TOYOTA AVALON 2006 XX30 / 3.G Owners Manual

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If the amber indicator light on the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch flashes
and the smart key system warning light
on the instrument cluster comes on,
there is a problem in the push button
start function or the steering lock func-
tion.
Contact your Toyota dealer and have
your vehicle and all keys inspected.
In addition to the above, there are
instances in which the smart key sys-
tem does not operate properly because
of the circumstances of use. For de-
tails, see “Smart key system” on page
27 in Section 1
−2.
In cases other than those described
above, it is possible that a problem has
occurred in an area other than the start
system. See “If your vehicle will not start”
on page 308 in Section 4. When the battery is disconnected or
run down,
the push button start function
memorizes the current mode. After you
reconnect, replace, or recharge the bat-
tery, the memorized mode is selected au-
tomatically. In any of these cases, turn off
the engine if the engine comes on.
Wait 10 seconds to start the engine after
the battery has been reconnected. The
engine may not start on the first try. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
NOTICE
 Do not race a cold engine.
 If the engine becomes difficult to
start or stalls frequently, have the
engine checked immediately.
TIPS FOR USING SMART KEY SYSTEM
When using the smart key system, it is
possible to start or stop the engine as
long as the key is on your person.
For this reason, it is possible that a pas-
senger may remove the key from the ve-
hicle without the driver being aware of the
fact. In such a case, it is not possible to
restart the engine after having turned it
off. In addition, it is possible that one may
get out of the vehicle without being aware
that the ignition switch has not been
turned off completely.
When driving or getting in or out of the
vehicle, drivers should make sure that
they are carrying the key.
CAUTION
Do not touch the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch (engine switch) while
driving.
If you have to make an emergency stop,
press and hold the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch for more than 3 seconds.
Driving and parking using
smart key system

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Smart key system warning light
SYSTEM FUNCTION REMINDERS
Follow the instructions described below if
any of the following warnings occur:(A) A warning buzzer sounds once from
the instrument cluster when the igni-
tion switch is turned on
This indicates that the driver has gotten
into the vehicle without the key. The smart
key system warning light on the instru-
ment panel will come on.
Operate the ignition switch only after tak-
ing care that the key is in the vehicle.
(B) A warning buzzer beeps repeatedly from the instrument cluster when
opening the driver ’s door
This indicates that the ignition switch is
not set at OFF although the transmission
selector lever has been set in the “P”
position.
Get out of the vehicle only after turning
off the engine by pressing the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch and checking that
the ignition switch indicator light has gone
off. (C) A warning buzzer sounds once from
the instrument cluster, accompanied
by three warning sounds from the
vehicle when the driver gets out of
the vehicle and closes the door
This indicates that the driver is attempting
to leave the vehicle carrying the key, ne-
glecting to follow the instructions for case
(B) above. In addition, the smart key sys-
tem warning light on the instrument panel
will come on.
Get out of the vehicle only after turning
off the engine by pressing the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch and checking that
the ignition switch indicator light has gone
off. If the driver returns to the vehicle
without carrying the key and begins driv-
ing, a warning buzzer will sound once
more.

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(D) A warning buzzer sounds from thevehicle for two seconds after locking
the door with the door handle switch
This indicates that the driver is attempting
to lock the doors while carrying the key,
neglecting to follow the instructions for
cases (B) and (C) above.
Lock the doors only after turning off the
engine by pressing the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch and checking that the igni-
tion switch indicator light has gone off.
A warning buzzer that sounds even though
the engine has been turned off indicates
that you are attempting to lock the vehicle
with the keys still in the vehicle.
Leave the vehicle only after making sure
that you are carrying the key. (E) A warning buzzer sounds continu-
ously from the instrument cluster
when opening the driver ’s door
This indicates that the transmission selec-
tor lever is in a position other than “P”
and that the ignition switch is not set at
OFF.
Get out of the vehicle only after setting
the transmission selector lever in the “P”
position, turning off the engine by pressing
the “ENGINE START STOP” switch and
checking that the ignition switch indicator
light has gone off. (F) A warning buzzer sounds continu-
ously from the instrument cluster
and from the vehicle when closing
the door after getting out of the ve-
hicle
This indicates that the driver is attempting
to leave the vehicle carrying the key, ne-
glecting to follow the instructions for case
(E) above. The smart key system warning
light on the instrument panel will come on.
Get out of the vehicle only after setting
the transmission selector lever in the “P”
position, turning off the engine by pressing
the “ENGINE START STOP” switch and
checking that the ignition switch indicator
light has gone off.

