towing TOYOTA AVALON 2008 XX30 / 3.G Owners Manual

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AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
2-3. Operating the lights and 
windshield wipers ........... 143
Headlight switch .................. 143
Fog light switch ................... 145
Windshield wipers and 
washer .............................. 146
2-4. Using other driving 
systems ........................... 149
Cruise control ...................... 149
Dynamic laser cruise 
control ............................... 152
Driving assist systems ........ 163
2-5. Driving information ........... 166 Cargo and luggage ............. 166
Vehicle load limits ............... 169
Winter driving tips ............... 170
Trailer towing ...................... 175
Dinghy towing ..................... 176
3-1. Using the air conditioning 
system and defogger...... 178
Automatic air conditioning 
system .............................. 178
Using the steering wheel  climate control switches .... 185
Rear window and outside 
rear view mirror 
defoggers .......................... 187 3-2. Using the audio system ... 188
Audio system type .............. 188
Audio cover ........................ 190
Using the radio ................... 191
Using the CD player ........... 198
Playing MP3 and WMA 
discs ................................. 206
Optimal use of the audio 
system .............................. 214
Using the AUX adapter....... 216
Using the steering wheel 
audio switches.................. 217
3-3. Using the hands-free 
system ............................. 220
Hands-free system 
(for cellular phone) ........... 220
Using the hands-free 
system .............................. 223
Making a phone call ........... 231
Setting a cellular phone ...... 236
Security and system 
setup ................................ 241
Using the phone book ........ 244
3-4. Using the interior lights ... 252 Interior lights list ................. 252
3-5. Using the storage 
features ........................... 255
List of storage features ....... 255
3Interior features

When driving2
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AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
2-1. Driving procedures ........ 114Driving the vehicle............ 114
Engine (ignition) switch 
(with smart key 
system) .......................... 122
Engine (ignition) switch 
(without smart key 
system) .......................... 126
Automatic transmission .... 129
Turn signal lever .............. 133
Parking brake ................... 134 2-2. Instrument cluster.......... 135
Gauges and meters ......... 135
Indicators and warning 
lights .............................. 138
Center display .................. 141
2-3. Operating the lights and 
windshield wipers ........ 143
Headlight switch ............... 143
Fog light switch ................ 145
Windshield wipers and 
washer ........................... 146
2-4. Using other driving 
systems ........................ 149
Cruise control ................... 149
Dynamic laser cruise 
control ............................ 152
Driving assist systems ..... 163
2-5. Driving information ........ 166 Cargo and luggage .......... 166
Vehicle load limits ............ 169
Winter driving tips ............ 170
Trailer towing ................... 175
Dinghy towing .................. 176

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a tr
ailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. C onsult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle. ( P. 169)
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your
vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.
Example on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are
riding in your vehicle, which has a total load capacity of 870 lb. (395
kg), the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be
as follows:
870 lb. – 366 lb. = 504 lb. (395 kg –166 kg = 229 kg)
In this condition, if 3 more pass engers with the combined weight of
388 lb. (176 kg) get on , the available cargo and luggage load will be
reduced as follows:
504 lb. – 388 lb. = 116 lb. (229 kg – 176 kg = 53 kg)
As shown in the above example, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage l oad equaling the combined weight
of the occupants who got on later, by an amount. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants causes an excess of the total
load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus cargo and luggage
load), you must reduce the carg o and luggage on your vehicle.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 331)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle. 
It may not only cause damage to the ti res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 870 lb. (395 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants,
cargo and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the ma ximum number of occupants
whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants are within the seating capacity,
do not exceed the total load capacity.
■ Towing capacity
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Trailer towing
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Toy-
ota also does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the
use of a tow hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your
Toyota is not designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.

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2-5. Driving information
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Dinghy towing
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on
the ground) behind a motor home.

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AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The engine is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck. 
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
If towing from the front, the vehicle ’s rear wheel and axles must be in
good condition. ( P. 364)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

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When trouble arises
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5-1. Essential information
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Towing with a sling-type truck
NOTICE
■
To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

364 5-1. Essential information
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Towing with a wheel lift-type truckFrom front Release the parking brake.
From rear Use a towing dolly under the
front wheel.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheel on the ground.
■ To prevent damaging the vehicle
When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
If the vehicle becomes stuck
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 striki ng 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.
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle
becomes stuck in mud, dirt, or snow.
Stop the engine. Set the parki ng brake and shift the shift
lever in “P”.
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.
Restart the engine.
Shift the shift lever to the “D ” or “R” position and carefully
apply the accelerator to free the vehicle.STEP1
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