Toyota Avalon Base 2012 Owner's Manual

For your information

Main Owner’s Manual

Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equip­ment, including options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for
equipment not installed on your vehicle.

All specifications provided in this manual are current at the time of printing.
However, because of the Toyota policy of continual product improvement, we
reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.

Depending on specifications, the vehicle shown in the illustration may differ
from your vehicle in terms of equipment.

Noise from under vehicle after turning off the engine

Approximately five hours after the engine is turned off, you may hear sound
coming from under the vehicle for several minutes. This is the sound of a fuel
evaporation leakage check and, it does not indicate a malfunction.

18

Accessories, spare parts and modification of your Toyota

A wide variety of non-genuine spare parts and accessories for Toyota vehi­cles are currently available in the market. You should know that Toyota does
not warrant these products and is not responsible for their performance,
repair, or replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse
effect they may have on, your Toyota vehicle.

This vehicle should not be modified with non-genuine Toyota products. Mod­ification with non-genuine Toyota products could affect its performance,
safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addi­tion, damage or performance problems resulting from the modification may
not be covered under warranty.

Installation of a mobile two-way radio system

As the installation of a mobile two-way radio system in your vehicle could
affect electronic systems such as the multiport fuel injection system/sequen­tial multiport fuel injection system, electronic throttle control system, cruise
control system, vehicle stability control system, SRS airbag system and seat
belt pretensioner system, be sure to check with your Toyota dealer for pre­cautionary measures or special instructions regarding installation.

19

Scrapping of your Toyota

The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your Toyota contain
explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped with the airbags and seat belt
pretensioners left as they are, this may cause an accident such as fire. Be
sure to have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner
removed and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Toyota
dealer before you scrap your vehicle.

Perchlorate Material

Special handling may apply,
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Your vehicle has components that may contain perchlorate. These compo­nents may include airbag, seat belt pretensioners, and wireless remote con­trol batteries.

20

Vehicle control and operation data recording

Your Toyota is equipped with sophisticated computers that record certain
information about your vehicle’s operation, such as:

• Engine speed

• Accelerator status

• Brake status

• Vehicle speed

• Shift position
The data recorded varies according to the grade level and options the vehi-

cle is equipped with. The computers do not record conversations, sound or
pictures.

● Data usage
Toyota may use the data recorded in these computers to diagnose malfunc-

tions, conduct research and development, and improve quality.
Toyota will not disclose the recorded data to a third party except:

• With the consent of the vehicle owner or with the consent of the lessee if
the vehicle is leased

• In response to an official request by the police, a court of law or a govern­ment agency

• For research purposes where the data is not tied to a specific vehicle or
vehicle owner

21

Event data recorder

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main pur­pose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations,
such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist
in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed
to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short
period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.

The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:

• How various systems in your vehicle were operating;

• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fas­tened;

• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake
pedal; and,

• How fast the vehicle was traveling.

These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in
which crashes and injuries occur.

NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situ­ation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving condi­tions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are
recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine
the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired
during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access
to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer,
other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can
read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.

22

● Disclosure of the EDR data
Toyota will not disclose the data recorded in an EDR to a third party except

when:

• An agreement from the vehicle’s owner (or the lessee for a leased vehicle)

is obtained

• Officially requested by the police or other authorities

• For use by Toyota in a lawsuit

• Ordered by a court of law
However, if necessary, Toyota will:

• Use the data for research on vehicle safety performance

• Disclose the data to a third party for research purposes without disclosing

information about the specific vehicle or vehicle owner

23

CAUTION

■ General precautions while driving

Driving under the influence: Never drive your vehicle when under the influ­ence of alcohol or drugs that have impaired your ability to operate your vehi­cle. Alcohol and certain drugs delay reaction time, impair judgment and
reduce coordination, which could lead to an accident that will hurt or kill you,
your occupants or others.

Defensive driving: Always drive defensively. Anticipate mistakes that other
drivers or pedestrians might make and be ready to avoid accidents.

Driver distraction: Always give your full attention to driving. Anything that dis­tracts the driver, such as adjusting controls, talking on a cellular phone or
reading can result in a collision with resulting death or serious injury to you,
your occupants or others.

