2009 TOYOTA AVALON sensor

95
1-7. Safety information
1
Before driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
CAUTION
●
If the vinyl cover is put on the area where the SRS knee airbag will deploy,
be sure to remove it.
● Do not use seat accessories which cover the parts where the SRS side
airbags inflate as they may interf ere with inflation of the airbags.
● Do not strike or apply significant levels of force to the area of the SRS air-
bag components shown on P. 86. Doing so can cause the SRS airbags to
malfunction.
● Do not touch any of the component parts immediately after the SRS air-
bags have deployed (inflated) as they may be hot.
● If breathing becomes difficult after the SRS airbag has deployed, open a
door or window to allow fresh air in, or leave the vehicle if it is safe to do
so. Wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent skin irritation.
● If the areas where the SRS airbags are stored, such as the steering wheel
pad and front and rear pillar garnish, are damaged or cracked, have them
replaced by your Toyota dealer.
● 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 SRS front
passenger airbag may not deploy in the event of a collision.

150 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Turning on the high beam headlights
With the headlights on, push
the lever forward to turn on the
high beams.
Pull the lever back to the center
position to turn the high beams
off.
Pull the lever toward you to
turn on the high beams.
Release to turn them off. You can
flash the high beams with the
headlights on or off.
■Daytime running light system (if equipped)
To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the headlights turn on
automatically (at a reduced intensity) whenever the engine is started and the
parking brake is released. Daytime running lights are not designed for use at
night.
■ Headlight control sensor
The sensor may not function properly if
an object is placed on the sensor, or any-
thing that blocks the sensor is affixed to
the windshield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor
detecting the level of ambient light and
may cause the automatic headlight con-
trol system to malfunction.

151
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
■
Automatic light off system
Vehicles with smart key system
The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds after a door is opened or
closed if the “ENGINE START STOP ” switch has been turned to ACCES-
SORY or turned OFF while the headlights are turned on. (The lights turn off
immediately if the button on the key is pressed after all doors are
locked.)
To turn the lights on again, turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to IGNI-
TION ON mode, or turn the light switch OFF once and then back to the or position.
Vehicles without smart key system
The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds after a door is opened or
closed if the engine switch has been turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position
while the headlights are turned on. (The lights turn off immediately if the
button on the key is pressed after all doors are locked.)
To turn the lights on again, turn the engine switch to the “ON” position, or
turn the light switch OFF once and then back to the or position.
■ Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 445)
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary if the engine is not running.

154 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Wash/wipe operation
Wipers will automatically oper-
ate a couple of times after the
washer squirts.
■Raindrop detection windshield wipers (if equipped)
With “AUTO” selected, the wi pers will operate automatically
when the sensor detects falling rain. The system automatically
adjusts wiper timing in accordance with rain volume and vehicle
speed.
Raindrop detection wiper
operation
Low speed wiper operation
High speed wiper operation
Temporary operation

155
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Sensor sensitivity (high)
Sensor sensitivity (low)
Wash/wipe operation
Wipers will automatically oper-
ate a couple of times after the
washer squirts.

156 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
AVALON_U_OM41430U
■The windshield wiper and washer can be operated when
Vehicles with smart key system
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode. Vehicles without smart key system
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
■ Dripping prevention wiper sweep
After washing and wiping operation several times, the wipers operate one
more time after a short delay to prevent dripping.
However, the last sweep will not happen if the vehicle is traveling above 106
mph (170 km/h).
■ Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation
Vehicle speed affects the following even when the wipers are not in “AUTO”
mode.
● Intermittent wiper interval ( mode)
● Wiper operation when the washer is being used (delay until drip preven-
tion wiper sweep occurs)
With low speed mode, wiper operation will be switched from low speed to
intermittent wiper operation only when the vehicle is stationary.
■ Rain drop sensor (vehicles equipped with the raindrop detection wind-
shield wipers)
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
The sensor judges the amount of rain-
drops.

157
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
■
In extremely hot or cold weather
The system will turn off if the windshield gets extremely hot (at more than
176°F [80°C]) or cold (at less than 14°F [-10°C]).
■ Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
Settings (e.g. drip prevention function) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 448)
CAUTION
■Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in “AUTO” mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpec tedly if the sensor is touched or
the windshield is subject to vibration in “AUTO” mode. Take care that your
fingers or anything else do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
NOTICE
■ When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■ When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled
toward you and held continually.

166 2-4. Using other driving systems
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Cruising in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
This mode employs a laser radar sensor to detect the presence of
vehicles within 400 ft. (120 m) ahead and to judge the distance
between your vehicle and those vehicles.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distanc e will close when traveling on long
downhill slopes.
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-
vehicle distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance switch.
Example of deceleration cruising
When the vehicle ahead is driving slower than the set speed
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, in the same lane, the
system automatically decelerates your vehicle. When a greater reduction
in vehicle speed is necessary, the system applies the brakes. A warning
tone warns you when the system cannot decelerate sufficiently to prevent
your vehicle from closing on the vehicle ahead.