check engine TOYOTA AVALON 2009 XX30 / 3.G User Guide

130 2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_OM41430U
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.
■ Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle,
push and hold the “ENGINE START STOP” switch for more than 3 seconds.
However, do not touch the “ENGINE START STOP” switch while driving
except in an emergency. If the engine stops while the vehicle is being driven,
this could lead to an unexpected accident.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCESSORY or IGNI-
TION ON mode for long periods if the engine is not running.
■ When starting the engine
● Do not race the engine.
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine
checked immediately.

131
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

133
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
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.

138
2-1. Driving procedures
AVALON_U_OM41430U
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.

143
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Instrument panel light control
The brightness of the instrument panel lights can be adjusted.
Darker
Brighter
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
● Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
● The engine may be overheating if the temperature gauge is in the red
zone (“H”). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Check the engine after it has cooled completely. ( P. 416)

146 2-2. Instrument cluster
AVALON_U_OM41430U
CAUTION
■If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as ABS and the SRS airbag warning light
not come on when you start the engine, this could mean that these systems
are not available to help protect you in an accident, which could result in
death or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately if this occurs.
■ Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in the indicated
vehicle’s systems. ( P. 385)
*: These lights turn on when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is
turned to IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with smart key system) or the
engine switch is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without smart
key system) to indicate that a system check is being performed. They
will turn off after the engine is started, or after a few seconds. There
may be a malfunction in a system if the lights do not come on, or turn
off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada)(if equipped)
(U.S.A.)(Canada)
(U.S.A.)(if equipped)(if equipped)
*******
*****
****

156 2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
AVALON_U_OM41430U
■The windshield wiper and washer 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.
■ Dripping prevention wiper sweep
After washing and wiping operation several times, the wipers operate one
more time after a short delay to prevent dripping.
However, the last sweep will not happen if the vehicle is traveling above 106
mph (170 km/h).
■ Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation
Vehicle speed affects the following even when the wipers are not in “AUTO”
mode.
● Intermittent wiper interval ( mode)
● Wiper operation when the washer is being used (delay until drip preven-
tion wiper sweep occurs)
With low speed mode, wiper operation will be switched from low speed to
intermittent wiper operation only when the vehicle is stationary.
■ Rain drop sensor (vehicles equipped with the raindrop detection wind-
shield wipers)
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
The sensor judges the amount of rain-
drops.

Maintenance and care4
301
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4-1. Maintenance and care ... 302Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior ......... 302
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior .......... 305
4-2. Maintenance ................... 308 Maintenance requirements .................. 308
General maintenance....... 310
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs ........................ 313
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance ................. 314
Do-it-yourself service precautions .................... 314
Hood ................................ 317
Positioning a floor jack ..... 318
Engine compartment ........ 320
Tires ................................. 336
Tire inflation pressure ...... 345
Wheels ............................. 349
Air conditioning filter......... 351
Key battery ....................... 354
Checking and replacing fuses .............................. 358
Headlight aim (with discharge headlights) ..... 367
Light bulbs........................ 369

310
4-2. Maintenance
AVALON_U_OM41430U
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Battery • Maintenance-free ( P. 332)
Brake fluid • At the correct level? ( P. 329)
Engine coolant • At the correct level? ( P. 327)
Engine oil • At the correct level? ( P. 322)
Exhaust system • No fumes or strange sounds?
Power steering fluid • At the correct level? ( P. 330)
Radiator/condenser/hoses • Not blocked with foreign matter?
(P. 328)
Washer fluid • At the correct level? ( P. 335)
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s” Manual Suppl ement”. It is recommended that
any problem you notice should be brought to the attention of your
Toyota dealer or qualified service shop for advice.

312 4-2. Maintenance
AVALON_U_OM41430U
Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Doors/trunk • Operate smoothly?
Engine hood • The lock system works properly?
Fluid leaks • Is there any leakage after parking?
Tire • Inflation pressure is correct?
• Tire surfaces not worn or damaged?
• Tires rotated according to the mainte-
nance schedule?
• Wheel nuts are not loose?
CAUTION
■ If the engine is running
Turn off the engine and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per-
forming maintenance checks.