2011 TOYOTA AVALON tow

212
2-5. Driving information
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
Trailer towing
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Toyota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or
the use of a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc.
Your Toyota is not designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow
hitch mounted carriers.

213
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
Dinghy towing
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on
the ground) behind a motor home.

371 3-7. Other interior features
3
Interior features
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
■Conditions unfavorable to correct operation
The compass may not show the correct direction in the following conditions:
●The vehicle is stopped immediately after turning.
●The vehicle is on an inclined surface.
●The vehicle is in a place where the earth’s magnetic field is subject to
interference by artificial magnetic fields (underground car park/parking
lot, under a steel tower, between buildings, roof car park/parking lot, near
an intersection, near a large vehicle, etc.).
●The vehicle has become magnetized.
(There is a magnet or metal object near the inside rear view mirror.)
●The battery has been disconnected.
●A door is open.
CAUTION
■While driving
Do not adjust the display.
Be sure to adjust the display only when the vehicle is stopped.
■When doing the circling calibration
Be sure to secure a wide space, and watch out for people and vehicles in the
neighborhood. Do not violate any local traffic rules while performing circling
calibration.

387
4
Maintenance and care
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedure given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition (P. 405)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level (P. 402)
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding
brake fluid)
Engine coolant level (P. 400)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrite and non-borate
coolant with long-life hybrid
organic acid technology.
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 50 % cool-
ant and 50 % deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 55 % cool-
ant and 45 % deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool-
ant)

388 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
ItemsParts and tools
Engine oil level (P. 396)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel (used
only for adding engine oil)
Fuses (P. 432)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Headlight aim (P. 441)• Phillips-head screwdriver
Power steering fluid level
(P. 403)
• Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON® II or III
• Rag or paper towel
• Clean funnel
Radiator and condenser (P. 401)
Tire inflation pressure (P. 418)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 408)
• Water washer fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter use)
• Funnel

When trouble arises5
457
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers ......... 458
If your vehicle needs
to be towed .................... 459
If you think something is
wrong ............................. 463
Fuel pump shut off
system ........................... 464
Event data recorder ......... 465
5-2. Steps to take in an
emergency
If a warning light turns
on or a warning buzzer
sounds... ........................ 467
If you have a flat tire......... 479
If the engine will
not start .......................... 489
If the shift lever cannot
be shifted from P ............ 491
If you lose your keys ........ 492
If the electronic key does
not operate properly (with
smart key system) .......... 493
If the vehicle battery is
discharged ..................... 496
If your vehicle
overheats ....................... 500
If the vehicle becomes
stuck .............................. 503
If your vehicle has to be
stopped in an
emergency ..................... 504

5
When trouble arises
459
5-1. Essential information
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towing
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
●The engine is running, but the vehicle will not move.
●The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commercial towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
If towing from the front, the vehicle’s rear wheel and axles must be in
good condition. (P. 461)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

460 5-1. Essential information
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
Towing with a sling-type truck
NOTICE
■To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.