Page 162 of 772
162 1-7. Safety information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
The pad section of the steering wheel,
dashboard near the front passenger air-
bag or lower portion of the instrument
panel is scratched, cracked, or other-
wise damaged.
The surface of the seats with the side
airbag is scratched, cracked or other-
wise damaged.
The portion of the front, center and rear
pillar garnish, or roof interior containing
the curtain shield airbags inside is
scratched, cracked or otherwise dam-
aged.
Page 163 of 772

163 1-7. Safety information
1
Before driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
SRS airbag precautions
Observe the following precautions regarding the airbags.
Failure to do so may cause death or serious injury.
The driver and all passengers in the vehicle must wear their seat belts
properly.
The SRS airbags are supplemental devices to be used with the seat belts.
The SRS driver airbag deploys with considerable force, and can cause
death or serious injury especially if the driver is very close to the airbag.
Since the risk zone for the driver’s airbag is the first 50 - 75 mm (2 - 3 in.)
of inflation, placing yourself 250 mm (10 in.) from your driver airbag pro-
vides you with a clear margin of safety. This distance is measured from the
center of the steering wheel to your breastbone. If you sit less than 250
mm (10 in.) away now, you can change your driving position in several
ways:
• Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the
pedals comfortably.
• Slightly recline the back of the seat.
Although vehicle designs vary, many drivers can achieve the 250 mm
(10 in.) distance, even with the driver seat all the way forward, simply
by reclining the back of the seat somewhat. If reclining the back of your
seat makes it hard to see the road, raise yourself by using a firm, non-
slippery cushion, or raise the seat if your vehicle has that feature.
• If your steering wheel is adjustable, tilt it downward. This points the air-
bag toward your chest instead of your head and neck.
The seat should be adjusted as recommended above, while still maintaining
control of the foot pedals, steering wheel, and your view of the instrument
panel controls.
Page 165 of 772
165 1-7. Safety information
1
Before driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
SRS airbag precautions
Do not lean against the door, the roof
side rail or the front, center and rear pil-
lars.
Do not allow anyone to kneel on the
passenger seats toward the door or put
their head or hands outside the vehicle.
Do not attach anything to or lean any-
thing against areas such as the dash-
board, steering wheel pad or lower
portion of the instrument panel.
These items can become projectiles
when SRS driver, front passenger and
knee airbags deploy.
Page 167 of 772

167 1-7. Safety information
1
Before driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
SRS airbag precautions
If breathing becomes difficult after the SRS airbag has deployed, open a
door or window to allow fresh air in, or leave the vehicle if it is safe to do
so. Wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent skin irritation.
If the areas where the SRS airbags are stored, such as the steering wheel
pad and front and rear pillar garnishes, are damaged or cracked, have
them replaced by any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional.
Modification and disposal of SRS airbag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or perform any of the following modifications
without consulting any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional.
The SRS airbags may malfunction or deploy (inflate) accidentally, causing
death or serious injury.
Installation, removal, disassembly and repair of the SRS airbags.
Repairs, modifications, removal or replacement of the steering wheel,
instrument panel, dashboard, seats or seat upholstery, front, center and
rear pillars or roof side rail.
Repairs or modifications of the front fender, front bumper, or side of the
occupant compartment.
Installation of snow plows, winches, etc. to the front grille (bull bars, kan-
garoo bar etc.).
Modifications to the vehicle’s suspension system.
Installation of electronic devices such as RF-transmitter radios or CD play-
ers.
Page 202 of 772

202 2-1. Driving procedures
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
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. 220, 226)
When stopped on an inclined surface, use the brake pedal and parking
brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or forward and causing
an accident.
Do not adjust the position of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents
that may result in death or serious injury.
Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their bod-
ies are not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shift changing, or changes in
engine speed could cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident.
After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make
sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent
the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in
an accident.
Page 208 of 772

208 2-1. Driving procedures
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
NOTICE
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for a
long time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
Diesel engine only: Make sure to idle the engine immediately after high-
speed driving or hill climbing. Stop the engine only after the turbocharger
has cooled down.
Failure to do so may cause damage to the turbocharger.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by any authorized Toyota dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional, as soon as
possible.
The rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads
and/or that of the brake discs are exceeded.
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire. (P. 648, 662, 676)
Page 213 of 772

213 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 135)
When the steering lock cannot be released
When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional, immediately.
Auto power off function
Vehicles with a Multidrive or automatic transmission
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than an hour with the
shift lever in “P”, the “ENGINE START STOP” switch will automatically
turn OFF.
Vehicles with a manual transmission
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than an hour, the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch will automatically turn OFF.
Electronic key battery depletion
P. 4 6
When the electronic key battery is discharged
P. 702
The green indicator light on the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch will flash. To free it,
press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
while turning the steering wheel slightly in
either direction.
Page 216 of 772
216 2-1. Driving procedures
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Manual transmission (diesel engine)
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in “N”.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the clutch pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the “ON” position.
indicator light turns on.
After indicator light goes out, turn the engine switch
to the “START” position and start the engine.
Engine (ignition) switch
“LOCK”
The steering wheel is locked
and the key can be removed.
(Vehicles with a Multidrive or
automatic transmission: The
key can be removed only when
the shift lever is in “P”.)
“ACC”
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
“ON”
All electrical components can
be used.
“START”
For starting the engine.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5