2008 TOYOTA AVALON brake light

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

297
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal • Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal
effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism • Can the vehicle be hold securely on an
incline with the shift lever in “P”?
Brake pedal • Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and
correct amount of free play?
Brakes • Pulls to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints • Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers • Function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly? (
P. 353)
Parking brake • Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on an
incline?
Seat belts • Does the seat belt system operate
smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats • Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel • Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?

316 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Power steering fluid■ Fluid level
The fluid level should be within the appropriate range.
Full (when hot)
Add fluid (when hot)
Full (when cold)
Add fluid (when cold)
Hot: The vehicles has been driven around 50 mph (80 km/h) for 20 minutes, or slightly longer in frigid temperatures. (Fluid tem-
perature, 140 F - 175F [60C - 80 C]).
Cold: The engine has not been run for about 5 hours. (Room tem- perature, 50 F - 85F [10C - 30 C]).
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high. 
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious pro\
blem.

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

348 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
FuseAmpereCircuit
21 EFI No.1 25 A Multiport fuel injection system/
sequential multiport fuel injection
system, fuel pump
22 HORN 10 A Horn
23 HEAD LH UPR 15 A Left-hand headlight (high beam)
24 HEAD RH UPR 15 A Right-hand headlight (high beam)
25 A/F 25 A Air fuel ratio sensor
26 WASHER 20 A Windshield washer
27 S-HORN 7.5 A Horn
28 DOME 7.5 A Gauges and meters, clock, front
personal lights, door courtesy
lights, garage door opener, rear
personal lights, trunk light
29 ECU-B 10 A Center display, multiplex

communication system
30 RAD No.1 15 A Audio system, center display,

navigation system
31 EFI No.2 10 A Multiport fuel injection system/
sequential multiport fuel injection
system
32 STOP No.2 7.5 A Stop lights, high mounted

stoplight, vehicle stability control
system, anti-lock brake system
33 RADAR CC 7.5 A Vehicle stability control system
34 HEAD RH LWR 15 A Right-hand headlight (low beam)
35 HEAD LH LWR 15 A Left-hand headlight (low beam)

350 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
FuseAmpereCircuit
11S-HTR20 AAir conditioning system
12DOOR No.225 AMultiplex communication system
13S/ROOF30 AMoon roof
14TA I L10 A
Parking lights, license plate lights,
tail lights, front and rear side
marker lights
15PA N E L7.5 A
Seat heaters, navigation system,
emergency flashers, 
electronically controlled 
automatic transmission system,
glove box light, instrument panel
lights, power outlets
16ECU IG No.110 A
Center display, shift lock control
system, moon roof, multiplex 
communication system, tire pres-
sure monitoring (warning) system
17ECU IG No.210 A
Anti-lock brake system, dynamic
laser cruise control system, 
automatic headlight leveling 
system, vehicle stability control
system, multiplex 
communication system
18HTR7.5 A
Air conditioning system, 
instrument panel lights, electric
cooling fan
19A/C COMP7.5 AAir conditioning system
20GAUGE No.110 ABack-up lights, navigation 
system, emergency flashers
21WIP30 AWindshield wipers
22RR S/SHADE10 ARear sunshade

370
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a war ning light tur ns on or a war ning buzzer sounds...
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle
may be dangerous.The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake sys-
tem. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
*: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approxi-
mately 3 mph (5 km/h) or more.
Warning lightWarning light/Details

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)*
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake systemThis light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is
fully released, the system is operating normally.
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights turn
on or flash. If a light turns on or flashes, but then turns off, this does
not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the system.