Get When trouble arises -> Steps to take in an emergency Guide for Toyota Avalon 4 Door Third Generation (2005-2012)

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds...

Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights turn

on or flash. If a light turns on or flashes, but then turns off, this does

not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the system.

Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle

may be dangerous.

The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake sys-

tem. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your

Toyota dealer.

Warning light

Warning light/Details

Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)*

• Low brake fluid

(U.S.A.)

• Malfunction in the brake system

This light also comes on when the parking brake is not

released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is

fully released, the system is operating normally.

(Canada)

*: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:

5

A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approxi-

mately 3 mph (5 km/h) or more.

465

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Stop the vehicle immediately.

The following warning indicates the possibility of damage to the vehi-

cle that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a

safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.

Warning light

Warning light/Details

Charging system warning light

Malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system.

Low engine oil pressure warning light

Abnormal level of engine oil pressure.

This warning light may turn on if the level of engine oil

declines. The light should turn off after checking the oil

and adding oil if necessary.

Have the vehicle inspected immediately.

Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to

the system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident.

Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

Warning light

Warning light/Details

Malfunction indicator lamp

Malfunction in:

(U.S.A.)

• The electronic engine control system;

• The electronic throttle control system; or

• The transmission control system.

(Canada)

466

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Warning light

Warning light/Details

SRS warning light

Malfunction in:

• The SRS airbag system;

• Front passenger occupant classification system; or

• The seat belt pretensioner system.

ABS warning light

Malfunction in:

(U.S.A.)

• The ABS; or

• The brake assist system.

(Canada)

Automatic headlight leveling system warning light

Malfunction in the automatic headlight leveling system.

(if equipped)

Slip indicator light

Malfunction in the VSC system or TRAC or TRC sys-

tem.

Have the malfunction repaired immediately.

5

After taking the specified steps to correct the suspected problem,

check that the warning light turns off.

Warning light

Warning light/Details

Correction procedure

Open door warning light

^{(warning buzzer)}*¹

A door or a trunk is not

fully closed.

Check that all doors and the

trunk are closed.

467

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Warning light

Warning light/Details

Correction procedure

Refuel the vehicle.

Low fuel level warning

light

Remaining fuel

(Approximately 2.6 gal. [10

L, 2.2 Imp.gal.] or less)

Driver’s seat belt

reminder light (warning

^buzzer)*²

Fasten the seat belt.

Warns the driver to fasten

his/her seat belt.

Front passenger’s seat

belt reminder light

^{(warning buzzer)}*²

Warns the front passen-

ger to fasten his/her seat

belt.

Tire pressure warning

light

When the light comes on:

Low tire inflation pressure.

Adjust the tire inflation

pressure.

When the light stays on

after blinking for 1 minute:

Malfunction in the tire

Have the system checked

by your Toyota dealer.

pressure warning system.

468

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Warning light

Warning light/Details

Correction procedure

Fill the tank.

Low washer fluid warning

light

Low level of washer fluid

Engine oil replacement

reminder light

Illuminates for about 3 sec-

onds and then flasher for

about 15 seconds:

Engine oil is scheduled to

be changed.

Check the engine oil, and

change if necessary.

(U.S.A.)

Comes on and remains:

Engine oil should be

changed.

Check and change the

engine oil.

*¹:Open door warning buzzer:

A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approximately 3

mph (5 km/h) or more with any door open.

*²:Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder buzzer:

The driver’s and front passenger’s seat belts reminder sounds to alert the

driver and front passenger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. The

buzzer sounds intermittently for 10 seconds after the vehicle has reached a

speed of at least 9 mph (15 km/h). Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened,

the buzzer will continue to sound.

5

469

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Have the malfunction repaired immediately. (vehicles with smart

key system)

After taking the specified steps to correct the suspected problem,

check that the warning light turn off.

Interior Exterior

Correction

procedure

Warning light

Details

buzzer

• Confirm the

location of the

electronic key.

• The electronic

key battery

The electronic key

is not detected

when attempting to

start the engine.

Once



(Flashing)

maybe dis-

charged.

