2008 TOYOTA AVALON tow

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.

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

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
4
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
3-6. Other interior features ..... 263Sun 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
4-1. Maintenance and care...... 288 Cleaning and protecting the 
vehicle exterior ................. 288
Cleaning and protecting the 
vehicle interior .................. 291
4-2. Maintenance ..................... 294 Maintenance 
requirements .................... 294
General maintenance ......... 296
Emission inspection and 
maintenance (I/M) 
programs .......................... 299 4-3. Do-it-yourself

maintenance ................... 300
Do-it-yourself service 
precautions ....................... 300
Hood ................................... 303
Positioning a floor jack........ 304
Engine compartment .......... 306
Tires.................................... 322
Tire inflation pressure ......... 331
Wheels................................ 335
Air conditioning filter ........... 337
Key battery ......................... 340
Checking and replacing 
fuses ................................. 344
Headlight aim (with 
discharge headlights) ....... 353
Light bulbs .......................... 355
5-1. Essential information ....... 362 If your vehicle needs to be 
towed ................................ 362
If you think something is  wrong ................................ 366
Fuel pump shut off 
system .............................. 367
Event data recorder ............ 368
4Maintenance and care
5When trouble arises

28 1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■Operation signals
A buzzer sounds and the emergency flashers flash to indicate that the doors
have been locked/unlocked. (Locked: Once; Unlocked: Twice)
■ Door lock buzzer
If a door is not fully closed, a buzzer sounds continuously if an attempt to
lock the door is made. Fully close the door to stop the buzzer, and lock the
vehicle once more.
■ Conditions affecting operation
The smart key system uses weak radio waves. In the following situations,
the communication between the electronic key and the vehicle may be
affected, preventing the smart key system and wireless remote control from
operating properly. (Way of coping:
P. 395)
● When the electronic key battery is depleted
● Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large dis-
play, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electri-
cal noise
● When carrying a portable radio, ce llular phone, cordless phone or other
wireless communication devices
● When the electronic key has come into contact with, or is covered by a
metallic object
● When multiple electronic keys are in the vicinity
● When carrying or using the electronic key together with the following
devices that emit radio waves
• Another vehicle’s electronic key
• A wireless key that emits radio waves
• Personal computer
● If window tint with a metallic content or metallic objects are attached to
the rear window

36 1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■Operation indicator
Doors: A buzzer sounds and the emergency flashers flash to indicate that
the doors have been locked/unlocked. (Locked: Once; Unlocked:
Tw i c e )
Trunk: A buzzer sounds to indicate that the trunk has been unlocked.
■ Door lock buzzer
 P. 2 8
■ Security feature
 P. 3 1
■ When the key battery is fully depleted
 P. 340
■ Conditions affecting operation
Vehicles with smart key system
 P. 2 8
Vehicles without smart key system The wireless remote control function may not operate normally in the fol-
lowing situations.
●Near a TV tower, radio station, el ectric power plant, airport or other
facility that generates strong radio waves
●When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone or other wireless com- munication device
●When multiple wireless keys are in the vicinity
●When the wireless key has come into contact with, or is covered by a metallic object
●When a wireless key (that emits radio waves) is being used nearby
●When the wireless key has been left near an electrical appliance such as a personal computer

53
1
1-3. Adjustable components (seats, steering wheel, mirrors)
Before driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Head restraints
■Adjusting the height of the head restraints
■ Adjusting the center r ear seat head restraint
Always raise the head restraint one level from the stowed position when
using.
CAUTION
■ Head restraint precautions
Observe the following precautions regarding the head restraints. Failure to
do so may result in death or serious injury.
● Use the head restraints designed for each respective seat.
● Adjust the head restraints to the correct position at all times.
● Do not drive with the head restraints removed.
Removal
Grip head restraint and remove
while holding the lock release
button.
Vertical adjustment
Push and hold the lock release
button when lowering the head
restraint.
Lock
release 
button
Make sure that the head restraints are
adjusted so that the center of the head
restraint is closest to the top of your ears.

59
1-3. Adjustable components (seat
s, steering wheel, mirrors)
1
Before driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■Seat belt pretensioners
● Do not place anything, such as a cushion, on the front passenger’s seat.
Doing so will disperse the passenger’s weight, which prevents the sensor
from detecting the passenger’s weight properly. As a result, the seat belt
pretensioner for the front passenger’s seat may not activate in the event of
a collision.
● If the pretensioner has activated, the seat belt becomes locked: it cannot
be further extended, nor will it return to the stowed position. The seat belt
cannot be used again and must be replaced at your Toyota dealer.
■ Seat belt damage and wear
● Do not damage the seat belts by allowing the belt, plate or buckle to be
jammed in the door.
● Inspect the seat belt system periodically. Check for cuts, fraying, and loose
parts. Do not use a damaged seat belt until it is replaced. Damaged seat
belts cannot protect an occupant from injury.
● Ensure that the belt and tab are locked and the belt is not twisted. If the
seat belt does not function correctly, immediately contact your Toyota
dealer.
● Replace the seat assembly, including the belts, if your vehicle has been
involved in a serious accident, even if there is no obvious damage.
● Do not attempt to install, remove, modify, disassemble or dispose of a seat
belt. Have any necessary repairs carried out by your Toyota dealer. Inap-
propriate handling of the pretensioner may cause it to activate or operate
improperly and may cause death or serious injury.

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1
1-3. Adjustable components (seats, steering wheel, mirrors)
Before driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Steering wheel
CAUTION
■After adjusting the steering wheel
Make sure that the steering wheel is locked. 
Otherwise, the steering wheel may move suddenly, possibly causing an
accident and resulting in death or serious injury.
■ While driving
Do not adjust the steering wheel. 
Doing so may cause the driver to mishandle the vehicle and an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
The steering wheel can be adjust ed to a comfortable position.
■To change the angle
Up
Down
■ To change the column length
Toward the driver
Away from the driver