2014 Avalon Hybrid Quick Reference Guide

Introduction

This Quick Reference Guide is a summary of basic vehicle operations. It contains brief descriptions of fundamental operations so you can locate and use the vehicle's main equipment quickly and easily.

The Quick Reference Guide is not intended as a substitute for the Owner's Manual located in your vehicle's glove box. We strongly encourage you to review the Owner's Manual and supplementary manuals so you will have a better understanding of your vehicle's capabilities and limitations.

Your dealership and the entire staff of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. wish you many years of satisfied driving in your new Avalon Hybrid.

A word about safe vehicle operations

This Quick Reference Guide is not a full description of Avalon Hybrid operations. Every Avalon Hybrid owner should review the Owner's Manual that accompanies this vehicle.

Pay special attention to the boxed information highlighted in color throughout the Owner's Manual. Each box contains safe operating instructions to help you avoid injury or equipment malfunction.

All information in this Quick Reference Guide is current at the time of printing. Toyota reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice.

Overview

Instrument panel & Steering wheel controls

Instrument Panel: Features include the instrument cluster, instrument panel, and automatic air conditioning controls.

Steering Wheel Controls:

• 1: Driving position memory switches
• 2: Headlight and turn signal controls / Headlight, turn signal and front fog light controls
• 3: Wiper and washer controls
• 4: Emergency flasher button
• 5: Navigation system / Display audio system
• 6: "POWER" switch
• 7: Tilt and telescopic steering lock release
• 8: Steering wheel audio controls
• 9: Telephone controls
• 10: Voice command button
• 11: Vehicle-to-vehicle distance button
• 12: Cruise control / Dynamic radar cruise control
• 13: Air Conditioning controls
• 14: Clock
• 15: Outside rearview mirror / Rear window defogger button
• 16: "PCS OFF" switch

Diagram shows a view of the steering wheel with numbered controls and a separate view of the automatic air conditioning panel (Type A and Type B) with numbered controls.

Instrument cluster

The instrument cluster displays:

• 1: Hybrid System indicator
• 2: Service indicators and reminders
• 3: Speedometer
• 4: Fuel gauge
• 5: Trip meter reset knob / Instrument panel light control knob
• 6: Odometer/trip meter display
• 7: Shift position/shift range display
• 8: Multi-Information Display
• 9: Engine coolant temperature gauge

Diagram shows the instrument cluster with numbered indicators.

Indicator symbols

Refer to the Owner's Manual for details on indicators and warning lights.

• BRAKE: Brake system warning
• !: Brake system warning light
• Seatbelt icon: Driver/Front passenger seat belt reminder (alarm sounds if speed is over 12 mph)
• Steering wheel icon with electric waves: Electric power steering system warning
• Battery icon: Charging system warning
• AIR BAG ON/OFF: SRS AIR BAG ON/OFF indicator
• ⚠️: Master warning light
• Oil can icon: Low engine oil pressure warning
• CHECK ENGINE: Malfunction/Check Engine indicator
• Fuel pump icon: Low fuel level warning
• Door icon: Open door warning
• Airbag icon: Airbag SRS warning
• Tire icon with exclamation mark: Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Key icon: Theft deterrent/Engine immobilizer system indicator
• Headlight icon: Headlight low/high beam indicator
• AUTO HEADLIGHT icon: Automatic high beam indicator
• Turn signal arrow: Turn signal indicator
• Fog light icon: Front fog light indicator
• Traction control icon with exclamation mark: Slip indicator
• TRAC OFF icon: Vehicle Stability Control OFF indicator
• TRAC OFF icon: Traction Control OFF indicator
• SET icon: Cruise control indicator / Cruise control SET indicator
• Radar icon: Radar cruise control indicator
• PCS icon: Pre-Collision System indicator
• ABS icon: Anti-lock Brake System warning
• ECO MODE: ECO drive mode indicator
• SPORT MODE: SPORT mode indicator
• READY: "READY" indicator
• EV: EV indicator
• EV MODE: EV drive mode indicator

Fuel tank door release and cap

The fuel tank door locks/unlocks with the vehicle's doors.

Operation: Press the release button. The fuel tank door opens. Turn the cap counter-clockwise to open. Tighten until one click is heard. If the cap is not tightened enough, the "CHECK ENGINE" indicator may illuminate.

Diagram shows the interior release button and the fuel cap with instructions to press and turn.

Keyless entry

Locking operation: Press the lock button on the key fob.

Unlocking operation: Press the unlock button once for the driver's door, or twice for all doors.

Trunk lid: Push and hold the trunk lid button.

Panic button: Push and hold the panic button on the key fob to activate the alarm.

Note: If a door is not opened within 60 seconds of unlocking, all doors will relock for safety.

Diagrams show key fob buttons for locking, unlocking, trunk, and panic functions.

