2008 TOYOTA AVALON engine

392 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Emergency start function (vehicles with smart key system)When the engine does not start, th e following steps can be used as
an interim measure to start the engine if the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch is functioning normally.
Set the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to “P”.
Set the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to the ACC mode.
Push and hold the “ENGINE START STOP” switch about 15
seconds while depressing the brake pedal firmly.
Even if the engine can be started using the above steps, the system
may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle checked by your Toyota
dealer.
■ The starter motor does not turn over (vehicles with smart
key system).
The engine starting system may be malfunctioning due to an
electrical problem such as an open circuit or a blown fuse. How-
ever, an interim measure is available to start the engine. 
(  P. 122)
■ The starter motor does not turn over, the interior lights and
headlights do not turn on, or the horn does not sound
One of the following may be the cause of the problem.
● One or both of the battery terminals may be disconnected.
● The battery may be discharged. ( P. 397)
● There may be a malfunction in the steering lock system (vehi-
cles with smart key system).
Contact your Toyota dealer if the problem cannot be repaired, or if
repair procedures are unknown.
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393
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake, there
may be a problem with the shif t lock system (a system to prevent
accidental operation of the shift lever). Have the vehicle inspected by
your Toyota dealer immediately. 
The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to
ensure that the shift lever can be shifted.
Set the parking brake.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine
switch to the ACC mode.
Depress the brake pedal.
Pry the cover up with a flat-
head screwdriver or equiva-
lent.
To prevent damage to the
cover, cover the tip of the
screwdriver with a rag.
Press the shift lock override
button.
The shift lever can be shifted
while the button is pressed.
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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If the electronic key does not operate properly (with smart key system)
Locking and unlocking the doors key linked functionsUsing the mechanical key in
order to perform the following
operations:Locks all doors
Unlocks the door
Turning the key rearward unlocks
the driver’s door. Turning the key
once again unlocks the other
doors.
Changing “ENGINE START STOP” switch modes and starting the
engine
Put the shift lever in “P” and apply the brakes. Touch the Toyota emblem side of
the electronic key to the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch.
An alarm will sound to indicate
that the start function cannot
detect the electronic key that is
touched to the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch if any of the doors
is opened and closed while the
key is touched to the switch.
If communication between the elect ronic key and vehicle is inter-
rupted ( P. 28) or the electronic key cannot be used because the
battery is depleted, the smart key system and wireless remote con-
trol cannot be used. In such cases, the doors can be opened or the
engine can be started by following the procedure below.
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396 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)To change the “ENGINE START STOP” switch modes: Within
5 seconds of the buzzer soundi
ng, release the brake pedal
and press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch. Modes can be
changed each time the sw itch is pressed. (P. 122) 
To start the engine: Press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
within 5 seconds after the buzzer sounds, keeping the brake
pedal depressed.
If the “ENGINE START STOP” switch still cannot be operated, con-
tact your Toyota dealer.
■ Stopping the engine
Shift the shift lever to “P” and press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch as
you normally do when stopping the engine.
■ Replacing the key battery
As the above procedure is the temporary measure, it is recommended that
the electronic key battery be replaced immediately when the battery
depletes. ( P. 340)
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397
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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If the vehicle batter y is discharged
The following procedures may be used to start the engine if the vehi-
cle’s battery is discharged.
You can call your Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop.
If you have a set of jumper (or boo ster) cables and a second vehi-
cle with a 12 volt battery, you can jump start your Toyota following
the steps below.
Connecting the jumper cables.
If required, remove all vent plugs from the booster battery. Lay a
cloth over the open vents on the booster battery. (This helps
reduce the explosion hazard, personal injuries and burns.)
Positive (+) battery terminal on your vehicle.
Positive (+) battery terminal on the second vehicle.
Negative (-) battery terminal on the second vehicle.
Connect the jumper cable to groun d on your vehicle as shown in
the illustration.
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398 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■Starting the engine when the battery is discharged
The engine cannot be started by push-starting.
■ To prevent battery discharge
● Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch or the engine is turned off.
● Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is run-
ning at a low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic, etc.
■ When the battery is removed or discharged
The following systems must be initialized.
● Power windows (
P. 66)
● Moon roof (
P. 70)
● Tire pressure warning system (
P. 324)
Start the engine of the second vehicle. Increase the engine
speed slightly and maintain at that level for approximately
five minutes to recharge the battery of your vehicle.
Vehicles with smart key system  Open and close any of
the doors with the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
Maintain the engine speed on the second vehicle and turn
the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch to
the ON mode, then start the vehicle’s engine.
Once the vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper
cables in the exact reverse order in which they were con-
nected.
Once the engine starts, have the vehicle checked at your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.STEP2
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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If your vehicle overheats
If your engine overheats:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air condi-
tioning system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam: 
Stop the engine and carefully lift the hood.
If you do not see steam: Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Remove the engine compartment cover. ( P. 307)
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating: 
Wait until the engine coolant temperature gauge begins
to fall and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating: 
Stop the engine immediately and call your local Toyota
dealer.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, check the
coolant level and inspect the
radiator core (radiator) for any
leaks.STEP1
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402 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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■Overheating
In the following situations, your vehicle may be overheating.
● The engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone or a loss of
power is experienced.
● Steam is coming from under the hood.
CAUTION
■To prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of
your vehicle
● Keep hands and clothing away from the fan and engine drive belt while the
engine is running.
● Do not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot. 
Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam
released under pressure.
Add coolant if required.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency measure if coolant is
unavailable. ( P. 410)
Have the vehicle checked at your nea rest Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
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