sensor TOYOTA AVALON 2020 (in English) Owner's Guide
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2584-5. Using the driving support systems
■Dynamic radar cruise control wi th full-speed range can be set when
● The shift lever is in D or range 4 or higher of S has been sele cted. 
● Range 4 or higher of D has been selected by using the paddle sh ift switch. 
(vehicles with paddle shift switches)
● Vehicle  speed  is  at  or  above  approximately  30  mph  (50  km/h).  Ho wever,
when a preceding vehicle is detected, the dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range can be set even if the vehicle speed is below  approximately
30 mph (50 km/h).
■ Accelerating after setting the vehicle speed
The vehicle can accelerate by operating the accelerator pedal.  After acceler-
ating,  the  set  speed  resumes.  However,  during  vehicle-to-vehicl e  distance
control mode, the vehicle speed may decrease below the set spee d in order
to maintain the distance to the preceding vehicle.
■ When the vehicle stops while follow-up cruising
●Pressing  the  “+  RES”  switch  while  the  vehicle  ahead  stops  will  resume  fol-
low-up  cruising  if  the  vehicle  ahead  starts  off  within  approxim ately  3  sec-
onds after the switch is pressed.
● If the vehicle ahead starts off within 3 seconds after your vehicle stops, fol-
low-up cruising will be resumed.
■ Automatic cancelation of vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mo de
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode is automatically cance led in the fol-
lowing situations.
● Actual vehicle speed falls at or below approximately 25 mph (40  km/h) when
there are no vehicles ahead.
● The  preceding  vehicle  leaves  the  lane  when  your  vehicle  is  following  at  a
vehicle  speed  at  or  below  approximately  25 mph  (40 km/h).  Other wise,  the
sensor can not properly detect the vehicle. (“Radar Cruise Control Unavail-
able” is displayed on the multi-information display)
● VSC is activated.
● TRAC is activated for a period of time.
● When the VSC or TRAC system is turned off.
● The sensor cannot detect correctly because it is covered in some way.
● Pre-collision braking is activated.
● The parking brake is operated.
● The vehicle is stopped by system control on a steep incline.
● The  following  are  detected  when  the  vehicle  has  been  stopped  by   system
control:
• The driver is not wearing a seat belt.
• The driver’s door is opened.
• The vehicle has been stopped for about 3 minutes
If  vehicle-to-vehicle  distance  control  mode  is  automatically  ca nceled  for  any
other reason, there may be a malfunction in the system. Contact  your Toyota
dealer. 
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Driving
■Automatic cancelation of c onstant speed control mode
Constant speed control mode is automatically canceled in the following situa-
tions:
● Actual  vehicle  speed  is  more  than  approximately  10  mph  (16  km/h )  below
the set vehicle speed.
● Actual vehicle speed falls below approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) .
● VSC is activated.
● TRAC is activated for a period of time.
● When the VSC or TRAC system is turned off.
● Pre-collision braking is activated.
If  constant  speed  control  mode  is  automatically  canceled  for  an y  other  rea-
son, there may be a malfunction in the system. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Brake system operation sound
If the brakes are applied automatically while the vehicle is in  vehicle-to-vehi-
cle  distance  control  mode,  a  brake  system  operation  sound  may  b e  heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Warning  messages  and  buzzers  for  d ynamic  radar  cruise  control  with
full-speed range
Warning messages and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or
to inform the driver of the need for caution while driving. If  a warning message
is  shown  on  the  multi-information  display,  read  the  message  and   follow  the
instructions.
■ When the sensor may not be correctly detect ing the vehicle ahead
In  the  case  of  the  following  and  depending  on  the  conditions,  o perate  the
brake  pedal  when  deceleration  of  the  system  is  insufficient  or  operate  the
accelerator pedal when acceleration is required.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types o f vehicles, the
approach warning ( P. 256) may not be activated.
● Vehicles that cut in suddenly
● Vehicles traveling at low speeds
● Vehicles that are not moving in the same lane
● Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board,  etc.) 
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2604-5. Using the driving support systems
●Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
● When  water  or  snow  thrown  up  by  the  surrounding  vehicles  hinders  the
detecting of the sensor
■ Conditions  under  which  the  vehic le-to-vehicle  distance  control mode
may not function correctly
In the case of the following conditions, operate the brake peda l (or accelera-
tor pedal, depending on the situation) as necessary.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, the system
may not operate properly.
● When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly
● When driving on a road surrounded by a structure, such as in a  tunnel or on
a bridge
● While  the  vehicle  speed  is  decreasing  to  the  set  speed  after  th e  vehicle
accelerates by depressing the accelerator pedal
●
When  your  vehicle  is  pointing  upwards
(caused by a heavy load in the luggage
compartment, etc.)
