors of the vehicle ahead, the distance may not be accurately detected in the following cases, resulting in improper vehicle-to-vehicle distance judgment.

      
      

      • The vehicle ahead has higher ground clearance.

      • The rear section of the vehicle ahead is extremely dirty.

      • The vehicle ahead or other vehicles around own vehicle are flinging up water or snow.

      • Excessive exhaust gas (black smoke) is coming from the vehicle ahead or other vehicles nearby, obscuring the area ahead of the vehicle.

      • Heavy luggage loaded in the luggage compartment or on top of the rear seats is causing the nose of the vehicle to rise.

   8. The millimeter wave radar sensor automatically detects dirt sticking to the sensor glass of the vehicle, and if detected, a warning message is shown on the multi-information display. However, if the sensor glass is obscured by a transparent or translucent vinyl bag, ice, etc., dirt may not be detected, resulting in improper vehicle-to-vehicle distance judgment. Continue driving with due care. If dirt is detected, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control is automatically canceled. Always keep the sensor glass clean.

   9. Depending on the curves of the road and the manner in which the vehicle is being maneuvered, nearby vehicles and objects may be temporarily detected, resulting in activation of the approach warning or a reduction in vehicle-to-vehicle distance caused by a failure to detect vehicles directly ahead.

   10. The deceleration control and the approach warning will not operate if the vehicle ahead is at a stop or is driving very slowly. Take appropriate care at tollbooths, delays, etc, and be aware of stopped or slow-moving vehicles.

   11. To avoid any accidental vehicle-to-vehicle distance control engagement, turn off the ON-OFF button on the cruise control main switch whenever the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control is not in use.

   12. When vehicle-to-vehicle distance control is on (in follow-up control), vehicle speed is regulated in proportion to the speed of the vehicle ahead, and increasing the set vehicle speed using the cruise control main switch will not cause the vehicle to accelerate. However, if the set vehicle speed has been increased, the vehicle speed may increase unexpectedly if the vehicle ahead leaves the lane. Confirm the setting on the multi-information display.

   13. Select the vehicle-to-vehicle distance taking traffic conditions into consideration. The approximate distances for each vehicle-to-vehicle distance setting when driving at 80 km/h (50 mph) are applied as follows:

       
       

       • Long: approximately 50 m (160 ft.)

       • Middle: approximately 40 m (130 ft.)

       • Short: approximately 30 m (100 ft.)

       • If the vehicle speed is below 80 km/h (50 mph), the distance will be shorter than the above.

   14. During long downhill driving, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance may be shorter than the selected distance.

   15. When the skid control buzzer sounds frequently, do not use the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control.

   16. In the following situations, the approach warning may not activate even if the vehicle is close to the vehicle ahead:

       
       

       • The vehicle ahead is cruising at almost the same speed.

       • The vehicle ahead is cruising at a faster speed.

       • Immediately after the speed has been set.

       • While the accelerator pedal is being depressed, or immediately after the accelerator.

   17. While vehicle-to-vehicle distance control is on (in follow-up control), acceleration and deceleration are automatically performed in proportion to the speed of the vehicle detected ahead. However, when acceleration is necessary to change lanes, the vehicle ahead decelerates abruptly, or another vehicle suddenly cuts in, press the accelerator and brake pedals accordingly.

   18. While driving with the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode in use, if the warning sounds, the cruise main indicator light blinks, the master warning light illuminates and a warning message appears on the multi-information display, turn off the ON-OFF button on the cruise control switch and perform the setting again. If setting cannot be performed, or if the cruise control is immediately canceled after setting, there may be a malfunction in the system. Although it is safe to continue driving, contact a Toyota dealer for an inspection.

   19. To ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control functions properly while driving, observe the following precautions:

       
       

       • Always keep the millimeter wave radar sensor glass clean. When cleaning, use a soft cloth and be careful not to damage the sensor.

       • Do not disassemble the sensor or subject the sensor or its surrounding area to strong impacts. Doing so will cause the sensor to malfunction.

       • Do not affix stickers (including transparent stickers) or attach accessories around the millimeter wave radar sensor. This will cause the millimeter wave radar sensor to malfunction.

   20. The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode and the constant speed control mode both control the vehicle in different ways. When using vehicle-to-vehicle distance control, always confirm the selected mode on display of the combination meter assembly.