Page 212 of 496
2124-5. Using the driving support systems
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC systems are
operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing the switch to
turn the system off may make it eas ier for you to rock the vehicle in
order to free it.
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the
switch.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
should come on and message will
be shown on the multi-information
display.
Press the switch again to turn the
system back on.
When the TRAC/VSC systems are operating
Disabling the TRAC system
Page 213 of 496

2134-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)
■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 re-enabled 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 re-enabling 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
effectiveness of the EPS system will be restored after a short while.
Page 232 of 496
232
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)
4-6. Driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician ins pect the condition of the battery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Page 235 of 496

2354-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the specified size.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
● Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■ Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Toyota dealers or legiti-
mate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■ Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.
Page 246 of 496

2465-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)■
Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in
preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interior. During cooling oper-
ation, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior
effectively.
● Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the
temperature setting, outside temperature, pressure, engine coolant temper-
ature or inside temperature.
■ When the outside temperature exceeds 75°F (24°C) and the air condition-
ing system is on (U.S.A. only)
●In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the air condition-
ing system may switch to recirculated air mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption.
● Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the engine switch
is turned to IGNITION ON mode.
● It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pressing
.
■When the outside temperature falls to nearly 32 F (0 C)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when is touched.
■ Air conditioning odors
●During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic
mode.
■ Air conditioning filter
P. 348
Page 247 of 496

2475-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
5
Interior features
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)■
Handling of the air conditioning panel
The operating section of the air conditioning panel uses capacitive touch sen-
sors. In the following cases, incorrect operation or non-response may oc\
cur.
●If the operating section is dirty or has liquid attached to it, incorrect operation
or non-response may occur.
● If the operating section receives electromagnetic waves, incorrect operation
or non-response may occur.
● If wearing gloves during operation, non-response may occur.
● If fingernails are used to operate the system, non-response may occur.
● If a touch pen is used to operate the system, non-response may occur.
● If the palm of your hand touches the operating section during operation,
incorrect operation may occur.
● If the palm of your hand touches the operating section, incorrect operation
may occur.
● If operations are performed quickly, non-response may occur.
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. air conditioning setting) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 453)
CAUTION
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather. The
difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the wind-
shield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, blocking your
vision.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
engine is stopped.
Page 248 of 496
2485-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)
On/off
The defoggers will automatically
turn off after 15 to 60 minutes. The
operation time changes according
to the ambient temperature and
vehicle speed.
■Operating conditions
The engine switch must be in the IGNITION ON mode.
Rear window and outsid e rear view mirror
defoggers
These features are used to defog the rear window, and to
remove raindrops, dew and frost from the outside rear view mir-
rors.
CAUTION
■ When the outside rear view mirror defoggers are on
Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces, as they can become very hot
and burn you.
NOTICE
■ To prevent battery discharge
Turn the defoggers off when the engine is off.
Page 256 of 496
2565-3. Using the interior lights
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)
Each time the “MOOD” switch is
pressed, the brightness level
changes.
■Illuminated entry system
The lights automatically turn on/off according to engine switch mode, the
presence of the electronic key, whether the doors are locked/unlocked, and
whether the doors are opened/closed.
■ To prevent battery discharge
If the personal/interior lights remain on when the engine switch is turned off,
the lights will go off automatically after 20 minutes.
■ Customization
Setting (e.g. the time elapsed before lights turn off) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 453)
Ambient lights (if equipped)
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the engine is not
running.