2008 TOYOTA AVALON Owners Manual

121
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
NOTICE
■
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
● Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for a
long time. 
Doing so may damage the power steering pump.
● When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■ If you hear a squealing or scrapin g noise (brake pad wear limit indica-
tors)
Have your Toyota dealer check and replace the brake pads as soon as pos-
sible. 
The rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
■ If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
● It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
● The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
● The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( P. 385)
■ When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
● Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, trans-
mission, differentials, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

122
2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Engine (ignition) switch (with smar t key system)
■Starting the engine
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in “P”.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator turns green.
Press the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

123
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■
Changing engine (ignition) switch mode
Modes can be switched by pressing the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch when carrying the electronic key on your person.
OFF
*
Emergency flashers can be
used.
ACC mode
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
The “ENGINE START STOP”
switch indicator turns amber.
ON mode
All electrical components can
be used.
The “ENGINE START STOP”
switch indicator turns amber.
*: The power cannot be switched to OFF unless the shift lever is in “P”.

124 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■When the steering lock cannot be released
■ If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 75)
■ When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toy-
ota dealer immediately.
■ Auto power OFF function
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch will automatically turn OFF when left in
ACC mode for 1 hour or more.
■ Electronic key battery depletion
 P. 3 0
■ When the electronic key battery is discharged
 P. 340
■ Conditions affecting operation
 P. 2 8
■ Leak detection pump
Several hours after the engine is turned off, you may hear a sound coming
from underneath the luggage compartment for several minutes. This is nor-
mal operation and does not indicate a malfunction.
The green indicator light on the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch will flash. Press the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch again
while turning the steering wheel slightly in
either direction.

125
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■
When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not press the
accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances. 
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ While driving
Do not touch the “ENGINE START STOP” switch while driving. 
Pressing and holding the “ENGINE START STOP” switch will stop the
engine, which may lead to an accident.
NOTICE
■ To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACC or ON mode for
long periods if the engine is not running.
■ When starting the engine
● Do not race the engine.
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine
checked immediately.

126
2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Engine (ignition) switch (without smar t key system)
■Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”
■ Starting the engine
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in “P”.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the “START” position and start
the engine.
■ Engine (ignition) switch
“LOCK” (OFF)
The steering wheel is locked
and the key can be removed.
“ACC” (ACC mode)
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
“ON” (ON mode)
All electrical components can
be used.
“START”
For starting the engine.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
Shift the shift lever to “P”.
Push in the key and turn to
the “LOCK” position.STEP1
STEP2

127
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■
When the steering lock cannot be released
■ If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 75)
■ Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened, while the engine switch is in
OFF or ACC mode to remind you to remove the key.
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not press the
accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances. 
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ While driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position. 
If in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the key only to the “ACC” position.
When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK”
position. To free it, turn the key while turn-
ing the steering wheel slightly in either
direction.

128 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the key in the “ACC” or “ON” position for long periods without
the engine running.
■ When starting the engine
● Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the
starter and wiring systems.
● Do not race the cold engine.
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine
checked immediately.