2011 TOYOTA AVALON Owners Manual

153
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
Engine (ignition) switch (without smar t key system)
■Starting the engine
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in “P”.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the “START” position and start
the engine.
■Engine (ignition) switch
“LOCK”
The steering wheel is locked
and the key can be removed.
(The key can be removed only
when the shift lever is in “P”.)
“ACC”
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
“ON”
All electrical components can
be used.
“START”
For starting the engine.

154 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
■Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”
Shift the shift lever to “P”.
■When the steering lock cannot be released
■If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 91)
■Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened, while the engine switch is in
the “ACC” or “LOCK” position to remind you to remove the key.
Push in the key and turn to the “LOCK”
position.
When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK”
position. To free it, turn the key while turn-
ing the steering wheel slightly in either
direction.

155 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not press the
accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■While driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position.
If in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the key only to the “ACC” position.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the key in the “ACC” or “ON” position for long periods without
the engine running.
■When starting the engine
●Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the
starter and wiring systems.
●Do not race the cold engine.
●If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine
checked immediately.

156
2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
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

157 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
■Shift position uses
*1: Shifting to the D position allows the system to select a gear suitable for
the driving conditions.
Setting the shift lever to the D position is recommended for normal driv-
ing.
*2: Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of the pos-
sible gear ranges, controls engine braking forces, and prevents unnec-
essary upshifting.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle or starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
S mode driving *2

158 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
Changing shift ranges in S mode
Shift the shift lever to the S mode driving position and operate the
shift lever.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to 5 or 4 accord-
ing to vehicle speed. However, the initial shift range may be set to 3 if
AI-SHIFT has operated while the shift lever was in the D position.
(P. 159)

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

160 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
■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 transmission will operate in the same manner as when
the shift lever is in D.)
■AI-SHIFT
AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver perfor-
mance and driving conditions.
AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position.
(Shifting the shift lever to the S mode driving position cancels the function.)