■ General precautions regarding children’s safety

Never leave children unattended in the vehicle, and never allow children to
have or use the key.

Children may be able to start the vehicle or shift the vehicle into neutral.
There is also a danger that children may injure themselves by playing with
the cigarette lighter, the windows, the moon roof, or other features of the
vehicle. In addition, heat build-up or extremely cold temperatures inside the
vehicle can be fatal to children.

24

Symbols used throughout this manual

Cautions & Notices

CAUTION

This is a warning against anything which may cause injury to people if the
warning is ignored. You are informed about what you must or must not do in
order to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.

NOTICE

This is a warning against anything which may cause damage to the vehicle or
its equipment if the warning is ignored. You are informed about what you must
or must not do in order to avoid or reduce the risk of damage to your Toyota
and its equipment.

25

Symbols used in illustrations

Safety symbol

The symbol of a circle with a slash through it means “Do not”,
“Do not do this”, or “Do not let this happen”.

Arrows indicating operations

Indicates the action (pushing, turn­ing, etc.) used to operate switches
and other devices.

Indicates the outcome of an opera­tion (e.g. a lid opens).

26

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

Before driving

2

When driving

Interior

3

features

Maintenance

4

and care

When trouble

5

arises

Vehicle

6

specifications

Adjusting and operating features such as door locks,
mirrors, and steering column.

Driving, stopping and safe-driving information.

Air conditioning and audio systems, as well as other
interior features for a comfortable driving experience.

Cleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it­yourself maintenance, and maintenance information.

What to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident.

Detailed vehicle information.

7

For owners

Index

Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners, and seat belt
and SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners.

Alphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual.

1

1-1. Key information

Keys

The following keys are provided with the vehicle.

Vehicles with smart key system

Electronic keys

• Operating the smart key

• Operating the wireless

Mechanical keys
Key number plate

Vehicles without smart key system

Master keys

Operating the wireless remote
control function (

Key number plate

system (→P. 30)

remote control function
(→P. 42)

→P. 42)

Using the mechanical key (vehicles with smart key system)

Take out the mechanical key.

After using the mechanical key,
store it in the electronic key. Carry
the mechanical key together with
the electronic key. If the electronic
key battery is depleted or the
smart key system does not oper­ate properly, you will need the
mechanical key.

28

1-1. Key information

■ When required to leave a key to the vehicle with a parking attendant

(Vehicles with smart key system)

Lock the glove box as circumstances demand. (→P. 350)
Remove the mechanical key for your own use and provide the attendant with
the electronic key only.

■ Key number plate

Keep the plate in a safe place such as your wallet, not in the vehicle. In the
event that a key is lost, a new key can be made at your Toyota dealer using
the key number plate. (→P. 504)

■ When riding in an aircraft

When bringing a key onto an aircraft, make sure you do not press any but­tons on the key while inside the aircraft cabin. If you are carrying a key in
your bag etc., ensure that the buttons are not likely to be pressed acciden­tally. Pressing a button may cause the key to emit radio waves that could
interfere with the operation of the aircraft.

NOTICE

1

Before driving

■ To prevent key damage

● Do not disassemble the key.

● Do not subject the keys to strong shocks, expose them to high tempera-

tures by placing them in direct sunlight, or get them wet.

● Do not expose the keys to electromagnetic materials or attach any mate-

rial that blocks electromagnetic waves to the key surface.

29

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

Smart key system

The following operations can be performed simply by carrying the
electronic key on your person, for example in your pocket.
(The driver should always carry the electronic key.)

∗

Electronic key

Electronic key

Electronic key

Locks and unlocks the doors (→P. 31)
Unlocks the trunk (→P. 31)
Starts and stops the engine (→P. 154)

30

∗: If equipped

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

Unlocking and locking the doors

Grip the driver’s door handle to
unlock the door. Grip the passen­ger’s door handle to unlock all
the doors.

Make sure to touch the sensor on
the back of the handle.

The door cannot be unlocked for
3 seconds after the door is
locked.

*

*: The door unlock settings can be

changed. (→P. 35)

Press the lock button to lock the
door.

