2009 TOYOTA AVALON towing

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AVALON_U_OM41430U
2-3. Operating the lights andwindshield wipers ........... 149
Headlight switch .................. 149
Fog light switch ................... 152
Windshield wipers and washer .............................. 153
2-4. Using other drivin g
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
3-1. Using the air conditioning
system a nd defogger...... 190
Automatic air conditioning system .............................. 190
Using the steering wheel climate control switches .... 198
Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defoggers .......................... 200 3-2. Using the audio system ... 202
Audio system type .............. 202
Audio cover ........................ 204
Using the radio ................... 205
Using the CD player ........... 212
Playing MP3 and WMA discs ................................. 220
Optimal use of the audio system .............................. 228
Using the AUX adapter....... 230
Using the steering wheel audio switches.................. 231
3-3. Using the ha nds-free
system (for cellular
phone) ............................. 234
Hands-free system (for cellular phone) ........... 234
Using the hands-free system .............................. 237
Making a phone call ........... 245
Setting a cellular phone ...... 250
Security and system setup ................................ 255
Using the phone book ........ 258
3-4. Using the interior lights ... 266 Interior lights list ................. 266
3-5. Using the storage
features ........................... 269
List of storage features ....... 269
3Interior features

When driving2
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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

178 2-5. Driving information
AVALON_U_OM41430U(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle. ( P. 180)
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your
vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.
Example on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are
riding in your vehicle, which has a total load capacity of 870 lb. (395
kg), the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be
as follows:
870 lb. – 366 lb. = 504 lb. (395 kg –166 kg = 229 kg)
In this condition, if 3 more pa ssengers with the combined weight of
388 lb. (176 kg) get on , the available cargo and luggage load will be
reduced as follows:
504 lb. – 388 lb. = 116 lb. (229 kg – 176 kg = 53 kg)
As shown in the above example, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage load equaling the combined weight
of the occupants who got on later, by an amount. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants causes an excess of the total
load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus cargo and luggage
load), you must reduce the carg o and luggage on your vehicle.

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2-5. Driving information
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 345)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the ti res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 870 lb. (395 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants,
cargo and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the ma ximum number of occupants
whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants are within the seating capacity,
do not exceed the total load capacity.
■ Towing capacity
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants.

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2-5. Driving information
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Trailer towing
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Toy-
ota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the
use of a tow hitch carri er for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your
Toyota is not designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Dinghy towing
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on
the ground) behind a motor home.

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When trouble arises
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5-1. Essential information
AVALON_U_OM41430U
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The engine is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
If towing from the front, the vehicle ’s rear wheel and axles must be in
good condition. ( P. 379)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

378 5-1. Essential information
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Towing with a sling-type truck
NOTICE
■To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.