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(G) A warning buzzer sounds once fromthe instrument cluster and three
times from the vehicle when a pas-
senger is getting out of the vehicle
This indicates that the passenger is at-
tempting to leave the vehicle carrying the
key, without the ignition switch is not set
at OFF. The smart key system warning
light on the instrument panel will also
come on.
When passengers get out of the vehicle,
care should be taken to leave the key
with the driver. If the driver begins driving
after a passenger gets out of the vehicle
carrying the key, a warning buzzer will
sound once more.
(H) A warning buzzer sounds from the vehicle for two seconds when lock-
ing the vehicle from the outside with
the door handle switch
This indicates that the driver is attempting
to lock the door with the key still in the
vehicle.
Leave the vehicle only after making sure
that you are carrying the key. (I) A warning buzzer sounds once from
the instrument cluster when turning
off the ignition switch
This indicates that the key battery is low.
(This warning buzzer sounds only when
the engine has been on or the ignition
switch has been set at the ON for 20
minutes or more.)
Change the key battery ahead of time in
order to ensure that the smart key system
properly.
(J) A warning buzzer sounds continu- ously from the instrument cluster
when opening the driver’s door with
the ignition switch turned off.
This indicates that the steering wheel is
not locked. Turn the engine off and then
open the door in order to lock the steering
wheel. (K) The “ENGINE START STOP” switch
flashes green once every second.
This indicates that the steering lock is
stuck. To free it, rock the steering wheel
slightly while pressing the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch.
(L) The “ENGINE START STOP” switch flashes amber once every 2 seconds.
This indicates a problem with the push
button start function or the steering lock
function. Have your vehicle checked at a
Toyota dealer.

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THEFT PREVENTION FUNCTION
When the engine is turned off, the en-
gine immobilizer system is automatical-
ly set. (See “Engine immobilizer sys-
tem” on page 16 in Section 1−2.)
When the driver ’s door is opened after
turning off the engine, the steering
wheel will lock.
When the vehicle’s battery is dis-
charged, the steering lock function may
not operate properly.
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.
This will allow you much better control.
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if pos-
sible, at a right angle. Avoid driving
onto high, sharp −edged objects and
other road hazards. Failure to do so
can lead to severe tire damage such
as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps
or travelling on a bumpy road. Other-
wise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
When parking on a hill, turn the front
wheels until they touch the curb so
that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the
parking brake, and place the transmis-
sion in “P”. If necessary, block the
wheels.
Washing your vehicle or driving through
deep water may get the brakes wet. To
see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you, and then
press the pedal lightly. If you do not
feel a normal braking force, the brakes
are probably wet. To dry them, drive
the vehicle cautiously while lightly
pressing the brake pedal with the park-
ing brake applied. If they still do not
work safely, pull to the side of the road
and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the
parking brake is fully released and
the parking brake reminder light is
off.
Do not leave your vehicle unat-
tended while the engine is running.
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. It can cause
dangerous overheating, needless
wear, and poor fuel economy.
To drive down a long or steep hill,
reduce your speed and downshift.
Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and
not work properly.
Be careful when accelerating, up-
shifting, downshifting or braking on
a slippery surface. Sudden accelera-
tion or engine braking, could cause
the vehicle to skid or spin.
Tips for driving in various
conditions

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Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit. Even if the legal speed limit
permits it, do not drive over 140
km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle
has highspeed capability tires.
Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control
and possible injury. Be sure to con-
sult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle
are highspeed capability tires or
not before driving at such speeds.
Do not continue normal driving
when the brakes are wet. If they are
wet, your vehicle will require a
longer stopping distance, and it
may pull to one side when the
brakes are applied. Also, the park-
ing brake will not hold the vehicle
securely.
Make sure you have a proper freeze
protection for engine coolant.
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non−silicate, non −amine, non −nitrite,
and non− borate coolant with long −life
hybrid organic acid technology. (Coolant
with long −life hybrid organic acid
technology is a combination of low
phosphates and organic acids.)
See “Checking the engine coolant level”
on page 352 in Section 7 −2 for details of
coolant type selection.
For the U.S.A.—“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and
50% deionized water. This coolant pro-
vides protection down to about −35 C
( − 31 F).
For Canada—“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and
45% deionized water. This coolant pro-
vides protection down to about −42 C
( − 44 F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Check the condition of the battery and
cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of
any battery, so it must be in top shape to
provide enough power for winter starting.
Section 7 −3 tells you how to visually in-
spect the battery. Your Toyota dealer and
most service stations will be pleased to
check the level of charge.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See page 351 in Section 7 −2 for recom-
mended viscosity. Leaving a heavy sum-
mer oil in your vehicle during winter
months may cause harder starting. If you
are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Toyota dealer—they will be pleased
to help.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de −icer or glycerine into the
locks to keep them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an anti-
freeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
the manufacturer ’s directions for how
much to mix with water.
Winter driving tips

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NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute because it may dam-
age your vehicle’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when
there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into
“P” and block the rear wheels. Do not use
the parking brake, or snow or water accu-
mulated in and around the parking brake
mechanism may freeze, making it hard to
release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating
under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders
can make steering difficult. During bad
winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving,
we recommend you carry some emer-
gency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the
vehicle are tire chains, window scraper,
bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
Your vehicle is not designed to be
dinghy towed (with four wheels on the
ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four
wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to your vehicle.
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a
passenger−carrying vehicle. Towing a
trailer will have an adverse effect on
handling, performance, braking, durability
and driving economy (fuel consumption,
etc.). Your safety and satisfaction depend
on the proper use of correct equipment
and cautious driving habits. For your
safety and the safety of others, you must
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Toyota
warranties do not apply to damage or
malfunction caused by towing a trailer for
commercial purposes. Ask your local
Toyota dealer for further details before
towing.
NOTICE
When towing a trailer, be sure to con-
sult your Toyota dealer for further in-
formation on additional requirements
such as a towing kit, etc.
Dinghy towing Trailer towing

