2012 TOYOTA AVALON 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
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

146 2-1. Driving procedures
CAUTION
■When driving the vehicle
●If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and
check that the trunk is closed.
Large amounts of exhaust in the vehicle can cause driver drowsiness and
an accident, resulting in death or a serious health hazard. Have the cause
of the problem inspected immediately.
● Do not shift the shift lever to P while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle\
control.
● Do not shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle\
control.
● Do not shift the shift lever to D while the vehicle is moving backward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle\
control.
● Moving the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage the
engine from the transmission. Engine braking is not available when N is
selected.
● During normal driving, do not turn off the engine. Turning the engine off
while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the
power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to
steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it
is safe to do so.
However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible
to stop the vehicle in the normal way: P. 516
● Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving
down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. ( P. 163)
● Be careful when driving on slippery surfaces, as the vehicle may spin or
skid when downshifting, rapidly accelerating, braking or turning.

161
2-1. Driving procedures
2
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

165
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
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