Smart Key system

Start function: With the key fob in your possession, depress the brake pedal and push the "POWER" switch.

Note: Gear shift lever must be in Park and brake pedal depressed.

Power (without starting Hybrid System): Without depressing the brake pedal, pressing the "POWER" switch cycles through modes:

• ACCESSORY: Accessories such as the radio operate.
• ON: Power ON; the Hybrid System is not running.
• OFF: All systems OFF.

Locking operation (Front door): Touch the lock sensor on the door handle with the key fob.

Unlocking operation (Front door): Grasp the front door handle with the key fob to unlock the driver's door. Some models may unlock all doors by grasping the front passenger door handle.

Trunk unlock: Push the trunk release button on the key fob.

Diagrams illustrate the Smart Key system start function, power modes, and door lock/unlock operations.

Light control-Instrument panel

The instrument panel includes a dial for brightness control. Turn the dial clockwise to increase brightness and counter-clockwise to decrease it.

Diagram shows the instrument panel light control dial with plus and minus indicators.

Hood release

To release the hood, pull the lever located inside the vehicle (typically near the driver's side dashboard). Then, lift the hood.

Diagrams show the interior hood release lever and the exterior hood latch mechanism.

Engine maintenance

Key components under the hood include:

• 1: Engine oil filler cap
• 2: Engine oil level dipstick
• 3: Engine coolant reservoir
• 4: Windshield washer fluid tank

Note: Regularly scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, will help extend the life of your vehicle and maintain performance. Please refer to the "Warranty & Maintenance Guide."

Diagram shows the engine compartment with numbered components.

Features/Operations

Hybrid Synergy Drive System

The Hybrid Synergy Drive System combines a gasoline engine and electric motor for efficient power delivery. It conserves energy by generating electricity from braking and shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stopped. Benefits include better fuel economy, reduced emissions, and improved performance.

Note: Fuel consumption and energy information are shown on the multi-information display or audio/navigation system screen.

Tips for improved fuel economy:

1. Ensure tire pressures are maintained at specified levels.
2. Link trips to reduce engine cold starts.
3. Avoid driving at unnecessarily high speeds, especially on highways.
4. Avoid sudden stops to maximize regenerative braking energy.
5. Minimize Air Conditioning use.

Starting your vehicle

1. Put the selector lever in "P."
2. Depress the brake pedal and press the "POWER" switch briefly.
3. The "READY" light will blink. When it becomes steady and a beep sounds, you may begin driving.

Diagram shows the steering wheel with the "READY" indicator light.

Auto lock/unlock

Automatic door locks can be programmed to operate in four modes or be turned OFF:

• Doors lock when shifting from Park.
• Doors lock when vehicle speed exceeds approximately 12 mph.
• Doors unlock when shifting into Park.
• Doors unlock when the "POWER" switch is OFF and the driver's door is opened.

Refer to the Owner's Manual for more details.

Transmission

The transmission selector lever positions are:

• P: Park
• R: Reverse
• N: Neutral
• D: Drive
• S: "S" mode (Sequential)

Note: The "POWER" switch must be ON and the brake pedal depressed to shift from Park.

"S" (Sequential) mode: Shift the lever to "S" from "D" for upshifting (+) or downshifting (-). Downshifting provides more power uphill or engine braking downhill. For best fuel economy, use "D" for normal driving.

Diagram shows the gear selector with positions P, R, N, D, S and the sequential shift gate.

Parking brake

Set: Depress the brake pedal.

Release: Depress the brake pedal again.

Diagram shows the parking brake lever and its operation.

Driving mode select

Choose from the following driving modes:

• EV drive mode: Uses the electric motor for driving.
• ECO drive mode: Helps achieve low fuel consumption, especially during frequent acceleration.
• SPORT mode: Provides increased acceleration response and precise handling, ideal for mountain roads.

Diagram shows the driving mode select buttons: EV MODE, ECO MODE, SPORT.

Steering lock release

Gently turn the steering wheel while pressing the "POWER" switch. If the lock does not release, a message will appear on the Multi-Information Display indicating the steering wheel is locked.

Diagrams show turning the steering wheel and pressing the POWER button.

Tilt and telescopic steering wheel

To adjust, hold the steering wheel, push the lock release lever down, set the desired angle and length, and return the lever.

Note: Do not attempt to adjust while the vehicle is in motion.

Diagram shows the steering wheel adjustment lever and indicators for angle and length.

Windows-Power

Driver side: Use the switches to raise [Up arrow] or lower [Down arrow] the windows. Push or pull the switch completely for automatic operation. To stop partway, move the switch in the opposite direction.

Window lock switch: Deactivates all passenger windows. The driver can still operate all windows.

Diagrams show the power window switches and the window lock switch.

