2008 TOYOTA AVALON stop start

5
When trouble arises
379
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■If the tire pressure warning light continues to comes on after blink-
ing for 1 minute frequently
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute
when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
or the engine switch is turned
to ON mode, have it checked by your Toyota dealer.
■When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level.
Pushing the tire pressure warning reset switch does not turn off the tire
pressure warning light.
■The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes such
as natural air leaks or tire inflation pressure changes caused by temper-
ature. In this case, adjusting the ti re inflation pressure will turn off the
light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with a spare tire
The spare tire is also equipped with the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter. The tire pressure warning li ght will turn on if the tire inflation
pressure of the spare tire is low. If a tire goes flat, even though the flat
tire is replaced with the spare tire, the tire pressure warning light does
not turn off. Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire and adjust the
proper tire inflation pressure. The ti re pressure warning light will turn off
after a few minutes.

392 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Emergency start function (vehicles with smart key system)When the engine does not start, th e following steps can be used as
an interim measure to start the engine if the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch is functioning normally.
Set the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to “P”.
Set the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to the ACC mode.
Push and hold the “ENGINE START STOP” switch about 15
seconds while depressing the brake pedal firmly.
Even if the engine can be started using the above steps, the system
may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle checked by your Toyota
dealer.
■ The starter motor does not turn over (vehicles with smart
key system).
The engine starting system may be malfunctioning due to an
electrical problem such as an open circuit or a blown fuse. How-
ever, an interim measure is available to start the engine. 
(  P. 122)
■ The starter motor does not turn over, the interior lights and
headlights do not turn on, or the horn does not sound
One of the following may be the cause of the problem.
● One or both of the battery terminals may be disconnected.
● The battery may be discharged. ( P. 397)
● There may be a malfunction in the steering lock system (vehi-
cles with smart key system).
Contact your Toyota dealer if the problem cannot be repaired, or if
repair procedures are unknown.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

5
When trouble arises
393
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
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

5
When trouble arises
395
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
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

398 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■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

404
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
If the vehicle becomes stuck
CAUTION
■When attempting to free a stuck vehicle
If you choose to rock the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the sur-
rounding area is clear, to avoid striki ng other vehicles, objects or persons.
The vehicle may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes
free. Use extreme caution.
■ 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.
NOTICE
■ To avoid damaging the transmission and other components
● Avoid spinning the wheels and do not rev the engine.
● If the vehicle remains stuck after trying these procedures, the vehicle may
require towing to be freed.
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle
becomes stuck in mud, dirt, or snow.
Stop the engine. Set the parki ng brake and shift the shift
lever in “P”.
Remove the mud, snow, or sand from around the stuck tire.
Place wood, stones or some other material to help provide
traction under the tires.
Restart the engine.
Shift the shift lever to the “D ” or “R” position and carefully
apply the accelerator to free the vehicle.STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

432 6-2. Customization
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
ItemFunctionDefault settingCustomizedsetting
Windshield
wipers and
washer 
( P. 146) Switching operation
when the vehicle is sta-
tionary
ON OFF
Drip prevention function ON OFF
Time elapsed before
the drip prevention
function operates Variable
depending on
the vehicle
speed
3 seconds
Illumination 
( P. 252) Time elapsed before
lights turn off
15 seconds7.5 seconds
30 seconds
Operation when the
doors are unlocked ON
OFF
Operation after the
“ENGINE START
STOP” switch or the
engine switch turned
OFF ON
OFF
Front/rear personal
lights turned on when a
door is opened Corresponding
light only All lights
OFF
Outer foot lights ONOFF
Rear 
sunshade 
( P. 273) Time elapsed before
the reverse operation
feature activates
0.7 seconds0 seconds
0.9 seconds
1.2 seconds