2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Driving procedures User Guide

2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Driving procedures User Guide

Follow the steps in this guide to learn how to drive a 2022 Toyota Avalon. Learn the most important techniques and tips for driving your Avalon in a way that is safe, efficient, and fun.

Starting the Hybrid System

Power (ignition) switch
Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic key on your person starts the engine or changes engine switch modes

1. Check that the parking brake is set.
2. Check that the shift lever is in P.
3. Firmly depress the brake pedal.
   • and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display.
   • If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be started.
4.  Press the engine switch shortly and firmly.
   • When operating the engine switch, one short, firm press is enough. It is not necessary to press and hold the switch.
   • The engine will crank until it starts or for up to 30 seconds, whichever is less.
   • Continue depressing the brake pedal until the engine is completely started. The engine can be started from any engine switch mode.

Stopping the  Hybrid System

1. Stop the vehicle completely.
2. Set the parking brake  and shift the shift lever to P.
3. Press the engine switch.
4. Release the brake pedal and check that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is not shown on the meter.

Changing power switch modes

1. Off*
   • The emergency flashers can be used. The multi-information display will not be displayed.
2. ACCESSORY mode
   • Some electrical components such as the audio system can be used. A message indicating how to start the engine will be displayed on the multi-information display.
3. ON mode
   • All electrical components can be used.

If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off the engine, the engine switch will be turned to ACCESSORY mode, not to off.

When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position other than P

1. Check that the parking brake is set.
2. Shift the shift lever to P.
3. Check that “Turn Power Off” is displayed on the multi-information display and then press the engine switch once.
4. Check that “Turn Power Off” on the multi-information display is turned off.

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in the ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION ON mode (with the engine is not running) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the engine switch will automatically turn off. However, this function cannot entirely prevent battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long periods of time when the engine is not running.

Automatic engine shut off feature

• The vehicle is equipped with a feature that automatically shuts off the engine when the shift lever is in P with the engine running for an extended period.
• The engine will automatically shut off after approximately 1 hour if it has been left running while the shift lever is in P.
• The timer for the automatic engine shut off feature will reset if the brake pedal is depressed or if the shift lever is in a position other than P.
• After the vehicle is parked, if the door is locked with the door lock switch from the inside or the mechanical key  from the outside, the automatic engine shut off feature will be disabled. The timer for the automatic engine shut off feature will be re-enabled if the driver’s door is opened.

Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle

Electronic key battery depletion

When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving conditions

• When starting the hybrid system, the flashing time of the “READY” indicator may be long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the “READY” indicator is steady on, as steady means the vehicle is able to move.
• When the hybrid battery (traction battery) is extremely cold (below approximately -22°F [-30°C]) under the influence of the outside temperature, it may not be possible to start the hybrid system. In this case, try to start the hybrid system again after the temperature of the hybrid battery increases due to the outside temperature increase etc.

Conditions affecting operation

Notes for the entry function

If the hybrid system does not start

• The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 86) Contact your Toyota dealer.
• Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The hybrid system may not start if the shift lever is displaced out of P.

Steering lock
After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the engine switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.

When the steering lock cannot be released
A message informing the driver that the steering wheel is locked will be displayed on the multi-information display. Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press the engine switch while turning the steering wheel left and right.

Steering lock motor overheating prevention

To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be suspended if the engine is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time. In this case, refrain from operating the engine. After about 10 seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning.

When a message requesting the smart key system be inspected is displayed on the multi-information display
The system may be malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately?

• If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the power switch mode may not change or the hybrid system may not start.
• If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the power switch off, the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After turning the power switch off, wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid system.

WARNING

• When starting the engine
• Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
• Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
• Caution while driving
• If engine failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the  doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activation of the steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
• Stopping the engine in an emergency
• If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or more in succession.
• However, do not touch the engine switch while driving except in an emergency.
• Turning the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
• If the engine switch is operated while the vehicle is running, a warning message will be shown on the multi-information display and a buzzer sounds.
• When restarting the engine after it was turned off while driving, shift the shift lever to N and press the engine switch.

WARNING

When parking

• Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless. Observe the following precautions.
• Failure to do so may cause exhaust gases to enter the vehicle and may lead to an accident caused by light-headedness, or may lead to death or a serious health hazard.
• If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area or a closed area, such as a  garage, stop the engine.
• Do not leave the vehicle with the engine running for a long time. If such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space and ensure that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.
• Do not leave the engine running in an area with snow build-up, or where it is snowing. If snowbanks build up around the vehicle while the engine is running, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle.

