engine TOYOTA AVENSIS 2011 Owners Manual

328 2-4. Using other driving systems
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
When the TRC and VSC are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or if the front wheels spin,
the slip indicator light flashes to
indicate that the TRC/VSC have
been engaged.
To disable TRC and/or VSC system
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRC and VSC sys-
tems may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may
need to turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.
Turning off TRC
Quickly push and release the
button to turn off TRC.
The slip indicator light should
come on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.

329 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)Turning off TRC and VSC
Push and hold the button for
more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped to turn off
TRC and VSC.
The slip indicator light will come
on and a message will be shown
on the multi-information display.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.
Reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems after turning off the engine
Even after the TRC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the engine
off and then on again will automatically reactivate the TRC/VSC systems.
Reactivation of the TRC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC system will turn on when
vehicle speed increases. However, when both TRC and VSC systems are
turned off, the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.

330 2-4. Using other driving systems
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRC and VSC
A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate 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 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 operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS 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 sys-
tem should return to normal after about 10 minutes.

344
2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
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.

350 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the
driver, passengers, towing hitch,
total curb mass and drawbar load
should not exceed the gross vehi-
cle mass by more than 100 kg
(220.5 lb.). Exceeding this weight
is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear
axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle
should not exceed the maximum
permissible axle capacity by 15%
or more. Exceeding this weight is
dangerous.
The values for towing capacity
were derived from testing con-
ducted at sea level. Take note
that engine output and towing
capacity will be reduced at high
altitudes.
CAUTION
When the gross vehicle mass limit or maximum permissible axle
capacity is exceeded
Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up
areas or 80 km/h (50 mph), whichever is the lower.

356 2-5. Driving information
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)Transmission information
Multidrive or automatic transmission
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine brak-
ing, do not use the transmission in “D”. Select an appropriate
gear in “M” mode.
Manual transmission
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine brak-
ing, do not use the transmission in “6”.
If the engine overheats...
Towing a loaded trailer up a long steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30C (85F) may result in the engine overheating. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the
road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 710)
When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle
and trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to
“P” for Multidrive or automatic transmission, and “1” or “R” for man-
ual transmission.

369 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
3
Interior features
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Air conditioning odors
During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter
into and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause
odor to be emitted from the vents.
To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time
immediately after the air conditioning system is started in AUTO mode.
CAUTION
To prevent the windshield from fogging up
Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, blocking
your vision.
NOTICE
To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
engine is stopped.

377 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
3
Interior features
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
To prevent the windshield from fogging up
Do not use
during cool air operation in extremely humid weather.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, blocking
your vision.
NOTICE
To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
engine is stopped.

378
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Power heater
: If equipped
Power heater can be operated when
The engine is running.
The outside temperature is low.
The engine coolant temperature is low.
Normal characteristics of power heater operation
The following cases do not indicate a malfunction.
When the power heater is turned on or off, some white smoke and a
slight odor may be emitted from the power heater exhaust that is located
under the floor.
When the power heater is being used under extremely cold conditions,
vapor may be visible from its exhaust.
When the power heater is turned off, you may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for about 2 minutes until the power heater turns off com-
pletely.
This feature is used to keep the cab warm in cold conditions.
On/off
The power heater turns on
about 30 seconds after you
press the switch and it takes
about another 55 seconds to
warm up.

379 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
3
Interior features
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
After the heater is off
We recommend not restarting the heater for 10 minutes after you turn it off.
Otherwise, a noise may be heard as the heater ignites.
When refueling your vehicle
The engine must be turned OFF. Turning the engine OFF turns the power
heater off.
CAUTION
To prevent burns or damage on your vehicle
Do not touch the heater or its exhaust
pipe as they are hot. You may burn
yourself.
Keep flammable items such as fuel
away from the heater and its exhaust
pipe. This may cause a fire.