2008 TOYOTA AVALON warning

93
1
1-7. Safety information
Before driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Front passenger occupant classification system
Your vehicle is equipped with a front passenger occupant classifica-
tion system. This system detects the conditions of the front passen-
ger seat and activates or deactivates the devices for front passenger.
SRS warning light
Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light
“AIR BAG OFF” indicator light
“AIR BAG ON” indicator light

94 1-7. Safety information
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Condition and operation in the front passenger occupant classi-
fication system■ Adult
*1
■Child*3 or child restraint system*4
Indicator/
warning light “AIR BAG ON” and “AIR BAG OFF”
indicator lights “AIR BAG
ON”
SRS warning light Off
Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light Flashing
*2
Devices Front passenger airbag
Activated
Side airbag on the front passenger seat
Curtain shield airbag in the front passenger side
Front passenger’s seat belt pretensioner
Indicator/
warning light “AIR BAG ON” and “AIR BAG OFF”
indicator lights “AIR BAG
OFF”*5
SRS warning light Off
Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light Flashing
*2
Devices Front passenger airbag
Deactivated
Side airbag on the front passenger seat
Curtain shield airbag in the front passenger side Activated
Front passenger’s seat belt pretensioner Activated

95
1-7. Safety information
1
Before driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■
Unoccupied
■ System malfunction
Indicator/
warning light “AIR BAG ON” and “AIR BAG OFF”
indicator lights Not illumi-
nated
SRS warning light Off
Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light
Devices Front passenger airbag
Deactivated
Side airbag on the front passenger seat
Curtain shield airbag in the front passenger side Activated
Front passenger’s seat belt pretensioner Deactivated
Indicator/
warning light “AIR BAG ON” and “AIR BAG OFF”
indicator lights “AIR BAG
OFF”
SRS warning light On
Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light Off
Devices Front passenger airbag
Deactivated
Side airbag on the front passenger seat
Curtain shield airbag in the front passenger side Activated
Front passenger’s seat belt pretensioner Activated

98 1-7. Safety information
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■Front passenger occupant cl assification system precautions
● When it is unavoidable to install the forward-facing child restraint system
on the front passenger seat, install the child restraint system on the front
passenger seat in the proper order. ( P. 102)
● Do not modify or remove the front seats.
● Do not kick the front passenger seat or subject it to severe impact. Other-
wise, the SRS warning light may come on to indicate a malfunction on the
detection system. In this case, contact your Toyota dealer immediately.
● Child restraint systems installed on the rear seat should not contact the
front seatbacks.
● Do not use a seat accessory, such as a cushion or seat cover, that covers
the seat cushion surface.

When driving2
113
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
2-1. Driving procedures ........ 114Driving the vehicle............ 114
Engine (ignition) switch 
(with smart key 
system) .......................... 122
Engine (ignition) switch 
(without smart key 
system) .......................... 126
Automatic transmission .... 129
Turn signal lever .............. 133
Parking brake ................... 134 2-2. Instrument cluster.......... 135
Gauges and meters ......... 135
Indicators and warning 
lights .............................. 138
Center display .................. 141
2-3. Operating the lights and 
windshield wipers ........ 143
Headlight switch ............... 143
Fog light switch ................ 145
Windshield wipers and 
washer ........................... 146
2-4. Using other driving 
systems ........................ 149
Cruise control ................... 149
Dynamic laser cruise 
control ............................ 152
Driving assist systems ..... 163
2-5. Driving information ........ 166 Cargo and luggage .......... 166
Vehicle load limits ............ 169
Winter driving tips ............ 170
Trailer towing ................... 175
Dinghy towing .................. 176

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.)

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

138
2-2. Instrument cluster
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Indicators and warning lights
The indicator and warning lights on the instrument cluster and cen-
ter panel inform the driver of the status of the vehicle’s various sys-
tems.
Instrument cluster
The units used on the speedometer and some indicators may differ
depending on the target region.
Center display