2011 TOYOTA AVALON Owners Manual

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

458
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the emergency flashers on longer than necessary when the
engine is not running.
Use the emergency flashers if the vehicle malfunctions or is
involved in an accident.
Press the switch to flash all
the turn signal lights. To turn
them off, press the switch
once again.

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.

5
When trouble arises
461 5-1. Essential information
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
Towing with a wheel lift-type truck
From front
Release the parking brake.
From rear
Use a towing dolly under the
front wheel.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheel on the ground.
■To prevent damaging the vehicle
When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.

462 5-1. Essential information
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
Using a flat bed truck
If you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45°.
Do not overly tighten the tie
downs or the vehicle may be
damaged.

5
When trouble arises
463
5-1. Essential information
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
■Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
●Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
●Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal
■Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
●Excessive tire squeal when cornering
●Strange noises related to the suspension system
●Pinging or other noises related to the engine
■Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
●Appreciable loss of power
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

464
5-1. Essential information
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
Fuel pump shut off system
Follow the procedure below to restart the engine after the system is
activated.
Vehicles with smart key system: Turn the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch OFF.
Vehicles without smart key system: Turn the engine switch to
the “ACC” or “LOCK” position.
Restart the engine.
NOTICE
■Before starting the engine
Inspect the ground under the vehicle.
If you find that fuel has leaked on to the ground, the fuel system has been
damaged and is in need of repair. Do not restart the engine.
To minimize the risk of fuel leakage when the engine stalls or an air-
bag inflates upon collision, the fuel pump shut off system stops sup-
plying fuel to the engine.