2014 TOYOTA AVALON sensor

1994-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)
This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles
up to approximately 400 ft. (120 m) ahead, determines the current
vehicle-to-vehicle following distance, and operates to maintain a suit-
able following distance from the vehicle ahead.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long
downhill slopes.
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-
vehicle distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance control.
Example of deceleration cruising
When the vehicle ahead is drivi ng slower than the set speed
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automatically
decelerates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed is
necessary, the system applies the brakes. A warning tone warns you when
the system cannot decelerate sufficiently to prevent your vehicle from clos-
ing in on the vehicle ahead.
Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
1
2

2024-5. Using the driving support systems
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)
■Dynamic radar cruise control can be set when
●The shift lever is in D or range 4 or higher of S has been selected.
● Range 4 or higher of D has been selected by using the paddle shift. (vehi-
cles with paddle shift switches)
● Vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (50 km/h).
■ Accelerating after setting the vehicle speed
The vehicle can accelerate normally. After acceleration, the set speed
resumes. However, during vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the vehi-
cle speed may decrease below the set speed in order to maintain the dis-
tance to the vehicle ahead.
■ Automatic cancelation of vehic le-to-vehicle distance control
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled in the fol-
lowing situations:
● Actual vehicle speed falls below approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
● VSC is activated.
● The sensor cannot operate correctly because it is covered in some way.
● The windshield wipers are operating at high speed (when the wipers are in
AUTO mode [rain-sensing windshield wipers] or the high speed wiper oper-
ation).
If vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled for any
other reason, there may be a malfunction in the system. Contact your Toyota
dealer.

2034-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)■
Automatic cancelation of constant speed control
The cruise control will stop maintaining the vehicle speed in the following situ-
ations:
● Actual vehicle speed is more than approximately 10 mph (16 km/h) below
the set vehicle speed.
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.
● Vehicle speed falls below approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
● VSC is activated.
■ Radar sensor and grille cover
Always keep the sensor and grille cover clean to ensure that the vehicle-to-
vehicle distance control operates properly. (Some obstructions, such as
snow, ice and plastic objects, cannot be detected by the obstruction sensor.)
Dynamic radar cruise control is canceled if an obstruction is detected.
■ Warning messages and buzzers for dynamic radar cruise control
Warning messages and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or
to inform the driver of the need for caution while driving. The following actions
may solve the problem.
●When a message indicating to perform system check is displayed:
Press the “ON-OFF” button once to deactivate the system, and then press
the button again to reactivate the system.
● When a message indicating to clean the radar sensor is displayed:
Dirt, ice, etc. is on the radar sensor surface. Clean the sensor.
● When a message indicating that the cruise control is not available is dis-
played:
If the wipers are operating at high speed (including when the wiper switch is
in the AUTO position), the radar cruise control is not available. Use the
cruise control when it is possible to drive without operating the wipers at
high speed.
If the warning message remains on even after the above actions have been
performed, the system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by
your Toyota dealer. Grille cover
Radar sensor
1
2

2074-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)
CAUTION
■When the sensor may not be correct ly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary when any of the following types of vehicle\
s
are in front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles,
the approach warning ( P. 200) will not be activated, and a fatal or serious
accident may result.
● Vehicles that cut in suddenly
● Vehicles traveling at low speeds
● Vehicles that are not moving
● Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
● Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
■ Conditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control may
not function correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the radar sen-
sor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and a fatal or seri-
ous accident may result:
● 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
trunk etc.)
● When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
● When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
● When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly

2084-5. Using the driving support systems
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)
CAUTION
■Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the cruise control system can function
effectively.
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 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.

2164-5. Using the driving support systems
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)
◆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)

2174-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)
Enabled
Disabled
The “PCS” warning light turns on
when pre-collision system is dis-
abled.
The radar sensor detects vehi-
cles or other obstacles on or near
the road ahead and determines
whether a collision is imminent
based on the position, speed, and
heading of the obstacles.
Disabling pre-collision system
1
2
Radar sensor

2194-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)■
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