Moonroof (if equipped)

Sliding operation: Push once to open partway; push again to open completely.

Tilting operation: Push once to tilt open; push again to open completely.

Recommended open position: For minimal wind noise.

Diagrams illustrate the sliding and tilting operations of the moonroof.

Seats-Head restraints

Adjust head restraints using the lock release button.

Diagram shows a head restraint with a lock release button.

Seat adjustments-Front

Driver's seat:

• 1: Seat position (forward/backward)
• 2: Seatback angle
• 3: Seat cushion angle (if equipped)
• 4: Seat height (if equipped)
• 5: Lumbar support (if equipped)
• 6: Seat cushion length (if equipped)

Passenger's seat: Similar adjustments are available.

Diagrams show the controls for adjusting the driver's and passenger's seats.

Multi-Information Display

Press the "DISP" button to scroll through information screens:

1. Distance to empty
2. Average fuel economy
3. Current fuel economy
4. Energy flow
5. Digital speedometer
6. Settings

Diagram shows the Multi-Information Display with an example reading and the "DISP" button on the steering wheel.

Windshield wipers & washers

With intermittent wiper (if equipped): Adjust frequency by rotating the control. Pull to wash and wipe. Options include Single wipe, Interval wipe, Slow, and Fast.

With AUTO rain-sensing wiper (if equipped): Adjust sensor sensitivity by rotating the control. Pull to wash and wipe. Options include Single wipe, Auto wipe, Slow, and Fast.

Diagrams show the wiper controls for intermittent and auto rain-sensing wipers.

Power outlets-12V DC

12V DC power outlets are located in the front console and center console. An outlet may also be present on the right side. The "POWER" switch must be in ACCESSORY or ON mode for use.

Diagrams show the locations of the 12V power outlets.

Lights & turn signals

Headlights: Control low beam, high beam, and high beam flasher. Parking lights can be set to AUTO or OFF. Daytime Running Light system (DRL) automatically turns on headlights for visibility, not for night use. Automatic light cut-off system turns lights off after a delay or when the driver's door is opened.

Automatic high beam (if equipped): Activate or deactivate this feature.

Front fog lights (if equipped): Come on only when headlights are on low beam.

Turn signals: Right turn, left turn, and lane change signals (flash three times).

Diagrams illustrate headlight controls, automatic high beam activation/deactivation, fog lights, and turn signal operation.

Garage door opener (HomeLink®) (if equipped)

HomeLink® compatible garage door openers can be programmed to operate garage doors, estate gates, security lighting, etc. Refer to the Owner's Manual for details. For programming assistance, contact HomeLink® at 1-800-355-3515 or visit http://www.homelink.com.

Diagram shows the HomeLink® buttons on the rearview mirror.

Cruise control

Turning system ON/OFF: Use the system ON/OFF button.

Functions:

• SET: Set speed.
• CANCEL: Cancel cruise control (can also be done by depressing the brake pedal).
• + RES: Resume speed / Increase speed. Pushing up increases speed by 1 mph, or 5 mph increments if held.
• - SET: Decrease speed. Pushing down reduces speed similarly.

Note: Speed can be resumed once vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph.

Diagrams show the cruise control lever and its functions.

Dynamic radar cruise control (if equipped)

Fixed speed mode: Set and maintain a desired speed.

Distance control mode: Cruises at a set speed, decelerates to maintain a selected distance from a slower vehicle ahead, and accelerates back up when the vehicle in front changes lanes or speeds up.

To set, cancel, and resume speed: Refer to "Functions" in the Cruise Control section and the Owner's Manual.

Note: Speed adjustments are made in 1 mph or 5 mph increments.

To change vehicle-to-vehicle distance: Push the distance button to cycle through LONG, MIDDLE, and SHORT settings.

Diagrams illustrate fixed speed mode, distance control mode, and vehicle-to-vehicle distance settings.

Air Conditioning/Heating

Front control panel (Type A & B): Controls include temperature selectors (driver/passenger), windshield airflow/defogger, rear defogger, recirculate air, SYNC button, A/C ON/OFF, fan speed, climate control, and automatic climate control.

Rear control panel (if equipped): Includes rear control switch and rear passenger's temperature control.

Note: Adjusting temperature automatically adjusts airflow vents, air intake, and fan. In certain modes, use fresh air to reduce window fogging.

Diagrams show the front and rear control panels for the air conditioning system.

Seat ventilators/Heaters (if equipped)

Controls are available for ventilation and heating. Push the knob to pop it out. Turn clockwise for heater, counter-clockwise for ventilator.

Diagrams show the controls for seat ventilation and heating.

Audio

Controls: Display audio screen, Eject CD, touch screen display, seek station/CD track select, push to turn ON/OFF, tune radio stations, select tracks/files.

Steering wheel switches: Volume control, search function ("v v"), MODE button (audio ON/OFF), and Back button.

