Page 192 of 776

192 2-1. Driving procedures
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
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. 210, 216)
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 194 of 776

194 2-1. Driving procedures
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
CAUTION
When the vehicle is parked
Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft drink cans in
the vehicle when it is in the sun.
Doing so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a
fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and
plastic material of eye glasses to deform or crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the
interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehi-
cle’s electrical components.
Always apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever to “P” (vehicles with a
Multidrive or automatic transmission), stop the engine and lock the vehi-
cle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.
Do not touch the exhaust pipe while the engine is running or immediately
after turning the engine off. 
Doing so may cause burns.
Do not leave the engine running in an area with snow build up, or where it
is snowing. If snowbanks build up around the vehicle while the engine is
running, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle. This may lead
to death or a serious health hazard. 
     
        
        Page 200 of 776
200
2-1. Driving procedures
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles with smar t entr y & star t system)
Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic
key on your person starts the engine or changes “ENGINE START
STOP” modes.
Starting the engine
Multidrive or automatic transmission
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in “P”.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator turns green.
Press the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch.
The engine can be started
from any “ENGINE START
STOP” switch mode.
Continue depressing the brake
pedal until the engine is com-
pletely started. The engine will
crank until it starts or for up to
30 seconds, whichever is less.
Diesel engine only:   indi-
cator turns on. The engine
begins starting after the indica-
tor light goes out.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4 
     
        
        Page 201 of 776
201 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
Manual transmission
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.
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator turns green.
Press the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch.
The engine can be started
from any “ENGINE START
STOP” switch mode.
Continue depressing the clutch
pedal until the engine is com-
pletely started. The engine will
crank until it starts or for up to
30 seconds, whichever is less.
Diesel engine only:   indi-
cator turns on. The engine
begins starting after the indica-
tor light goes out.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4 
     
        
        Page 203 of 776

203 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 127)
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 20 minutes or
IGNITION ON mode (the engine is not running) for more than an hour
with the shift lever in “P”, the “ENGINE START STOP” switch will auto-
matically turn OFF.
Vehicles with a manual transmission
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or
IGNITION ON mode (the engine is not running) 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. 706
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 205 of 776

205
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without smart entr y & start system)
Starting the engine
Multidrive
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in “P”.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the “START” position and start
the engine.
Automatic transmission (diesel engine)
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in “P”.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake 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.
Manual transmission (gasoline 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 “START” position and start
the engine.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4 
     
        
        Page 206 of 776
206 2-1. Driving procedures
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
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 
     
        
        Page 207 of 776
207 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20B88E_(EE)
When the steering lock cannot be released
If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 127)
Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened, while the key is in the engine
switch to remind you to remove the key.
CAUTION
When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not press the
accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
While driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position. 
If in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the engine switch only to the “ACC” position.
When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK”
position. To free it, turn the key while turn-
ing the steering wheel slightly in either
direction.