2013 TOYOTA AVALON brake

2134-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVALON (U)_(OM41440U)
■Turning off both TRAC/VSC systems
To turn the TRAC/VSC systems off, press and hold the switch for more than 3
seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF and “TRAC OFF” indica tor lights will come on and the mes-
sage will be shown on the multi-information display.
Press the switch again to turn the systems back on.
■ When the message is displayed on th e multi-information display show-
ing that TRAC has been disabled and “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes
on even if the TRAC/VSC OFF switch has not been pressed
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC
systems
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This sound does not indicate 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.
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automati-
cally reactivated in the following situations:
● When the engine switch is turned off
● If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic reactivation
will not occur when vehicle speed increases.
■ Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain
from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. The
EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.

2164-5. Using the driving support systems
AVALON (U)_(OM41440U)
◆Pre-collision seat belts (front seats only)
If the pre-collision sensor detects that a collision is unavoidable, the
pre-collision system will retract the seat belt before the collision
occurs.
The same will happen if the driv er makes an emergency braking or
loses control of the vehicle. ( P. 29)
However, when the VSC system is disabled, the system will not
operate in the event of skidding.
◆Pre-collision brake assist
When there is a high po ssibility of a frontal collision, the system
applies greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake
pedal is depressed.
◆Pre-collision braking
When there is a high po ssibility of a frontal collision, the system
warns the driver using a warning light, warning display and buzzer.
If the system determines that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes
are automatically applied to reduce the collision speed.
PCS (Pre-Collision System)
: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects pos sibility of a frontal collision,
the pre-collision system such as the brakes and seat belts are
automatically engaged to lessen impact as well as vehicle dam-
age.
The pre-collision system can be tu rned on and off as necessary by
operating the switch. ( P. 217)

2184-5. Using the driving support systems
AVALON (U)_(OM41440U)
■The pre-collision system is operational when
The pre-collision system off switch is not pressed and the following conditions
are met:
● Pre-collision seat belts (operating conditions A):
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The system detects sudden braking or skidding.
• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.
● Pre-collision seat belts (operating conditions B):
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 4 mph (5 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehi-
cle running ahead you is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.
● Pre-collision brake assist:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehi-
cle running ahead of you is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The brake pedal is depressed.
● Pre-collision braking:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 10 mph (15 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehi-
cle running ahead of you is greater than about 10 mph (15 km/h).

2194-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVALON (U)_(OM41440U)■
Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no possibility of a
collision
●When there is an object by the roadside at the entrance to a curve
● When passing an oncoming vehicle on a curve
● When driving over a narrow iron bridge
● When there is a metal object on the road surface
● When driving on an uneven road surface
● When passing an oncoming vehicle on a left-turn
● When your vehicle rapidly closes on the vehicle in front
● When a grade separation/interchange, sign, billboard, or other structure
appears to be directly in the vehicle’s line of travel
● When the steep angle of the road causes a metal object located beneath the
road surface to be seen ahead of the vehicle
● When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs
● When the axis of the radar is out of adjustment
● When passing through certain toll gates
● When passing through an overpass
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also
a possibility that the seat belts will retract quickly and the brakes will be
applied with a force greater than normal. When the seat belt is locked in the
retracted position, stop the vehicle in a safe place, release the seat belt and
refasten it.
■ Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may
also be occasions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicy-
cles, motorcycles, trees, or snowdrifts.
■ Situations in which the pre-collis ion system does not function properly
The system may not function effectively in situations such as the following:
● On roads with sharp bends or uneven surfaces
● If a vehicle suddenly moves in front of your vehicle, such as at an intersec-
tion
● If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of your vehicle, such as when overtaking
● In inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or sand storms
● When your vehicle is skidding such as the VSC system off
● When your vehicle is steeply inclined
● When the axis of the radar is out of adjustment

2214-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVALON (U)_(OM41440U)
CAUTION
■Limitations of the pre-collision system
Do not overly rely on the pre-collision system. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings and checking for any obstacles or other
road hazards.
Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ When the sensor may not be correct ly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary in any of the following situations.
● When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the
functioning of the sensor
● When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the lug-
gage compartment etc.)
● Vehicles that cut in suddenly
● Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
● Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
■ Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-collision system can function effec-
tively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an
accident.
●Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or
damage them.
● Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may become
inaccurate or malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a
strong impact, always have the area inspected and adjusted by your
Toyota dealer.
● Do not disassemble the sensor.
● Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or sur-
rounding area.
● Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
● Do not replace them with non-genuine parts.

2224-5. Using the driving support systems
AVALON (U)_(OM41440U)
CAUTION
■Cautions regarding the assi st contents of the system
By means of alarms and brake control, the pre-collision system is intended
to assist the driver in avoiding collisions through the process of LOOK-
JUDGE-ACT. There are limits to the degree of assistance the system can
provide, so please keep in mind the following important points.
● Assisting the driver in watching the road
The pre-collision system is only able to detect obstacles directly in front of
the vehicle, and only within a limited range. It is not a mechanism that
allows careless or inattentive driving, and it is not a system that can assist
the driver in low-visibility conditions. It is still necessary for the driver to
pay close attention to the vehicle’s surroundings.
● Assisting the driver in making correct judgment
When attempting to estimate the likelihood of a collision, the only data
available to the pre-collision system is that from obstacles it has detected
directly in front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for the
driver to remain vigilant and to determine whether or not there is a possi-
bility of collision in any given situation.
● Assisting the driver in taking action
The pre-collision system’s braking assist feature is designed to help
reduce the severity of a collision, and so only acts when the system has
judged that a collision is unavoidable. This system by itself is not capable
of automatically avoiding a collision or bringing the vehicle to a stop safely.
For this reason, when encountering a dangerous situation the driver must
take direct and immediate action in order to ensure the safety of all
involved.

2334-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
AVALON (U)_(OM41440U)
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.
Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away
the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, ve hicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.
● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-
ditions.
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the park-
ing brake. The parking brake may fr eeze up, preventing it from being
released. If necessary, block the wheels to prev ent inadvertent sliding
or creeping.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle

3116-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
AVALON (U)_(OM41440U)
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty
Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem
you notice should be brought to the attention of your Toyota
dealer or qualified service shop for advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the battery fluid level and
connections. ( P. 330)
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct
level? (P. 329)
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct
level? (P. 326)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level?
(P. 323)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser
The radiator and condenser should
be free from foreign objects.
(P. 328)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid?
(P. 333)