2011 TOYOTA AVALON tow

When driving2
137
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
2-1. Driving procedures
Driving the vehicle............ 138
Engine (ignition) switch
(with smart key
system) .......................... 149
Engine (ignition) switch
(without smart key
system) .......................... 153
Automatic
transmission................... 156
Turn signal lever .............. 161
Parking brake ................... 162
Horn ................................. 1632-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters ......... 164
Indicators and warning
lights .............................. 167
Multi-information
display............................ 170
2-3. Operating the lights and
windshield wipers
Headlight switch ............... 173
Fog light switch ................ 176
Windshield wipers and
washer ........................... 177
2-4. Using other driving systems
Cruise control ................... 182
Rear view monitor
system ........................... 186
Driving assist systems ..... 195
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage .......... 200
Vehicle load limits ............ 205
Winter driving tips ............ 207
Trailer towing ................... 212
Dinghy towing .................. 213

159 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41428U)■Shift ranges and their functions
●Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 6 according to
vehicle speed and driving condition. (However the gear is limited
according to selected shift range.)
●You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.
●A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking force than
a higher shift range, and the engine speed will also increase.
■S mode
●When the shift range is 5 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets
the shift range to 6.
●To prevent excessive engine speed, a function was adopted that auto-
matically selects a higher shift range before engine speed becomes too
high.
●To protect the automatic transmission, a function is adopted that auto-
matically selects a higher shift range when the fluid temperature is high.
■Down shifting restrictions warning 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 control system
Engine braking will not occur in the S mode, even when downshifting to 5 or
4. (P. 182)
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 491

174 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
Turning on the high beam headlights
With the headlights on, push
the lever forward to turn on the
high beams.
Pull the lever back to the center
position to turn the high beams
off.
Pull the lever toward you to
turn on the high beams.
Release to turn them off. You can
flash the high beams with the
headlights on or off.
■Daytime running light system
●To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the headlights turn on
automatically (at a reduced intensity) whenever the engine is started and
the parking brake is released. Daytime running lights are not designed for
use at night.
●Compared to turning on the headlights, the daytime running light system
offers greater durability and consumes less electricity, so it can help
improve fuel economy.
■Headlight control sensor
The sensor may not function properly if
an object is placed on the sensor, or any-
thing that blocks the sensor is affixed to
the windshield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor
detecting the level of ambient light and
may cause the automatic headlight con-
trol system to malfunction.

181 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
CAUTION
■Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in “AUTO” mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or
the windshield is subject to vibration in “AUTO” mode. Take care that your
fingers or anything else do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
NOTICE
■When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled
toward you and held continually.
■When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Toyota dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.

184 2-4. Using other driving systems
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
■Cruise control can be set when
●The shift lever is in the “D” or range “4” or higher of “S” has been
selected.
●Vehicle speed is above approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
■Accelerating
The vehicle can be accelerated normally. After acceleration, the set speed
resumes.
■Canceling and resuming regular acceleration
Pulling the lever toward you
cancels the constant speed
control.
The speed setting is also can-
celed when the brakes are
applied.
Pushing the lever up
resumes the constant
speed control.
Resuming is available when
the vehicle speed is more than
approximately 25 mph (40
km/h).

200
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distribution
Cargo 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 combined 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.
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 level. Placing the weight as far
forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
●For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

201 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41428U)(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.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(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. 205)
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your
vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.

205
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
Vehicle load limits
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 maximum 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.