2008 TOYOTA AVALON Owners Manual

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When trouble arises
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake, there
may be a problem with the shif t lock system (a system to prevent
accidental operation of the shift lever). Have the vehicle inspected by
your Toyota dealer immediately. 
The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to
ensure that the shift lever can be shifted.
Set the parking brake.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine
switch to the ACC mode.
Depress the brake pedal.
Pry the cover up with a flat-
head screwdriver or equiva-
lent.
To prevent damage to the
cover, cover the tip of the
screwdriver with a rag.
Press the shift lock override
button.
The shift lever can be shifted
while the button is pressed.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

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If you lose your keys
New genuine Toyota keys can be made by your Toyota dealer using
one of the other master keys and the key number stamped on your
key number plate.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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If the electronic key does not operate properly (with smart key system)
Locking and unlocking the doors key linked functionsUsing the mechanical key in
order to perform the following
operations:Locks all doors
Unlocks the door
Turning the key rearward unlocks
the driver’s door. Turning the key
once again unlocks the other
doors.
Changing “ENGINE START STOP” switch modes and starting the
engine
Put the shift lever in “P” and apply the brakes. Touch the Toyota emblem side of
the electronic key to the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch.
An alarm will sound to indicate
that the start function cannot
detect the electronic key that is
touched to the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch if any of the doors
is opened and closed while the
key is touched to the switch.
If communication between the elect ronic key and vehicle is inter-
rupted ( P. 28) or the electronic key cannot be used because the
battery is depleted, the smart key system and wireless remote con-
trol cannot be used. In such cases, the doors can be opened or the
engine can be started by following the procedure below.
STEP1
STEP2

396 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)To change the “ENGINE START STOP” switch modes: Within
5 seconds of the buzzer soundi
ng, release the brake pedal
and press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch. Modes can be
changed each time the sw itch is pressed. (P. 122) 
To start the engine: Press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
within 5 seconds after the buzzer sounds, keeping the brake
pedal depressed.
If the “ENGINE START STOP” switch still cannot be operated, con-
tact your Toyota dealer.
■ Stopping the engine
Shift the shift lever to “P” and press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch as
you normally do when stopping the engine.
■ Replacing the key battery
As the above procedure is the temporary measure, it is recommended that
the electronic key battery be replaced immediately when the battery
depletes. ( P. 340)
STEP3

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If the vehicle batter y is discharged
The following procedures may be used to start the engine if the vehi-
cle’s battery is discharged.
You can call your Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop.
If you have a set of jumper (or boo ster) cables and a second vehi-
cle with a 12 volt battery, you can jump start your Toyota following
the steps below.
Connecting the jumper cables.
If required, remove all vent plugs from the booster battery. Lay a
cloth over the open vents on the booster battery. (This helps
reduce the explosion hazard, personal injuries and burns.)
Positive (+) battery terminal on your vehicle.
Positive (+) battery terminal on the second vehicle.
Negative (-) battery terminal on the second vehicle.
Connect the jumper cable to groun d on your vehicle as shown in
the illustration.
STEP1

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■Starting the engine when the battery is discharged
The engine cannot be started by push-starting.
■ To prevent battery discharge
● Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch or the engine is turned off.
● Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is run-
ning at a low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic, etc.
■ When the battery is removed or discharged
The following systems must be initialized.
● Power windows (
P. 66)
● Moon roof (
P. 70)
● Tire pressure warning system (
P. 324)
Start the engine of the second vehicle. Increase the engine
speed slightly and maintain at that level for approximately
five minutes to recharge the battery of your vehicle.
Vehicles with smart key system  Open and close any of
the doors with the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
Maintain the engine speed on the second vehicle and turn
the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch to
the ON mode, then start the vehicle’s engine.
Once the vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper
cables in the exact reverse order in which they were con-
nected.
Once the engine starts, have the vehicle checked at your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

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CAUTION
■
Avoiding battery fires or explosions
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidentally igniting the flam-
mable gas that may be emitted from the battery.
● Make sure the jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that it
is not unintentionally in contact with any part other than the intended termi-
nal.
● Do not allow the jumper cables to come into contact with the “+” and “-” ter-
minals.
● Do not allow open flame or use matches , cigarette lighters or smoke near
the battery.
■ Battery precautions
The battery contains poisonous and corrosive acidic electrolyte, while
related parts contain lead and lead compounds. Observe the following pre-
cautions when handling the battery:
● When working with the battery, always wear safety glasses and take care
not to allow any battery fluids (acid) to come into contact with skin, clothing
or the vehicle body.
● Do not lean over the battery.
● In the event that battery fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes,
immediately wash the affected area with water and seek medical attention. 
Place a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area until medical attention
can be received.
● Always wash your hands after handling the battery support, terminals, and
other battery-related parts.
● Do not allow children near the battery.

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NOTICE
■When handling jumper cables
Be careful that the jumper cables do not become tangled in the cooling fan
or any of the belts when connecting or disconnecting them.