Page 115 of 233

’98 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U
11 5
Details of specific buttons, controls, and
features are described in the alphabetical
listing that follows. 1 2 3 4 5 6 (Preset buttons)
These buttons are used to preset and
tune in radio stations.
To preset a station to a button: Tune in
the desired station (see ”TUNE” button).
Push and hold down the button until you
hear a beep
⎯this will set the station to
the button. The button number will appear
on the display.
To tune in to a preset station: Push the
button for the station you want. The but-
ton number and station frequency will ap-
pear on the display.
These systems can store one AM and two
FM stations for each button (The display
will show ”AM”, ”FM1” or ”FM2” when you
push ”AM·FM”).
(Eject button)
Push this button to eject a compact disc.
After you turn the ignition to ”LOCK”, you
will be able to eject a disc but you will
not be able to reinsert it.
(Reverse/Fast forward buttons)
If you want to fast forward or reverse
through a compact disc track, push and
hold in the fast forward or reverse button.
When you release the button, the compact
disc player will resume playing.
AM
FM
Push ”AM
F M” to switch between the AM
and FM bands. ”AM”, ”FM1” or ”FM2” will
appear on the display. These systems al-
low you to set twelve FM stations, two for
each button.
If the audio system is off, you can turn
on the radio by pushing ”AM
FM”. Also,
push ”AM
F M” to switch from compact
disc operation to radio operation.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 120 of 233

’98 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U
120
Details of specific buttons, controls, and
features are described in the alphabetical
listing that follows. 1 2 3 4 5 6 (Preset buttons)
These buttons are used to preset and
tune in radio stations.
To preset a station to a button: Tune in
the desired station (see ”TUNE” or ”SEEK”
button). Push and hold down the button
until you hear a beep
⎯this will set the
station to the button. The button number
will appear on the display.
To tune in to a preset station: Push the
button for the station you want. The but-
ton number and station frequency will ap-
pear on the display.
These systems can store one AM and two
FM stations for each button (The display
will show ”AM”, ”FM1” or ”FM2” when you
push ”AM·FM”).
(Eject button)
Push the cassette tape eject button to
eject a cassette. Push the compact disc
eject button to eject a compact disc.
After you turn the ignition to ”LOCK”, you
will be able to eject a cassette or disc but
you will not be able to reinsert it.
(Reverse/Fast forward buttons)
Cassette Player
Push the fast forward button to fast for-
ward a cassette tape. ”FF” will appear on
the display. Push the reverse button to
rewind a tape. ”REW” will appear on the
display.
To stop the tape while it is fast forward-
ing, push the fast forward button or
”TAPE”; to stop the tape while it is re-
winding, push the reverse button or
”TAPE”.
If a tape side rewinds completely, the cas-
sette player will stop and then play that
same side. If a tape fast forwards com-
pletely, the cassette player will play the
other side of the tape, using the auto −re-
verse feature.
Compact Disc Player
If you want to fast forward or reverse
through a compact disc track, push and
hold in the fast forward or reverse button.
When you release the button, the compact
disc player will resume playing.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 126 of 233

