2010 TOYOTA AVALON Owners Manual

177
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41437U)
■Vehicle-to-vehicle distance settings
Select a distance from the table below. Note that the distances shown corre-
spond to a vehicle speed of 55 mph (90 km/h). Vehicle-to-vehicle distance
increases/decreases in accordance with vehicle speed.
■ Laser radar sensor
■ Approach warning
In the following instances, there is a possibility that the warning will not
occur.
● When the speed of the vehicle ahead matches or exceeds your vehicle’s
speed
● When the vehicle ahead is traveling at an extremely slow speed
● Immediately after the cruise control speed has been set
● At the instant the accelerator is applied
■ Certification
Distance optionsVehicle-to-vehicle distance
Long Approximately 245 ft. (75 m)
Medium Approximately 165 ft. (50 m) Short Approximately 100 ft. (30 m)
Always keep the sensor clean to ensure
that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance con-
trol operates properly. (Some obstruc-
tions, such as snow, ice or plastic objects,
cannot be detected by the obstruction
sensor.)
Dynamic laser cruise control is canceled
if an obstruction is detected.
This product is a class l laser product complied with 21 C.F.R part
1040.10 and 1040.11.

178 2-4. Using other driving systems
AVALON_U (OM41437U)
CAUTION
■Before using dynamic laser cruise control
Do not overly rely on vehicle-to-vehicle distance control.
Be aware of the set vehicle speed. If automatic deceleration/acceleration is
not appropriate, adjust the vehicle speed, as well as the distance between
your vehicle and vehicles ahead by applying the brakes, etc.
■ To avoid operating the dynamic laser cruise control by mistake
Keep the “ON-OFF” button off when not in use.
■ Situations unsuitable for dynamic laser cruise control
Do not use dynamic laser cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in inappropriate control of speed and could cause seri-
ous or fatal accident.
● In heavy traffic
● On roads with sharp bends
● On winding roads
● On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
● Where there are sudden changes between sharp up and down gradients
● At entrances to expressways
● When weather conditions are bad enough that they may prevent the sen-
sors from functioning correctly (fog, snow, sandstorm, heavy rain, etc.)
● When the approach warning buzzer can be heard often

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2-4. Using other
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When driving
AVALON_U (OM41437U)
CAUTION
■When the laser radar sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle
ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary when any of the following types of vehicles
are in front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles,
the proximity alarm ( P. 175) will not be activated, and an accident may
result.
● Vehicles that cut in suddenly
● Vehicles traveling at low speeds
● Vehicles that are not moving
● Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
● Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
■ Conditions under which the vehicle -to-vehicle distance control may
not function correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the laser radar
sensor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and an accident
may result.
● When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the
functioning of the sensor
● When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the
trunk etc.)
● When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
● When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
● When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly.

180 2-4. Using other driving systems
AVALON_U (OM41437U)
NOTICE
■To ensure the laser rada r sensor functions correctly
Do not do the following to the sensor or grille cover as doing so may cause
the sensor not to function correctly and could result in an accident.
● Stick or attach anything to them
● Leave them dirty
● Disassemble or subject them to strong shocks
● Modify or paint them
● Replace them with non-genuine parts
■ Handling the laser radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the cruise control system can function effec-
tively.
● Keep the sensor clean at all times.
Clean the sensor with a soft cloth so you do not mark or damage them.
● Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction.
If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always
have the area inspected and adjusted by a Toyota dealer.
● Do not disassemble the sensor.
● Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, surrounding area.
● Do not modify or paint the sensor.

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When driving
AVALON_U (OM41437U)
Driving assist systems
When the VSC/TRAC are operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, or if the front wheels spin,
the slip indicator light flashes to
indicate that the VSC/TRAC
have been engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too h eavily when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the front wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.

182 2-4. Using other driving systems
AVALON_U (OM41437U)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and
TRAC
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is ope rating on the wet or slick roads
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following
situations.
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven pavement

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When driving
AVALON_U (OM41437U)
CAUTION
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive
carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended tire pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fit-
ted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

184
AVALON_U (OM41437U)
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distributionCargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) – (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The co mbined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehi-
cle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 – 750 (5
 150) = 650 lbs.)
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible. Be
sure all items are secured in place.
● Be careful to keep the vehicle le vel. Placing the weight as far
forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
● For better fuel economy, do no t carry unnecessary weight.