2008 TOYOTA AVALON automatic transmission

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
2
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
1-1. Key information .................. 22Keys ..................................... 22
1-2. Opening, closing and

locking the doors and 
trunk .................................. 24
Smart key system................. 24
Wireless remote control ....... 35
Doors.................................... 39
Trunk .................................... 44
1-3. Adjustable components 
(seats, s teering wheel, 
mirrors) ............................. 46
Front seats ........................... 46
Rear seats ............................ 48
Driving position memory 
system ................................ 50
Head restraints ..................... 53
Seat belts ............................. 54
Steering wheel ..................... 61
Inside rear view mirror.......... 62
Outside rear view mirrors ..... 64
1-4. Opening a nd closing the
windo ws and moon roof .. 66
Power windows .................... 66
Moon roof ............................. 69
1-5. Refueling ............................. 72 Opening the fuel tank cap .... 72 1-6. Theft deterrent system ....... 75
Engine immobilizer system ... 75
Alarm .................................... 77
Theft prevention labels 
(U.S.A.) ............................... 79
1-7. Safety information .............. 80 Correct driving posture ......... 80
SRS airbags ......................... 82
Front passenger occupant 
classification system ........... 93
Child restraint systems ......... 99
Installing child restraints ..... 102
2-1. Driving procedures........... 114 Driving 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
1Before driving
2When driving

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

129
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Automatic transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
While the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch
or the engine switch is
in ON mode, depress
the brake pedal and
move the shift lever.
“S” mode driving position

132 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■Down shifting restrictions wa rning buzzer (in the “S” mode)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be
possible even when the shift lever is operated. (The warning buzzer will
sound twice.)
■ When driving with the cruise contro l system (or dynamic laser cruise
control system)
The engine brake will not operate in t he “S” mode, even when downshifting
to “5” or “4”. ( P. 149, 152)
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from “P”
 P. 393
■ If the “S” indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever
to “S” mode driving position
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately. 
(In this situation, the vehicle will operate as if the shift lever is in “D”.)
■ AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatically shifts the gear to the optimal position according
to the driver’s input and driving conditions. 
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the “D” posi-
tion. (Shifting the shift lever to the “S” mode driving position cancels the func-
tion.)

297
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal • Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal
effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism • Can the vehicle be hold securely on an
incline with the shift lever in “P”?
Brake pedal • Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and
correct amount of free play?
Brakes • Pulls to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints • Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers • Function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly? (
P. 353)
Parking brake • Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on an
incline?
Seat belts • Does the seat belt system operate
smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats • Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel • Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?

4
Maintenance and care
301
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■
When working on the engine compartment
● Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
ItemsParts and tools
Fuses (P. 344)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Headlight aim ( P. 353)• Phillips-head screwdriver
Power steering fluid level
( P. 316)
• Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON® II or III
• Rag or paper towel
• Clean funnel
Radiator and condenser (P. 314)
Tire inflation pressure ( P. 331)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 321)
• Water washer fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter use)
• Funnel

4
Maintenance and care
317
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■
Checking the fluid level
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall and remove the reservoir cap again.
Check the fluid level.
Fluid typeAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
ItemsRag or paper, clean funnel (only for adding fluid)
CAUTION
■ When checking the reservoir
Take care, as the reservoir may be hot.
NOTICE
■When adding fluid
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering may be damaged.
■ After replacing the reservoir cap
Check the steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or
damage.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

350 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
FuseAmpereCircuit
11S-HTR20 AAir conditioning system
12DOOR No.225 AMultiplex communication system
13S/ROOF30 AMoon roof
14TA I L10 A
Parking lights, license plate lights,
tail lights, front and rear side
marker lights
15PA N E L7.5 A
Seat heaters, navigation system,
emergency flashers, 
electronically controlled 
automatic transmission system,
glove box light, instrument panel
lights, power outlets
16ECU IG No.110 A
Center display, shift lock control
system, moon roof, multiplex 
communication system, tire pres-
sure monitoring (warning) system
17ECU IG No.210 A
Anti-lock brake system, dynamic
laser cruise control system, 
automatic headlight leveling 
system, vehicle stability control
system, multiplex 
communication system
18HTR7.5 A
Air conditioning system, 
instrument panel lights, electric
cooling fan
19A/C COMP7.5 AAir conditioning system
20GAUGE No.110 ABack-up lights, navigation 
system, emergency flashers
21WIP30 AWindshield wipers
22RR S/SHADE10 ARear sunshade