Get When driving -> Driving procedures Guide for Toyota Avalon 4 Door Third Generation (2005-2012)

2-1. Driving procedures

Driving the vehicle

The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe driv-

ing.

■ Starting the engine

P. 149, 153

■ Driving

STEP

1

With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to “D”.

(P. 156)

STEP

2

3

Release the parking brake.

(P. 162)

Gradually release the brake pedal and gently push the

accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.

■ Stopping

STEP

1

2

With the shift lever in “D”, push the brake pedal.

If necessary, set the parking brake.

When the vehicle is stopped for an extended period of time, shift

the shift lever to “P”.

⁽P.156)

■ Parking the vehicle

STEP

1

2

3

4

5

With the shift lever in “D”, push the brake pedal.

Set the parking brake.

(P.162)

(P.156)

Shift the shift lever to “P”.

Stop the engine.

Lock the door, making sure that you have the key on your

person.

138

2-1. Driving procedures

Starting on a steep incline

STEP

1

2

3

Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to “D”.

Gently depress the accelerator pedal.

Release the parking brake.

■Driving in the rain

2

●Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the

windows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.

●Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be

especially slippery.

●Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain,

because there may be a layer of water between the tires and the road

surface, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.

■Breaking in your new Toyota

To extend the life of the vehicle, the following precautions are recommended

to observe:

●For the first 200 miles (300 km):

Avoid sudden stops.

●For the first 1000 miles (1600 km):

• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.

• Avoid sudden acceleration.

• Do not drive continuously in the low gears.

• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.

■Operating your vehicle in a foreign country

Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability

of the correct fuel. (P. 508)

139

2-1. Driving procedures

CAUTION

■When starting the vehicle

Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the engine run-

ning. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.

■When driving the vehicle

●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accel-

erator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.

• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake

pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident

that could result in death or serious injury.

• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a diffi-

culty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.

• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the

vehicle only slightly, allowing you to depress the brake and accelerator

pedals properly.

• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake

pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, result-

ing in an accident.

●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.

The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. This may

cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.

●Do not let the vehicle roll backwards while the shift lever is in a driving

position, or roll forward while the shift lever is in “R”.

Doing so may cause the engine not to operate or lead to poor brake and

steering performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.

140

2-1. Driving procedures

CAUTION

■When driving the vehicle

●If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and

check that the trunk is closed.

Large amounts of exhaust in the vehicle can cause driver drowsiness and

an accident, resulting in death or a serious health hazard. Have the cause

of the problem inspected immediately.

●Do not shift the shift lever to "P" while the vehicle is moving.

Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle

control.

2

●Do not shift the shift lever to "R" while the vehicle is moving forward.

Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle

control.

●Do not shift the shift lever to "D" while the vehicle is moving backward.

Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle

control.

●Moving the shift lever to "N" while the vehicle is moving will disengage the

engine from the transmission. Engine braking is not available when "N" is

selected.

●During normal driving, do not turn off the engine. Turning the engine off

while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the

power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to

steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it

is safe to do so.

However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible

to stop the vehicle in the normal way: P. 465

●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. 158)

●Be careful when driving on slippery surfaces, as the vehicle may spin or

skid when downshifting, rapidly accelerating, braking or turning.

141

2-1. Driving procedures

CAUTION

■When driving the vehicle

●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.

●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-

mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high

speed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire

failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer

to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability

tires or not before driving at such speeds.

■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 changes in engine speed, such as engine braking caused by up-

shifting or down-shifting, may 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.

142

2-1. Driving procedures

CAUTION

■When shifting the shift lever

Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.

This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may

cause an accident and result in death or serious injury.

■When the vehicle is stopped

●Do not race the engine.

If the vehicle is in any gear other than “P” or “N” the vehicle may acceler-

ate suddenly and unexpectedly, and may cause an accident.

2

●Do not leave the vehicle with the engine on for a long time.

If such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space

and check that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.

●In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep

depressing the brake pedal while the engine is running, and apply the

parking brake as necessary.

●If the vehicle stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused

by the vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake pedal

and securely apply the parking brake as needed.

●Avoid revving or racing the engine.

Running the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped may cause

the exhaust system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible

material is nearby.

143

2-1. Driving procedures

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.

Failure to do 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”, stop the engine

and lock the vehicle.

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, or snow is expected to fall.

Exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to death or a

serious health hazard.

144

2-1. Driving procedures

CAUTION

■Exhaust gases

Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO) that is colorless and

odorless. Inhaling exhaust gases may lead to death or a serious health haz-

ard.