(P. 427)

An open door

other than the

driver’s door is

closed while the

electronic key is

outside the detec-

tion range and the

“ENGINE START

STOP” switch is in

ACCESSORY or

IGNITION ON

mode.

Confirm the

location of the

electronic key.

Once

3 times

(Flashing)

470

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Interior Exterior

Correction

Details

Warning light

buzzer

procedure

An open door

other than the

driver’s door is

closed while the

electronic key is

outside the detec-

tion range and the

“ENGINE START

STOP” switch is in

ACCESSORY or

IGNITION ON

Turn the

“ENGINE

START STOP”

switch OFF or

confirm the

location of the

electronic key.

Once

3 times

(Flashing)

mode with the shift

lever in “P”.

An open door

other than the

driver’s door is

closed while the

electronic key is

outside the detec-

tion range and the

“ENGINE START

STOP” switch is in

ACCESSORY or

IGNITION ON

Shift the shift

lever to “P”.

Confirm the

location of the

electronic key.

Contin- Contin-

uous uous

(Flashing)

5

mode with the shift

lever not in “P”.

471

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving

First check the following:

●Is your vehicle low on gas?

If it is, refuel the vehicle immediately.

●Is the fuel tank cap loose?

If it is, tighten it securely.

The light will go off after taking several driving trips.

If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Toyota dealer

as soon as possible.

■SRS warning light

This warning light system monitors the following:

●The airbag sensor assembly

●Front airbag sensors

●The curtain shield airbag sensors

●The side and curtain shield airbag sensor assemblies

●The driver’s seat position sensor

●Driver’s seat belt buckle switch

●The front passenger occupant classification ECU

●The pressure sensor

●The belt tension sensor

●“AIR BAG ON” and “AIR BAG OFF” indicator lights

●Front passenger’s seat belt buckle switch

●The inflators

●The warning light

●The interconnecting wiring and power sources

■Front passenger detection sensor and passenger seat belt reminder

If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger detec-

tion sensor may cause the warning light to flash, even if a passenger is not

sitting in the seat.

472

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■If the tire pressure warning system is inoperative

The tire pressure warning system will be disabled in the following condi-

tions:

(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)

●If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmit-

ters are used.

●If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is

not registered in the tire pressure warning computer.

2

●If the tire inflation pressure is 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm or bar) or

higher.

The tire pressure warning system may be disabled in the following condi-

tions:

(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)

●If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies

are nearby.

●If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle.

●If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.

●If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular around the

wheels or wheel housings.

●If non-genuine Toyota wheels are used. (Even if you use Toyota

wheels, the tire pressure warning system may not work properly with

some types of tires.)

5

●If tire chains are used.

●If the spare tire is in a location subject to poor radio wave signal

reception.

●If a large metallic object which can interfere with signal reception is

put in the trunk.

473

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■If the tire pressure warning light continues to comes on after blink-

ing for 1 minute frequently

Vehicles with smart key system

If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute when

the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode, have it

checked by your Toyota dealer.

Vehicles without smart key system

If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute when

the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position, have it checked by your

Toyota dealer.

■When the tire pressure warning light comes on

Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level.

Pushing the tire pressure warning reset switch does not turn off the tire

pressure warning light.

■The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes

The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes such

as natural air leaks or tire inflation pressure changes caused by temper-

ature. In this case, adjusting the tire inflation pressure will turn off the

light (after a few minutes).

■When a tire is replaced with a spare tire

The spare tire is also equipped with the tire pressure warning valve and

transmitter. The tire pressure warning light will turn on if the tire inflation

pressure of the spare tire is low. If a tire goes flat, even though the flat

tire is replaced with the spare tire, the tire pressure warning light does

not turn off. Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire and adjust the

proper tire inflation pressure. The tire pressure warning light will turn off

after a few minutes.

474

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

CAUTION

■If the tire pressure warning light comes on

Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could

cause loss of vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.

●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire

inflation pressure immediately.

●If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pres-

sure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires.

If the tire is flat, change to the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired

by the nearest Toyota dealer.

●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate,

you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.

■If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur

The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.

