Ignition switch, Transmission and Parking brake -> Traction control system for Your Toyota Avalon 4 Door Second Generation (2000-2004)

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)  
Traction control system  
(h) Good driving practice  
(i) If you cannot shift the selector le-  
ver out of “P” position  
The traction control system automatical-  
ly helps prevent the spinning of front  
wheels when the vehicle is started or  
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.  
D If the transmission repeatedly shifts up  
and down between third gear and over-  
drive when climbing a gentle slope, the  
overdrive should be turned off. Be sure  
to turn the switch on immediately after-  
ward.  
If you cannot shift the selector lever from  
the “P” position even though the brake  
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock  
override button. For instructions, see “If  
you cannot shift automatic transmission  
selector lever” in Section 4.  
When the ignition key is turned to “ON”,  
the system automatically turns on.  
CAUTION  
D When towing a trailer, in order to main-  
tain engine braking efficiency, do not  
use overdrive.  
Under certain slippery road condi-  
tions, full traction of the vehicle and  
power against front wheels cannot be  
maintained, even though the traction  
control system is in operation. Do not  
drive the vehicle under any speed or  
maneuvering conditions which may  
cause the vehicle to lose traction  
control. In situations where the road  
surface is covered with ice or snow,  
your vehicle should be fitted with  
snow tires or tire chains. Always  
drive at an appropriate and cautious  
speed for the present road condi-  
tions.  
CAUTION  
Always keep your foot on the brake  
pedal while stopped with the engine  
running. This prevents the vehicle  
from creeping.  
NOTICE  
Do not hold the vehicle on an up-  
grade with the accelerator pedal. It  
can cause the transmission to over-  
heat. Always use the brake pedal or  
parking brake.  
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’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)  
When the traction control system is oper-  
ating, the following conditions occur:  
D The system controls the spinning of the  
front wheels. At this time, the slip indi-  
cator light blinks.  
D You may feel vibration or noise in your  
vehicle, caused by operation of the  
brakes. This indicates the system is  
functioning properly.  
The slip indicator light comes on for a few  
seconds when the ignition key is turned  
to “ON”. If the indicator light does not  
come on when the ignition is turned on,  
contact your Toyota dealer.  
NORMAL DRIVING MODE  
TRACTION CONTROL OFF MODE  
Leave the system on during the ordi-  
nary driving so that it can operate  
when needed.  
When getting the vehicle out of mud or  
new fallen snow, etc., turn off the trac-  
tion control system. This system that  
controls engine performance interferes  
with the process of freeing front  
wheels.  
You may hear  
a
sound in the engine  
compartment for a few seconds when the  
engine is started or just after the vehicle  
is started. This means that the traction  
control system is in the self−check mode,  
but does not indicate a malfunction.  
To turn off: Push “TRAC OFF” switch.  
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come  
on.  
The vehicle skid control system is always  
activated, even if the traction control sys-  
tem is turned off.  
To turn on: Push “TRAC OFF” switch  
once again.  
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will go off.  
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’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)  
“TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on for  
a few seconds when the ignition key is  
turned to “ON”. It will come on again  
when you push the “TRAC OFF” switch to  
turn off the system.  
In the following cases, contact your Toyota  
dealer:  
D The warning light does not come on  
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”.  
D The warning light remains on after the  
ignition key is turned to “ON”.  
In the following cases, contact your Toyota  
dealer:  
D The warning light comes on while driv-  
ing.  
D The indicator light does not come on  
when the ignition key is turned “ON”.  
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come  
on when the “VSC” warning light comes  
on even if the “TRAC OFF” switch is not  
pushed.  
D The indicator light remains on after the  
ignition is turned on.  
D The indicator light comes on with the  
normal driving mode while driving.  
“VSC” warning light  
This light warns that there is a problem  
somewhere in the traction control system  
or the vehicle skid control system.  
The light will come on when the ignition  
key is turned to “ON” and will go off after  
a few seconds.  
If the light comes on while driving, the  
system does not work. However, as con-  
ventional braking operates when applied,  
there is no problem to continue your driv-  
ing.  
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