Page 180 of 564

180 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
■Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation
Vehicle speed affects the following even when the wipers are not in “AUTO”
mode.
●Intermittent wiper interval ( mode)
●Wiper operation when the washer is being used
With low speed mode, wiper operation will be switched from low speed to
intermittent wiper operation only when the vehicle is stationary.
■Rain drop sensor (vehicles equipped with the raindrop detection wind-
shield wipers)
●If the wiper switch is turned to the “AUTO” position while the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch is in ON mode, the wipers will operate once to
show that “AUTO” mode is activated.
●If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 194 °F (90 °C) or higher, or
14 °F (-10 °C) or lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this case,
operate the wipers in any mode other than “AUTO”.
■If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
■Customization that can be configured at Toyota dealer
Settings (e.g. switching operation when the vehicle is stationary) can be
changed. (Customizable features P. 532)
●The sensor judges the amount of rain-
drops.
An optical sensor is adopted. It may not
operate properly when sunlight from the
rising or setting of the sun intermittently
strikes the windshield, or if bugs etc.
are present on the windshield.
Page 181 of 564
181 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
CAUTION
■Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in “AUTO” mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or
the windshield is subject to vibration in “AUTO” mode. Take care that your
fingers or anything else do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
NOTICE
■When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled
toward you and held continually.
■When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Toyota dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.
Page 207 of 564
207
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
Page 383 of 564
383
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Battery • Maintenance-free (P. 405)
Brake fluid • At the correct level? (P. 402)
Engine coolant • At the correct level? (P. 400)
Engine oil • At the correct level? (P. 396)
Exhaust system • No fumes or strange sounds?
Power steering fluid • At the correct level? (P. 403)
Radiator/condenser/hoses• Not blocked with foreign matter?
(P. 401)
Washer fluid • At the correct level? (P. 408)
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”. It is recommended that
any problem you notice should be brought to the attention of your
Toyota dealer or qualified service shop for advice.
Page 388 of 564
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
Page 394 of 564
394
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
Engine compar tment
Engine coolant reservoir
(P. 400)
Power steering fluid
reservoir (P. 403)
Engine oil filler cap
(P. 397)
Engine oil level dipstick
(P. 396)Brake fluid reservoir
(P. 402)
Fuse box (P. 432)
Battery (P. 405)
Radiator (P. 401)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser (P. 401)
Washer fluid tank
(P. 408)
Page 408 of 564
408 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
Washer fluid
If any washer does not work or
the low washer fluid warning light
comes on, the washer tank may
be empty. Add washer fluid.
CAUTION
■When refilling the washer fluid
Do not refill the washer fluid when the engine is hot or running, as the
washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.
■Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the washer fluid tank.
Page 471 of 564

5
When trouble arises
471 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U (OM41428U)
*1: Open door warning buzzer:
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approximately 3
mph (5 km/h) or more with any door open.
*2: Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder buzzer:
The driver’s and front passenger’s seat belts reminder sounds to alert the
driver and front passenger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. The
buzzer sounds intermittently for 10 seconds after the vehicle has reached a
speed of at least 9 mph (15 km/h). Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened,
the buzzer will continue to sound.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure
Low washer fluid warning
light
Low level of washer fluidFill the tank.
(U.S.A.)
Engine oil replacement
reminder light
Illuminates for about 3 sec-
onds and then flashes for
about 15 seconds:
Engine oil is scheduled to
be changed.Check the engine oil, and
change if necessary.
Comes on and remains:
Engine oil should be
changed.Check and change the
engine oil.