TOYOTA AVENSIS 2018 Owners Manual

2014-1. Before driving
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Driving
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■Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load
Total trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus
the trailer load should be within
the maximum towing capacity.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous. ( P. 606)
When towing a trailer, use a fric-
tion coupler or friction stabilizer
(sway control device).
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that the drawbar load is greater than 25 kg
(55.1 lb.) or 4% of the towing c apacity. Do not let the drawbar load
exceed the indicated weight. ( P. 606)
■Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the
driver, passengers, luggage,
towing hitch, total curb mass
and drawbar load should not
exceed the gross vehicle mass
by more than 100 kg (220.5 lb.).
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous.
Maximum permissible rear
axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum per-
missible axle capacity by 15% or more. Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous.
The values for towing capacity were derived from testing conducted at
sea level. Take note that engine output and towing capacity will be
reduced at high altitudes.
Important points regarding trailer loads
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2024-1. Before driving
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WARNING
■When the gross vehicle mass or maximum permissible axle capacity is
exceeded
Failing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or
serious injury.
● Add an additional 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi) to the recommended
tire inflation pressure value. ( P. 623)
● Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up
areas or 100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is lower.

2034-1. Before driving
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Driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C79E_(EE)
Sedan
460 mm (18.1 in.)
460 mm (18.1 in.)
460 mm (18.1 in.)
460 mm (18.1 in.)
460 mm (18.1 in.)
460 mm (18.1 in.)
1110 mm (43.7 in.)
35 mm (1.4 in.)
369 mm (14.5 in.)
*1
374 mm (14.7 in.)*2
392 mm (15.4 in.)*3
391 mm (15.4 in.)*4
320 mm (12.6 in.)
385 mm (15.2 in.)
575 mm (22.6 in.)
*1: 205/60R16 tires*5
*2: 215/55R17 or 225/45R18 tires*5
*3: 205/60R16 tires with vehicle height up*5
*4: 215/55R17 tires with vehicle height up*5
*5: To distinguish the vehicle type, ask any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Installation positions for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
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2044-1. Before driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C79E_(EE)
Wagon
460 mm (18.1 in.)
460 mm (18.1 in.)
460 mm (18.1 in.)
460 mm (18.1 in.)
460 mm (18.1 in.)
460 mm (18.1 in.)
1180 mm (46.5 in.)
37 mm (1.5 in.)
369 mm (14.5 in.)
*1
375 mm (14.8 in.)*2
393 mm (15.5 in.)*3
391 mm (15.4 in.)*4
387 mm (15.2 in.)
452 mm (17.8 in.)
643 mm (25.3 in.)
*1: 205/60R16 tires*5
*2: 215/55R17 or 225/45R18 tires*5
*3: 205/60R16 tires with vehicle height up*5
*4: 215/55R17 tires with vehicle height up*5
*5: To distinguish the vehicle type, ask any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
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2054-1. Before driving
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Driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C79E_(EE)
■Tire information
● Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi)
greater than the recommended value when towing. ( P. 623)
● Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total
trailer weight and according to the values recommended by the manufac-
turer of your trailer.
■ Tr a i l e r l i g h ts
Please consult at any authorized dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional when installing trailer lights, as incorrect installa-
tion may cause damage to the vehicle’s lights. Please take care to comply
with your state’s laws when installing trailer lights.
■ Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components
should not be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
■ Maintenance
● Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for
towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle compared to
normal driving.
● Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).
■ Safety checks before towing
● Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
is not exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer will add
to the load exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that the total load exerted
on the vehicle is within the range of the weight limits. ( P. 201)
● Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
● Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle if
the traffic behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust the
extending arms of these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that they
always provide maximum visibility of the road behind.
NOTICE
■ When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum
Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that
area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to
corrosion, which will weaken the section concerned and may result in dam-
age. Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when attaching a
steel bracket.

2064-1. Before driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C79E_(EE)
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to
avoid accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind
when towing:
■Checking connections between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection between
the trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well as before
setting off.
■Practicing driving with a coupled trailer
●Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer
coupled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
●When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the
steering wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the
trailer left or counterclockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a little
at a time to prevent steering error. Have someone guide you
when reversing to lessen the risk of an accident.
■Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle running
ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined
length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking that may
cause skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out of control. This
is especially true when driving on wet or slippery road surfaces.
■Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer colliding
with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approaching
turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid sudden braking.
■Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve
than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the
turns wider than you would normally do.
Guidance

2074-1. Before driving
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Driving
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Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when mov-
ing alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement
occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly applying
the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while braking.
■Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer, and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before exe-
cuting lane changes.
■Transmission information
Multidrive
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine braking,
do not use the transmission in D. Select an appropriate gear in M
mode.
Manual transmission
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine braking,
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 over-
heating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and
stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 600)
■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, and 1 or R for manual transmission.

2084-1. Before driving
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WARNING
Follow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could
cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Trailer towing precautions
When towing, make sure that none of the weight limits are exceeded.
( P. 2 0 1 )
■ To avoid accident or injury
● Do not tow a trailer when the temporary spare tire is installed on your vehi-
cle.
● Do not tow a trailer when the tire installed is repaired with the emergency
tire puncture repair kit.
● Do not use cruise control (if equipped) when trailer towing.
■ Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
■ Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while
descending steep or long downhill grades.
■ Operation of the brake pedal
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.

209
4
4-2. Driving procedures
Driving
AVENSIS_OM_OM20C79E_(EE)
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without
smart entry & start system)
Multidrive
Push the parking brake switch to check that the parking brake is
set. (P. 230)
Parking brake indicator will come on.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the “START” position to start the engine.
Manual transmission (gasoline engine)
Push the parking brake switch to check that the parking brake is
set. (P. 230)
Parking brake indicator will come on.
Check that the shift lever is set in N.
Firmly depress the clutch pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the “START” position to start the engine.
Manual transmission (diesel engine)
Push the parking brake switch to check that the parking brake is
set. (P. 230)
Parking brake indicator will come on.
Check that the shift lever is set in N.
Firmly depress the clutch pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the “ON” position.
indicator light turns on.
After indicator light goes out, turn the engine switch to the
“START” position to start the engine.
Starting the engine
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2104-2. Driving procedures
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“LOCK”
The steering wheel is locked and
the key can be removed. (Vehicles
with Multidrive: The key can be
removed only when the shift lever
is in P.)
“ACC”
Some electrical components such
as the audio system can be used.
“ON”
All electrical components can be used.
“START”
For starting the engine.
■Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”
Shift the shift lever to P (Multidrive) or N (manual transmission).
(P. 219, 226)
■If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 78)
Contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any
reliable repairer.
■When the steering lock cannot be released
Changing the engine switch positions
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2
Push in the key and turn it to the
“LOCK” position.
When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK”
position. To free it, turn the key while turn-
ing the steering wheel slightly left and
right.
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