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WEIGHT LIMITS
Before towing, make sure the total trail-
er weight, gross vehicle weight, gross
axle weight and trailer tongue load are
all within the limits.
The total trailer weight and tongue load
can be measured with platform scales
found at a highway weighing station, build-
ing supply company, trucking company,
junk yard, etc.
CAUTION
The total trailer weight (trailer
weight plus its cargo load) must
not exceed 454 kg (1000 lb.). Ex-
ceeding this weight is dangerous.
Trailer hitch assemblies have differ-
ent weight capacities established by
the hitch manufacturer. Even though
the vehicle may be physically capa-
ble of towing a higher weight, the
operator must determine the maxi-
mum weight rating of the particular
hitch assembly and never exceed
the maximum weight rating speci-
fied for the trailerhitch. Exceeding
the maximum weight rating set by
the trailer hitch manufacturer can
cause an accident resulting in seri-
ous personal injuries.
The gross vehicle weight must not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) indicated on the
Certification Label. The gross ve-
hicle weight is the sum of weights
of the unloaded vehicle, driver, pas-
sengers, luggage, hitch and trailer
tongue load. It also includes the
weight of any special equipment
installed on your vehicle.

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The load on either the front or rear
axle resulting from distribution of
the gross vehicle weight on both
axles must not exceed the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed
on the Certification Label.Total trailer weight Tongue loadTongue load
Total trailer weight 
100 = 9 to 11%
The trailer cargo load should be
distributed so that the tongue load
is 9 to 11% of the total trailer
weight, not exceeding the maximum
of 45 kg (100 lb.). Never load the
trailer with more weight in the back
than in the front. About 60% of the
trailer load should be in the front
half of the trailer and the remaining
40% in the rear.
HITCHES
Use only a hitch which is recom-
mended by the hitch manufacturer and
conforms to the total trailer weight re-
quirement.
Follow the directions supplied by the
hitch manufacturer, and bolt the hitch
securely to the rear bumper. Lubricate
the hitch ball with a light coat of
grease.
Toyota recommends removing the trail-
er hitch whenever you are not towing
a trailer to reduce the possibility of
additional damage caused by the hitch
if your vehicle is struck from behind.
After removing the hitch, seal any
mounting holes in the vehicle body to
prevent entry of pollutants such as ex-
haust fumes, dirt, water, etc.
NOTICE
Do not use axlemounted hitches as
they can cause damage to the axle
housing, wheel bearings, wheels or
tires. Also, never install a hitch which
may interfere with the normal function
of an Energy Absorbing Bumper.

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BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS
Toyota recommends trailers with
brakes that conform to any applica-
ble federal and state/provincial regu-
lations.
A safety chain must always be used
between the towing vehicle and the
trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should
cross under the trailer tongue to
prevent the tongue from dropping to
the ground in case it becomes dam-
aged or separated. For correct safety
chain procedures, follow the hitch or
trailer manufacturer ’s recommenda-
tions.
CAUTION
If the total trailer weight exceeds
454 kg (1000 lb.), trailer brakes are
required.
Never tap into your vehicle’s hy-
draulic system as it would lower its
braking effectiveness.
Never tow a trailer without using a
safety chain securely attached to
both the trailer and the vehicle. If
damage occurs to the coupling unit
or hitch ball, there is danger of the
trailer wandering over into another
lane.
TIRES
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are
properly inflated. See Section 7−2 and
Section 8 for instructions.
The trailer tires should be inflated to
the pressure recommended by the trail-
er manufacturer in respect to the total
trailer weight.
TRAILER LIGHTS
Trailer lights must comply with federal,
state/provincial and local regulations.
See your local recreational vehicle
dealer or rental agency for the correct
type of wiring and relays for your trail-
er. Check for correct operation of the
turn signals and stop lights each time
you hitch up. Direct splicing may dam-
age your vehicle’s electrical system
and cause a malfunction of your lights. BREAKIN SCHEDULE
Toyota recommends that you do not
tow a trailer with a new vehicle or a
vehicle with any new power train com-
ponent (engine, transmission, differen-
tial, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first
800 km (500 miles) of driving.
MAINTENANCE
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will
require more frequent maintenance due
to the additional load. For this informa-
tion, please refer to the scheduled
maintenance information in the “Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner ’s
Manual Supplement”.
Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing
ball and bracket after approximately
1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
PRETOWING SAFETY CHECK
Check that your vehicle remains level
when a loaded or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has
an abnormal nose −up or nose −down
condition, and check for improper
tongue load, overload, worn suspension
or other possible causes.