2008 TOYOTA AVALON steering

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
1Before drivingAdjusting and operating features such as door locks,
mirrors, and steering column.
2When drivingDriving, stopping and safe-driving information.
3Interior 
featuresAir conditioning and audio systems, as well as other 
interior features for a comfortable driving experience.
4Maintenance
and careCleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information.
5When trouble
arisesWhat to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident.
6Vehicle 
specificationsDetailed vehicle information.
7For ownersReporting safety defects for U.S. owners and seat belt
instructions for Canadian owners.
IndexAlphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual.

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

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
3
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
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
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
3Interior features

Before driving1
21
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, steering 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 and closing the

windows 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

46
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
1-3. Adjustable components (seats, steering wheel, mirrors)
Front seats
Manual seat
Seatback angle lever
Seat position lever

47
1-3. Adjustable components (seat
s, steering wheel, mirrors)
1
Before driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■Reclining adjustment
Do not recline the seat more than necessary when the vehicle is in motion,
to reduce the risk of sliding under the lap belt. 
If the seat is too reclined, during an accident the lap belt may slide past the
hips and apply restraint forces directly to the abdomen or your neck may
contact the shoulder belt, increasing the risk of death or serious injury.
■ When adjusting the front passenge r’s seat from the driver’s seat
Wait until a passenger is seated or have gotten off the front passenger’s seat
before operating the switch to avoid injuring the passenger.
Power seat
Seat leg support switch
*
Seat position fore/aft switchSeat cushion (front) angle
switch
*
Vertical height switch*
Seatback angle switch
Lumbar support switch
*
*
: if equipped

48
1-3. Adjustable components (seats, steering wheel, mirrors)
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Rear seats
■ Keep the flap area clear
To adjust the seat back angle, pull the lock release lever.
Do not place objects on the flap area. If
objects are left in the gap, the reclining
seatback will not lock properly, and may
move unexpectedly.
Flap area

49
1-3. Adjustable components (seat
s, steering wheel, mirrors)
1
Before driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■Reclining adjustment
Do not recline the seat more than necessary when the vehicle is in motion,
to reduce the risk of sliding under the lap belt.
If the seat is too reclined, during an accident the lap belt may slide past the
hips and apply restraint forces directly to the abdomen or your neck may
contact the shoulder belt, increasing the risk of death or serious injury.