TOYOTA AVALON 2021 Owners Manual (in English)
Manufacturer: TOYOTA, Model Year: 2021, Model line: AVALON, Model: TOYOTA AVALON 2021Pages: 548, PDF Size: 13.4 MB
Page 311 of 548

3114-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
If  the  vehicle  gets  stuck  in  mud,  dirt  or  snow,  the TRAC  system may
reduce  power  from  the  engine  to  the  wheels.  Pressing    to  turn
the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.
To  turn  the  TRAC  system  off,
quickly press and release  .
“Traction  Control  Turned  Off”  will
be  shown  on  the  multi-information
display.
Press    again  to  turn  the  sys-
tem back on.
Disabling the TRAC system 
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3124-5. Using the driving support systems
■Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold   for more than 3
seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The  VSC  OFF  indicator  light  will  come  on  and  the  “Traction  Control  Turned
Off” will be shown on the multi-information display
*.
Press   again to turn the system back on.
*: Pre-collision  brake  assist  and  pre-collision  braking  will  also  be  disabled.
The PCS warning light will come on and the message will be shown on the
multi-information display. (P. 236)
■When  the  message  is  displayed  on the  multi-information  display show-
ing that TRAC has been disabled even if   has not been pressed
TRAC is temporary deactivated. If the information continues to show, contact
your Toyota dealer.
■Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When  the  following  four  conditions  are  met,  the  hill-start  assist  control  will
operate:
●The  shift  lever  is  in  a  position  other  than  P  or  N  (when  starting  off  forward/
backward on an upward incline)
●The vehicle is stopped
●The accelerator pedal is not depressed
●The parking brake is not engaged
■Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:
●The shift lever is shifted to P or N
●The accelerator pedal is depressed
●The parking brake is engaged
●<001500030056004800460052005100470056000300440057000300500044005b004c00500058005000030048004f0044005300560048004700030044004900570048005500030057004b00480003004500550044004e004800030053004800470044004f00
03004c0056000300550048004f00480044005600480047[ 
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3134-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC and
hill-start assist control systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins  to  move.  This  sound  does  not  indicate  that  a  malfunction  has
occurred in any of these systems.
●Any  of  the  following  conditions  may  occur  when  the  above  systems  are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred. 
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Active Cornering Assist operation sounds and vibrations
When  the Active  Cornering Assist  is  operated,  operation  sounds and  vibra-
tions may be generated from the brake system, but this is not a malfunction.
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC systems
After  turning  the  TRAC  and  VSC  systems  off,  the  systems  will  be  automati-
cally re-enabled in the following situations:
●When the engine switch is turned off
●If  only  the  TRAC  system  is  turned  off,  the  TRAC  will  turn  on  when  vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases.
■Operating conditions of Active Cornering Assist
The system operates when the following occurs.
●TRAC/VSC can operate
●The driver is attempting to accelerate while turning
●The system detects that the vehicle is sliding to the outer side
●The brake pedal is released
■Secondary Collision Brake operating conditions
The  system  operates  when  the  SRS  airbag  sensor  detects  a  collision  while
the vehicle is in motion.
However, the system does not operate in any of the following situations.
●The vehicle speed is below 6 mph (10 km/h)
●Components are damaged 
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3144-5. Using the driving support systems
■Secondary Collision Brake automatic cancellation
The system is automatically canceled in any of the following situations.
●The vehicle speed drops below approximately 6 mph (10 km/h)
●A certain amount of time elapses during operation
●The accelerator pedal is depressed a large amount
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The  effectiveness  of  the  EPS  system  is  reduced  to  prevent  the  system  from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. 
Should  this  occur,  refrain  from  excessive  steering  input  or  stop  the  vehicle
and  turn  the  engine  off.  The  EPS  system  should  return  to  normal  within  10
minutes.
■If a message about AWD is shown on the multi-information display
Perform the following actions.
MessageDetails/Actions
“AWD  System  Overheated
Switching to 2WD Mode”
AWD system is overheating.
Perform the following actions.
• Reduce  the  vehicle  speed  until  the  mes-
sage disappears.
• Stop  the  vehicle  in  a  safe  place  and  let
the engine idle.
Once  the  display  message  on  the  multi-
information  display  turns  off,  there  is  no
problem continuing to drive.
If  the  message  does  not  disappear,  have
your vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
“AWD  System  Overheated
2WD Mode Engaged”
The  vehicle  switched  from  all-wheel  drive
(AWD) to front wheel drive due to overheat-
ing.
Perform the following actions.
• Reduce  the  vehicle  speed  until  the  mes-
sage disappears.
• Stop  the  vehicle  in  a  safe  place  and  let
the engine idle.
Once  the  display  message  on  the  multi-
information  display  turns  off,  the AWD  sys-
tem returns to normal.
If  the  message  does  not  disappear,  have
your vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
“AWD  System  Malfunction
2WD Mode Engaged 
Visit Your Dealer”A malfunction occurred in the AWD system.
Have  your  vehicle  checked  by  your
Toyota dealer immediately. 
Page 315 of 548

