2011 TOYOTA AVALON steering

142 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
CAUTION
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not adjust the position of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents
that may result in death or serious injury.
●Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their bod-
ies are not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high
speed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire
failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer
to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability
tires or not before driving at such speeds.
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
●Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
●Sudden changes in engine speed, such as engine braking caused by up-
shifting or down-shifting, may cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an
accident.
●After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make
sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent
the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in
an accident.

147 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
NOTICE
■When parking the vehicle
Always put the shift lever in “P”. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is acci-
dentally depressed.
■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for a
long time.
Doing so may damage the power steering pump.
●When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indica-
tors)
Have your Toyota dealer check and replace the brake pads as soon as pos-
sible.
The rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
●The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. (P. 481)
■If the vehicle becomes stuck or bogged
Do not spin the wheels recklessly when any of the tires is up in the air, or
stuck in sand or mud, etc. This may damage the drive system components
or propel the vehicle forward (or in another direction) and cause an accident.

151 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
■When the steering lock cannot be released
■If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 91)
■When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■Auto power OFF function
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch will automatically turn OFF when left in
ACCESSORY mode for 1 hour or more.
■Electronic key battery depletion
P. 3 2
■When the electronic key battery is discharged
P. 428
■Conditions affecting operation
P. 3 0
The green indicator light on the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch will flash. Press the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch again
while turning the steering wheel slightly in
either direction.

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.

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.

204 2-5. Driving information
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
CAUTION
■Weight of the load
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less
than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper
loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.

206 2-5. Driving information
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 418)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.