2012 TOYOTA AVALON tow

When driving2
141
2-1. Driving proceduresDriving the vehicle............ 142
Engine (ignition) switch (with smart key
system) .......................... 154
Engine (ignition) switch (without smart key
system) .......................... 158
Automatic transmission................... 161
Turn signal lever .............. 166
Parking brake ................... 167
Horn ................................. 168 2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters ......... 169
Indicators and warning lights .............................. 172
Multi-information display............................ 175
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
Headlight switch ............... 178
Fog light switch ................ 182
Windshield wipers and washer (Type A) ............ 184
Windshield wipers and washer (Type B) ............ 189
2-4. Using other driving systems Cruise control ................... 194
Rear view monitor system ........................... 198
Driving assist systems ..... 207
2-5. Driving information Cargo and luggage .......... 212
Vehicle load limits ............ 217
Winter driving tips ............ 219
Trailer towing ................... 224
Dinghy towing .................. 225

164 2-1. Driving procedures
■Shift ranges and their functions
●Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 6 according to
vehicle speed and driving conditio n. (However the gear is limited
according to selected shift range.)
● You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.
● A lower shift range will provide greater engine br aking force than
a higher shift ran ge, and the engine speed will also increase.
■S mode
●When the shift range is 5 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets
the shift range to 6.
● To prevent excessive engine speed, a function was adopted that auto-
matically selects a higher shift range before engine speed becomes too
high.
● To protect the automatic transmission, a function is adopted that auto-
matically selects a higher shift range when the fluid temperature is high.
■ Down shifting restrictions warning buzzer (in the S mode)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be
possible even when the shift lever is operated. (The warning buzzer will
sound twice.)
■ When driving with the cruise control system
Engine braking will not occur in the S mode, even when downshifting to 5 or
4. ( P. 194)
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 503

180 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
Turning on the high beam headlights
With the headlights on, push
the lever forward to turn on the
high beams.
Pull the lever back to the center
position to turn the high beams
off.
Pull the lever toward you to
turn on the high beams.
Release to turn them off. You can
flash the high beams with the
headlights on or off.
■Daytime running light system
●To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the headlights turn on
automatically (at a reduced intensity) whenever the engine is started and
the parking brake is released. Daytime running lights are not designed for
use at night.
● Compared to turning on the headlights, the daytime running light system
offers greater durability and consumes less electricity, so it can help
improve fuel economy.
■ Headlight control sensor
The sensor may not function properly if
an object is placed on the sensor, or any-
thing that blocks the sensor is affixed to
the windshield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor
detecting the level of ambient light and
may cause the automatic headlight con-
trol system to malfunction.

188 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
CAUTION
■Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in “AUTO” mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpec tedly 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.

193
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in “AUTO” mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpec tedly 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.

196 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Cruise control can be set when
●The shift lever is in the “D” or range “4” or higher of “S” has been
selected.
● Vehicle speed is above approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
■ Accelerating
●The vehicle can be accelerated normally. After acceleration, the set
speed resumes.
● Even without canceling the cruise control, the set speed can be
increased by first accelerating the vehicle to the desired speed and then
pushing the lever down to set the new speed.
■ Canceling and resuming regular acceleration
Pulling the lever toward you
cancels the constant speed
control.
The speed setting is also can-
celed when the brakes are
applied.
Pushing the lever up
resumes the constant
speed control.
Resuming is available when
the vehicle speed is more than
approximately 25 mph (40
km/h).

212
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distributionCargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) – (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The co mbined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehi-
cle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible. Be
sure all items are secured in place.
● Be careful to keep the vehicle le vel. Placing the weight as far
forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
● For better fuel economy, do no t carry unnecessary weight.

213
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 – 750 (5
 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely ex ceed the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a tr ailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle. ( P. 217)
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your
vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.