2015 TOYOTA AVALON HYBRID Owners Manual

2334-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVALON_HV_U (OM41457U)
◆BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if equipped)
P. 2 4 5
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC/ABS/hill-
start assist control systems are
operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC systems may
reduce power from the hybrid syst em to the wheels. Pressing the
switch to turn the system off may make it easier 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/ABS/hill-start assist control systems are
operating
Disabling the TRAC system

2344-5. Using the driving support systems
AVALON_HV_U (OM41457U)
■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 and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota
dealer.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC
systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid system 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.
■ 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 power 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 hybrid system
off. The effectiveness of the EPS system will be restored after a short while.

2354-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVALON_HV_U (OM41457U)
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the
following situations:
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■ TRAC may not operat e effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■ When the TRAC/VSC syst ems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.

2364-5. Using the driving support systems
AVALON_HV_U (OM41457U)
CAUTION
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

2374-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVALON_HV_U (OM41457U)
To engage hill-start assist control,
further depress the brake pedal
when the vehicle is stopped com-
pletely.
A buzzer will sound once to indi-
cate the system is activated. The
slip indicator will also start flashing.
■Hill-start assist contro l operating conditions
● The system operates in the following situations:
• The shift lever is in a position other than P.
• The parking brake is not applied.
• The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
● Hill-start assist control cannot be operated while the slip indicator light is illu-
minated.
■ Hill-start assist control
●While hill-start assist control is operating, the brakes remain automatically
applied after the driver releases the brake pedal. The stop lights and the
high mounted stoplight turn on.
● Hill-start assist control operates for about 2 seconds after the brake pedal is
released.
● If the slip indicator does not flash and the buzzer does not sound when the
brake pedal is further depressed, slightly reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal (do not allow the vehicle to roll backward) and then firmly depress it
again. If the system still does not operate, check that the operating condi-
tions explained above have been met.
Hill-start assist control
Assists with starting off a nd temporarily maintains braking
power even if the foot is remo ved from the brake pedal when
starting off on an incline or a slippery slope.

2384-5. Using the driving support systems
AVALON_HV_U (OM41457U)■
Hill-start assist control buzzer
●When hill-start assist control is activated, the buzzer will sound once.
● In the following situations, hill-start assist control will be canceled and the
buzzer will sound twice.
• No attempt is made to drive the vehicle within approximately 2 seconds of
releasing the brake pedal.
• The shift lever is moved to P.
• The parking brake is applied.
• The brake pedal is depressed again.
• The brake pedal has been depressed for more than approximately 3 min- utes.
■ If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■Hill-start assist control
● Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may
not operate effectively on extremely steep inclines and roads covered with
ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline for an extended
period of time, as doing so may lead to an accident.

2394-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVALON_HV_U (OM41457U)
◆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. 31)
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. 240)

2404-5. Using the driving support systems
AVALON_HV_U (OM41457U)
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