●If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area, stop the engine. In a closed

area, such as a garage, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle.

This may lead to death or a serious health hazard.

2

●The exhaust should be checked occasionally. If there is a hole or crack

caused by corrosion, damage to a joint or abnormal exhaust noise, be

sure to have the vehicle inspected and repaired by your Toyota dealer.

Failure to do so may allow exhaust gases to enter the vehicle, resulting in

death or a serious health hazard.

■When taking a nap in the vehicle

Always turn the engine off.

Otherwise, you may accidentally move the shift lever or press the accelera-

tor pedal, which could cause an accident or fire due to abnormal engine

overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly ventilated area,

exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to death or a seri-

ous health hazard.

145

2-1. Driving procedures

CAUTION

■When braking the vehicle

●When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.

Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and may cause one

side of the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also the parking

brake may not securely hold the vehicle.

●If the power brake assist function does not operate, do not follow other

vehicles closely and avoid downhill or sharp turns that require making.

In this case, braking is still possible, but it will require more force on the

pedal than usual. Braking distance may also increase.

●Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.

Each push on the pedal uses up the reserve for the power-assisted

brakes.

●The brake system consists of 2 individual hydraulic systems: if one of the

systems fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal

should be depressed more firmly than usual and braking distance

becomes longer.

Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system. Have your

brakes fixed immediately.

NOTICE

■While driving the vehicle

●Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress accelerator and brake pedals

at the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.

●Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during

driving. Depressing the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time

may restrain the engine output.

146

2-1. Driving procedures

NOTICE

■When parking the vehicle

Always put the shift lever in “P”. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to

move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is acci-

dentally depressed.

■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts

●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for a

long time.

2

Doing so may damage the power steering pump.

●When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid

damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.

■If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indica-

tors)

Have your Toyota dealer check and replace the brake pads as soon as pos-

sible.

The rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.

■If you get a flat tire while driving

A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering

wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.

●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.

●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.

●The vehicle will behave abnormally.

Replace a flat tire with a new one. (P. 479)

■If the vehicle becomes stuck or bogged

Do not spin the wheels recklessly when any of the tires is up in the air, or

stuck in sand or mud, etc. This may damage the drive system components

or propel the vehicle forward (or in another direction) and cause an accident.

147

2-1. Driving procedures

NOTICE

■When encountering flooded roads

Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may

cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.

●Engine stalling

●Short in electrical components

●Engine damage caused by water immersion

In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be

sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.

●Brake function

●Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, trans-

mission, differentials, etc.

●Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-

ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

148

2-1. Driving procedures

Engine (ignition) switch (with smart key system)

Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic

key on your person starts the engine or changes “ENGINE START

STOP” switch modes.

■ Starting the engine

STEP

1

2

3

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.

2

Press the “ENGINE START

STOP” switch.

STEP

4

The engine can be started

from any mode.

149

2-1. Driving procedures

■ Changing engine (ignition) switch mode

Modes can be changed by pressing the “ENGINE START

STOP” switch with the brake pedal released. (The mode

changes each time the switch is pressed.)

OFF*

Emergency flashers can be

used.

ACCESSORY mode

Some electrical components

such as the audio system can

be used.

The “ENGINE START STOP”

switch indicator turns amber.

IGNITION ON mode

All electrical components can

be used.

The “ENGINE START STOP”

switch indicator turns amber.

*:If the shift lever is in a position

other than “P” when turning off

the engine, the “ENGINE

START STOP” switch will be

turned to ACCESSORY mode,

not to OFF.

150

2-1. Driving procedures

■When the steering lock cannot be released

The green indicator light on the “ENGINE

START STOP” switch will flash. Press the

“ENGINE START STOP” switch again

while turning the steering wheel slightly in

either direction.

2

■If the engine does not start

The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 91)

■When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator flashes in amber

The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your

Toyota dealer immediately.

■Auto power OFF function

The “ENGINE START STOP” switch will automatically turn OFF when left in

ACCESSORY mode for 1 hour or more.

■Electronic key battery depletion

P. 32

■When the electronic key battery is discharged

P. 427

■Conditions affecting operation

P. 30

151

2-1. Driving procedures

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.

■Stopping the engine in an emergency

If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle,

push and hold the “ENGINE START STOP” switch for more than 3 seconds.

However, do not touch the "ENGINE START STOP" switch while driving

except in an emergency. Turning the engine off while driving will not cause

loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will

be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull

over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE

■To prevent battery discharge

Do not leave the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCESSORY or IGNI-

TION ON mode for long periods if the engine is not running.

