2008 TOYOTA AVALON sensor

144 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■Daytime running light system (if equipped)
To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the headlights turn on
automatically (at a reduced intensity) whenever the engine is started and the
parking brake is released. Daytime r unning lights are not designed for use at
night.
■ Headlight control sensor
■ Automatic light off system
The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds after a door is opened or
closed if the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch has been
switched to ACC or turned OFF while the headlights are turned on. (The
lights turn off immediately if the button on the key is pressed after all
doors are locked.)
To turn the lights on again, switch to ON mode, or turn the light switch OFF
once and then back to the
or position.
■ Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be changed. 
(Customizable features P. 429)
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary if the engine is not running.
The sensor may not function properly if
an object is placed on the sensor, or any-
thing that blocks the sensor is affixed to
the windshield. 
Doing so interferes with the sensor
detecting the level of ambient light and
may cause the automatic headlight con-
trol system to malfunction.

146
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Windshield wipers and washer
■Intermittent wiper with inte rval adjuster (if equipped)
Wiper intervals can be adjusted for intermittent operation (when
“INT” is selected).
Intermittent wiper interval
adjustment (increase)
Intermittent wiper interval
adjustment (decrease)
Intermittent wiper operation
Low speed wiper operation
High speed wiper operation
Temporary operation
Wash/wipe operation
■ Raindrop detection windshield wipers (if equipped)
With “AUTO” selected, the wi pers will operate automatically
when the sensor detects falling rain. The system automatically
adjusts wiper timing in accordance with rain volume and vehicle
speed.
Sensor sensitivity (low)
Sensor sensitivity (high)
Raindrop detection wiper
operation
Low speed wiper operation
High speed wiper operation
Temporary operation
Wash/wipe operation

147
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■
The windshield wiper and washer can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch is in ON mode.
■ Dripping prevention wiper sweep
After washing and wiping operation several times, the wipers operate one
more time after a short delay to prevent dripping.
However, the last sweep will not happen if the vehicle is traveling above 106
mph (170 km/h).
■ Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation
Vehicle speed affects the following even when the wipers are not in “AUTO”
mode.
● Intermittent wiper interval (“INT” mode)
● Wiper operation when the washer is being used (delay until drip preven-
tion wiper sweep occurs)
With “LO” selected, wiper operation will be switched from low speed to inter-
mittent wiper operation only when the vehicle is stationary.
■ Rain drop sensor (vehicles equipped with the raindrop detection wind-
shield wipers)
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
The sensor judges the amount of rain-
drops.

148 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■In extremely hot or cold weather
The system will turn off if the windshield gets extremely hot (at more than
176°F [80°C]) or cold (at less than 14°F [-10°C]).
■ Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
Settings (e.g. drip prevention function) can be changed. 
(Customizable features P. 432)
CAUTION
■Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in “AUTO” mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpect edly if the sensor is touched or
the windshield is subject to vibration in “AUTO” mode. Take care that your
fingers or anything else do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
NOTICE
■ When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■ When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled
toward you and held continually.

155
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Cruising in vehicle-to-veh icle distance control mode
This mode employs a laser radar sensor to detect the presence of
vehicles within 400 ft. (120 m) ahead and to judge the distance
between your vehicle and those vehicles.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close when traveling on long
downhill slopes.
Example of constant speed cruising 
When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-
vehicle distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance switch.
Example of deceleration cruising 
When the vehicle ahead is driving slower than the set speed
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, in the same lane, the
system automatically decelerates your vehicle. When a greater reduction
in vehicle speed is necessary, the system applies the brakes. A warning
tone warns you when the system cannot decelerate sufficiently to prevent
your vehicle from closing on the vehicle ahead.

157
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■Dynamic laser cruise control warning lights, display and buzzers
Warning lights, display and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunc-
tion or to alert you to the need for caution while driving.
The warning codes indicate the following.
If the same code appears again after implementing the correction procedure,
or if the cruise control cannot be set, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Switching modes
The mode cannot be switched to constant speed control mode if vehicle-to-
vehicle distance control mode has been used. The mode also cannot be
switched from constant speed control to vehicle-to-vehicle control mode.
Turn the system off by pressing the “ON-OFF” button, and turn it on again.
“CRUISE” indicator light
Master warning light
Warning code
Warning codeDetailsCorrection procedures
C1 Indicates that the laser
radar sensor is dirty or
covered with ice. Clean the sensor.
C2 Indicates that the system
is unable to judge the vehi-
cle-to-vehicle distance. • Stop the wiper or switch
the wiper to variable inter-
mittent operation.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Wait until the weather becomes clear.
E3 (Flashing) Indicates that a system
malfunction has been
detected. Turn off and restart the
“ENGINE START STOP”
switch or the engine
switch.

158 2-4. Using other driving systems
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■The dynamic laser cruise can be set when
● The shift lever is in “D” or the “4”, “5” or “6” range of “S” mode.
● Vehicle speed is between approximately 28 mph (45 km/h) and 85 mph
(135 km/h).
■ Accelerating
The vehicle can be accelerated normally.
■ Automatically canceling vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled in the
following situations.
● Vehicle speed falls below 25 mph (40 km/h)
● VSC is activated
● The sensor cannot operate correctly because it is covered in some way
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving must be reset by turning the “ON-
OFF” button on again.
If vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled for any
other reason, there may be a malfunction in the system. Contact your Toyota
dealer.
■ Automatically canceling constant speed control
The set speed is automatically canceled in the following situations.
● Actual vehicle speed is more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below the preset
vehicle speed 
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.
● Vehicle speed falls below 25 mph (40 km/h)
● VSC is activated

159
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■Vehicle-to-vehicle distance settings
Select a distance from the table below. Note that the distances shown corre-
spond to a vehicle speed of 55 mph (90 km/h). Vehicle-to-vehicle distance
increases/decreases in accordance with vehicle speed.
■ Laser radar sensor
■ Approach warning
In the following instances, there is a possibility that the warning will not
occur.
● When the speed of the vehicle ahead matches or exceeds your vehicle’s
speed
● When the vehicle ahead is traveling at an extremely slow speed
● Immediately after the cruise control speed has been set
● At the instant the accelerator is applied
■ Certification
Distance optionsVehicle-to-vehicle distance
Long Approximately 245 ft. (75 m)
Medium Approximately 165 ft. (50 m) Short Approximately 100 ft. (30 m)
Always keep the sensor clean to ensure
that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance con-
trol operates properly. (Some obstruc-
tions, such as snow, ice or plastic objects,
cannot be detected by the obstruction
sensor.) 
Dynamic laser cruise control is canceled
if an obstruction is detected.
This product is a class l laser product complied with 21 C.F.R part
1040.10 and 1040.11.