■Maintenance of the tires

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly

when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the

vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure

label (tire and load information label). (If your vehicle has tires of a differ-

ent size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation

pressure label [tire and load information label], you should determine the

proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)

5

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire

pressure monitoring system (TPMS-tire pressure warning system) that

illuminates a low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light) when

one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly,

when the low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light) illumi-

nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and

inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-

inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.

Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may

affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.

475

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

CAUTION

Please note that the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) is not a sub-

stitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to

maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the

level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale (tire

pressure warning light).

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS (tire pressure warning

system) malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operat-

ing properly. The TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunction indi-

cator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure

warning light). When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will

flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illumi-

nated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as

long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illumi-

nated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure

as intended.

TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunctions may occur for a vari-

ety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires

or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS (tire pressure warning

system) from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS (tire pres-

sure warning system) malfunction telltale after replacing one or more

tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alter-

nate tires and wheels allow the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) to

continue to function properly.

NOTICE

■Precaution when installing a different tire

When a tire of a different specification or maker is installed, the tire pres-

sure warning system may not operate properly.

476

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If you have a flat tire

Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare provided.

■ Before jacking up the vehicle

● Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.

● Set the parking brake.

● Shift the shift lever to “P”.

● Stop the engine.

● Turn on the emergency flashers.

■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools

Luggage floor

cover

Spare tire

cover

Jack handle

Spare tire

Wheel nut

wrench

Jack

5

477

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Take out the jack

Remove the cover.

STEP

1

To remove the jack, turn the jack

joint by hand until the jack

becomes free.

STEP

2

Taking out the spare tire

Remove the luggage floor cover.

STEP

1

478

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Loosen the center fastener that

secures the spare tire.

STEP

2

Remove the spare tire cover.

STEP

3

Replacing a flat tire

Chock the tires.

STEP

1

5

Flat tire

Wheel chock positions

Left-hand side

Right-hand side

Left-hand side

Right-hand side

Behind the rear right-hand side tire

Behind the rear left-hand side tire

In front of the front right-hand side tire

In front of the front left-hand side tire

Front

Rear

479

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Slightly loosen the wheel nuts

(one turn).

STEP

2

3

4

Turn the tire jack portion “A” by

hand until the notch of the jack is

in contact with the jack point.

Raise the vehicle until the tire is

slightly raised off the ground.

480

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Remove all the wheel nuts and

the tire.

STEP

5

When resting the tire on the

ground, place the tire so that the

wheel design faces up to avoid

scratching the wheel surface.

Remove the wheel ornament by

pushing from the reverse side.

STEP

6

5

481

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Installing the spare tire

Remove any dirt or foreign mat-

ter from the wheel contact sur-

face.

STEP

1

2

3

If foreign matter is on the wheel

contact surface, the wheel nuts

may loosen while the vehicle is

in motion, and the tire may

come off the vehicle.

Install the spare tire and loosely

tighten each wheel nut by hand

to approximately the same

amount.

Washer

Turn the nut washers until they

come into contact with the disc

wheel.

Disc wheel

Lower the vehicle.

482

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Firmly tighten each nut two or

three times in the order shown in

the illustration.

STEP

4

Tightening torque:

76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)

Reinstall the wheel ornament.

STEP

5

STEP

6

Stow the flat tire, tire jack and all tools.

■To store the jack

5

To store the jack, align the hole of the

jack head with the vehicle hook. Turn

the jack joint until the jack base fits

securely with the vehicle body.

This prevents the jack from flying for-

ward during a collision or sudden stop.

■After completing the tire change

The tire pressure warning system must be reset. (P. 410)

483

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

CAUTION

■Using the tire jack

Improper use of the tire jack may lead to death or injuries due to the

vehicle suddenly falling off the jack.

●Do not use the tire jack for any purpose other than replacing tires or

installing and removing tire chains.

●Only use the tire jack that comes with this vehicle for replacing a flat

tire.

Do not use it on other vehicles, and do not use other tire jacks for

replacing tires on this vehicle.

●Always check that the tire jack is securely set to the jack point.

●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in it.

●When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack.

