2008 TOYOTA AVALON stop start

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.

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.

153
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■Selecting conventional constant speed control mode
Press the “ON-OFF” button
to operate the cruise con-
trol.
Switch to constant speed
control mode.
(Push and hold for approxi-
mately 1 second.)
Push the button once more to
deactivate.
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode is always reset
when the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch or the engine
switch is switched to ON
mode.
■ Adjusting the speed setting
Increase speed
Decrease speed
Hold the lever until the desired
speed setting is displayed.
In the constant speed control
mode, fine adjustment of the
set speed (approximately 1.0
mph [1.6 km/h]) can be made
by lightly pressing the lever up
or down and releasing it.

154 2-4. Using other driving systems
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■Canceling and resuming the speed setting
Cancel
Push the lever towards you to
cancel cruise control.
The setting is also canceled
when depressing the brake
pedal.
Resume
To resume cruise control and
return to the set speed, push
the lever up.
■Changing the vehicle -to-vehicle distance
Each push of the switch
changes the vehi cle-to-vehicle
distance
Long
Medium
Short
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance
is automatically set to the long
mode when the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch or the
engine switch is set to the ON
mode.
A vehicle mark is displayed
ahead if one is detected. Preceding vehicle mark

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.

163
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Driving assist systems
When the VSC/TRAC are operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, or if the front wheels spin,
the slip indicator light flashes to
indicate that the VSC/TRAC
have been engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too h eavily when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) (if equipped)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC (Traction Control) (if equipped)
Maintains drive power and prevents the front wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.

164 2-4. Using other driving systems
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and
TRAC
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is ope rating on the wet or slick roads
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following
situations.
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven pavement

187
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
3
Interior features
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Rear window and outside rear view mirror defoggers
■Operating conditions
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch must be in the ON
mode.
CAUTION
■When the outside rear view mirr or defoggers are on (if equipped)
Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces, as they can become very hot and
burn you.
NOTICE
■ To prevent battery discharge
Turn the defoggers off when the engine is not running.
These features are used to defog the rear window, and to remove
raindrops, dew and frost from the outside rear view mirrors.
With outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers
Without outside rear view
mirror defoggers
Press the button to turn on the
rear window (and outside rear
view mirror) defoggers. The
defoggers will automatically turn
off after approximately 15 min-
utes. Pressing the button again
also turns the defoggers off.
The operation time changes
according to the ambient tem-
perature and vehicle speed.