cooling TOYOTA AVALON HYBRID 2018 Owners Manual (in English)

731-2. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration even though the vehicle is able to
move with the “READY” indicator is illuminated. For safety, apply the parking
brake and make sure to shift the shift lever to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is
operating and are not a malfunction:
●Motor sounds may be heard from under the vehicle.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind the
rear seats when the hybrid system starts or stops.
● Relay operating sounds such as a snap or soft clank will be emitted from the
hybrid battery (traction battery), behind the rear seats, when the hybrid sys-
tem is started or stopped.
● Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the trunk lid is open.
● Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline engine
starts or stops, when driving at low speeds, or during idling.
● Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
● Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is
depressed or as the accelerator pedal is released.
● Operating sounds or motor sounds that occur when the brake pedal is oper-
ated.
● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
● Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vents on the left side of
the rear seatback.
■ Vehicle proximity notification system
In the following cases, the vehicle proximity notification system may be diffi-
cult for surrounding people to hear.
●In very noisy areas
● In the wind or the rain
Also, as the vehicle proximity notification system is installed on the front of
the vehicle, it may be more difficult to hear from the rear of the vehicle com-
pared to the front.
■ Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

751-2. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
There is an air intake vent on the
left side of the rear seatback for
the purpose of cooling the hybrid
battery (traction battery). If the
vent becomes blocked, the hybrid
battery may overheat, leading to a
reduction in hybrid battery output.
When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, the
emergency shut off system blocks the high voltage current and stops
the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel leakage. If
the emergency shut off sy stem activates, your vehicle will not restart.
To restart the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.
A message is automatically displa yed when a malfunction occurs in
the hybrid system or an improper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown on
the multi-information display, read
the message and follow the
instructions. ( →P. 407)
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent
Emergency shut off system
Hybrid warning message

2604-5. Using the driving support systems
■Operation of the air conditio ning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the
air conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency ( →P. 274). To improve air
conditioning performance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode.
■ Sport mode automatic deactivation
Sport mode is automatically deactivated if the power switch is turned off after
driving in sport mode.

2664-6. Driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accel-
erator pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly
than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air
conditioning system (h eating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. ( →P. 259)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( →P. 92)
◆Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in
heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift le ver to P when parking. When using
the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the
gasoline engine operates but elec tricity cannot be generated. Also,
when using the air conditioning s ystem, etc., the hybrid battery
(traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
● Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual accelerati on and deceleration will make
more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) without
having to use gasoline engine power.
● Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the
accelerator pedal slightly released.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driv ing, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:

2805-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Operation of the air conditio ning system in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to pri-
oritize fuel efficiency:
● When the outside temperature exceeds 68°F (20°C), the air conditioning
system may switch to recirculated air mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption.
● It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pressing
.
●Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cool-
ing capacity
● Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
● Adjust the fan speed
● Turn off Eco drive mode
■ Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperature setting and
the ambient conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until warm or cool air is ready to flow
immediately after is touched.
■ Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Turning on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
● If you turn off, the windows may fog up more easily.
● The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■ Windshield fog detection function
When automatic mode is set, the humidity sensor ( →P. 282) detects fog on
the windshield and controls the air conditioning system to prevent fog.
■ Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in
preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interior. During cooling oper-
ation, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior
effectively.
● Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the
temperature setting, outside temperature, pressure, engine coolant tem-
perature or inside temperature.

3406-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■When working on the engine compartment
● Make sure that the “READY” indicator is off.
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids
may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes
are flammable.
■ When working near the electric co oling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, t he electric cooling fans may automati-
cally start to run if the air condition ing is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. ( →P. 349)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air.

3436-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
■12-volt battery
→P. 352
Engine compartment
Fuse boxes ( →P. 375)
Engine oil filler cap (→ P. 345)
Engine oil level dipstick (→ P. 344)
Brake fluid reservoir (→ P. 350)
Engine coolant radiator (→ P. 349) Power control unit coolant
radiator
(→ P. 349)
Condenser ( →P. 349)
Electric cooling fans
Engine coolant reservoir (→ P. 347)
Washer fluid tank ( →P. 351)
Power control unit coolant res-
ervoir (→ P. 347)1
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3486-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non- nitrite, and non-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 °F [-35 °C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine/power control unit coolant reservoir
caps, drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
WARNING
■When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the engine/power control unit coolant reservoir caps or the
radiator cap.( →P. 432)
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
■ When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor stra ight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.

4077-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
Master warning light
The master warning light also
comes on or flashes in order to
indicate that a message is cur-
rently being displayed on the multi-
information display.
Multi-information display
If any of the warning me ssages is shown again a fter its correction pro-
cedure has been performed, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Warning buzzer
In some cases, the buzzer may not be heard because of noisy place or an
audio sound.
■ If “Hybrid System Overheat/Stop the Vehicle in a Safe Place” is shown
Coping method: →P. 429
This message may be displayed when driving under severe operating condi-
tions. (For example, when driving up a long steep hill.)
■ If “Maintenance Required for Hybr id Battery Cooling Parts at Your
Dealer” is shown.
The filter may be clogged, the air intake vent may be blocked or there may be
a gap in the duct. Have maintenance performed on the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) cooling component at your Toyota dealer.
If a warning mess age is displayed
The multi-information display shows warnings of system mal-
functions, incorrectly performed operations, messages that indi-
cate a need for maintenance and reminder messages. When a
message is shown, perform th e correction procedure appropri-
ate to the message.
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4297-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
●The engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone or a
loss of power is experienced. (For example, the vehicle speed does
not increase.)
● “Hybrid System Overhe at/Stop the Vehicle in a Safe Place” is
shown on the multi-information display.
● Steam comes out from under the hood.
■If the needle of the engine coolant temperature gauge enters
the red zone
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning
system, and then stop the hybrid system.
If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
After the hybrid system has
cooled down sufficiently,
inspect the hoses and radia-
tor core (radiator) for any
leaks.Radiator
Cooling fan
If a large amount of coolant
leaks, immediately contact
your Toyota dealer.
If your vehicle overheats
The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating:
Correction procedures
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