●Do not raise the vehicle to a height greater than that required to

replace the tire.

●Use a jack stand if it is necessary to get under the vehicle.

●Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle supported by a jack.

●Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is supported by the

jack.

Take particular care when lowering the vehicle to ensure that no one

working on or near the vehicle may be injured.

484

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

CAUTION

■Replacing a flat tire

Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious

injury.

●Never use oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.

Oil and grease may cause the wheel nuts to be excessively tightened,

leading to bolt or disc wheel damage. In addition, the oil or grease can

cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel may fall off, causing a

serious accident. Remove any oil or grease from the wheel bolts or

wheel nuts.

●Have the wheel nuts tightened with a torque wrench to 76 ft•lbf (103

N•m, 10.5 kgf•m) as soon as possible after changing wheels.

Failure to follow these precautions could cause the nuts to loosen and

the wheels may fall off, which could lead to an accident causing death

or serious injury.

5

485

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

NOTICE

■Do not drive the vehicle with a flat tire

Do not continue driving with a flat tire.

Driving even a short distance with a flat tire can damage the tire and the

wheel beyond repair.

■When replacing the tires

When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning

valve and transmitter, contact your Toyota dealer as the tire pressure

warning valve and transmitter may be damaged if not handled correctly.

■To avoid damaging the tire pressure warning valves and transmit-

ters

Do not use liquid sealants on flat tires.

486

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If the engine will not start

If the engine will not start even though correct starting procedures

^{are being followed (}P. 149, P. 153), consider each of the following

points.

■ The engine will not start even when the starter motor oper-

ates normally

One of the following may be the cause of the problem.

● There may not be sufficient fuel in the vehicle’s tank.

Add fuel to the vehicle.

● The engine may be flooded.

Try to restart the engine once more following correct starting

procedures. (P. 149)

● There may be a malfunction in the engine immobilizer system.

(P. 91)

■ The starter motor turns over slowly, the interior lights and

headlights are dim, or the horn does not sound or sounds at

a low volume

One of the following may be the cause of the problem.

● The battery may be discharged. (P. 494)

5

● The battery terminal connections may be loose or corroded.

■ The starter motor does not turn over (vehicles with smart

key system).

The engine starting system may be malfunctioning due to an

electrical problem such as an open circuit or a blown fuse. How-

ever, an interim measure is available to start the engine.

(P. 149)

487

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■ The starter motor does not turn over, the interior lights and

headlights do not turn on, or the horn does not sound

One of the following may be the cause of the problem.

● One or both of the battery terminals may be disconnected.

● The battery may be discharged. (P. 494)

● There may be a malfunction in the steering lock system (vehi-

cles with smart key system).

Contact your Toyota dealer if the problem cannot be repaired, or if

repair procedures are unknown.

Emergency start function (vehicles with smart key system)

When the engine does not start, the following steps can be used as

an interim measure to start the engine if the “ENGINE START STOP”

switch is functioning normally.

STEP

1

2

3

4

Set the parking brake.

Shift the shift lever to “P”.

Set the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to the ACC mode.

Push and hold the “ENGINE START STOP” switch about 15

seconds while depressing the brake pedal firmly.

Even if the engine can be started using the above steps, the system

may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle checked by your Toyota

dealer.

488

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P

If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake, there

may be a problem with the shift lock system (a system to prevent

accidental operation of the shift lever). Have the vehicle inspected by

your Toyota dealer immediately.

The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to

ensure that the shift lever can be shifted.

STEP

1

2

Set the parking brake.

Vehicles with smart key system: Turn the “ENGINE START

STOP” switch to ACCESSORY mode.

Vehicles without smart key system: Turn the engine switch

to the “ACC” position.

STEP

3

4

Depress the brake pedal.

Pry the cover up with a flat-

head screwdriver or equiva-

lent.

To prevent damage to the

cover, cover the tip of the

screwdriver with a rag.

5

Press the shift lock override

button.

STEP

5

The shift lever can be shifted

while the button is pressed.

489

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If you lose your keys

New genuine keys can be made by your Toyota dealer. Bring the

other key and the key number stamped on the key number plate.

