2008 TOYOTA AVALON light

107
1-7. Safety information
1
Before driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Installation with child restraint lower anchorages
Adjust the seatback to the most
leaned position.
Widen the gap between the seat cushion and seatback
slightly.
Type A
Latch the hooks of the lower
straps onto the anchorages.
If the child restraint has a top
strap, the top strap should be
latched onto the anchorage.
For owners in Canada: 
The symbol on a child restraint
system indicates the presence of
a lower anchorage system.
STEP1Most 
leaned 
position
STEP2
STEP3
Canada only

110 1-7. Safety information
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■When installing a child restraint system
Follow the directions given in the child restraint system installation manual
and fix the child restraint system securely in place. 
If the child restraint system is not correctly fixed in place, the child or other
passengers may be injured or even killed in the event of sudden braking or
an accident.
● When a booster seat is installed, always ensure that the shoulder belt is
positioned across the center of the child’s shoulder. The belt should be
kept away from the child’s neck, but not so that it could fall off the child’s
shoulder. Failing to do so may result in death or serious injury in the event
of an accident or sudden braking.
● Ensure that the belt and tab are securely locked and the seat belt is not
twisted.
● Push and pull the child restraint system in different directions to be sure it
is secure.
● Follow all installation instructions provided by the child restraint system
manufacturer.
●If the driver’s seat interferes with the
child restraint system and prevents it
from being attached correctly, attach
the child restraint system to the right-
hand rear seat.
● Only put a forward-facing child seat on
the front seat when unavoidable. When
installing a forward-facing child restraint
on the front passenger seat, move the
seat as far back as possible even if
“AIR BAG OFF” indicator light is illumi-
nated. Failing to do so may result in
death or serious injury if the airbags
deploy (inflate).

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

116 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the engine run-
ning. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■ When driving the vehicle
● Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accel-
erator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake
pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident
that could result in death or serious injury.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a diffi- culty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle only slightly, allowing you to depress the brake and accelerator
pedals properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, result-
ing in an accident.
● Do not drive the vehicle over or st op the vehicle near flammable materials. 
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. This may
cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
● Do not let the vehicle roll backwards while the shift lever is in a driving
position, or roll forward while the shift lever is in “R”. 
Doing so may cause the engine not to operate or lead to poor brake and
steering performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.\
● If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and
check that the trunk is closed. 
Large amounts of exhaust in the vehicle can cause driver drowsiness and
an accident, resulting in death or a serious health hazard. Have the cause
of the problem inspected immediately.
● Do not under any circumstances shift the shift lever to “P”, “R” or “N” while
the vehicle is moving. 
Doing so can cause significant damage to the transmission and may result
in a loss of vehicle control.

118 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
● Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
● Sudden changes in engine speed, such as engine braking caused by up-
shifting or down-shifting, may cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an
accident.
● After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make
sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent
the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in
an accident.
■ When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed. 
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may
cause an accident and result in death or serious injury.
■ When the vehicle is stopped
● Do not race the engine. 
If the vehicle is in any gear other than “P” or “N” the vehicle may acceler-
ate suddenly and unexpectedly, and may cause an accident.
● Do not leave the vehicle with the engine on for a long time. 
If such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space
and check that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.
● Always keep a foot on the brake pedal while the engine is running to pre-
vent an accident caused by the vehicle moving.

119
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■
When the vehicle is parked
● Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft drink cans in
the vehicle when it is in the sun. 
Failure to do so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and plastic material of eye glasses to deform or crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehi-
cle’s electrical components.
● Always apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever to “P”, stop the engine
and lock the vehicle. 
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.
● Do not touch the exhaust pipe while the engine is running or immediately
after turning the engine off. 
Doing so may cause burns.
● Do not leave the engine running in an area with snow build up, or where
snow is expected to fall. 
Exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to death or a
serious health hazard.
■ Exhaust gases
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO) that is colorless and
odorless. Inhaling exhaust gases may lead to death or a serious health haz-
ard.
● If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area, stop the engine. In a closed
area, such as a garage, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle.
This may lead to death or a serious health hazard.
● The exhaust should be checked occasionally. If there is a hole or crack
caused by corrosion, damage to a joint or abnormal exhaust noise, be
sure to have the vehicle inspected and repaired by your Toyota dealer.
Failure to do so may allow exhaust gases to enter the vehicle, resulting in
death or a serious health hazard.

124 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■When the steering lock cannot be released
■ If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 75)
■ When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toy-
ota dealer immediately.
■ Auto power OFF function
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch will automatically turn OFF when left in
ACC mode for 1 hour or more.
■ Electronic key battery depletion
 P. 3 0
■ When the electronic key battery is discharged
 P. 340
■ Conditions affecting operation
 P. 2 8
■ Leak detection pump
Several hours after the engine is turned off, you may hear a sound coming
from underneath the luggage compartment for several minutes. This is nor-
mal operation and does not indicate a malfunction.
The green indicator light on the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch will flash. Press the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch again
while turning the steering wheel slightly in
either direction.

127
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■
When the steering lock cannot be released
■ If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 75)
■ Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened, while the engine switch is in
OFF or ACC mode to remind you to remove the key.
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not press the
accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances. 
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ While driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position. 
If in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the key only to the “ACC” position.
When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK”
position. To free it, turn the key while turn-
ing the steering wheel slightly in either
direction.