Toyota Avalon 1998 User manual

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Part 1
OPERATION OF
INSTRUMENTS
AND CONTROLS—
Chapter 1- 1
Overview of instruments
and controls
Instrument panel overview
Instrument cluster overview
Indicator symbols on the
instrument panel

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Instrument panel overview
1. Side vent
2. Side defroster outlet
3. Tilt steering lock release lever
4. Automatic transmission selector lever
(column shift)
5. Center vents
6. Electric moon roof switch or front
interior light, and front personal lights
7. Power door lock switch
8. Power window switches
9. Seat heater switch
10. Glovebox
11. Cup holder
12. Automatic transmission selector lever
(floor shift)
13. Lower vent
14. Parking brake release lever
15. Parking brake pedal
16. Hood lock release lever

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1. Instrument panel light control dial
2. Headlight and turn signal switch and
front fog light switch
3. Wiper and washer switches
4. Driving pattern selector button
5. Thermometer
6. Clock
7. Emergency flasher switch
8. Car audio
9. Auxiliary box
10. Rear window and outside rear view
mirror defoggers switch
11. Ashtray and cigarette lighter
12. Air conditioning controls
13. Ignition switch
14. Cruise control switch
15. Traction control system off switch
16. Power rear view mirror control switch
17. Headlight cleaner switch

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Instrument cluster overview
1. Engine coolant temperature gauge
2. Tachometer
3. Service reminder indicators or indicator
lights
4. Odometer and two trip meters
5. Speedometer
6. Fuel gauge
7. Trip meter reset knob
8. Theft deterrent system/Engine immobi-
liser system indicator light

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Indicator symbols on the instrument panel
Brake system warning light∗1
Seat belt reminder light∗1
Discharge warning light∗1
Malfunction indicator lamp∗1
Low oil pressure warning light∗1
Anti-lock brake system warning light∗1
(type A)
(type B)
Open door warning light∗1
Rear light failure warning light∗1
(type A)
(type B)
SRS airbag warning light∗1
Low fuel level warning light∗1
Traction control system off indicator/warning light∗1
Low windshield washer and headlight cleaner fluid
level warning light∗1

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Overdrive- off indicator light
Cruise control indicator light∗2
Automatic transmission indicator lights
∗1: For details, see ”Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers” in Chapter 1- 5.
∗2: If this light flashes, see ”Cruise control” in Chapter 1- 6.
Driving pattern indicator light
Headlight high beam indicator light
Slip indicator light
Turn signal indicator lights

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Part 1
OPERATION OF
INSTRUMENTS
AND CONTROLS—
Chapter 1- 2
Keys and Doors
Keys
Engine immobiliser system
Side doors
Power windows
Trunk lid
Hood
Theft deterrent system
Fuel tank cap
Electric moon roof
Your vehicle is supplied with two kinds
of key.
1. Master key—This key works in every
lock.
2. Subkey—This key will not work in the
glovebox and trunk.
To protect things locked in the glovebox
or trunk when you have your vehicle
parked, leave the subkey with the atten-
dant.
Since the doors and trunk lid can be
locked without a key, you should always
carry a spare master key in case you
accidentally lock your keys inside the ve-
hicle.
KEY NUMBER PLATE
Your key number is shown on the plate.
Keep the plate in a safe place such as
your wallet, not in the vehicle.
If you should lose your keys or if you
need additional keys, duplicates can be
made by a Toyota dealer using the key
number.
You should also put a copy of the key
number with your important papers.
Keys (without engine
immobiliser system)

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Your vehicle is supplied with the two
kinds of key.
Master key (black)—This key works in ev-
ery lock. Your Toyota dealer will need it
to make you a new key with built-in
transponder chip.
Subkey (gray)—This key will not work in
the glovebox and trunk.
The master key and subkey each have a
transponder chip in their key head which
is very important for the system function,
so be careful not to lose these keys. If
you make your own duplicate key, you will
not be able to cancel the system or start
the engine.
To protect things locked in the glovebox
or trunk when you have your vehicle
parked, leave the subkey with the atten-
dant.
Since the doors and trunk lid can be
locked without a key, you should always
carry a spare master key in case you
accidentally lock your keys inside the ve-
hicle.
NOTICE
When using a key containing a trans-
ponder chip, observe the following
precautions:
 When starting the engine, do not
use the key with a key ring resting
on the key grip and do not press
the key ring against the key grip.
Otherwise the engine may not start,
or may stop soon after it starts.
 When starting the engine, do not
use the key in contact with another
transponder key (including keys of
other vehicles) and do not press
another key plate against the key
grip. Otherwise the engine may not
start, or may stop soon after it
starts.
Keys (with engine
immobiliser system)

