What are the functions of the three buttons on the Yaris dashboard?
4 Answers
The functions of the three buttons on the Yaris dashboard: 1. Hazard warning light (commonly known as double flashing light): Its function is to warn other vehicles around to prevent rear-end collisions. 2. Internal/external circulation: The difference between internal and external circulation is that the air in internal circulation is always provided by the inside of the car, while external circulation allows outside air to enter and replace the original air inside the car. During traffic jams, in tunnels, or when the outside air quality does not meet standards, internal circulation should be prioritized. On highways, external circulation should be switched every hour or so to replace the air inside and outside the car to prevent hypoxia. 3. Temperature zone synchronization: The function of temperature zone synchronization is that only the temperature of the driver's position needs to be changed, and the other temperature zones will follow the same change. After turning off this temperature zone synchronization, each zone can be set individually to meet the needs of passengers in different positions.
When I drove the Yaris before, I pressed these three buttons every day. The TRIP button on the left was the most frequently used—pressing it could switch between the total mileage and trip meters A/B. For example, after refueling, if I wanted to calculate how far this tank of gas could go, I would press it to switch to the trip meter and check the distance traveled by the next refueling. The middle one with a small car icon is the traction control system switch. On rainy or snowy days when the car slips, the system automatically intervenes to limit power and prevent skidding. However, I only turned it off when stuck in mud and needed to floor the throttle to escape—normally, keeping it on is safer. The tiny ‘O/D OFF’ on the far right restricts the transmission from shifting to the highest gear. I pressed it when climbing steep slopes or overtaking to get more torque, as the car would rev higher and deliver stronger power—just don’t accidentally press it on the highway. These three small buttons may seem simple, but over time, you’ll learn their clever uses.
My sister has been commuting with her Yaris for three years. The button on the left side of the dashboard labeled 'TRIP' is the mileage toggle switch. A gentle press switches between total mileage and trip mileage, which is super convenient for calculating one-way distances after grocery runs. The middle button with a small car skidding icon is the traction control switch. It's easy to trigger during braking on rainy overpasses, as the system automatically applies intermittent braking to prevent skidding. Unless you're intentionally drifting, don't turn it off randomly. The 'O/D OFF' button on the right is best left alone during rush hour commutes. When pressed, it locks the transmission in the highest gear, causing RPMs to soar with noticeable noise. However, holding it down can prevent rollback when climbing steep slopes in supermarket parking garages. Though these three buttons may seem inconspicuous, familiarizing yourself with them can enhance both driving safety and convenience.
With a decade of car repair experience, I've seen countless Yaris instrument cluster failures. I can locate these three buttons blindfolded. The TRIP button toggles the odometer as a basic function, but the trip meter often gets accidentally reset by customers. When the yellow slip indicator light illuminates, it suggests potential issues with wheel speed sensors or control modules - this can't be fixed by simply pressing buttons and requires diagnosis. The OD button actually controls the transmission overdrive solenoid valve, and frequent accidental presses may cause excessive transmission fluid temperature. I recommend monthly checks for button responsiveness, especially since poor contact in the slip prevention button can trigger ABS fault codes. Wiping dust from button crevices during maintenance can extend their lifespan.
