2008 TOYOTA AVALON lights

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.

145
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Fog light switch (if equipped)
The fog lights improve visibility in difficult driving conditions, such
as in rain or fog. They can be turned on only when the headlights are
on low beam.
OFF
ON

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.

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.

Interior features3
177
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
3-1. Using the air conditioning 
system and defogger... 178
Automatic air conditioning 
system ........................... 178
Using the steering wheel  climate control 
switches ......................... 185
Rear window and outside 
rear view mirror 
defoggers ....................... 187
3-2. Using the audio 
system .......................... 188
Audio system type............ 188
Audio cover ...................... 190
Using the radio ................. 191
Using the CD player ......... 198
Playing MP3 and WMA 
discs............................... 206
Optimal use of the audio 
system ........................... 214
Using the AUX adapter .... 216
Using the steering wheel  audio switches ............... 217
3-3. Using the hands-free 
system .......................... 220
Hands-free system 
(for cellular phone) ........ 220
Using the hands-free 
system ........................... 223 Making a phone call ......... 231
Setting a cellular phone ... 236
Security and system

setup .............................. 241
Using the phone book ...... 244
3-4. Using the interior 
lights ............................. 252
Interior lights list ............... 252
3-5. Using the storage 
features ......................... 255
List of storage features .... 255
3-6. Other interior features ... 263 Sun visors ........................ 263
Vanity mirrors ................... 264
Clock ................................ 265
Outside temperature 
display............................ 266
Ashtrays .......................... 267
Power outlets ................... 268
Climate control seats/seat 
heaters .......................... 270
Armrest ............................ 272
Rear sunshade ................ 273
Floor mats ........................ 275
Trunk features .................. 276
Garage door opener ........ 278
Compass .......................... 283

252
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
3-4. Using the interior lights
Interior lights list
Illuminated entry system: The various lights automatically turn on/
off according to the presence of the key, whether the doors are
locked/unlocked, whether the doors are open/closed, and the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch mode.
Outer foot light
Front personal lights ( P. 254)
Rear personal light ( P. 254)
Interior light ( P. 254)
Center console light
Engine switch light (if equipped)