’98 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U
126
FM
Fading and drifting stations–Generally, the
effective range of FM is about 40 km (25
miles). Once outside this range, you may
notice fading and drifting, which increase
with the distance from the radio transmit-
ter. They are often accompanied by distor-
tion.
Multi −path—FM signals are reflective,
making it possible for two signals to reach
your antenna at the same time. If this
happens, the signals will cancel each oth-
er out, causing a momentary flutter or
loss of reception.
Static and fluttering—These occur when
signals are blocked by buildings, trees, or
other large objects. Increasing the bass
level may reduce static and fluttering.
Station swapping—If the FM signal you
are listening to is interrupted or weak-
ened, and there is another strong station
nearby on the FM band, your radio may
tune in the second station until the origi-
nal signal can be picked up again. AM
Fading—AM broadcasts are reflected by
the upper atmosphere–especially at night.
These reflected signals can interfere with
those received directly from the radio sta-
tion, causing the radio station to sound
alternately strong and weak.
Station interference—When a reflected sig-
nal and a signal received directly from a
radio station are very nearly the same
frequency, they can interfere with each
other, making it difficult to hear the broad-
cast.
Static—AM is easily affected by external
sources of electrical noise, such as high
tension power lines, lightening, or electri-
cal motors. This results in static.
CARING FOR YOUR CASSETTE PLAYER
AND TAPES
For high performance from your cassette
player and tapes:
Clean the tape head and other parts regu-
larly.
A dirty tape head or tape path can
decrease sound quality and tangle your
cassette tapes. The easiest way to
clean them is by using a cleaning tape.Use high
−quality cassettes.
Low −quality cassette tapes can cause
many problems, including poor sound,
inconsistent playing speed, and
constant auto− reversing. They can also
get stuck or tangled in the cassette
player.
Do not use a cassette if it has been
damaged or tangled or if its label is
peeling off.
Do not leave a cassette in the player
if you are not listening to it, especially
if it is hot outside.
Store cassettes in their cases and out
of direct sunlight.
Avoid using cassettes with a total play-
ing time longer than 100 minutes (50
minutes per side). The tape used in
these cassettes is thin and could get
stuck or tangled in the cassette player.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 133 of 233
’98 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U
133
–Air flow selector settings —Operating tips
To cool off your Toyota after it has
been parked in the hot sun, drive with
the windows open for a few minutes.
This vents the hot air, allowing the air
conditioning to cool the interior more
quickly.
Make sure the air intake grilles in front
of the windshield are not blocked (by
leaves or snow, for example).
On humid days, do not blow cold air
on the windshield. The windshield could
fog up because of the difference in air
temperature on the inside and outside
of the windshield.
Keep the area under the front seats
clear to allow air to circulate through-
out the vehicle.
On cold days, turn the fan speed to
”HI” for a minute to help clear the in-
take ducts of snow or moisture. This
can reduce the amount of fogging on
the windows.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 138 of 233
’98 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U
138
Part 1
OPERATION OF
INSTRUMENTS
AND CONTROLS—
Chapter 1 −8
Other equipment
Clock
Cigarette lighter and ashtray
Glovebox
Auxiliary box
Cup holder
Traction control system
Floor mat
Clock
The digital clock indicates the time.
The key must be in the ”ACC” or ”ON”
position.
To reset the hour: Push the ”H” button.
To reset the minutes: Push the ”M” button.
If quick adjustment to a full hour is de-
sired, push the ”:00” button.
For example, if the ”:00” button is de-
pressed when the time is between
1:01—1:29, the time will change to 1:00.
If the time is between 1:30—1:59, the
time will change to 2:00. Once the electrical power source has
been disconnected from the clock, the
time is automatically set to 1:00 (one
o’clock).
When the instrument panel lights are
turned on, the brightness of the time in-
dication will be reduced.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 139 of 233

’98 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U
139
Cigarette lighter and ashtray
CIGARETTE LIGHTER
To use the cigarette lighter, first pull
the ashtray lid, then press in the light-
er. When it becomes heated, it automat-
ically pops out ready for use.
If the engine is not running, the key must
be in the ”ACC” position.
Do not hold the cigarette lighter pressed
in.
Use a Toyota genuine cigarette lighter or
equivalent for replacement. ASHTRAY
To use the ashtray, pull out the lid.
When finished with your cigarette, thor-
oughly extinguish it in the ashtray to pre-
vent other cigarette butts from catching
fire. After using the ashtray, push it back
in completely.
To remove the ashtray, pull the ashtray lid
and pull it out.
CAUTION
To reduce the chance of injury in
case of an accident or sudden stop
while driving, always push the ash-
tray back in completely after using.
Glovebox
To use the glovebox, do this.
To open: Pull the lever.
With the instrument panel lights on, the
glovebox light will come on when the glo-
vebox is open.
To lock: Insert the master key and turn it
clockwise.
CAUTION
To reduce the chance of injury in
case of an accident or a sudden stop,
always keep the glovebox door closed
while driving.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 141 of 233
’98 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U
141
The cup holder is designed for holding
cups or drink −cans securely in its
holes.
To use the cup holder, open the armrest
lid, pull out the cup holder. Then close the
armrest lid.
CAUTION
Do not leave the armrest lid open,
especially when the cup holder
holds a scalding hot drink. If the lid
is forcibly pulled up, the drink may
spill over the seat occupants.
When the cup holder is in use, the
armrest lid must be securely closed
with the lock engaged.
Do not place anything else on the
cup holder, as such items may be
thrown about and possibly injure
people in the vehicle during sudden
braking or an accident.
To reduce the chance of injury in
case of an accident or sudden stop
while driving, keep the cup holder
retracted when it is not in use.
Do not left the armrest uplight
when the cup holder is pulled out.
Traction control system
Slip indicator light
”TRAC OFF” indicator/warning light
Cup holder
(with bench front seat)
ProCarManuals.com
Page 143 of 233
’98 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U
143
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicles and
power to the front wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction
control system is in operation. Do not
drive the vehicle under any speed or
maneuvering conditions which will
cause the vehicle to lose traction. In
situations where the road surface is
covered with ice or snow, your ve-
hicle should be fitted with snow tires
or tire chains. Always drive at on ap-
propriate and cautious pace.
Floor mat
Use a floor mat of the correct size.
If the floor mat has a hole, then it is
designed for use with a locking clip. Fix
the floor mat and locking clip into the hole
in the floor carpet.CAUTION
Make sure the floor mat is properly
placed on the floor carpet. If the floor
mat slips and interferes with the
movement of the pedals during driv-
ing, it may cause an accident.
ProCarManuals.com