2005 TOYOTA AVALON warning light

’05 AVALON_U (L/O 0501)
153
2005 AVALON from Jan. ’05 Prod. (OM41408U)
(k) “VSC” Warning Light
The light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the vehicle stability control
system or traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition
switch is set at ON and will go off after
about a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
vehicle stability control system and trac-
tion control system do not work. However,
as conventional braking operates when ap-
plied, there is no problem to continue your
driving.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The light does not come on after the
ignition is turned to on.
The light is left on after the ignition is
turned to on.
The light comes on while driving.(l) Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Warning Light
The light warns that the windshield washer
fluid level is too low. Add washer fluid at
your earliest opportunity. (For instructions,
see “Adding washer fluid” on page 367 in
Section 7 −3.)
The light will come on when the ignition
switch is set at ON and will go off after
about a few seconds.
(m) Automatic Headlight Leveling Sys- tem Warning Light
This light warns that when there is a
problem somewhere in the automatic
headlight leveling system.
The light will come on when the ignition
switch is set at ON and will go off after
a few seconds.
If it comes on, have your vehicle checked
by your Toyota dealer. (n) Engine Oil Replacement Reminder
Light (for vehicles sold in U.S.A.)
This light acts as a reminder to replace
the engine oil.
This light will come on when the ignition
switch is set at ON and will go off after
about a few seconds.
When you drive for about 7200 km (4500
miles) after the engine oil replacement,
this light illuminates for about 3 seconds
and then flashes for about 15 seconds
with the ignition switch is set at ON. If
you continue driving without replacing the
engine oil, and if the distance driven ex-
ceeds 8000 km (5000 miles), the light will
come on after the ignition switch is set at
ON. The light will remain on thereafter.
If the light is flashing, we recommend that
you replace the engine oil at an early
opportunity depending on the driving and
road conditions. If the light comes on,
replace it as soon as possible.
The system must be reset after the en-
gine oil replacement. Reset the system by
the following procedure: 1. Turn the engine off with the odometer reading shown. (For details, see
“Odometer and two trip meters” on
page 143 in this Section.)

’05 AVALON_U (L/O 0501)
154
2005 AVALON from Jan. ’05 Prod. (OM41408U)
2. Turn the ignition switch is set at ONwhile holding down the trip meter reset
knob.
Hold down the knob for at least 5 sec-
onds. The odometer indicates “000000”
and the light goes off.
If the system fails to reset, the light will
continue flashing.
(o) Smart Key System Warning Light and Buzzer
The light and buzzer warn that there is a
problem somewhere in the operation of
the smart key system. See “Driving and
parking using smart key system” on page
291 in Section 3. (p) Dynamic Laser Cruise Control Mas-
ter Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the dynamic laser cruise
control system.
The light will come on when the ignition
switch is set at ON and go off after a few
seconds.
When the light comes on, the alarm
sounds and the warning code will appear
on the display. At this time, dynamic laser
cruise control is cancelled. For details,
see “Dynamic laser cruise control” on
page 172 in Section 1 −7.
(q) Key Reminder Buzzer (vehicles with key cylindertype ignition switch)
This buzzer act as a reminder to remove
the key when you open the driver’s door
with the engine off. CHECKING SERVICE REMINDER
INDICATORS (except the low fuel level
warning light)
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Open one of the doors. The open door warning light should
come on.
3. Close the door. The open door warning light should go
off.
4. Set the ignition switch at ON, but do not start the engine.
All the service reminder indicators ex-
cept the open door warning light should
come on. The “ABS” and “VSC” warn-
ing lights, low windshield washer fluid
level warning light, automatic headlight
leveling system warning light, engine
oil replacement reminder light and dy-
namic laser cruise master warning light
go off after a few seconds. The SRS
warning light goes off after about 6
seconds. (slip indicator light and
“READY” [dynamic laser cruise ready
mode] indicator light also come on and
go off after a few seconds. Front pas-
senger occupant classification indicator
lights also come on and go off after
about four seconds.)

