Toyota Avalon Hybrid (2019 year). Instruction — part 21

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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■

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 power 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

■

Secondary Collision Brake operating conditions
The vehicle speed is approximately 6 mph (10 km/h) or more and the airbag
sensor detects a collision. (The Secondary Collision Brake will not operate
when the vehicle speed is below approximately 6 mph [10km/h].)

■

Secondary Collision Brake automatic cancellation
The Secondary Collision Brake is automatically canceled in the following situ-
ations:

●

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 hybrid system
off. The EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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.

■

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/ABS/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.

■

Secondary Collision Brake
Do not overly rely on 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.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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WARNING

■

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.

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4-6. 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 (heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. (

P. 315)

◆

Use of Hybrid System Indicator

The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the needle of Hybrid
System Indicator within Eco area. (

P. 94)

◆

Shift lever operation

Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in
heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using
the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the
gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be generated. Also,
when using the air conditioning system, etc., the hybrid battery
(traction battery) power is consumed.

◆

Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
● Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and

deceleration. Gradual acceleration 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 driving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:

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4-6. Driving tips

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◆

When braking

Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slow-
ing down.

◆

Delays

Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports
before leaving and avoid delays as much as possible. When driving
in a traffic jam, gently release the brake pedal to allow the vehicle to
move forward slightly while avoiding overuse of the accelerator
pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline consumption.

◆

Highway driving

Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stop-
ping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the
accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of elec-
trical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.

◆

Air conditioning

Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help
reduce excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recircu-
lated air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air
conditioning system and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out
until it and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel.
Also, fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the
heater.

◆

Checking tire inflation pressure

Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper
tire inflation pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on
dry roads can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appro-
priate for the season.

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4-6. Driving tips

◆

Luggage

Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carry-
ing unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause
poor fuel economy.

◆

Warming up before driving

Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically
when cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, fre-
quently driving short distances will cause the engine to repeatedly
warm up, which can lead to excess fuel consumption.

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4-6. Driving tips

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● Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-

tures.

• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid

● Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt bat-

tery.

● 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 specified 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

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4-6. 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

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4
5
6

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4-6. Driving tips

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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).

●

Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the 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 specified size.

●

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.

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4-6. 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 valves and transmitters.

■

Fitting tire chains (vehicles with 17-inch tires)
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly
when tire chains are fitted.

331

5

Interior features

5-1. Using the air

conditioning system
and defogger

Automatic air conditioning

system. . . . . . . . 332

Heated steering wheel/

seat heaters/
seat ventilators. . . . 343

5-2. Using the interior lights

Interior lights list . . . . 346

• Interior light . . . . ... 347
• Personal lights . . . .. 347
• Ambient lights . . . ... 348

5-3. Using the storage

features

List of storage features . . 349

• Glove box. . . . . .. 350
• Console box. . . . .. 350
• Bottle holders. . . . 351
• Cup holders . . . . .. 352
• Auxiliary boxes. . . .. 353
• Open tray . . . . . .. 354

Trunk features . . . . ... 355

5-4. Other interior features

Other interior features . ... 356

• Sun visors . . . . . . 356
• Vanity mirrors. . . . 356
• Power outlet. . . . .. 357
• USB charging ports. ... 358
• Wireless charger. . ... 360
• Armrest . . . . . . . 369
• Assist grips . . . . ... 369
• Coat hooks. . . . . 370

Garage door opener. . .. 371
Safety Connect . . . . . 378

332

5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

■

Adjusting the temperature setting

To adjust the temperature setting, press “

” on

(driver’s

side) to increase the temperature and press “

” on

(driver’s side) to decrease the temperature.

If

is not pressed, the system will blow ambient temperature air or

heated air.
The air conditioning system switches between individual and synchro-

nized modes each time

is pressed or

is selected on the

air conditioning control screen.
Synchronized mode (indicator on):

The driver’s side

can be used to adjust the temperature for the

driver’s and front passenger’s side. To enter individual mode, operate

the front passenger’s side

.