1

Before driving

Unlocking the trunk

Press the button to unlock the
trunk.

31

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

Antenna location and effective range

■ Antenna location

Antennas outside cabin
Antenna outside trunk
Antenna inside trunk
Antennas inside cabin

32

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

■ Effective range (areas within which the electronic key is

detected)

When locking or unlocking
the doors

The system can be operated
when the electronic key is
within about 3 ft. (1 m) of an
outside door handles. (Only
the doors detecting the key
can be operated.)

When starting the engine or
changing “ENGINE START
STOP” switch modes

The system can be operated
when the electronic key is
inside the vehicle.

When unlocking the trunk

1

Before driving

The system can be operated
when the electronic key is
within about 3 ft. (1 m) of the
trunk release button.

33

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

■ Operation signals

A buzzer sounds and the emergency flashers flash to indicate that the doors
have been locked/unlocked. (Locked: Once; Unlocked: Twice)

■ Conditions affecting operation

The smart key system uses weak radio waves. In the following situations,
the communication between the electronic key and the vehicle may be
affected, preventing the smart key system and wireless remote control from
operating properly. (Way of coping:

● When the electronic key battery is depleted

● Near a TV tower , electric power plant, gas station, radio st ation, large dis-

play, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electri­cal noise

● When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone, cordless phone or other

wireless communication devices

● When the electronic key has come into contact with, or is covered by a

metallic object

● When multiple electronic keys are in the vicinity

● When carrying or using the electronic key together with the following

devices that emit radio waves

• Another vehicle’s electronic key

• A wireless key that emits radio waves

• Personal computer

● If window tint with a metallic content or metallic objects are attached to

the rear window

→P. 505)

34

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

■ Switching the door unlock function

It is possible to set which doors the entry function unlocks.

STEP

1

Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch off.

STEP

2

When the indicator on the key surface is turned off, push and hold

, , or for approximately 5 seconds while pushing the
button on the key.

The setting changes each time an operation is performed, as shown below.
(Wait for at least 5 seconds after each operation to continue an operation.)

Relevant doors Unlocking doors Beep

Hold the driver’s door handle to
unlock only the driver’s door

Beeps twice

Hold a passenger’s door handle
to unlock all the doors

1

Before driving

STEP

Hold a door handle to unlock all
doors

3

Unlock the doors using the wireless remote control and open one of

Beeps twice

the doors.
If a door is not opened within 60 second after is pressed, the
doors will be locked again and the alarm will automatically be set.
In case that the alarm is triggered, immediately stop the alarm.
(→P. 99)

35

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

■ Battery-saving function

In the following circumstances, the entry function is disabled in order to pre­vent the vehicle and electronic key batteries from discharging.

● When the entry function has not been used for 2 weeks or more

● When the electronic key has been left within approximately 3 ft. (1 m) of

the vehicle for 10 minutes or more

The system will resume operation when...

● The vehicle is locked using the door handle lock switch

● The vehicle is locked/unlocked using the wireless remote control function

(→P. 42) or the mechanical key (→P. 505)

■ Electronic key battery depletion

● The standard battery life is 1 to 2 years. (The battery becomes depleted

even if the electronic key is not used.) If the smart key system or the
wireless remote control function does not operate, or the detection area
becomes smaller, the battery may be depleted. Replace the battery when
necessary. (→P. 440)

● If the battery becomes low, an alarm will sound in the cabin when the

engine stops. (→P. 38)

● To avoid serious deterioration, do not leave the electronic key within 3 ft.

(1 m) of the following electrical appliances that produce a magnetic field.

•TVs

• Personal computers

• Recharging cellular phones or cordless phones

• Table lamps

■ To operate the system properly

Make sure to carry the electronic key when operating the system. Do not get
the electronic key too close to the vehicle when operating the system from
the outside of the vehicle.

Depending on the position and holding condition of the electronic key, the
key may not be detected correctly and the system may not operate properly.
(The alarm may go off accidentally, or the door lock prevention may not func­tion.)

36

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

■ Note for the smart key system

● Even when the electronic key is within the effective range (detection

areas), the system may not operate properly in the following cases.