Clock: H-Hour set and M-Minute set options are available.

Diagrams show the audio system controls, steering wheel audio switches, and clock settings.

iPod®/USB/AUX port

Connect USB-compatible portable audio devices or USB memory to the USB port to listen to music. Use the AUX port for mini plug audio devices.

Diagrams show the location of the iPod®/USB/AUX port.

BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)(if equipped)

The Blind Spot Monitor system assists in decision-making when changing lanes and warns of vehicles in the blind spot. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function assists when backing up. The system uses radar sensors to detect vehicles and advises the driver via the outside rearview mirror indicator.

Refer to the Owner's Manual for more details.

Diagrams show the BSM system ON/OFF button and indicators.

Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)

HAC helps prevent rolling backward on an incline. To engage, push further down on the brake pedal at a complete stop until a beep sounds and the slip indicator illuminates. HAC holds for approximately two seconds after releasing the brake pedal.

Refer to the Owner's Manual for more details.

Diagram shows the brake pedal and the slip indicator.

Wireless charger (if equipped)

Charge compatible mobile devices wirelessly by placing them on the tray. The "POWER" switch must be in ACCESSORY or ON mode. One LED indicator illuminates while charging, and two illuminate when charging is complete.

Diagrams show the wireless charger tray and its operation.

Cup holders

Cup holders are located in the front and rear of the vehicle (Type A and Type B rear configurations shown).

Diagrams show the locations of front and rear cup holders.

Safety and Emergency Features

Door locks

Use the lock and unlock mechanisms to secure or open doors.

Diagram shows the door lock mechanism.

Doors-Child safety locks

The child safety lock lever on the rear door, when set to the lock position, allows the door to be opened only from the outside.

Diagram shows the child safety lock lever on the rear door.

Seat belts

Ensure seat belts are worn correctly: keep them low on the hips and take up slack. If a belt is fully extended and retracted even slightly, it cannot be re-extended. This feature helps hold child restraint systems securely.

Refer to the Owner's Manual for more information on seat belts and child restraint system installation.

Diagrams illustrate proper seat belt wearing and slack adjustment.

Seat belts-Shoulder belt anchor

Adjust the shoulder belt anchor by pushing up or squeezing the lock release to lower.

Diagram shows the shoulder belt anchor adjustment.

Tire Pressure Monitoring (warning) System

System reset initialization:

1. Push and hold the "SET" button until the indicator blinks three times.
2. Wait a few minutes for initialization to complete.

After adjusting tire pressures or rotating/replacing tires, turn the "POWER" switch to ON and press and hold the "SET" button until the indicator blinks three times. Allow the vehicle to sit for a few minutes for initialization.

Refer to the load label or Owner's Manual for tire inflation specifications.

If the tire pressure indicator flashes for more than 60 seconds and remains on, contact your Toyota dealer.

Note: The warning light may illuminate due to temperature changes or natural air leakage. Setting tire pressures to factory specifications should turn off the light after initialization.

Diagram shows the "SET" button and the tire pressure warning indicator.

Spare tire & tools

Tool location: The spare tire, jack, jack handle, tool tray, and wheel nut wrench are typically located under the luggage floor cover.

Removing the spare tire: Remove the tool tray, then loosen the center fastener securing the spare tire.

Refer to the Owner's Manual for tire changing and jack positioning procedures.

Diagrams show the location of the spare tire and tools, and the steps for removing the spare tire.

Trunk-Internal release

Pull up on the internal trunk release handle to open the trunk from the inside.

Diagram shows the internal trunk release handle.

Star Safety System™

All new Toyota vehicles include the Star Safety System™, which combines:

• Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
• Traction Control (TRAC)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist (BA)
• Smart Stop Technology (SST)

Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC): Provides cooperative control of ABS, TRAC, VSC, and EPS to maintain directional stability during turns.

Traction Control (TRAC): Prevents loss of traction during cornering by reducing engine output and applies brakes to spinning wheels on slippery surfaces.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS): Prevents wheel lockup by pulsing brake pressure to each wheel, maintaining directional control.

Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD): Helps maintain control and balance during braking by redistributing brake force.

Brake Assist (BA): Detects sudden braking and adds pressure to decrease stopping distance.

Smart Stop Technology (SST): Automatically reduces driving torque when accelerator and brake pedals are pressed simultaneously.

Floor mat installation

Toyota floor mats are available in carpeted and all-weather types and are model-specific. Installation is easy.

To keep floor mats properly positioned:

• Use only floor mats designed for your specific model.
• Use only one floor mat at a time, utilizing retaining hooks.
• Install floor mats right side up.
• Always align the [alignment mark] marks.

Diagrams show correct and incorrect floor mat installation, emphasizing alignment marks.

Notes

This section is for general notes.