Page 91 of 772
91 1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
1
Before driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
Do not attach any accessories other than genuine Toyota parts to the trunk
lid. Such additional weight on the trunk lid may cause the lid to fall closed
again after it is opened.
The trunk lid may fall if it is not opened
fully. It is more difficult to open or close
the trunk lid on an incline than on a
level surface, so beware of the trunk lid
unexpectedly opening or closing by
itself. Make sure that the trunk lid is fully
open and secure before using the
trunk.
When closing the trunk lid, take extra
care to prevent your fingers etc. from
being caught.
When closing the trunk lid, make sure
to press it lightly on its outer surface. If
the trunk handle is used to fully close
the trunk lid, it may result in hands or
arms being caught.
Page 114 of 772

114 1-3. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
Seat belt pretensioners
Do not place anything, such as a cushion, on the front passenger’s seat.
Doing so will disperse the passenger’s weight, which prevents the sensor
from detecting the passenger’s weight properly. As a result, the seat belt
pretensioner for the front passenger’s seat may not activate in the event of
a collision.
If the pretensioner has activated, the SRS warning light will come on. In
that case, the seat belt cannot be used again and must be replaced at any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
Seat belt damage and wear
Do not damage the seat belts by allowing the belt, plate, or buckle to be
jammed in the door.
Inspect the seat belt system periodically. Check for cuts, fraying, and loose
parts. Do not use a damaged seat belt until it is replaced. Damaged seat
belt cannot protect an occupant from death or serious injury.
Ensure that the belt and tab are locked and the belt is not twisted.
If the seat belt does not function correctly, immediately contact any autho-
rized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional.
Replace the seat assembly, including the belts, if your vehicle has been
involved in a serious accident, even if there is no obvious damage.
Do not attempt to install, remove, modify, disassemble or dispose of the
seat belts. Have any necessary repairs carried out by any authorized
Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional. Inappropriate handling of the pretensioner may prevent it
from operating properly resulting in death or serious injury.
Page 342 of 772
342
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
CAUTION
Things that must not be carried in the trunk/luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk/luggage compart-
ment.
Receptacles containing gasoline
Aerosol cans
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load.
Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk/luggage compartment
whenever possible.
Be sure all items are secured in place.
Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.
Page 348 of 772

348
2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Trailer towing
The strain of towing a trailer will have a negative impact on the run-
ning performance, handling, fuel consumption and endurance of
your vehicle. Use the vehicle features in the correct manner and
operate the vehicle with care for safer driving and optimal comfort.
Damage and/or malfunctions that occur as a result of towing per-
formed for commercial purposes are not covered by the Toyota war-
ranty.
Ask your local authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional, for further details before tow-
ing, as there are additional legal requirements in some countries.
Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle
Mass), MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and per-
missible drawbar load before towing. (P. 720)
Towing hitch/bracket
Toyota recommends the use of the Toyota hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. Other products of a suitable nature and comparable
quality may also be used.
To prevent an accident
The handling of the vehicle will feel different when towing a
trailer. Beware of the 3 most common causes of towing-related
accidents: driver error, excessive speed, and overloading.
Page 349 of 772
349 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Important points regarding trailer loads
Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load
Total trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus the
trailer load should be within the
maximum towing capacity.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous.
(P. 720)
When the total trailer weight is
greater than the vehicle weight,
we recommend the use of a fric-
tion stabilizer (sway control
device).
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that
the drawbar load is greater than
25 kg (55.1 lb.) or 4% of the tow-
ing capacity. Do not let the draw-
bar load exceed the indicated
weight. (P. 720)
Page 350 of 772
350 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the
driver, passengers, towing hitch,
total curb mass and drawbar load
should not exceed the gross vehi-
cle mass by more than 100 kg
(220.5 lb.). Exceeding this weight
is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear
axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle
should not exceed the maximum
permissible axle capacity by 15%
or more. Exceeding this weight is
dangerous.
The values for towing capacity
were derived from testing con-
ducted at sea level. Take note
that engine output and towing
capacity will be reduced at high
altitudes.
CAUTION
When the gross vehicle mass limit or maximum permissible axle
capacity is exceeded
Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up
areas or 80 km/h (50 mph), whichever is the lower.
Page 352 of 772

352 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Tire information
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (P. 739)
Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total
trailer weight and according to the values recommended by the manufac-
turer of your trailer.
Trailer lights
Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every
time you hitch up the trailer. Directly wiring up to your vehicle may damage
the electrical system and stop the lights from functioning correctly.
Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components
should not be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
Maintenance
Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle
for towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle com-
pared to normal driving.
Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).
Page 353 of 772

353 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Safety checks before towing
Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch
ball is not exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer
will add to the load exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that you will
not be towing a load that exceeds the maximum permissible axle capac-
ity.
Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle
if the traffic behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust
the extending arms of these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that
they always provide maximum visibility of the road behind.
NOTICE
When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum
Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that
area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to
corrosion, which will weaken the section concerned which may result in
damage. Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when attach-
ing a steel bracket.