NOTICE

• To prevent battery discharge
• Do not leave the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long periods of time without the engine running.
• If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is displayed on the multi-information display, the engine switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the engine switch off.
• Do not stop the engine when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If the engine is stopped in another shift lever position, the engine switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode, battery discharge may occur.

When starting the engine

• Do not race a cold engine.
• If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer immediately.

Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the engine switch

• If the engine switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual, such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact your Toyota dealer immediately.

EV drive mode

In EV drive mode, electric power is supplied by the hybrid battery (traction battery), and only the electric motor (traction motor) is used to drive the vehicle. This mode allows you to drive in residential areas early in the morning and late at night, or in indoor parking lots etc. without concern for noises and gas emissions. However, when the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System is active, the vehicle may produce sound.

Turns EV drive mode on/off

When EV drive mode is turned on, the EV drive mode indicator will come on. Pressing the switch when in EV drive mode will return the vehicle to normal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]).

Situations in which EV drive mode cannot be turned on

It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situations. If it cannot be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a message will be shown on the multi-information display.

• The temperature of the hybrid system is high. The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven on a hill, driven at high speeds, etc.
• The temperature of the hybrid system is low. The vehicle has been left in temperatures lower than about 32F (0C) for a long period of time etc.
• The gasoline engine is warming up.
• The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low. The remaining battery level indicated in the energy monitor display is low. 
• Vehicle speed is high.
• The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
• The windshield defogger is in use.

Switching to EV drive mode when the gasoline engine is cold

If the hybrid system is started while the gasoline engine is cold, the gasoline engine will start automatically after a short period of time in order to warm up. In this case, you will become unable to switch to EV drive mode. After the hybrid system has started and the “READY” indicator has illuminated, press the EV drive mode switch before the gasoline engine starts to switch to EV drive mode.

Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode

When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically restart in the following situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer will sound and the EV drive mode indicator will flash and go off.

• The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low. The remaining battery level indicated in the energy monitor on the multiinformation display is low.
• Vehicle speed is high.
• The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode

EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hundred meters to approximately 0.9 miles (1 km). However, depending on vehicle conditions, there are situations when EV drive mode cannot be used. (The distance that is possible depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery] level and driving conditions.)

Fuel economy

The hybrid system is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during normal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]). Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy.

If “EV Mode Unavailable” is shown on the multi-information display

The EV drive mode is not available. The reason the EV drive mode is not available (the vehicle is idling, battery charge is low, vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive mode operating speed range or accelerator pedal is depressed too much) may be displayed. Use the EV drive mode when it becomes available.

If “EV Mode Deactivated” is shown on the multi-information display

The EV drive mode has been automatically canceled. The reason the EV drive mode is not available (the battery charge is low, vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive mode operating speed range or accelerator pedal is depressed too much) may be displayed. Drive the vehicle for a while before attempting to turn on the EV drive mode again.

WARNING

Caution while driving

When driving in EV drive mode no engine noise is made. As such, pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding area may not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approaching them. Therefore, take extra care while driving even if the acoustic vehicle alerting system is active.

Hybrid transmission

Shifting the shift lever

• While the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode and the brake pedal depressed*, shift the shift lever while pushing the shift release button on the shift knob.
• Shift the shift lever while pushing the shift release button on the shift knob.
• Shift the shift lever normally.
• When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is completely stopped and the brake pedal is depressed.
• For the vehicle be able to be shifted from P, the brake pedal must be depressed before the shift release button is pushed. If the shift release button is pushed first, the shift lock will not be released.

Shift position purpose

1. Shifting to the D position allows the system to select a gear suitable for the driving conditions. Setting the shift lever to the D position is recommended for normal driving.
2. Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of the possible gear ranges, controls engine braking force, and prevents unnecessary upshifting.

Selecting the driving mode

Changing shift ranges in S mode

When the shift lever is in the S position, the shift lever or paddle shift switches (if equipped) can be operated as follows:

• Shift lever
• Paddle shift switches (if equipped)

1. Upshifting
2. Downshifting

The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to 4, 5 or 6 according to vehicle speed. However, the initial shift range may be set to 3 if AI-SHIFT has operated while the shift lever was in the D position. 

Shift ranges and their functions

• You can choose from 6 levels of accelerating force and engine braking force.
• A lower shift range will provide greater accelerating force and engine braking force than a higher shift range, and the engine revolutions will also increase.
• If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to 4, the shift range may automatically increase in accordance with the vehicle speed

Selecting shift ranges in the D position (vehicles with paddle shift switches)

To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the paddle shift switch. The shift range can then be selected by operating the “-” and “+” paddle shift switches. Changing the shift range allows restriction of the highest gear, preventing upshifting and enabling the level of engine braking force to be selected.

