2009 TOYOTA AVALON 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

120 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_OM41430U
CAUTION
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the engine run-
ning. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■ When driving the vehicle
● Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accel-
erator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake
pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident
that could result in death or serious injury.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a diffi- culty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle only slightly, allowing you to depress the brake and accelerator
pedals properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, result-
ing in an accident.
● Do not drive the vehicle over or st op the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. This may
cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
● Do not let the vehicle roll backwards while the shift lever is in a driving
position, or roll forward while the shift lever is in “R”.
Doing so may cause the engine not to operate or lead to poor brake and
steering performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.\
● If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and
check that the trunk is closed.
Large amounts of exhaust in the vehicle can cause driver drowsiness and
an accident, resulting in death or a serious health hazard. Have the cause
of the problem inspected immediately.
● Do not under any circumstances shift the shift lever to “P”, “R” or “N” while
the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can cause significant damage to the transmission and may result
in a loss of vehicle control.

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.
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