2008 TOYOTA AVALON ABS

140 2-2. Instrument cluster
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as ABS and the SRS airbag warning light
not come on when you start the engine, this could mean that these systems
are not available to help protect you in an accident, which could result in
death or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately if this occurs.
■ Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in the indicated
vehicle’s systems. ( P. 370)
*: These lights turn on when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the
engine switch is turned to ON mode to indicate that a system check is
being performed. They will turn off after the engine is started, or after
a few seconds. There may be a malfunction in a system if the lights
do not come on, or turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toy-
ota dealer.
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada)(if equipped)
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(if equipped)
(U.S.A.)(if equipped)(if equipped)
*******
*****
****

163
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Driving assist systems
When the VSC/TRAC are operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, or if the front wheels spin,
the slip indicator light flashes to
indicate that the VSC/TRAC
have been engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too h eavily when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) (if equipped)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC (Traction Control) (if equipped)
Maintains drive power and prevents the front wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.

164 2-4. Using other driving systems
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and
TRAC
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is ope rating on the wet or slick roads
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following
situations.
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven pavement

165
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC is operating. 
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive
carefully. 
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended tire pressure level. 
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fit-
ted on the vehicle. 
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

4
Maintenance and care
315
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Brake fluid
■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
■ Adding fluid
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
■ Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces. 
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.

346 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Fuse layout and amperage ratings■ Engine compartment
FuseAmpereCircuit
1 RR DEF 50 A Rear window defogger, outside
rear view mirror defogger
2 ABS/VSC No.2 30 A Anti-lock brake system, vehicle
stability control system
3 RDI FAN 50 A Electric cooling fan
4 ABS/VSC No.1 50 A Anti-lock brake system, vehicle
stability control system
5 HEATER 50 A Air conditioning system
6 ST/AM2 30 A Starter system
7 MAIN 40 A Headlights

4
Maintenance and care
347
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
FuseAmpereCircuit
8ALT 140 A
(Limited
grade)120 A
(XL, XLS grade) Charging system, RR DEF, ABS/
VSC No.2, HEATER, ABS/VSC
No.1, RDI FAN, WASHER,

S-HORN
9 STOP No.3 7.5 A Electronic controlled transmission
system, multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system
10 INJ 15 A Multiport fuel injection system/
sequential multiport fuel injection
system
11 AM2 7.5 A Starter system
12 DOOR No.1 25 A Multiplex communication system
13 ALT-S 7.5 A Charging system
14 ETCS 10 A Multiport fuel injection system/
sequential multiport fuel injection
system
15 IG2 25 A Multiport fuel injection system/
sequential multiport fuel injection
system, electronic controlled
transmission system
16 TURN/HAZ 15 A Turn signal lights
17 AMP 30 A Audio system
18 FEI No.3 7.5 A Smart key system, electronic con-
trolled transmission system, immo-
bilizer system
19 STR LOCK 25 A Steering lock system
20 STOP No.1 15 A Multiplex communication system

372 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Have the malfunction repaired immediately.After taking the specified steps to correct the suspected problem,
check that the warning light turns off.
Warning lightWarning light/Details

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
ABS warning lightMalfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system.

(if equipped) Automatic headlight leveling system warning light
Malfunction in the automatic headlight leveling system.
Tire pressure warning lightMalfunction in the tire pressure warning system.

(if equipped) Vehicle stability contro
l system warning light
Malfunction in the VSC system or TRAC system.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure
Open door warning light 
(warning buzzer)
*1
A door or a trunk is not
fully closed. Check that all doors and the
trunk are closed.
Low fuel level warning
light Remaining fuel
(Approximately 2.6 gal. [10
L, 2.2 Imp.gal.] or less) Refuel the vehicle.