490

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If the electronic key does not operate properly (with smart key system)

If communication between the electronic key and vehicle is inter-

rupted (P. 30) or the electronic key cannot be used because the

battery is depleted, the smart key system and wireless remote con-

trol cannot be used. In such cases, the doors can be opened or the

engine can be started by following the procedure below.

Locking and unlocking the doors key linked functions

Using the mechanical key

(P. 24) in order to perform the

following operations:

Locks all doors

Unlocks the door

Turning the key rearward unlocks

the driver’s door. Turning the key

once again unlocks the other

doors.

5

491

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Changing “ENGINE START STOP” switch modes and starting the

engine

STEP

1

2

Put the shift lever in “P” and apply the brakes.

Touch the Toyota emblem side of

the electronic key to the

“ENGINE START STOP” switch.

An alarm will sound to indicate

that the start function cannot

detect the electronic key that is

touched to the “ENGINE START

STOP” switch if any of the doors

is opened and closed while the

key is touched to the switch.

STEP

3

To change the “ENGINE START STOP” switch modes: Within

5 seconds of the buzzer sounding, release the brake pedal

and press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch. Modes can be

changed each time the switch is pressed. (P. 149)

To start the engine: Press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch

within 5 seconds after the buzzer sounds, keeping the brake

pedal depressed.

If the “ENGINE START STOP” switch still cannot be operated, con-

tact your Toyota dealer.

492

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■Stopping the engine

Shift the shift lever to “P” and press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch as

you normally do when stopping the engine.

■Replacing the key battery

As the above procedure is the temporary measure, it is recommended that

the electronic key battery be replaced immediately when the battery

depletes. (P. 427)

5

493

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If the vehicle battery is discharged

The following procedures may be used to start the engine if the vehi-

cle’s battery is discharged.

You can call your Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop.

If you have a set of jumper (or booster) cables and a second vehi-

cle with a 12 volt battery, you can jump start your Toyota following

the steps below.

STEP

1

Connecting the jumper cables.

Positive (+) battery terminal on your vehicle.

Positive (+) battery terminal on the second vehicle.

Negative (-) battery terminal on the second vehicle.

Connect the jumper cable to ground on your vehicle as shown in

the illustration.

494

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

STEP

2

Start the engine of the second vehicle. Increase the engine

speed slightly and maintain at that level for approximately

five minutes to recharge the battery of your vehicle.

STEP

3

4

Vehicles with smart key system  Open and close any of

the doors with the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.

Vehicles with smart key system: Maintain the engine speed

on the second vehicle and turn the “ENGINE START

STOP” switch to IGNITION ON mode, then start the vehi-

cle’s engine.

Vehicles without smart key system: Maintain the engine

speed on the second vehicle and turn the engine switch to

the “ON” position, then start the vehicle’s engine.

STEP

5

Once the vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper

cables in the exact reverse order in which they were con-

nected.

Once the engine starts, have the vehicle checked at your Toyota

dealer as soon as possible.

5

495

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■Starting the engine when the battery is discharged

The engine cannot be started by push-starting.

■To prevent battery discharge

●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the “ENGINE START

STOP” switch or the engine is turned off.

●Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is run-

ning at a low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic, etc.

■When the battery is removed or discharged

The following systems must be initialized.

●Power windows (P. 80)

●Moon roof (P. 85)

CAUTION

■Avoiding battery fires or explosions

Observe the following precautions to prevent accidentally igniting the flam-

mable gas that may be emitted from the battery.

●Make sure the jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that it

is not unintentionally in contact with any part other than the intended termi-

nal.

●Do not allow the jumper cables to come into contact with the “+” and “-” ter-

minals.

●Do not allow open flame or use matches, cigarette lighters or smoke near

the battery.

496

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

CAUTION

■Battery precautions

The battery contains poisonous and corrosive acidic electrolyte, while

related parts contain lead and lead compounds. Observe the following pre-

cautions when handling the battery:

●When working with the battery, always wear safety glasses and take care

not to allow any battery fluids (acid) to come into contact with skin, clothing

or the vehicle body.