● Preceding  vehicle  has  an  extremely
high ground clearance
●When  the  road  curves  or  when  the
lanes are narrow
● When  steering  wheel  operation  or  your
position in the lane is unstable 
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Driving
The Blind Spot Monitor is a system that has 2 functions;
● The BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) function
Assists the driver in making a  decision when changing lanes
● The RCTA (Rear Cross T raffic Alert) function
Assists the driver when backing up
These functions use same sensors.
Multi-information display
Turning the BSM function/RCTA function on/off. ( P. 262)
Outside rear view mirror indicators
BSM function:
When  a  vehicle  is  detected  in  the  blind  spot,  the  outside  rear  view  mirror
indicator comes on while the turn signal lever is not operated  and the out-
side  rear  view  mirror  indicator  flashes  while  the  turn  signal  l ever  is  oper-
ated.
RCTA function:
When  a  vehicle  approaching  from  the  right  or  left  rear  of  the  v ehicle  is
detected, the outside rear view mirror indicators flash.
“BSM” indicator/“RCTA” indicator
When  the  BSM  function/RCTA  function  is  turned  on,  the  indicator   illumi-
nates.
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)
Summary of the Blind Spot Monitor
1
2
3 
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2624-5. Using the driving support systems
Audio system screen (RCTA function only)
If  a  vehicle  approaching  from  the  right  or  left  at  the  rear  of  the  vehicle  is
detected, the RCTA icon ( P. 268) for the detected side will be displayed.
RCTA
 buzzer (RCTA function only)
When  a  vehicle  approaching  from  the  right  or  left  rear  of  the  v ehicle  is
detected, a buzzer sounds from behind the rear seat.
Press / of the meter control  switches, select  .
Press 
/ of the meter control sw itched, select   or  .
Press   of the meter control switch.
Each time   is pressed, t he function changes on/off.
■The outside rear view mirror indicators visibility
When under strong sunlight, the outside rear view mirror indica tor may be dif-
ficult to see.
■ RCTA buzzer hearing
RCTA  function  may  be  difficult  to  hear  over  loud  noises  such  as   high  audio
volume.
■ When “Blind Spot Monitor Unava ilable”  or  “Rear  Cross  Traffic  Alert
Unavailable” are shown on the multi-information display
Ice, snow, mud, etc., may be attached to the rear bumper around the sensors.
( P. 264)
The  system  should  return  to  normal  operation  after  removing  the   ice,  snow,
mud,  etc.,  from  the  rear  bumper. Additionally,  the  sensors  may  not  operate
normally when driving in extremely hot or cold environments.
■ When there is a malfunction  in the Blind Spot Monitor
If  a  system  malfunction  is  detected  due  to  any  of  the  following  reasons,  a
warning message will be displayed:
● There is a malfunction with the sensors
● The sensors have become dirty
● The outside temperature is extremely high or low
● The sensor voltage has become abnormal
Turning the BSM function/RCTA function on/off
4
5
1
2
3 
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2644-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
■Handling the radar sensor
One  Blind  Spot  Monitor  sensor  is  installed  inside  the  left  and  right  side  of
the  vehicle  rear  bumper  respectively.  Observe  the  following  to  ensure  the
Blind Spot Monitor can function correctly.
If  the  warning  message  does  not  disappear,  have  the  vehicle  inspected
by your Toyota dealer
● Do  not  subject  a  sensor  or  its  surrounding  area  on  the  rear  bum per  to  a
strong impact. 
If a sensor is moved even slightly off position, the system may  malfunction
and vehicles may not be detected correctly. 
In  the  following  situations,  have  your  vehicle  inspected  by  your  Toyota
dealer.
• A sensor or its surrounding area is subject to a strong impact .
• If  the  surrounding  area  of  a  sensor  is  scratched  or  dented,  or   part  of
them has become disconnected.
● Do not disassemble the sensor.
● Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor or surround ing area on
the bumper.
● Do not modify the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
● Do not paint the rear bumper any color other than an official Toyota color.
●Keep  the  sensor  and  its  surrounding
area on the bumper clean at all times. If
a  sensor  or  its  surrounding  area  on  the
rear  bumper  is  dirty  or  covered  with
snow,  the  Blind  Spot  Monitor  may  not
operate and a  warning  message will  be
displayed. ( P. 262) 
In  this  situation,  clear  off  the  dirt  or
snow  and  drive  the  vehicle  with  the
operation  conditions  of  the  BSM  func-
tion  satisfied  for  approximately  60  min-
utes. 
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Driving
The BSM function uses radar sensors to detect vehicles that are trav-
eling in an adjacent lane in the area that is usually not reflected in the
outside rear view mirror (the  blind spot), and advises the driv er of the
vehicles existence vi a the outside rear vie w mirror indicator.
The areas that vehicles can be  detected in are outlined below.
The  range  of  the  detection  area
extends to: Approximately  11.5  ft.  (3.5  m)
from the side of the vehicle
The  first  1.6  ft.  (0.5  m)  from  the
side  of  the  vehicle  is  not  in  the
detection area
Approximately 9.8 ft. (3 m) from
the rear bumper
Approximately  3.3  ft.  (1  m)  for-
ward of the rear bumper
■The BSM function is operational when
●The BSM function is turned on
● Vehicle speed is greater than approximately 10 mph (16 km/h).