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 Do not bend the key grip.
 Do not cover the key grip with any
material that cuts off electromagnet-
ic waves.
 Do not knock the key hard against
other objects.
 Do not leave the key exposed to
high temperatures for a long period,
such as on the dashboard and hood
under the direct sunlight.
 Do not put the key in water or
wash it in an ultrasonic washer.
 Do not use the key with electromag-
netic materials.
KEY NUMBER PLATE
Your key number is shown on the plate.
Keep the plate in a safe place such as
your wallet, not in the vehicle.
If you should lose your keys or if you
need additional keys, duplicates can be
made by a Toyota dealer using the key
number.
You should also put a copy of the key
number with your important papers.

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Engine immobiliser system
The engine immobiliser system is a
theft prevention system. When you in-
sert the key in the ignition switch, the
transponder chip in the key’s head
transmits an electronic code to the ve-
hicle. The engine will start, only when
the electronic code in the chip corre-
sponds to the registered ID code for
the vehicle.
The system is automatically set when the
key is removed from the ignition switch.
The indicator light will start flashing every
1 second to show the system is set.
If either of the following indicator condi-
tions occurs, contact your Toyota dealer.
The indicator light stays on except
when the theft deterrent system is set-
ting or activating. (See ”Theft deterrent
system.)
The indicator light does not start flash-
ing when the key is removed from the
ignition switch.
The indicator light flashes unsteady.
Inserting the registered key in the ignition
switch automatically cancels the system,
which enables the engine to start. The
indicator light will go off.
For your Toyota dealer to make you a
new key with built- in transponder chip,
your dealer will need your key number
and master key. However, there is a limit
to the number of additional keys your
Toyota dealer can make for you.
If you make your own duplicate key,
you will not be able to cancel the sys-
tem or start the engine.
For vehicles sold in U.S.A.
FCC ID: MOZ RI- 4ATY
MADE IN JAPAN
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, includ-
ing interference that may cause unde-
sired operation.

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CAUTION
Changes or modifications not ex-
pressly approved by the party respon-
sible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equip-
ment.
For vehicles sold in Canada
This device complies with RSS-210 of
insudtry and Science Canada. Operation
is subject to the following two condi-
tions:
(1) this device may not cause interfer-
ence, and (2) this device must accept
any interference, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
Side doors—
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WITH KEY
Insert the key into the keyhole and turn
it.
To lock: Turn the key forward.
To unlock: Turn the key backward.
All the doors lock and unlock simulta-
neously with either front door. In the driv-
er’s door lock, turning the key once will
unlock the driver’s door and twice in suc-
cession will unlock all the doors simulta-
neously.
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WITH
INSIDE LOCK KNOB
Move the lock knob.
To lock: Push the knob forward.
To unlock: Pull the knob backward.
Closing the door with the lock knob in the
lock position will also lock the door. Be
careful not to lock your keys in the ve-
hicle.
The door cannot be locked if you leave
the key in the ignition switch.

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Driver’s side
Passenger’s side
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WITH
POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH
Push the switch.
To lock: Push the switch on the front side.
To unlock: Push the switch on the rear
side.
All the doors lock or unlock simultaneous-
ly.
REAR DOOR CHILD- PROTECTORS
Turn the lock knob to the ”LOCK” posi-
tion as shown on the label.
This feature allows you to lock a rear
door so it can be opened from the outside
only, not from inside. We recommend us-
ing this feature whenever small children
are in the vehicle.

