TOYOTA AVALON 2009 XX30 / 3.G Owners Manual

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Engine (ignition) switch (without smar t key system)
■Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”
■ Starting the 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 “START” position and start
the engine.
■ Engine (ignition) switch
“LOCK”
The steering wheel is locked
and the key can be removed.
“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
Shift the shift lever to “P”.
Push in the key and turn to
the “LOCK” position.STEP1
STEP2

132 2-1. Driving procedures
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■When the steering lock cannot be released
■ If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 78)
■ 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.
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.
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.

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When driving
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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.

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Automatic transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
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.
“S” mode driving position

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When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
■
Shift position uses
*1: To improve fuel consumption and reduce noises, set the shift lever in
the “D” position for normal driving.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using “S” mode, you can control engine brak-ing forces.
Shift positionFunction
“P”Parking the vehicle or starting the engine
“R”Reversing
“N”Neutral
“D”Normal driving*1
“S” mode driving*2 (  P. 136)

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Changing shift ranges in “S” modeShift the shift lever to the “S” mode driving position and operate the
shift lever. Upshift range
Downshift range
The initial shift range in “S” mode is automatically set to “5” or “4”
according to the vehicle’s speed. However, depending on the driving
condition, the initial shift range may be set to “3” when AI-SHIFT con-
trol is being performed. ( P. 137)
■ Shift ranges and their functions
●You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.
● A lower shift range will provide greater engine br aking force than
a higher shift range, and the engine revolutions will also
increase.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
■
Down shifting restrictions wa rning 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 contro l system (or dynamic laser cruise
control system)
The engine brake will not operate in the “S” mode, even when downshifting
to “5” or “4”. ( P. 158, 161)
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from “P”
 P. 408
■ 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 vehicle will operate as if the shift lever is in “D”.)
■ AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatically shifts the gear to the optimal position according
to the driver’s input and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the “D” posi-
tion. (Shifting the shift lever to the “S” mode driving position cancels the func-
tion.)

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Tur n signal 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.
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.
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change
The left hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.

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When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Parking brake
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.
Sets the parking brake*
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
*: Fully depress the parking
brake pedal with your left
foot while depressing the
brake pedal with your right
foot.CanadaU.S.A.

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Hor n
To sound the horn, press on or
close to the mark.