3154-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The  limits  of  tire  gripping  performance  have  been  exceeded  (such  as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■Stopping  distance when  the ABS  is  operating  may  exceed  that  of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain  a  safe  distance  from  the  vehicle  in  front  of  you,  especially  in  the
following situations:
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■TRAC/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional  control  and  power  may  not  be  achievable  while  driving  on  slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC system is operating. 
Drive  the  vehicle  carefully  in  conditions  where  stability  and  power  may  be
lost.
■Active Cornering Assist does not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on Active Cornering Assist. Active Cornering Assist may
not  operate  effectively  when  accelerating  down  slopes  or  driving  on  slip-
pery road surfaces.
●When  Active  Cornering  Assist  frequently  operates,  Active  Cornering
Assist may temporarily stop operating to:
• Ensure proper operation of the brakes, TRAC and VSC.
• Prevent the brakes from overheating. 
Page 316 of 548

3164-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
■Hill- start assist control does not operate effectively when
●Do  not  overly  rely  on  hill-start  assist  control.  Hill-start  assist  control  may
not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle  stationary  for  an  extended  period  of  time.  Do  not  attempt  to  use
hill-start  assist  control  to  hold  the  vehicle  on  an  incline,  as  doing  so  may
lead to an accident.
■When the TRAC/VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off
Be  especially  careful  and  drive  at  a  speed  appropriate  to  the  road  condi-
tions. As  these  are  the  systems  to  help  ensure  vehicle  stability  and  driving
force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
■Replacing tires
Make  sure  that  all  tires  are  of  the  specified  size,  brand,  tread  pattern  and
total  load  capacity.  In  addition,  make  sure  that  the  tires  are inflated  to  the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact  your  Toyota  dealer  for  further  information  when  replacing  tires  or
wheels.
■Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
■Secondary Collision Brake
Do  not  rely  solely  upon  the  Secondary  Collision  Brake.  This  system  is
designed to help reduce the possibility of further damage due to a second-
ary  collision,  however,  that  effect  changes  according  to  various  conditions.
Overly relying on the system may result in death or serious injury. 
Page 317 of 548

317
4
Driving
4-6. Driving tips
●Use  fluids  that  are  appropriate  to  the  prevailing  outside  tempera-
tures. 
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the front tires.
*
Ensure  that  all  tires  are  the  same  size  and  brand,  and  that  chains  match
the size of the tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on vehicles with 18 and 19-inch tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions: 
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.
Pour  warm  water  over  the  frozen  area  to  melt  the  ice.  Wipe  away
the water immediately to prevent it from freezing. 
●To  ensure  proper  operation  of  the  climate  control  system  fan,
remove  any  snow  that  has  accumulated  on  the  air  inlet  vents  in
front of the windshield. 
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-
mulated  on  the  exterior  lights,  vehicle’s  roof,  chassis,  around the
tires or on the brakes.
●Remove  any  snow  or  mud  from  the  bottom  of  your  shoes  before
getting in the vehicle.
Winter driving tips
Carry  out  the  necessary  preparations  and  inspections  before
driving  the  vehicle  in  winter. Always  drive  the  vehicle  in  a  man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions. 
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle 
Page 318 of 548

3184-6. Driving tips
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-
ditions. 
●Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from
being  released.  If  the  vehicle  is  parked  without  setting  the  parking
brake, make sure to block the wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehi-
cle to move unexpectedly, possibly leading to an accident.
●If  the  vehicle  is  parked  without  setting  the  parking  brake,  confirm
that the shift lever cannot be moved out of P
*.
*: The  shift  lever  will  be  locked  if  it  is  attempted  to  be  shifted  from  P  to  any
other position without depressing the brake pedal. If the shift lever can be
shifted from P, there may be a problem with the shift lock system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Vehicles with 17-inch tires
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the snow chains. 
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain:
0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter
0.39 in. (10 mm) in width
1.18 in. (30 mm) in length
Cross chain:
0.16 in. (4 mm) in diameter
0.55 in. (14 mm) in width
0.98 in. (25 mm) in length
Vehicles with 18 and 19-inch tires
Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used instead.
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
1
2
3
4
5
6 
Page 319 of 548

3194-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
Regulations  regarding  the  use  of  tire  chains  vary  depending  on loca-
tion and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing
chains.
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
●Install tire chains on the front tires. Do not install tire chains on the rear tires.
●Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 1/4  1/2 mile (0.5  1.0 km).
●<002c0051005600570044004f004f00030057004c0055004800030046004b0044004c00510056000300490052004f004f0052005a004c0051004a00030057004b00480003004c0051005600570055005800460057004c005200510056000300530055005200
59004c0047004800470003005a004c0057004b00030057004b[e tire chains.
Regulations on the use of tire chains
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. 
Failure  to  do  so  may  result  in  a  loss  of  vehicle  control  and  cause  death  or
serious injury.
●Use tires of the size specified.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do  not  drive  in  excess  of  75  mph  (120  km/h),  regardless  of  the type  of
snow tires being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains (vehicles with 17-inch tires)
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. 
Failure  to  do  so  may  result  in  the  vehicle  being  unable  to  be  driven  safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid  sudden  acceleration,  abrupt  steering,  sudden  braking  and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
●Do not use LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control) system. 
Page 320 of 548

3204-6. Driving tips
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request  repairs  or  replacement  of  snow  tires  from Toyota  dealers  or  legiti-
mate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the opera-
tion of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitters.
■Fitting tire chains (vehicles with 17-inch tires)
The tire pressure warning valve and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.