• The electronic key is too close to the window or outside door handle,
near the ground, or in a high place when the doors are locked or
unlocked.

• The electronic key is near the ground or in a high place, or too close to
the rear bumper center when the trunk is unlocked.

• The electronic key is on the instrument panel, rear package tray or
floor, or in the glove box when the engine is started or “ENGINE
START STOP” switch modes are changed.

● As long as the electronic key is within the effective range, the doors may

be locked or unlocked by anyone.

● Even if the electronic key is not inside the vehicle, it may be possible to

start the engine if the electronic key is near the window.

● The doors may unlock if a large amount of water splashes on the door

handle, such as in the rain or in a car wash when the electronic key is
within the effective range. (The doors will automatically be locked after
approximately 60 seconds if the doors are not opened and closed.)

● Gripping the door handle when wearing a glove may not unlock the door.

● If the wireless remote control is used to lock the doors when the elec-

tronic key is near the vehicle, there is a possibility that the door may not
be unlocked by the entry function. (Use the wireless remote control to
unlock the doors.)

● A sudden approach to the effective range or door handle operation may

prevent the doors from being unlocked. In this case, return the door han­dle to the original position and check that the doors unlock before pulling
the door handle again.

■ When the vehicle is not driven for extended periods

To prevent theft of the vehicle, do not leave the electronic key within 6 ft. (2
m) of the vehicle.

1

Before driving

37

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

■ Security feature

If a door is not opened within approximately 60 seconds after the vehicle is
unlocked, the theft deterrent system automatically locks the vehicle again.

■ Alarms and warning indicators

A combination of exterior and interior alarms are used to prevent theft of the
vehicle and unforeseeable accidents resulting from erroneous operation.
Take appropriate measures according to which warning light comes on.
(→P. 479)

The following table describes circumstances and correction procedures
when only alarms are sounded.

Alarm Situation Correction procedure

Exterior alarm
sounds once for
2 seconds

Exterior alarm
sounds once for
10 seconds

Tried to lock the doors
using the entry function
while the electronic key is
still inside the passenger
compartment

Tried to exit the vehicle
with the electronic key and
lock the doors without first
turning the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch OFF

Closed the trunk while the
electronic key is still inside
and all doors are locked

Tried to lock the vehicle
using the entry function
while a door is open

Retrieve the elec­tronic key from the
passenger compart­ment and lock the
doors again.

Turn the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch
OFF and lock the
doors again.

Retrieve the elec­tronic key from the
trunk and close the
trunk lid.

Close all of the doors
and lock the doors
again.

38

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

Alarm Situation Correction procedure

Interior alarm
sounds once

Interior alarm
sounds continu­ously

The electronic key battery
is low.

Tried to open the door and
exit the vehicle without
shifting the shift lever to
“P”

Replace the battery.
(→P. 440)

Shift the shift lever to
“P”.

Turned the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch to

Interior alarm
rings continu­ously

ACCESSORY mode while
the driver’s door is open
(Opened the driver’s door
when the “ENGINE ST ART
STOP” switch is in
ACCESSORY mode.)

Turn the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch
OFF and close the
driver’s door.

Turned the “ENGINE
ST ART STOP” switch OFF
while the driver’s door is

Close the driver’s
door.

open

■ If the smart key system does not operate properly

● Locking and unlocking the doors: Use the mechanical key. (→P. 505)

● Starting the engine: →P. 506

■ When the electronic key battery is fully depleted

→P. 440

1

Before driving

39

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

■ Customization that can be configured at Toyota dealer

Settings (e.g. smart key system) can be changed.
(Customizable features →P. 545)

■ Certification for the smart key system

For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.

FCC ID: HYQ14AAB
FCC ID: HYQ13BZH
FCC ID: HYQ14ABK
FCC ID: HYQ13BZW
FCC ID: HYQ14AEM

NOTE:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interfer­ence, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC WARNING:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

FCC ID: NI4TMLF-1
NOTE:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interfer­ence, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC WARNING:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

40

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

CAUTION

■ Caution regarding interference with electronic devices

● People with implanted pacemakers or cardiac defibrillators should keep

away from the smart key system antennas. (→P. 32)
The radio waves may affect the operation of such devices. If necessary,
the entry function can be disabled. Ask your Toyota dealer for details, such
as the frequency of radio waves and timing of emitting the radio waves.
Then, consult your doctor to see if you should disable the entry function.

