2008 TOYOTA AVALON Owners Manual

129
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Automatic transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
While the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch
or the engine switch is
in ON mode, depress
the brake pedal and
move the shift lever.
“S” mode driving position

130 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■Shift position uses
*1: To improve fuel consumption and reduce noises, set the shift lever in
the “D” position for normal driving.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using “S” mode, you can control engine brak-ing forces.
Shift positionFunction
“P”Parking the vehicle or starting the engine
“R”Reversing
“N”Neutral
“D”Normal driving*1
“S” mode driving*2 (  P. 131)

131
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Changing shift ranges in “S” mode
Shift the shift lever to the “S” mode driving position and operate the
shift lever. Upshifting
Downshifting
The initial shift range in “S” mode is automatically set to “5” or “4”
according to the vehicle’s speed. ( P. 132)
■ Shift ranges and their functions
●You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.
● A lower shift range will provide gr eater engine braking force than
a higher shift range, and the engine revolutions will also
increase.

132 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■Down shifting restrictions wa rning buzzer (in the “S” mode)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be
possible even when the shift lever is operated. (The warning buzzer will
sound twice.)
■ When driving with the cruise contro l system (or dynamic laser cruise
control system)
The engine brake will not operate in t he “S” mode, even when downshifting
to “5” or “4”. ( P. 149, 152)
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from “P”
 P. 393
■ If the “S” indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever
to “S” mode driving position
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately. 
(In this situation, the vehicle will operate as if the shift lever is in “D”.)
■ AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatically shifts the gear to the optimal position according
to the driver’s input and driving conditions. 
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the “D” posi-
tion. (Shifting the shift lever to the “S” mode driving position cancels the func-
tion.)

133
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Tur n signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch is in ON mode.
■ If the indicators flash faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
Left turn
Right turn
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change
The left hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change
The right hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.

134
2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Parking brake
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake. 
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake
wear.
Sets the parking brake*
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
*: Fully depress the parking brake pedal with your left
foot while depressing the
brake pedal with your right
foot.
CanadaU.S.A.

135
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
The units used on the speedometer may differ depending on the
target region.Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed.
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
Low fuel level warning light
P. 372
Odometer/trip meter and trip meter reset button
P. 136

136 2-2. Instrument cluster
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Odometer and trip meter display buttonPressing this button switches am ong odometer and trip meter when
the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch is on.
Odometer
Trip meter A
Trip meter B
Pushing and holding the button
will reset the trip meter.
Odometer/Trip meter displayOdometer
Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
Trip meter
Displays the distance the vehicle has been driven since the meter
was last reset. Trip meters A and B can be used to record and dis-
play different distances independently.
Dynamic laser cruise control display
P. 152
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature.