2012 TOYOTA AVALON engine

When trouble arises5
471
5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ......... 472
If your vehicle needs to be towed .................... 473
If you think something is wrong ............................. 477
Fuel pump shut off system ........................... 478
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... ....................... 479
If you have a flat tire......... 491
If the engine will not start .......................... 501
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P............ 503
If you lose your keys ........ 504
If the electronic key does not operate properly (with
smart key system) .......... 505
If the vehicle battery is discharged ..................... 508
If your vehicle overheats ....................... 512
If the vehicle becomes stuck .............................. 515
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ..................... 516

472
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 th e 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
473
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe 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 commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, 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. 475)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

5
When trouble arises
477
5-1. Essential information
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 cond itioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature g auge 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, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

478
5-1. Essential information
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 syst em: 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.
STEP1
STEP2

480 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Stop the vehicle immediately.The following warning indicates the possibility of damage to the vehi-
cle that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.
Have the vehicle inspected immediately.Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to
the system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning light Malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system.
Low engine oil pressure warning light Abnormal level of engine oil pressure.
This warning light may turn on if the level of engine oil
declines. The light should turn off after checking the oil
and adding oil if necessary.
Warning lightWarning light/Details

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lampMalfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The transmission control system.

484 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Have the malfunction repaired immediately. (vehicles with smart
key system)After taking the specified steps to correct the suspected problem,
check that the warning light turn off.
Interior buzzerExterior buzzerWarning lightDetailsCorrection procedure
Once
(Flashing)
The electronic key
is not detected
when attempting to
start the engine.
• Confirm the location of the
electronic key.
• The electronic key battery
maybe dis-
charged.
( P. 440)
Once3 times
(Flashing)
An open door
other than the
driver’s door is
closed while the
electronic key is
outside the detec-
tion range and the
“ENGINE START
STOP” switch is in
ACCESSORY or
IGNITION ON
mode.
Confirm the
location of the
electronic key.

5
When trouble arises
485
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Interior
buzzerExterior buzzerWarning lightDetailsCorrection procedure
Once3 times
(Flashing)
An open door
other than the
driver’s door is
closed while the
electronic key is
outside the detec-
tion range and the
“ENGINE START
STOP” switch is in
ACCESSORY or
IGNITION ON
mode with the shift
lever in “P”.
Turn the
“ENGINE
START STOP”
switch OFF or
confirm the
location of the
electronic key.
Contin-
uousContin-
uous
(Flashing)
An open door
other than the
driver’s door is
closed while the
electronic key is
outside the detec-
tion range and the
“ENGINE START
STOP” switch is in
ACCESSORY or
IGNITION ON
mode with the shift
lever not in “P”.
Shift the shift
lever to “P”.
Confirm the
location of the
electronic key.