’05 AVALON_U (L/O 0501)
159
2005 AVALON from Jan. ’05 Prod. (OM41408U)
When the key is in the vehicle, press-
ing the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
(engine switch) allows you to start and
stop the engine or choose at the ACC,
ON, or ignition switch off.
When the brake pedal is not depressed,
pressing the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch changes the ignition switch mode
as follows. Press the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch slowly and firmly.
First time—ACC (accessory) mode (illu-
minate amber)
Accessories such as the radio operate.
Second time—ON mode (illuminate am-
ber)
Engine on and all accessories on. Third time—Engine off (indicator light
off)
Pressing the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch again returns the ignition switch to
the ACC.If a buzzer sounds and the smart key
system warning light comes on for 5 sec-
onds when pressing the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch, this indicates that the key
is not in the vehicle.
Ignition switch
(engine switch—with smart
key system)

’05 AVALON_U (L/O 0501)
163
2005 AVALON from Jan. ’05 Prod. (OM41408U)
Shift range positions
“5” (Fifth range):
The most suitable gear is selected au-
tomatically between first and overdrive
(fifth) gears according to the vehicle
speed or driving conditions.
“4” (Fourth range):
The most suitable gear is selected au-
tomatically between first and fourth
gears according to the vehicle speed
or driving conditions. Slight engine
braking will be obtained on a downhill
road. Smooth running with less shifting
will be obtained on an uphill road.
“3” (Third range):
The most suitable gear is selected au-
tomatically between first and third
gears according to the vehicle speed
or driving conditions. This range is to
be used when stronger engine braking
is necessary.
“2” (Second range):
First or second gear will be selected
automatically according to the vehicle
speed or driving conditions. This range
is to be used when engine braking
stronger than that of the “3” range
position is necessary.
“1” (First range):
The gear is fixed in first regardless of
vehicle speed or driving conditions.
This range is to be used when maxi-
mum engine braking is necessary.
If you attempt to downshift the transmis-
sion when it is not possible to downshift
due to high vehicle speed, a warning tone
sounds twice.
Maximum allowable speeds
To get on a highway or to pass slower
traffic, maximum acceleration may be nec-
essary. Make sure you observe the follow-
ing maximum allowable speeds in each
range: range km/h (mph)1 59 (37)
2 106 (66)
3 165 (103)
NOTICE
Do not downshift if you are going
faster than the maximum allowable
speed for the next lower range.
When the “S” mode indicator light does
not come on even with the selector lever
moved to the sequential position, there
may be a problem somewhere in the
system. Have your vehicle checked/re-
paired by your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. In this case, you can drive in
the same condition as in the “D” position.
(d) Using engine braking
To use engine braking, you can downshift
the transmission as follows:
When driving in the “D” position—Shift the selector lever to sequential
position.
When driving in the “5” range within
the sequential position— Move the selector lever down to the
“− ” side to select the “4” range.
The transmission will downshift to
fourth range and engine braking will be
enabled.
Vehicles with cruise control or dynamic
laser cruise control—When the cruise
control is being used, engine braking
can not be enabled because the cruise
control is not cancelled.

’05 AVALON_U (L/O 0501)
166
2005 AVALON from Jan. ’05 Prod. (OM41408U)
NORMAL DRIVING MODE
Leave the system on during the ordi-
nary driving so that it can operate
when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the trac-
tion control system is in the self−check
mode, but does not indicate a malfunction. When the traction control system is oper-
ating, the following conditions occur:
The system controls the spinning of the
front wheels. At this time, the slip indi-
cator light blinks.
You may feel vibration or noise in your
vehicle, caused by operation of the
brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is set at
ON. If the indicator light does not come
on when the ignition is turned on, contact
your Toyota dealer.
“VSC” warning light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the traction control system
or the vehicle stability control system.
The light will come on when the ignition
switch is set at ON and will go off after
a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
system does not work. However, as con-
ventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing.

