2012 TOYOTA AVALON ABS

174 2-2. Instrument cluster
CAUTION
■If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as ABS and the SRS airbag warning light
not come on when you start the engine, this could mean that these systems
are not available to help protect you in an accident, which could result in
death or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately if this occurs.
■ Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in the indicated
vehicle’s systems. ( P. 479)
*1: These lights turn on when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is
turned to IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with smart key system) or
the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without
smart key system) to indicate that a system check is being per-
formed. They will turn off after the engine is started, or after a few
seconds. There may be a malfunction in a system if the lights do not
come on, or turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer.
*2: The light flashes to indicate that the system is operating.
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada)(if equipped)
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)
(if equipped)
*1*1*1*1*1*1*1
*1*1*1*1*1, 2*1
*1*1

207
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
When the VSC/TRAC/TRC are operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, or if the front wheels spin,
the slip indicator light flashes to
indicate that the VSC/TRAC/
TRC have been engaged.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavi ly when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC*1/TRC*2 (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the front wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
*1: U.S.A.
*2:CANADA

209
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light or “TRC OFF” indicator light
comes on even if the VSC OFF swit ch has not been pressed TRAC or
TRC cannot be operated. Cont act your Toyota dealer.
■ 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/T RC 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.

210 2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is ope rating on the wet or slick roads
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following
situations.
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven pavement
■ TRAC/TRC may not oper ate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC/TRC is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ When TRAC/TRC and VSC are off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As there are systems to help enhance vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn off TRAC/TRC and VSC unless necessary.

211
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended tire pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fit-
ted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

414 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Brake fluid■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
■ Adding fluid
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
■ Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.

446 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Fuse layout and amperage ratings■ Engine compartment
FuseAmpereCircuit
1 RR DEF 50 A Rear window defogger, outside
rear view mirror defogger
2 ABS/VSC No.2 30 A Anti-lock brake system, vehicle
stability control system
3 RDI FAN 50 A Electric cooling fan
4 ABS/VSC No.1 50 A Anti-lock brake system, vehicle
stability control system
5 HEATER 50 A Air conditioning system
6 ST/AM2 30 A Starter system
7 MAIN 40 A Headlights
8ALT 140 A
or
120 A Charging system, RR DEF, ABS/
VSC No.2, HEATER, ABS/VSC
No.1, RDI FAN, WASHER,
S-HORN

4
Maintenance and care
457
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Exchange the light bulb, and
install the socket.
Align the 3 tabs on the light bulb
with the mounting, and insert.
Turn and secure the socket.
After installing the socket, turn the
headlight low beams on once and
visually confirm that no light is
leaking through the mounting.
■
Headlight high beams and d aytime running lights (vehicles
with halogen headlights)
Turn the bulb base counterclock-
wise.
STEP3
STEP4
STEP1