■When starting the engine

●Do not race the engine.

●If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine

checked immediately.

152

2-1. Driving procedures

Engine (ignition) switch (without smart key system)

■ Starting the engine

STEP

1

2

3

4

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.

■ Engine (ignition) switch

2

“LOCK”

The steering wheel is locked

and the key can be removed.

(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.

153

2-1. Driving procedures

■Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”

STEP

1

Shift the shift lever to “P”.

2

Push in the key and turn to

the “LOCK” position.

■When the steering lock cannot be released

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.

■If the engine does not start

The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 91)

■Key reminder function

A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened, while the engine switch is in

the “ACC” or “LOCK” position to remind you to remove the key.

154

2-1. Driving procedures

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 key only to the “ACC” position.

2

NOTICE

■To prevent battery discharge

Do not leave the key in the “ACC” or “ON” position for long periods without

the engine running.

■When starting the engine

●Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the

starter and wiring systems.

●Do not race the cold engine.

●If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine

checked immediately.

155

2-1. Driving procedures

Automatic transmission

Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.

■ Shifting the shift lever

S mode driving position

Vehicles with smart key system:

While the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION

ON mode, depress the brake pedal and move the shift

lever.

Vehicles without smart key system:

While the engine switch is in the “ON” position, depress the

brake pedal and move the shift lever.

156

2-1. Driving procedures

■ Shift position uses

Shift position

Function

P

R

N

Parking the vehicle or starting the engine

Reversing

Neutral

Normal driving*¹

S mode driving *²

2

D

*¹: Shifting to the D position allows the system to select a gear suitable for

the driving conditions.

Setting the shift lever to the D position is recommended for normal driv-

ing.

*²: Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of the pos-

sible gear ranges, controls engine braking forces, and prevents unnec-

essary upshifting.

157

2-1. Driving procedures

Changing shift ranges in S mode

Shift the shift lever to the S mode driving position and operate the

shift lever.

Upshifting

Downshifting

The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to 5 or 4 accord-

ing to vehicle speed. However, the initial shift range may be set to 3 if

AI-SHIFT has operated while the shift lever was in the D position.

(P. 159)

158

2-1. Driving procedures

■ Shift ranges and their functions

● Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 6 according to

vehicle speed and driving condition. (However the gear is limited

according to selected shift range.)

● You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.

● A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking force than

a higher shift range, and the engine speed will also increase.

2

■S mode

●When the shift range is 5 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets

the shift range to 6.

●To prevent excessive engine speed, a function was adopted that auto-

matically selects a higher shift range before engine speed becomes too

high.

●To protect the automatic transmission, a function is adopted that auto-

matically selects a higher shift range when the fluid temperature is high.

■Down shifting restrictions warning buzzer (in the S mode)

To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may

sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be

possible even when the shift lever is operated. (The warning buzzer will

sound twice.)

■When driving with the cruise control system

Engine braking will not occur in the S mode, even when downshifting to 5 or

4. (P. 182)

■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P

P. 489

159

2-1. Driving procedures

■If the S indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to

S mode driving position

This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have

the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

(In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same manner as when

the shift lever is in D.)

■AI-SHIFT

AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver perfor-

mance and driving conditions.

AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position.

(Shifting the shift lever to the S mode driving position cancels the function.)

160

2-1. Driving procedures

Turn signal lever

Right turn

Left turn

Move and hold the lever

partway to signal a lane

change

The right hand signal will flash

until you release the lever.

2

Move and hold the lever

partway to signal a lane

change

The left hand signal will flash

until you release the lever.

■Turn signals can be operated when

Vehicles with smart key system

The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.

Vehicles without smart key system

The engine switch is in the “ON” position.

■If the indicators flash faster than usual

Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned

out.

161

2-1. Driving procedures

Parking brake

Sets the parking brake*

(Depressing the pedal again

releases the parking brake.)

U.S.A. Canada

*: Fully depress the parking

brake pedal with your left

foot while depressing the

brake pedal with your right

foot.

■Usage in winter time

See “Winter driving tips” for parking brake usage in winter time. (P. 207)

NOTICE

■Before driving

Fully release the parking brake.

Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components

overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake

wear.

162

2-1. Driving procedures

Horn

To sound the horn, press on or

close to the mark.

2

163

When driving -> Driving procedures for Your Toyota Avalon 4 Door Third Generation (2005-2012)

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