’05 AVALON_U (L/O 0501)
167
2005 AVALON from Jan. ’05 Prod. (OM41408U)
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the ignition switch is set at ON.
The warning light remains on after the
ignition switch is set at ON.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.The vehicle stability control system
helps provide integrated control of the
systems such as antilock brake sys-
tem, traction control, engine control,
etc. This system automatically controls
the brakes and engine to help prevent
the vehicle from skidding when corner-
ing on a slippery road surface or oper-
ating steering wheel abruptly.
This system will activate when your ve-
hicle speed reaches or exceeds 15 km/h
(9 mph), and will deactivate when the ve-
hicle speed reduces to below 15 km/h (9
mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the sys-
tem is in the self
−check mode but does
not indicate a malfunction.
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the ve-
hicle stability control system. Even
if the vehicle stability control sys-
tem is operating, you must always
drive carefully and attentively to
avoid serious injury. Reckless driv-
ing will result in an unexpected ac-
cident. If the slip indicator light
flashes and an alarm sounds, spe-
cial care should be taken while
driving.
Only use tires of specified size. The
size, manufacture, brand and tread
pattern for all 4 tires should be the
same. If you use the tires other
than specified, different type or
size, the vehicle stability control
system may not function correctly.
When replacing the tires or wheels,
contact your Toyota dealer. (See
“Checking and replacing tires” on
page 356 in Section 72.)
In situations where the road surface
is covered with ice or snow, your
vehicle should be fitted with snow
tires or tire chains.
Vehicle stability control
system

’05 AVALON_U (L/O 0501)
168
2005 AVALON from Jan. ’05 Prod. (OM41408U)
If the vehicle is going to skid during driv-
ing, the slip indicator light blinks and an
alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is set at
ON. If the indicator light does not come
on when the ignition is turned on, contact
your Toyota dealer.“VSC” warning light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the vehicle stability control
system or the traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition
switch is set at ON and will go off after
a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
system does not work. However, as con-
ventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing.In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the ignition switch is set at ON.
The warning light remains on after the
ignition switch is set at ON.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.

’05 AVALON_U (L/O 0501)
172
2005 AVALON from Jan. ’05 Prod. (OM41408U)
However, a faster way to reset is to de-
press the brake pedal and then push the
lever down in the “− SET” direction.
Even if you downshift the transmission
from the “D” position or “5” (fifth range)
to “4” (fourth range) in sequential mode
with the cruise control on, engine braking
will not be enabled because the cruise
control is not cancelled. To decrease the
vehicle speed, reset to a slower speed
with the cruise control lever or depress
the brake pedal. If you use the brake
pedal, cruise control is cancelled.
RESUMING THE PRESET SPEED
If the preset speed is cancelled by pulling
the control lever or by depressing the
brake pedal, pushing the lever up in the
“+ RES” direction will restore the speed
set prior to cancellation.CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE WARNING
If “CRUISE” indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster flashes when using the
cruise control, push “ON
−OFF” button to
turn the system off and then push it again
to turn it on.
If any of the following conditions then oc-
curs, there is some trouble in the cruise
control system.
The indicator light does not come on.
The indicator light flashes again.
The indicator light goes out after it
comes on.
If this is the case, contact your Toyota
dealer and have your vehicle inspected. Dynamic laser cruise control allows you
to drive at a selected cruising speed
over about 45 km/h (28 mph) with your
foot off the accelerator pedal, maintain-
ing an appropriate vehicletovehicle
distance.
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on dynamic
laser cruise control in order to avoid
serious injury or death, or to prevent
accidents or to control the vehicle’s
speed in emergency situations. Do
not use cruise control except in ap-
propriate road and traffic conditions.
Always drive carefully and attentively.
Before using dynamic laser cruise
control, read and understand the fol-
lowing instructions.
Dynamic laser cruise control—