2012 TOYOTA AVALON automatic transmission

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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
2When driving

When driving2
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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

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
Automatic transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
Vehicles with smart key system:
While the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION
ON mode, depress the brake pedal and move the shift
lever.
Vehicles without smart key system:
While the engine switch is in the “ON” position, depress the
brake pedal and move the shift lever.
S mode driving position

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

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
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If the S indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to
S mode driving position
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same manner as when
the shift lever is in D.)
■ AI-SHIFT
AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver perfor-
mance and driving conditions.
AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position.
(Shifting the shift lever to the S mode driving position cancels the function.)

396 4-2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal • Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal
effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism • Can the vehicle be hold securely on an
incline with the shift lever in “P”?
Brake pedal • Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and
correct amount of free play?
Brakes • Pulls to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints • Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers • Function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly? (
P. 453)
Parking brake • Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on an
incline?
Seat belts • Does the seat belt system operate
smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats • Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel • Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?

400 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
ItemsParts and tools
Engine oil level (P. 408)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses (P. 444)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Headlight aim ( P. 453)• Phillips-head screwdriver
Power steering fluid level
(P. 415)
• Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON® II or III
• Rag or paper towel
• Clean funnel
Radiator and condenser (P. 413)
Tire inflation pressure ( P. 430)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 420)
• Water washer fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter use)
• Funnel

416 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Checking the fluid level
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall and remove the reservoir cap again.
Check the fluid level.
Fluid typeAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
ItemsRag or paper, clean funnel (only for adding fluid)
CAUTION
■ When checking the reservoir
Take care, as the reservoir may be hot.
NOTICE
■When adding fluid
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering may be damaged.
■ After replacing the reservoir cap
Check the steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or
damage.
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