2008 TOYOTA AVALON warning

140 2-2. Instrument cluster
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as ABS and the SRS airbag warning light
not come on when you start the engine, this could mean that these systems
are not available to help protect you in an accident, which could result in
death or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately if this occurs.
■ Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in the indicated
vehicle’s systems. ( P. 370)
*: These lights turn on when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the
engine switch is turned to ON mode to indicate that a system check is
being performed. They will turn off after the engine is started, or after
a few seconds. There may be a malfunction in a system if the lights
do not come on, or turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toy-
ota dealer.
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada)(if equipped)
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(if equipped)
(U.S.A.)(if equipped)(if equipped)
*******
*****
****

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.

156 2-4. Using other driving systems
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)Example of follow-up cruising

When following a vehicle drivi ng slower than the set speed
The system continues follow-up cruising while adjusting for changes in the
speed of the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance set by the driver.
Example of acceleration 
When there are no longer vehicles driving slower than the set
speed in the lane ahead
When the vehicle ahead of you executes a lane change, the system
slowly accelerates until the set vehicle speed is reached. The system then
returns to fixed speed cruising.
Approach warning
When your vehicle is too close to a vehicle ahead, and sufficient
automatic deceleration via the cruise control is not possible, the dis-
play will flash and buzzer will sound to alert the driver. An example of
this would be if another driver cuts in front of you while you are follow-
ing a vehicle. Apply the brake to ensure an appropriate vehicle-to-
vehicle distance.

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.

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.

160 2-4. Using other driving systems
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■Before using dynamic laser cruise control
Do not overly rely on vehicle-to-vehicle distance control. 
Be aware of the set vehicle speed. If automatic deceleration/acceleration is
not appropriate, adjust the vehicle speed, as well as the distance between
your vehicle and vehicles ahead by applying the brakes, etc.
■ To avoid operating the dynamic laser cruise control by mistake
Keep the “ON-OFF” button off when not in use.
■ Situations unsuitable for dynamic laser cruise control
Do not use dynamic laser cruise control in any of the following situations. 
Doing so may result in inappropriate control of speed and could cause seri-
ous or fatal accident.
● In heavy traffic
● On roads with sharp bends
● On winding roads
● On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
● Where there are sudden changes between sharp up and down gradients
● At entrances to expressways
● When weather conditions are bad enough that they may prevent the sen-
sors from functioning correctly (fog, snow, sandstorm, etc.)
● When the approach warning buzzer can be heard often

165
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC is operating. 
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive
carefully. 
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended tire pressure level. 
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fit-
ted on the vehicle. 
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

174 2-5. Driving information
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■Driving with snow chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. 
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden turns and braking, as use of chains may adversely affect
vehicle handling.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs of and obtain replacement snow tires from Toyota dealers. 
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■ Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly\

when tire chains are fitted.