Automatic air conditioning system

Air outlets and fan speed are automatically adjusted according
to the temperature setting.
Press the “MENU” button on the Entune Audio Plus or Entune
Premium Audio, then select “Climate” to display the air condi-
tioning control screen.

Control panel

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5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

5

Interio

r features

Individual mode (indicator off):
The temperature for the driver’s and front passenger’s side can be
adjusted separately.

■

Fan speed setting

To adjust the fan speed, press

to increase the fan speed

and

to decrease the fan speed.

Press

to turn the fan off.

■

Change the airflow mode
To change the airflow mode,

press

.

The air outlets used are
switched each time the button is
pressed.

Air flows to the upper body.
Air flows to the upper body
and feet.
Air flows to the feet.
Air flows to the feet and the
windshield defogger oper-
ates.

■

Other functions
● Switching between outside air and recirculated air modes

(

P. 337)

● Defogging the windshield (P. 337)
● Defogging the rear window and outside rear view mirrors

(

P. 337)

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2

3
4

334

5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

Adjust the driver’s side tem-
perature setting
Adjust the fan speed setting
Select the air flow mode

*

Adjust the front passenger’s
side temperature setting
Display the option control
screen (

P. 335)

Turn automatic mode on/off
Turn the fan off
Turn cooling and dehumidification function on/off

If the

indicator is turned off, the system will blow ambient tem-

perature air or heated air.

Change the temperature setting between individual/synchronized
mode. (

P. 332)

Enable/Disable S-FLOW mode (

P. 335)

*

:

— Air flows to the upper body

— Air flows to the upper body and feet

— Air flows to the feet

— Air flows to the feet and the windshield defogger operates

Control screen

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2
3
4

5

6
7
8

9

10

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5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

5

Interio

r features

■

Option control screen
Select

on the air conditioning control screen to display the

option control screen. The functions can be switched on and off.

When the function is on, the indicator illuminates on the screen.

Select to change the tem-
perature setting between
individual/synchronized
mode (

P. 332)

Select to set cooling and
dehumidification function on/
off
Select the S-FLOW mode
(

P. 335)

■

Using the automatic mode

Press

or select

on the air conditioning control

screen.
The dehumidification function begins to operate. Air outlets and
fan speed are automatically adjusted according to the tempera-
ture setting.
Adjust the temperature setting.

To stop the operation, press

or select

on the air

conditioning control screen.

■

Automatic mode indicator
If the fan speed setting or air flow modes are operated, the auto-
matic mode indicator goes off. However, automatic mode for func-
tions other than that operated is maintained.

■

S-FLOW mode
When the air conditioning system is operating in S-FLOW mode, air
conditioner efficiency will be enhanced by concentrating the airflow
on occupied seats only.

1

2

3

Air conditioning controls

1

2

3

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5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

● The following S-FLOW modes are available:



Automatic S-FLOW mode

When this mode is selected, if the rear seats are determined to
be unoccupied, the air conditioning system will operate in S-
FLOW mode.
When a rear passenger is detected, S-FLOW mode will be auto-
matically disabled.

The

indicator on the air conditioning control screen will illumi-

nate when the air conditioning system is operating in S-FLOW mode.

To enter manual S-FLOW mode, select

on the air conditioning

control screen.



Manual S-FLOW mode

When

is selected, S-FLOW mode will be manually

enabled/disabled.

The

indicator on the air conditioning control screen will illumi-

nate when the air conditioning system is operating in S-FLOW mode.

● Operation of the air conditioning system when S-FLOW mode is

enabled:
When the air conditioning system is operating in S-FLOW mode,
the airflow will be concentrated on the front seats, reducing the
airflow and air conditioning effect on the rear seats.
Additionally, if the front passenger seat is determined to be unoc-
cupied, the airflow will be concentrated on the driver’s seat only.
(Depending on the set temperature or ambient temperature, the
air conditioning system may not operate in S-FLOW mode as
described above.)
When certain conditions are met and priority is given to the
driver’s seat only, the temperature indicator for the front passen-
ger side will turn off.
How the system judges if a seat is occupied in S-FLOW mode:
P. 339