■ The BSM function will detect a vehicle when
●A vehicle in an adjacent lane overtakes your vehicle.
● You overtake a vehicle in adjacent lane slowly.
● Another vehicle enters the detection area when it changes lanes .
BSM function
BSM function detection areas
1
2
3
WARNING
■Cautions regarding the use of the system
The  driver  is  solely  responsible  for  safe  driving. Always  drive  safely,  taking
care to observe your surroundings.
The BSM function is a supplementary function which alerts the d river that a
vehicle is present in the blind spot. Do not overly rely on the  BSM function.
The  function  cannot  judge  if  it  is  safe  to  change  lanes,  theref ore  over  reli-
ance could cause an accident resulting in death or serious inju ry.
According  to  conditions,  the  system  may  not  function  correctly.  Therefore
the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary. 
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2664-5. Using the driving support systems
■Conditions under which the BSM function will not detect a vehic le
The  BSM  function  is  not  designed  to  detect  the  following  types  of  vehicles
and/or objects:
● Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.
*
●Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction
● Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationar y objects
*
●Following vehicles that are in the same lane*
●Vehicles driving 2 lanes across from your vehicle*
●Vehicles which are being overtaken rapidly by your vehicle
*: Depending  on  the  conditions,  detection  of  a  vehicle  and/or  obj ect  may
occur.
■ Conditions under which the BSM function may not function correc tly
● The  BSM  function  may  not  detect  vehicles  correctly  in  the  following  condi-
tions:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the se nsor or its
surrounding area
• During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow, etc.
• When mud, snow, ice, a sticker, etc., is covering the sensor o r surround-
ing area on the rear bumper
• When  driving  on  a  road  surface  that  is  wet  due  to  rain,  standi ng  water,
snow, etc.
• When there is a significant difference in speed between your v ehicle and
the vehicle that enters the detection area
• When  a  vehicle  is  in  the  detection  area  from  a  stop  and  remains  in  the detection area as your vehicle accelerates
• When driving  up or  down consecutive  steep inclines, such as  hills,  a dip
in the road, etc.
• When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or  uneven
surfaces
• When  multiple  vehicles  approach  with  only  a  small  gap  between  each vehicle
• When  vehicle  lanes  are  wide,  and  the  vehicle  in  the  next  lane  is  too  far
away from your vehicle
• When  the  vehicle  that  enters  the  detection  area  is  traveling  a t  about  the
same speed as your vehicle
• When there is a significant difference in height between your  vehicle and
the vehicle that enters the detection area
• Immediately after the BSM function is turned on 
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Driving
●Instances  of  the  BSM  function  unnecessarily  detecting  a  vehicle   and/or
object may increase under the following conditions:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the se nsor or its
surrounding area
• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a  guardrail,
wall, etc.
• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a  following
vehicle
• When vehicle lanes are narrow and a vehicle driving 2 lanes ac ross from
your vehicle enters the detection area
• When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or  uneven
surfaces
• When items such as a bicycle carrier are installed on the rear  of the vehi-
cle
The  RCTA  functions  when  your  vehicle  is  in  reverse.  It  can  dete ct
other vehicles approaching from the right or left rear of the v ehicle. It
uses radar  sensors  to alert  the  driver of the  other vehicle’s existence
through flashing the outside rear  view  mirror indicators and so unding
a buzzer.
RCTA function
Approaching vehicles Detection areas12 
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2704-5. Using the driving support systems
■Conditions under which the RCTA function will not detect a vehicle
The  RCTA  function  is  not  designed  to  detect  the  following  types   of  vehicles
and/or objects: 
● Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.
*
●Vehicles approaching from directly behind
● Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationar y objects
*
●Vehicles moving away from your vehicle
● Vehicles approaching from the parking spaces next to your vehic le
*
●Vehicles backing up in the parking space next to your vehicle*
*
: Depending  on  the  conditions,  detection  of  a  vehicle  and/or  obj ect  may
occur.
■ Conditions under which the RCTA function may not function corre ctly
● The RCTA function may not detect vehicles correctly in the following condi-
tions:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the se nsor or its
surrounding area
• When mud, snow, ice, a sticker, etc., is covering the sensor o r surround-
ing area on the rear bumper
• During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow, etc.
• When multiple vehicles approach continuously
• Shallow angle parking
• When a vehicle is approaching at high speed
• When parking on a steep incline, such as hills, a dip in the r oad, etc.
• Immediately after the RCTA function is turned on
• Immediately after the engine is started with the RCTA function  on.
• When items such as a bicycle carrier are installed on the rear  of the vehi-
cle
●
Vehicles  that  the  sensors  cannot  detect
due to obstructions
●Vehicles  that  the  sensors  cannot  detect
due to obstructions