1. Upshifting
2. Downshifting

The selected shift range, from 1 to 8, or D will be displayed on the multi-information display.

Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position (vehicles with paddle shift switches)

Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following situations:

• The “+” paddle shift switch is held down for a period of time
• When the vehicle comes to a stop
• If the accelerator pedal is depressed for more than a certain period of time
• When the shift lever is shifted to a position other than D

S mode

• When the shift range is 7 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift range to 8.
• To prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automatically occur.
• To protect the automatic transmission, a function is adopted that automatically selects a higher shift range when the fluid temperature is high.

Downshift restriction warning buzzer (S mode or paddle shifting)

• To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even when the shift lever or paddle shift switches are operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)

When driving with dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range activated

• Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine braking, engine braking will not activate because dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range will not be canceled.
• While driving in D or S mode, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4.
• When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in the D position.

Restraining sudden start (Drive-start Control)

Shift lock system

The shift lock system is a system to prevent accidental operation of the shift lever in starting. The shift lever can be shifted from P only when the engine switch is in the IGNITION ON mode the brake pedal is depressed and the shift release button is pushed.

If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P

First, check whether the brake pedal is being depressed. If the shift lever cannot be shifted even though the brake pedal is depressed and the shift release button is pushed, there may be a problem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately. The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to ensure that the shift lever can be shifted. Releasing the shift lock:

1. 1. Set the parking brake.
   2. Turn the engine switch off.
   3. Depress the brake pedal.
   4. Pry the cover up with a flathead screwdriver or equivalent tool. To prevent damage to the cover, cover the tip of the screwdriver with a rag.
   5. Press and hold the shift lock override button and then push the button on the shift knob. The shift lever can be shifted while both buttons are pressed.

If the S indicator does not come on or the D indicator is displayed even after shifting the shift lever to S

This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately. (In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same manner as when the shift lever is in D.)

AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver performance and driving conditions. The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in D. (Shifting the shift lever to the S position or paddle shifting cancels the function.)

WARNING

When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly. Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid, resulting in an accident.

To prevent an accident when releasing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override button, make sure to set the parking brake and depress the brake pedal. If the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed instead of the brake pedal when the shift lock override button is pressed and the shift lever is shifted out of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, possibly leading to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

1. Right turn
2. Lane change to the right (move the lever partway and release it) The right hand signals will flash 3 times.
3. Lane change to the left (move the lever partway and release it) The left hand signals will flash 3 times.
4. Left turn

Turn signals can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.

If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned out.

If the turn signals stop flashing before a lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again.

To discontinue flashing of the turn signals during a lane change
Operate the lever in the opposite direction.

Parking brake

A mode can be selected from the following modes

Automatic mode

The parking brake is set or released automatically according to the shift lever operation. Even when in automatic mode, the parking brake can be set and released manually.

• Turns automatic mode on (while the vehicle is stopped, pull and hold the parking brake switch until a message is shown on the multi-information display)
  • When the shift lever is moved out of P, the parking brake will be released, and the parking brake indicator light and parking brake light turn off.
  • When the shift lever is moved into P, the parking brake will be set, and the parking brake indicator light and parking brake light turn on. Operate the shift lever with the brake pedal depressed.
• Turns automatic mode off (while the vehicle is stopped, press and hold the parking brake switch until a message is shown on the multi-information display)

Manual mode

Sets the parking brake

• The parking brake indicator light and parking brake light will turn on. Pull and hold the parking brake switch if an emergency occurs and it is necessary to operate the parking brake while driving.

Releases the parking brake

• Operate the parking brake switch while depressing the brake pedal. Make sure that the parking brake indicator light or parking brake light turn off.

If the parking brake indicator light and parking brake light flashes, operate the switch again.

Parking the vehicle

Parking brake operation

• When the engine switch is not in IGNITION ON mode, the parking brake cannot be released using the parking brake switch.
• When the engine switch is not in IGNITION ON mode, automatic mode (automatic brake setting and releasing) is not available.

Automatic release function

• The parking brake is automatically released when slowly depress the accelerator pedal.
• The parking brake will be released automatically under the following conditions:
• The driver’s door is closed.
• The driver’s seat belt is fastened.
• Shift the shift lever is in a forward or reverse position.
• The malfunction indicator lamp or brake system warning light is not illuminated.

