Engine (ignition) switch

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

Smart key system Starting the engine

Engine Starting the engine Starting the engine

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

The parking brake indicator will come on.

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

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

and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display. If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be started.

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 (automatic transmission) or clutch pedal (manual transmission) until the engine is completely started.

The engine can be started from any engine switch mode.

Note:

Engine switch illumination

According to the situation, the engine switch illumination operates as follows.

When driver’s door or front passenger’s door is opened, the engine switch illumination illuminates.

When the engine switch is in OFF and depressing the brake pedal with carrying the electronic key on your person, the engine switch illumination blinks.

When the engine switch is in ACC or ON, the engine switch illumination illuminates.

When the engine switch mode is changed from ACC or ON to OFF, the engine switch illumination illuminates for a certain amount of time. Afterwards, the engine switch illumination turns off.

If the engine does not start

The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (Engine immobilizer system) Contact your Toyota dealer.

If a message related to start-up is shown on the multi-information display, read the message and follow the instructions.

If the battery is discharged

The engine cannot be started using the smart key system. Refer to If the vehicle battery is discharged to restart the engine.

Electronic key battery depletion

Conditions affecting operation

Notes for the entry function

Note for the entry function

If “ Smart Key System Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” is displayed on the multi-information display

The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

When “ Check Fuel Cap” is displayed on the multi-information display

Closing the fuel tank cap

Steering lock function (vehicles with a manual transmission)

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 cancels 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 steering 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 repeatedly 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

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 to OFF, the engine may not start in some cases. After turning the engine switch to OFF, please wait a few seconds before restarting the engine.

Customization

If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting, refer to If the electronic key does not operate properly.

Warning:

When starting the engine

Always start the engine while sitting 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.

Caution while driving (vehicles with a manual transmission)

If engine failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activation of the steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.

Notice:

When starting the engine

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.

Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the engine switch

If the engine 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 engine

Stop the vehicle completely.

If the parking brake is in manual mode, set the parking brake. (Operating instructions)

Check the parking brake indicator is illuminated.

Shift the shift lever to P (automatic transmission) or N (manual transmission).

Do not press the shift release button after shifting the shift position to P. (vehicles with an automatic transmission)

Press the engine switch shortly and firmly.

The engine will stop, and the meter display will be extinguished.

Release the brake pedal and check that “ ACCESSORY” or “ IGNITION ON” is not shown on the multi-information display.

Note:

Automatic engine shut off feature (except for New Caledonia)

The vehicle is equipped with a feature that automatically shuts off the engine when the shift lever is in P with the engine running for an extended period.

The engine will automatically shut off after approximately 1 hour if it has been left running while the shift lever is in P.

The timer for the automatic engine shut off feature will reset if the brake pedal is depressed or if the shift lever is in a position other than P.

After the vehicle is parked, if the door is locked with the door lock switch (Door lock switches (to lock/unlock)) from the inside or the mechanical key from the outside, the automatic engine shut off feature will be disabled. The timer for the automatic engine shut off feature will be re-enabled if the driver’s door is opened.

Warning:

Stopping the engine in an emergency

If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or more in succession. (If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency)However, do not touch the engine switch while driving except in an emergency. Turning the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking 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.

If the engine switch is operated while the vehicle is running, a warning message will be shown on the multi-information display and a buzzer sounds.

Vehicles with an automatic transmission: To restart the engine after performing an emergency shutdown, shift the shift lever to N and then press the engine switch.Vehicles with a manual transmission: To restart the engine after performing an emergency shutdown, depress the clutch pedal and then press the engine switch.

When parking (except for New Caledonia)

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 ventilated area or a closed area, such as a garage, stop the engine.

Do not leave the vehicle with the engine running 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 engine running in an area with snow build-up, or where it is snowing. If snowbanks build up around the vehicle while the engine is running, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle.

Engine switch Changing the engine switch modes

Engine ACC Changing engine switch modes

Modes can be changed by pressing the engine switch with the brake pedal (automatic transmission) or clutch pedal (manual transmission) released. (The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.)

“ ACCESSORY”

“ IGNITION ON”

OFF^*1

The emergency flashers can be used.

The multi-information display will not be displayed.

ACC^*2

Some electrical components such as the audio system can be used.

“ ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the meter.

All electrical components can be used.

“ IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the meter.

^*1

Vehicles with an automatic transmission: If the shift lever is in a position other than P or the shift release button is pressed when turning off the engine, the engine switch will be remained to ON, not to OFF.

^*2

ACC mode can be enabled/disabled on the customize menu. (Customizable features)

Note:

When ACC customization is in off

With the engine switch turned off, the multimedia system can still be used for a certain time until the battery saving function starts operating.

Engine switch Auto power off function Auto power off function

Automatic transmission: If the vehicle is left in ACC for more than 20 minutes or ON (with engine is not running) for more than 20 minutes with the shift lever is in P or the shift release button is not pressed, the engine switch will automatically turn to OFF. However, this function cannot entirely prevent the battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine switch in ACC or ON for long periods of time when the engine is not running.

Manual transmission: If the vehicle is left in ACC for more than 20 minutes or ON (the engine is not running) for more than 20 minutes, the engine switch will automatically turn off. However, this function cannot entirely prevent battery discharge.

Do not leave the vehicle with the engine switch in ACC or ON for long periods

Notice:

To prevent battery discharge

Do not leave the engine switch in ACC or ON for long periods of time without the engine on.

If “ ACCESSORY” or “ IGNITION ON” is displayed on the meter, the engine switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the engine switch off.

When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position other than P (Vehicles with an automatic transmission)

If the engine is stopped when the shift lever is in a position other than P or the shift release button is pressed, the engine switch will not be turned to OFF. Perform the following procedure to turn the switch to OFF:

Check that the parking brake is set.

Shift the shift lever to P.

Do not press the shift release button after shifting the shift position to P.

Check that “ IGNITION ON” is displayed on the multi-information display and press the engine switch shortly and firmly.

Check that “ ACCESSORY” or “ IGNITION ON” on the multi-information display is off.

Notice:

To prevent battery discharge

Do not stop the engine with the shift lever in a position other P or the shift release button pressed. If the engine is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than P or the shift release button pressed, the engine switch will not be turned OFF and remained to ON. If the vehicle is left in ON, battery discharge may occur.