2009 TOYOTA AVALON Owners Manual

129
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
■
When the steering lock cannot be released
■ If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 78)
■ When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toy-
ota dealer immediately.
■ Auto power OFF function
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch will automatically turn OFF when left in
ACCESSORY mode for 1 hour or more.
■ Electronic key battery depletion
 P. 3 0
■ When the electronic key battery is discharged
 P. 354
■ Conditions aff ecting operation
 P. 2 8
■ Leak detection pump
Several hours after the engine is turned off, you may hear a sound coming
from underneath the luggage compartment for several minutes. This is nor-
mal operation and does not indicate a malfunction.
The green indicator light on the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch will flash. Press the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch again
while turning the steering wheel slightly in
either direction.

130 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_OM41430U
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not press the
accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle,
push and hold the “ENGINE START STOP” switch for more than 3 seconds.
However, do not touch the “ENGINE START STOP” switch while driving
except in an emergency. If the engine stops while the vehicle is being driven,
this could lead to an unexpected accident.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCESSORY or IGNI-
TION ON mode for long periods if the engine is not running.
■ When starting the engine
● Do not race the engine.
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine
checked immediately.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Engine (ignition) switch (without smar t key system)
■Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”
■ Starting the engine
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in “P”.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the “START” position and start
the engine.
■ Engine (ignition) switch
“LOCK”
The steering wheel is locked
and the key can be removed.
“ACC”
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
“ON”
All electrical components can
be used.
“START”
For starting the engine.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
Shift the shift lever to “P”.
Push in the key and turn to
the “LOCK” position.STEP1
STEP2

132 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_OM41430U
■When the steering lock cannot be released
■ If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 78)
■ Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened, while the engine switch is in
the “ACC” or “LOCK” position to remind you to remove the key.
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not press the
accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ While driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position.
If in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the key only to the “ACC” position.
When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK”
position. To free it, turn the key while turn-
ing the steering wheel slightly in either
direction.

133
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
NOTICE
■
To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the key in the “ACC” or “ON” position for long periods without
the engine running.
■ When starting the engine
● Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the
starter and wiring systems.
● Do not race the cold engine.
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine
checked immediately.

134
2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Automatic transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
Vehicles with smart key
system:
While the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch is
in IGNITION ON mode,
depress the brake
pedal and move the
shift lever.
Vehicles without smart
key system:
While the engine switch
is in the “ON” position,
depress the brake
pedal and move the
shift lever.
“S” mode driving position

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
■
Shift position uses
*1: To improve fuel consumption and reduce noises, set the shift lever in
the “D” position for normal driving.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using “S” mode, you can control engine brak-ing forces.
Shift positionFunction
“P”Parking the vehicle or starting the engine
“R”Reversing
“N”Neutral
“D”Normal driving*1
“S” mode driving*2 (  P. 136)

136 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Changing shift ranges in “S” modeShift the shift lever to the “S” mode driving position and operate the
shift lever. Upshift range
Downshift range
The initial shift range in “S” mode is automatically set to “5” or “4”
according to the vehicle’s speed. However, depending on the driving
condition, the initial shift range may be set to “3” when AI-SHIFT con-
trol is being performed. ( P. 137)
■ Shift ranges and their functions
●You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.
● A lower shift range will provide greater engine br aking force than
a higher shift range, and the engine revolutions will also
increase.