2008 TOYOTA AVALON trunk

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.

161
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■When the laser radar sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle
ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary when any of the following types of vehicles
are in front of you. 
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles,
the proximity alarm ( P. 157) will not be activated, and an accident may
result.
● Vehicles that cut in suddenly
● Vehicles traveling at low speeds
● Vehicles that are not moving
● Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
● Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
■ Conditions under which the vehicle -to-vehicle distance control may
not function correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the laser radar
sensor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and an accident
may result.
● When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the
functioning of the sensor
● When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the
trunk etc.)
● When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
● When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
■ To ensure the laser radar sensor functions correctly
Do not do the following to the sensor or grille cover as doing so may cause
the sensor not to function correctly and could result in an accident.
● Stick or attach anything to them
● Leave them dirty
● Disassemble, subject them to strong shocks
● Modify or paint them
● Replace them with non-genuine parts

166
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distributionCargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) – (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The comb ined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehi-
cle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 – 750 (5
 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible. Be
sure all items are secured in place.
● Be careful to keep the vehicle le vel. Placing the weight as far
forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
● For better fuel economy, do no t carry unnecessary weight.

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

256 3-5. Using the storage features
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Glove boxOpen
Lock with the mechanical key
or the master key
Unlock with the mechanical
key or the master key
■Glove box light
The glove box light turns on when the instrument panel light switch is on.
■ Trunk opener main switch
The trunk opener main switch is located in the glove box. (  P. 44)
CAUTION
■While driving
Keep the glove box closed. 
Injuries may result in the event of an accident or sudden braking.

276
3-6. Other interior features
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Trunk features
■Cargo net
The cargo net is provided for
securing loose items.
■ Shopping bag hooks
■ Storage box

277
3-6. Other interior features
3
Interior features
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Trunk storage extension
Pull down the rear seat center
armrest.Open (push down the handle)
Lock with the mechanical key
or the master key
Unlock with the mechanical
key or the master key
CAUTION
■While driving
● To avoid injury, always return the cargo hooks to their positions when they
are not in use.
● Always keep the trunk storage extension doors closed to reduce the
chance of injury in case of accident or sudden stop.
NOTICE
■When closing the trunk
Do not leave the luggage mat lever hooked on the edge of the trunk. 
The luggage mat may get damaged.

298 4-2. Maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Doors/trunk • Operate smoothly?
Engine hood • The lock system works properly?
Fluid leaks • Is there any leakage after parking?
Tire • Inflation pressure is correct?
• Tire surfaces not worn or damaged?
• Tires rotated according to the mainte-
nance schedule?
• Wheel nuts are not loose?
CAUTION
■ If the engine is running
Turn off the engine and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per-
forming maintenance checks.