2009 TOYOTA AVALON automatic transmission

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
2
AVALON_U_OM41430U
1-1. Key information .................. 22Keys ..................................... 22
1-2. Opening, closing and
locking the doors and
trunk .................................. 24
Smart key system................. 24
Wireless remote control ....... 35
Doors.................................... 39
Trunk .................................... 44
1-3. Adjustable components
(seats, s teering wheel,
mirrors) ............................. 46
Front seats ........................... 46
Rear seats ............................ 49
Driving position memory system ................................ 51
Head restraints ..................... 55
Seat belts ............................. 57
Steering wheel ..................... 64
Inside rear view mirror.......... 65
Outside rear view mirrors ..... 67
1-4. Opening a nd closing the
windo ws and
moon roof ......................... 69
Power windows .................... 69
Moon roof ............................. 72
1-5. Refueling ............................. 75 Opening the fuel tank cap .... 75 1-6. Theft deterrent system ....... 78
Engine immobilizer system ... 78
Alarm .................................... 80
Theft prevention labels (U.S.A.) ............................... 82
1-7. Safety information .............. 83 Correct driving posture ......... 83
SRS airbags ......................... 85
Front passenger occupant classification system ........... 97
Child restraint systems ....... 103
Installing child restraints ..... 107
2-1. Driving procedures........... 118 Driving the vehicle .............. 118
Engine (ignition) switch (with smart key system) .... 127
Engine (ignition) switch (without smart key
system) ............................. 131
Automatic transmission ...... 134
Turn signal lever ................. 138
Parking brake ..................... 139
Horn .................................... 140
2-2. Instrument cluster ............ 141 Gauges and meters ............ 141
Indicators and warning lights ................................. 144
Center display..................... 147
1Before driving
2When driving

When driving2
117
AVALON_U_OM41430U
2-1. Driving procedures ........ 118Driving the vehicle............ 118
Engine (ignition) switch (with smart key
system) .......................... 127
Engine (ignition) switch (without smart key
system) .......................... 131
Automatic transmission .... 134
Turn signal lever .............. 138
Parking brake ................... 139
Horn ................................. 140 2-2. Instrument cluster.......... 141
Gauges and meters ......... 141
Indicators and warning lights .............................. 144
Center display .................. 147
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers ........ 149
Headlight switch ............... 149
Fog light switch ................ 152
Windshield wipers and washer ........................... 153
2-4. Using other driving systems ........................ 158
Cruise control ................... 158
Dynamic laser cruise control ............................ 161
Driving assist systems ..... 174
2-5. Driving information ........ 177 Cargo and luggage .......... 177
Vehicle load limits ............ 180
Winter driving tips ............ 181
Trailer towing ................... 186
Dinghy towing .................. 187

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

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.)

311
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal • Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal
effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism • Can the vehicle be hold securely on an
incline with the shift lever in “P”?
Brake pedal • Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and
correct amount of free play?
Brakes • Pulls to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints • Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers • Function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly? (
P. 367)
Parking brake • Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on an
incline?
Seat belts • Does the seat belt system operate
smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats • Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel • Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?

4
Maintenance and care
315
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_OM41430U
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■
When working on the engine compartment
● Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
ItemsParts and tools
Fuses (P. 358)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Headlight aim ( P. 367)• Phillips-head screwdriver
Power steering fluid level
(P. 330)
• Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON® II or III
• Rag or paper towel
• Clean funnel
Radiator and condenser (P. 328)
Tire inflation pressure ( P. 345)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 335)
• Water washer fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter use)
• Funnel

4
Maintenance and care
331
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_OM41430U
■
Checking the fluid level
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall and remove the reservoir cap again.
Check the fluid level.
Fluid typeAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
ItemsRag or paper, clean funnel (only for adding fluid)
CAUTION
■ When checking the reservoir
Take care, as the reservoir may be hot.
NOTICE
■When adding fluid
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering may be damaged.
■ After replacing the reservoir cap
Check the steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or
damage.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

364 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_OM41430U
FuseAmpereCircuit
11S-HTR20 AAir conditioning system
12DOOR No.225 AMultiplex communication system
13S/ROOF30 AMoon roof
14TA I L10 A
Parking lights, license plate lights,
tail lights, front and rear side
marker lights
15PA N E L7.5 A
Seat heaters, navigation system,
emergency flashers,
electronically controlled
automatic transmission system,
glove box light, instrument panel
lights, power outlets
16ECU IG No.110 A
Center display, shift lock control
system, moon roof, multiplex
communication system, tire pres-
sure monitoring (warning) system
17ECU IG No.210 A
Anti-lock brake system, dynamic
laser cruise control system,
automatic headlight leveling
system, vehicle stability control
system, multiplex
communication system
18HTR7.5 A
Air conditioning system,
instrument panel lights, electric
cooling fan
19A/C COMP7.5 AAir conditioning system
20GAUGE No.110 ABack-up lights, navigation
system, emergency flashers
21WIP30 AWindshield wipers
22RR S/SHADE10 ARear sunshade