2009 TOYOTA AVALON fuel

76 1-5. Refueling
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Closing the fuel tank capAfter refueling, turn the fuel tank
cap clockwise until you hear a
click. The cap will revolve slightly
in the opposite direction once
released.
■ Fuel types
Use unleaded gasoline. (87 Octane Rating [Research Octane Number 91] or
higher)
■ Fuel tank capacity
Approximately 18.5 gal. (70 L, 15.4 Imp. gal.)
■ When the fuel filler door opener switch is inoperable
The lever can be used to open the fuel
filler door if the fuel filler door cannot be
opened using the inside switch because
the battery discharged or for any other
reason.

77
1-5. Refueling
1
Before driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
CAUTION
■
When refueling the vehicle
Observe the following precautions while refueling the vehicle. Failure to do
so, may result in death or serious injury.
● Before opening the fuel door, touch the vehicle or some other metal sur-
face to discharge any static electricity.
It is important to discharge static electricity because sparks resulting from
static electricity may cause the fuel vapors to ignite.
● Always hold the grips on the fuel tank cap and turn it slowly to remove it.
A whooshing sound may be heard when the fuel tank cap is loosened.
Wait until the sound cannot be heard before fully removing the cap. In hot
weather, pressurized fuel may spray out of the filler neck and cause injury.
● Do not allow anyone that has not discharged static electricity from their
bodies to come close to an open fuel tank.
● Do not inhale vaporized fuel.
Fuel contains substances that are harmful if inhaled.
● Do not smoke while refueling the vehicle.
Doing so may cause the fuel to ignite and cause a fire.
● Do not return to the vehicle or touch any person or object that is statically
charged.
This may cause static electricity to build up, resulting in a possible ignition
hazard.
■ When replacing the fuel tank cap
Do not use anything but a genuine Toyota fuel tank cap designed for your
vehicle. Failure to do so may cause a fire or other incident which may result
in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■Refueling
Do not spill fuel during refueling.
Failing to do so may damage the vehicle, such as causing the exhaust sys-
tems to operate abnormally or damaging fuel system components or the
vehicle’s painted surface.

119
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
■
Driving in the rain
● Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the
windows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
● Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be
especially slippery.
● Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain,
because there may be a layer of water between the tires and the road
surface, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.
■ Breaking in your new Toyota
To extend the life of the vehicle, the following precautions are recommended
to observe:
● For the first 186 miles (300 km):
Avoid sudden stops.
● For the first 1000 miles (1600 km):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in the low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.
■ Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel. ( P. 424)

135
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)

141
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
The units used on the speedometer may differ depending on the
target region.Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed.
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
Low fuel level warning light
P. 387
Odometer/trip meter and trip meter reset button
P. 142

147
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Center display
The center display provides information including your vehicle’s
driving condition, outside temperature.
Vehicles with navigation system
Refer to “Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.
Vehicles without navigation system
Audio display
(P. 202)
Air conditioning display ( P. 190)
Outside temperature display ( P. 280)
Trip information display
Displays driving range, fuel consumption and other cruising related
information.
Pattern selector knob
Display items can be switched by pushing the knob.
All the display  Audio display and air conditioning display  off

148 2-2. Instrument cluster
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Trip information■ Driving range
■ Average fuel consumption after refueling
■ Elapsed time Displays the estimated ma
ximum distance that can be
driven with the quantity of fuel remaining.
● This distance is computed based on your average fuel
consumption. As a result, the actual distance that can be
driven may differ from that displayed.
● When only a small amount of fuel is added to the tank, the
display may not be updated.
Displays the average fuel consumption since the vehicle
was last refueled.
Displays the elapsed time since the engine was started
or since the function was reset.
The function can be reset when the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch or the engine switch is turned off.
CAUTION
■The center display at low temperatures
Allow the interior of the vehicle to warm up before using the liquid crystal
information display. At extremely low temperatures, the information display
monitor may respond slowly, and display changes may be delayed.

177
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distributionCargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) – (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The co mbined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehi-
cle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 – 750 (5
 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely ex ceed the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible. Be
sure all items are secured in place.
● Be careful to keep the vehicle le vel. Placing the weight as far
forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
● For better fuel economy, do no t carry unnecessary weight.