If the automatic release function does not operate, manually release the parking brake.

If “Parking Brake Temporarily Unavailable” is displayed on the multi information display

If the parking brake is operated repeatedly over a short period of time, the system may restrict operation to prevent overheating. If this happens, refrain from operating the parking brake. Normal operation will return after about 1 minute.

If “Parking Brake Unavailable” is displayed on the multi-information display
Operate the parking brake switch. If the message does not disappear after operating the switch several times, the system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately?

Parking brake operation sound

When the parking brake operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

Parking brake indicator light and parking brake light

• Depending on the engine switch mode, the parking brake indicator light and parking brake light will turn on and stay on as described below: IGNITION ON mode: Comes on until the parking brake is released. Not in IGNITION ON mode: Stays on for approximately 15 seconds.
• When the engine switch is turned off with the parking brake set, the parking brake indicator light and parking brake light will stay on for about 15 seconds. This does not indicate a malfunction

Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven with the parking brake engaged. “Release Parking Brake” is displayed on the multi-information display.

Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or to inform the driver of the need for caution. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information display, read the message and follow the instructions.

If the brake system warning light comes on

Usage in wintertime

WARNING

• When parking the vehicle
  Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone. The parking brake may be released unintentionally and there is the danger of the vehicle moving that may lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
• Parking brake switch
  Do not set any objects near the parking brake switch. Objects may interfere with the switch and may lead the parking brake to unexpectedly operate.

NOTICE

• When parking the vehicle
  Before you leave the vehicle, shift the shift lever to P, set the parking brake and make sure that the vehicle does not move.
• When the system malfunctions
  Stop the vehicle in a safe place and check the warning messages.
• When the parking brake cannot be released due to a malfunction
  Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear. Contact your Toyota dealer immediately if this occurs.

Brake Hold

The brake hold system keeps the brake applied when the shift lever is in D, S or N with the system on and the brake pedal has been depressed to stop the vehicle. The system releases the brake when the accelerator pedal is depressed with the shift lever in D or S to allow smooth start off. Turns the brake hold system on The brake hold standby indicator (green) comes on. While the system is holding the brake, the brake hold operated indicator (yellow) comes on.

1. Brake hold standby indicator
2. Brake hold operated indicator

Brake hold system operating conditions

• The brake hold system cannot be turned on in the following conditions:
• The driver’s door is not closed.
• The driver is not wearing the seat belt.
• If any of the conditions above are detected when the brake hold system is enabled, the system will turn off and the brake hold standby indicator light will go off. In addition, if any of the conditions are detected while the system is holding the brake, a warning buzzer will sound and a message will be shown on the multi-information display. The parking brake will then be set automatically.

Brake hold function

• If the brake pedal is left released for a period of about 3 minutes after the system has started holding the brake, the parking brake will be set automatically. In this case, a warning buzzer sounds and a message is shown on the multi-information display.
• To turn the system off while the system is holding the brake, firmly depress the brake pedal and press the button again.
• The brake hold function may not hold the vehicle when the vehicle is on a steep incline. In this situation, it may be necessary for the driver to apply the brakes. A warning buzzer will sound and the multi-information display will inform the driver of this situation. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information display, read the message and follow the instructions. When the parking brake is set automatically while the system is holding the brakes
• Perform any of the following operations to release the parking brake.
• Depress the accelerator pedal. (The parking brake will not be released automatically if the seat belt is not fastened.)
• Operate the parking brake switch with the brake pedal depressed.
• Make sure that the parking brake indicator light goes off.
• When an inspection at your Toyota dealer is necessary
• When the brake hold standby indicator (green) does not illuminate even when the brake hold switch is pressed with the brake hold system operating conditions met, the system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected at your Toyota dealer.
• Warning messages and buzzers
• Warning messages and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or to inform the driver of the need for caution. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information display, read the message and follow the instructions.
• If the brake hold operated indicator flashes 

WARNING

When the vehicle is on a steep incline
When using the brake hold system on a steep incline, exercise caution. The brake hold function may not hold the vehicle in such a situation.
When stopped on a slippery road
The system cannot stop the vehicle when the gripping ability of the tires has been exceeded. Do not use the system when stopped on a slippery road.

NOTICE

When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not designed for use when parking the vehicle for a long period of time. Turning the engine switch off while the system is holding the brake may release the brake, which would cause the vehicle to move. When operating the engine switch, depress the brake pedal, shift the shift lever to P and set the parking brake.

FAQ

Useful Links

View Full PDF: 2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid User Guide | Auto User Guide

2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Before driving Instructions User Guide