● Users of any electrical medical device other than implanted pacemakers

and implanted cardiac defibrillators should consult the manufacturer of the
device for information about its operation under the influence of radio
waves. Radio waves could have unexpected effects on the operation of
such medical devices.

Ask your Toyota dealer for details for disabling the entry function.

1

Before driving

41

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

Wireless remote control

The wireless remote control can be used to lock and unlock the vehi­cle and the trunk from outside the vehicle.

Vehicles with smart key system

Locks all doors
Unlocks all doors

Pressing the button unlocks
the driver’s door. Pressing the
button again within 3 seconds
unlocks the other doors.

Unlocks the trunk
(push and hold)

Sounds alarm
(push and hold) (→P. 102)

42

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

Vehicles without smart key system

Locks all doors
Sounds alarm

(push and hold) (→P. 102)
Unlocks all doors

Pressing the button unlocks
the driver’s door. Pressing the
button again within 3 seconds
unlocks the other doors.

Unlocks the trunk
(push and hold)

■ Operation indicator

Doors: A buzzer sounds and the emergency flashers flash to indicate that

the doors have been locked/unlocked. (Locked: Once; Unlocked:
Twice)

Trunk:A buzzer sounds to indicate that the trunk has been unlocked.

■ Door lock buzzer (vehicles with smart key system)

If a door is not fully closed, a buzzer sounds continuously for 10 seconds if
an attempt to lock the door is made. Fully close the door to stop the buzzer,
and lock the vehicle once more.

1

Before driving

43

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

■ Security feature

→P. 38

■ When the key battery is fully depleted

→P. 440

■ Conditions affecting operation

Vehicles with smart key system

→P. 34

Vehicles without smart key system

The wireless remote control function may not operate normally in the fol­lowing situations.

●Near a TV tower, radio station, electric power plant, airport or other

facility that generates strong radio waves

●When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone or other wireless com-

munication device

●When multiple wireless keys are in the vicinity

●When the wireless key has come into contact with, or is covered by a

metallic object

●When a wireless key (that emits radio waves) is being used nearby

●When the wireless key has been left near an electrical appliance such

as a personal computer

■ Customization that can be configured at Toyota dealer

Settings (e.g. 2-step unlocking function, trunk unlocking function) can be
changed. (Customizable features →P. 545)

44

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

■ Certification for wireless remote control

For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.

FCC ID: HYQ14AAB
FCC ID: HYQ13BZH
FCC ID: HYQ14ABK
FCC ID: HYQ13BZW
FCC ID: HYQ14AEM
FCC ID: NI4TMLF-1

NOTE:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interfer­ence, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC WARNING:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

For vehicles sold in Jordan.
Type Approval Number: TRC/LPD/2009/4
NOTE:

This device complies with the specifications mentioned in test reports No.
(20071409200), (20071409300), and (20071409500) issued by Telefication
B.V./The Netherlands.

TRC WARNING:
This Certificate does not apply to any modified or changed product nor does
it authorize its holder to enter the subject equipment into Jordan without hav­ing a special permissions.
If this occurs Jordan TRC has the right to impose any penalties stipulated in
Jordan’s Telecommunications Law No. 13 of 1995 and its amendments and
regulations of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.

1

Before driving

45

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.

NOTE:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interfer­ence, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.

NOTICE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. How­ever, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:

● Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

● Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

● Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected.

● Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC WARNING:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

For vehicles sold in Canada

NOTE:
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, includ­ing interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

46

1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk

Doors

The vehicle can be locked and unlocked using the entry function,
wireless remote control or door lock switch.

■ Entry system (vehicles with smart key system)

→P. 31

1

■ Wireless remote control

→P. 42

■ Key

Vehicles with smart key system

The doors can also be locked and unlocked with the mechanical

key. (→P. 505)

Vehicles without smart key system

Locks all doors
Unlocks all doors

Turning the key unlocks the
driver’s door. Turning the key
again unlocks the other doors.

Before driving

47