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CAUTION
Before driving, be sure that the doors
are closed and locked, especially
when small children are in the ve-
hicle. Along with the proper use of
seat belts, locking the doors helps
prevent the driver and passengers
from being thrown out from the ve-
hicle during an accident. It also helps
prevent the doors from being opened
unintentionally.
—Wireless remote control
Locking operation
Unlocking operation
Your vehicle has a wireless remote
control system that can lock or unlock
all the doors, or open the trunk lid
from a distance within approximately 1
m (3 ft.) of the vehicle.
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING THE
DOORS
To lock or unlock all the doors, push
the ”LOCK” switch or ”UNLOCK”
switch of the transmitter slowly and
surely.
To lock: Push the ”LOCK” switch. All the
doors are locked simultaneously. At this
time, parking lights, side marker lights and
tail lights flash once.
Check to see that the doors are securely
locked.
If any of the doors is not securely closed,
or if the key is in the ignition switch,
locking cannot be performed by the
”LOCK” switch.
To unlock: Push the ”UNLOCK” switch
once to unlock the driver’s door alone.
Pushing the switch twice within 3 seconds
unlocks all the doors simultaneously. At
this time, parking lights, side marker lights
and tail lights flash twice.

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If the ignition key is in the ”ON” position,
unlocking cannot be performed by the
”UNLOCK” switch.
You have 30 seconds to open a door after
using the wireless remote unlock feature.
If a door is not opened by then, all the
doors will be automatically locked again.
If the ”LOCK” or ”UNLOCK” switch is kept
pressed in, the locking or unlocking opera-
tion is not repeated. Release the button
and then push again.
OPENING THE TRUNK LID
To open the trunk lid, push the trunk
lid open switch of the transmitter slow-
ly and surely.
If the ignition key is in the ”ON” position,
the trunk lid cannot be opened by the
trunk lid open switch.
To open the trunk lid with the master key,
see ”Trunk lid” in this chapter.
”PANIC” SWITCH
Pushing the ”PANIC” switch for 2 se-
conds blows the horn intermittently and
flashes the headlights and tail lights.
The ”PANIC” switch is used to deter the
vehicle theft when you witness anyone at-
tempting to brake into or damage your
vehicle.
The alarm will last for one minute. To stop
this in the midway, push the ”PANIC”
switch once again, unlock any door with
the key or wireless remote control trans-
mitter, open the trunk with the key or
wireless remote control transmitter, or turn
the ignition key from the ”LOCK” to ”ON”
position.

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To cancel the ”PANIC” mode, unlock any
door with the key or wireless remote con-
trol transmitter, open the trunk with the
key or wireless remote control transmitter,
turn the ignition key from the ”LOCK” to
”ON” position.
The ”PANIC” mode does not work when
the ignition key is in the ”ON” position.
WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL TRANS-
MITTER
The wireless remote control transmitter is
an electronic component. Observe the fol-
lowing instructions in order not to cause
damage on the transmitter.
Do not leave the transmitter on the
places where the temperature becomes
high such as on the dashboard.
Do not disassemble it.
Avoid knocking it hard against other
objects or dropping it.
Avoid putting it in water.
You can use up to 2 wireless remote con-
trol transmitters for the same vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for detailed
information.
If the wireless remote control transmitter
does not actuate the doors or trunk lid, or
operate from a normal distance:
Check for closeness to a radio trans-
mitter such as a radio station or an
airport which can interfere with normal
operation of the transmitter.
The batteries may have been con-
sumed. Check the batteries in the
transmitter. To replace the batteries,
see following ”Replacing transmitter
batteries”.
Replacing transmitter batteries
The expected life of your transmitter bat-
teries is about one year. For replacement,
use DURACELLDL2016 or equivalent.
a. Using a screwdriver, separate the two
halves of the transmitter with the transmit-
ter buttons facing down.
b. Remove and replace the transmitter
batteries.
If you touch a new battery with your fin-
gers, clean it with rubbing alcohol. Skin
oils may shorten the batteries’ life.
c. Reassemble the transmitter case. Make
sure the gasket is properly installed.
After replacing batteries, check that the
transmitter operates properly. If the trans-
mitter still does not operate properly, con-
tact your Toyota dealer.
If you lose your transmitter, contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible to
avoid the possibility of theft, or an acci-
dent.
MODEL/FCC ID: GQ43VT7T
ISC: 1470 K1361
MADE IN U.S.A.
This complies with part 15 of the FCC
rules. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) This device must
accept any interference received, includ-
ing interference that may caused unde-
sired operation.

