2011 TOYOTA AVALON Owners Manual

193 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
CAUTION
■When using the rear view monitor system
Observe the following precautions to avoid an accident that could result in
death or serious injuries.
●Never depend solely on the monitor system when reversing.
●Always check visually and with the mirrors to confirm your intended path is
clear.
●Depicted distances between objects and flat surfaces differ from actual
distances.
●Do not use the system if the trunk is not completely closed.
●Never back up while looking only at the screen. The image on the screen
is different from actual conditions. Depicted distances between objects
and flat surfaces will differ from actual distance. If you back up while look-
ing only at the screen, you may hit a vehicle, a person or an object. When
backing up, be sure to check behind and all around the vehicle visually
and with mirrors before proceeding.
●Always check the vehicle surrounding area, because the guide lines are
ancillary.
●The guide lines are ancillary lines and does not change even if the steer-
ing wheel is turned.

194 2-4. Using other driving systems
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
CAUTION
■Conditions which may affect the rear view monitor system
●If the back of the vehicle is hit, the camera’s position and mounting angle
may change. Contact your Toyota dealer.
●Rapid temperature changes, such as when hot water is poured on the
vehicle in cold weather, may cause the system to function abnormally.
●If the camera lens is dirty, it cannot transmit a clear image. Rinse with
water and wipe with a soft cloth. If extremely dirty, wash with a mild
cleanser and rinse.
●The displayed image may be darker and moving images may be slightly
distorted when the system is cold.
●When washing the vehicle, do not apply intensive bursts of water to the
camera or camera area. Doing so may result in the camera malfunction-
ing.
●Do not allow organic solvent, car wax, window cleaner or glass coat to
adhere to the camera. If this happens, wipe it off as soon as possible.
●As the camera has a water proof construction, do not detach, disassemble
or modify it. This may cause incorrect operation.

195
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
Driving assist systems
When the VSC/TRAC/TRC are operating
If 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/
TRC have been engaged.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in response to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavily 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*1/TRC*2 (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the front wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
*1: U.S.A.
*2:CANADA

196 2-4. Using other driving systems
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
To disable TRAC/TRC and/or VSC
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC/TRC and VSC
may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to
turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
■Turning off TRAC/TRC
Quickly push and release the
button to turn off TRAC/TRC.
The TRAC OFF indicator light or
TRC OFF indicator light should
come on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off TRAC/TRC and VSC
Push and hold the button for
more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped to turn off
TRAC/TRC and VSC.
The TRAC OFF indicator light or
TRC OFF indicator light and VSC
OFF indicator light will come on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.
or
or

197 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC/TRC and VSC
Vehicles with smart key system
Turning the “ENGINE START STOP” switch off after turning off the
TRAC/TRC and VSC will automatically re-enable them.
Vehicles without smart key system
Turning the engine switch to the “LOCK” position after turning off the
TRAC/TRC and VSC will automatically re-enable them.
■Automatic TRAC/TRC reactivation
If only the TRAC/TRC is turned off, the TRAC/TRC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases.
■Automatic TRAC/TRC and VSC reactivation
If the TRAC/TRC and VSC are turned off, the systems will not turn on even
when vehicle speed increases.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and
TRAC/TRC
●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.

198 2-4. Using other driving systems
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
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 operating 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
■TRAC/TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC/TRC is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■When TRAC/TRC and VSC are off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As there are systems to help enhance vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn off TRAC/TRC and VSC unless necessary.

199 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
CAUTION
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes.
■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.

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.