2009 TOYOTA AVALON engine

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

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)

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.

137
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
■
Down shifting restrictions wa rning buzzer (in the “S” mode)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be
possible even when the shift lever is operated. (The warning buzzer will
sound twice.)
■ When driving with the cruise contro l system (or dynamic laser cruise
control system)
The engine brake will not operate in the “S” mode, even when downshifting
to “5” or “4”. ( P. 158, 161)
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from “P”
 P. 408
■ If the “S” indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever
to “S” mode driving position
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the vehicle will operate as if the shift lever is in “D”.)
■ AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatically shifts the gear to the optimal position according
to the driver’s input and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the “D” posi-
tion. (Shifting the shift lever to the “S” mode driving position cancels the func-
tion.)

138
2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Tur n signal lever
■Turn signals 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.
■ If the indicators flash faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
Right turn
Left turn
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change
The right hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change
The left hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.

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

142 2-2. Instrument cluster
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Odometer and trip meter display buttonVehicles with smart key system
Pressing this button switches am ong odometer and trip meter when
the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is IGNITION ON mode.
Vehicles without smart key system
Pressing this button switches am ong odometer and trip meter when
the engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Odometer
Trip meter A
Trip meter B
Pushing and holding the button
will reset the trip meter.
Odometer/Trip meter displayOdometer
Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
Trip meter
Displays the distance the vehicle has been driven since the meter
was last reset. Trip meters A and B can be used to record and dis-
play different distances independently.
Dynamic laser cruise control display
P. 161
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature.

143
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Instrument panel light control
The brightness of the instrument panel lights can be adjusted.
Darker
Brighter
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
● Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
● The engine may be overheating if the temperature gauge is in the red
zone (“H”). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Check the engine after it has cooled completely. ( P. 416)