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Power windows
The windows can be operated with the
switch on each door.
The power windows work when the ignition
switch is in the ”ON” position. However,
if both front doors are closed, they work
for 60 seconds even after the ignition
switch is turned off. They stop working
when either front side door is opened.
OPERATING THE DRIVER’S WINDOW
Use the switch on the driver’s door.
Normal operation: The window moves as
long as you hold the switch.
To open: Lightly push down the switch.
To close: Pull up the switch.
Automatic operation (to open only):
Push the switch completely down and then
release it. The window will fully open. To
stop the window partway, lightly pull the
switch up and then release it.
Window lock
button
OPERATING THE PASSENGERS’ WIN-
DOWS
Use the switches on the passengers’
doors. The driver’s door also has
switches that control the passengers’
windows.
The window moves as long as you hold
the switch.
To open: Push down the switch.
To close: Pull up the switch.
If you push in the window lock button on
the driver’s door, the passengers’ windows
cannot be operated.

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CAUTION
To avoid serious personal injury, you
must do the following.
Always make sure the head, hands
and other parts of the body of all
occupants are kept completely in-
side the vehicle before you close
the power windows. If someone’s
neck, head or hands gets caught in
a closing window, it could result in
a serious injury. When anyone
closes the power windows, be sure
that they operate the windows safe-
ly.
When small children are in the ve-
hicle, never let them use the power
window switches without supervi-
sion. Use the window lock button to
prevent them from making unex-
pected use of the switches.
Never leave small children alone in
the vehicle, especially with the igni-
tion key still inserted. They could
use the power window switches and
get trapped in a window. Unat-
tended children can become in-
volved in serious accidents.
Trunk lid (type A)—
To open the trunk lid from the outside,
insert the master key and turn it clock-
wise.
See ”Luggage stowage precautions” in
Part 2 for precautions to observe in load-
ing luggage.
To close the trunk lid, lower it and press
down on it. After closing the trunk lid, try
pulling it up to make sure it is securely
closed.

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CAUTION
Keep the trunk lid closed while driv-
ing. This not only keeps the luggage
from being thrown out but also pre-
vents exhaust gases from entering
the vehicle.
—Lock release lever
To open the trunk lid from the driver’s
seat, pull up on the lock release lever.
—Luggage security system
This system deactivates the lock re-
lease lever so that things locked in the
trunk can be protected.
After closing the trunk lid, insert the
master key and turn it counterclockwise
to deactivate the lock release lever.
After closing the trunk lid, try pulling it up
to make sure it is securely locked.

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Trunk lid (type B)—
To open the trunk lid from the outside,
insert the master key and turn it clock-
wise.
See ”Luggage stowage precautions” in
Part 2 for precautions to observe in load-
ing luggage.
To close the trunk lid, lower it and press
down on it. After closing the trunk lid, try
pulling it up to make sure it is securely
closed.
CAUTION
Keep the trunk lid closed while driv-
ing. This not only keeps the luggage
from being thrown out but also pre-
vents exhaust gases from entering
the vehicle.
—Lock release button
To open the trunk lid from the driver’s
seat, push the lock release button.
To safeguard the lock release button from
unwanted access, lock the glovebox. (See
”Glovebox” in Chapter 1- 8.)

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—Luggage security system
This system helps protect things locked
in the trunk by safeguarding the lock
release button from unwanted access.
After closing the glovebox lid, insert
the master key into the glovebox lock
and turn it clockwise to safeguard the
lock release button.
After closing the trunk lid, try pulling it up
to make sure it is securely locked.
Hood
To open the hood, do the following.
1. Pull the hood lock release lever. The
hood will spring up slightly.
CAUTION
Before driving, be sure that the hood
is securely closed and locked. Other-
wise, the hood may open unexpected-
ly while driving and an accident may
occur.
2. In front of the vehicle, pull up on
the auxiliary catch lever and lift the
hood.
Before closing the hood, check to see that
you have not forgotten any tools, rags,
etc. Then lower the hood and make sure
it locks into place. If necessary, press
down gently on the front edge to lock it.