●Do not lean over the battery.

●In the event that battery fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes,

immediately wash the affected area with water and seek medical attention.

Place a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area until medical attention

can be received.

●Always wash your hands after handling the battery support, terminals, and

other battery-related parts.

●Do not allow children near the battery.

NOTICE

5

■When handling jumper cables

Be careful that the jumper cables do not become tangled in the cooling fan

or any of the belts when connecting or disconnecting them.

497

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If your vehicle overheats

If your engine overheats:

STEP

1

Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air condi-

tioning system.

STEP

2

Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.

If you see steam:

Stop the engine. Carefully lift the hood after the steam

subsides and then restart the engine.

If you do not see steam:

Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.

STEP

3

4

Remove the engine compartment cover. (P. 395)

Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.

If the fan is operating:

Wait until the engine coolant temperature gauge begins

to fall and then stop the engine.

If the fan is not operating:

Stop the engine immediately and call your local Toyota

dealer.

After the engine has cooled

down sufficiently, check the

coolant level and inspect the

radiator core (radiator) for any

leaks.

STEP

5

498

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Add coolant if required.

STEP

6

Water can be used in an emer-

gency measure if coolant is

unavailable. (P. 510)

Have the vehicle checked at your nearest Toyota dealer as soon as

possible.

■Overheating

In the following situations, your vehicle may be overheating.

●The engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone or a loss of

power is experienced.

●Steam is coming from under the hood.

5

499

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

CAUTION

■To prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of

your vehicle

●If steam is seen coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until

the steam has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot, caus-

ing serious injury such as burns.

●Keep hands and clothing away from the fan and engine drive belt while the

engine is running.

●Do not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.

Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam

released under pressure.

500

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

NOTICE

■When adding engine coolant

Wait until the engine has cooled down before adding engine coolant.

When adding coolant, do so slowly. Adding cool coolant to a hot engine too

quickly can cause damage to the engine.

5

501

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If the vehicle becomes stuck

Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle

becomes stuck in mud, dirt, or snow.

STEP

1

Stop the engine. Set the parking brake and shift the shift

lever in “P”.

STEP

2

3

Remove the mud, snow, or sand from around the stuck tire.

Place wood, stones or some other material to help provide

traction under the tires.

STEP

4

5

Restart the engine.

Shift the shift lever to the “D” or “R” position and carefully

apply the accelerator to free the vehicle.

CAUTION

■When attempting to free a stuck vehicle

If you choose to rock the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the sur-

rounding area is clear, to avoid striking other vehicles, objects or persons.

The vehicle may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes

free. Use extreme 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.

NOTICE

■To avoid damaging the transmission and other components

●Avoid spinning the wheels and do not rev the engine.

●If the vehicle remains stuck after trying these procedures, the vehicle may

require towing to be freed.

502

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency

Only in an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the

vehicle in the normal way, stop the vehicle using the following pro-

cedure:

STEP

1

Steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet and firmly

depress it.

Do not pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the

effort required to slow the vehicle.

STEP

2

Shift the shift lever to N.

If the shift lever is shifted to N

STEP

3

After slowing down, stop the vehicle in a safe place by the

road.

STEP

4

Stop the engine.

If the shift lever cannot be shifted to N

STEP

3

Keep depressing the brake pedal with both feet to reduce

vehicle speed as much as possible.

Vehicles with a smart key sys-

tem: Stop the engine by press-

ing and holding the “ENGINE

START STOP” switch for 3

consecutive seconds or more.

STEP

4

5

Press and hold for 3 seconds or more

503

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Vehicles without a smart key

system: Stop the engine by

turning the engine switch to

“ACC”.

STEP

5

Stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road.

CAUTION

■If the engine has to be turned off while driving

●Power assist for the brakes and steering wheel will be lost, making the

brake pedal harder to depress and the steering wheel heavier to turn.

Decelerate as much as possible before turning off the engine.

●Vehicles without a smart key system: Never attempt to remove the key, as

doing so will lock the steering wheel.

504

When trouble arises -> Steps to take in an emergency for Your Toyota Avalon 4 Door Third Generation (2005-2012)

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