1999 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual

45

’99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U

Collision from the rear

Collision from the side

Vehicle rollover

The SRS airbags are not designed to inflate if the vehicle is subjected to a side or rear impact, if it rolls over, or if it is involved in a low−speed frontal collision.

this

level,

If the severity of the impact is below the above threshold the SRS airbags may not deploy. However, threshold velocity will be considerably higher if the vehicle strikes an object, such as a parked vehicle or sign pole, which can move or deform on impact, or if it is involved in an underride collision (e.g. a collision in which the nose of the vehicle ”underrides”, or goes under, the bed of a truck, etc.). It is possible with collision severity at the marginal level of airbag sensor detection and activation that only one of your ve- hicle’s two airbags will deploy. For the safety of all occupants, be sure to always wear seat belts.

The SRS airbag system is designed to activate in response to a severe frontal impact within the shaded area between the arrows in the illustration. There may be the case that the SRS air- bags will not activate with such an impact in which the occupant wearing the seat belt correctly would not get serious injury. The SRS airbags will deploy if the severi- ty of the impact is above the designed threshold level, comparable to an approxi- mate 25 km/h (15 mph) collision in the U.S.A. and 30 km/h (18 mph) collision in Canada when into a fixed barrier that does not move or de- form.

impacting straight

46

Hitting a curb, edge of or hard material

pavement

Falling into or jumping over a deep hole

Landing hard or vehicle falling

The SRS airbags may deploy if a seri- ous impact occurs to the underside of your vehicle. Some examples are shown in the illustration.

The SRS airbag system mainly consists of the following components and their loca- tions are shown in the illustration. 1. Front airbag sensors 2. Airbag module for driver (airbag and

inflator)

3. Airbag module

for passenger (airbag

and inflator)

4. Airbag sensor assembly 5. SRS airbag warning light The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor and airbag sensor.

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In a severe frontal impact, sensors detect deceleration and the system triggers the airbag inflators. Then a chemical reaction in the inflators momentarily fills the air- bags with non−toxic gas to help restrain the forward motion of the occupants. When the airbags inflate, they produce a fair- ly loud noise and release some smoke and residue along with non−toxic gas. This does not indicate a fire. This gas is normally harm- less, however, for those who have delicate skin, it may cause minor skin irritation. Be sure to wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent minor skin irritation. Deployment of the airbags happens in a fraction of a second, so the airbags must inflate with considerable force. While the system is designed to reduce serious inju- ries, it may also cause minor burns or abrasions and swellings. Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub, dashboard) may be hot for several minutes, but the airbags themselves will not be hot. The airbags are designed to inflate only once. A crash severe enough to inflate the air- bags may break the vehicle buckles. In vehicles with a pas- senger airbag the windshield may also be damaged by absorbing some of the force of the inflating airbag.

the windshield as

47

D Improperly seated and/or restrained infants and children can be killed or seriously injured by a deploying airbag. An infant or child who is too small to use a seat belt should be properly secured using a child restraint system. Toyota strongly recommends infants and children be placed in the rear seat of re- strained. The rear seat is the safest for in- structions concerning the installa- tion of a child restraint system, see ”Child restraint” in this chapter.

the vehicle and properly

infants and children. For

that all

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D Never put a rear−facing child re- straint system on the front seat be- cause the force of the rapid infla- tion of the passenger airbag can cause death or serious injury to the child.

CAUTION

D The SRS airbag system is designed only as a supplement to the prima- ry protection of the driver side and front passenger side seat belt sys- tems. The front seat occupants can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating airbag if they do not wear the available seat belts. During sud- den braking just before a collision, an unrestrained driver or front pas- senger can move forward into direct contact with or close proximity to the airbag which may then deploy during the collision. To obtain maxi- mum protection in an accident, the driver and all passengers in the ve- hicle must wear their seat belts. Wearing a seat belt during an acci- dent reduces the chances of death or serious injuries or being thrown out of the vehicle. For instructions and precautions concerning the seat belt system, see ”Seat belts” in this chapter.

48

Move seat fully back

D A forward−facing child restraint sys- tem should be allowed to put on the front seat only when it is un- avoidable. Always move the seat as far back as possible, because the force of a deploying airbag could cause death or serious injury to the child. On vehicles with side airbags, do not allow lean against the front door or around the front door even if the child is seated in the child restraint system. It is dangerous if the side airbag inflates, and the impact could cause death or serious injury to the child. For the installation of a child restraint sys- tem, see ”Child restraint” in this chapter.

instructions concerning

the child

to

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D Do not sit on the edge of the seat or lean over the dashboard when the vehicle is in use. The airbags inflate with considerable speed and force; you may be killed or serious- ly injured. Sit up straight and well back in the seat, and always use your seat belt.

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’99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U

D Do not modify or remove any wir- ing. Do not modify, remove, strike or open any components such as the steering wheel column cover, front passenger airbag cover, front passenger airbag, airbag sensor as- sembly. Doing any of these may cause sudden SRS airbag inflation or disable the system, which could result in death or serious injury.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious inju- ries.

D Do not allow a child to stand up, or to kneel on the front passenger seat. The airbag inflates with con- siderable speed and force; the child may be killed or seriously injured. D Do not hold a child on your lap or in your arms. Use a child restraint system in the rear seat. For instruc- tions concerning the installation of a child restraint system, see ”Child restraint” in this chapter.

D Do not put objects or your pets on or in front of the dashboard or steering wheel pad that houses the airbag system. They might restrict inflation or cause death or serious injury as they are projected rear- ward by the force of deploying air- bags. Likewise, the driver and front passenger should not hold things in their arms or on their knees.

50

NOTICE

consulting

Do not perform any of the following changes without your Toyota dealer. Such changes can interfere with proper operation of the SRS airbag system in some cases. z Installation of electronic items such as a mobile two−way radio, cassette tape player or compact disc player z Modification of the suspension sys-

tem

z Modification of the front end struc-

ture

z Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow, winches or any other equipment to the front end

z Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front end structure, con- sole, steering wheel or dashboard near the front passenger airbag

steering

column,

If either of

This SRS airbag system has a service reminder indicator to inform the driver of operating problems. the following conditions occurs, this indicates a malfunction of the airbags. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible to service the vehicle. D The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned to the ”ACC” or ”ON” position, or remains on.

D The light comes on while driving.

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In the following cases, contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible: D The SRS airbags have been inflated. D The front part of the vehicle (shaded in the illustration) were involved in an accident that did not cause the SRS airbags to inflate.

front

D The pad section of the steering wheel or cover (shaded in the illustration) is scratched, cracked, or otherwise damaged.

passenger

airbag

NOTICE

Do not disconnect the battery cables before contacting your Toyota dealer.

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’99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U

This indicator comes on when the igni- tion key is turned to the ”ACC” or ”ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This means the SRS side airbags are operating properly. The warning light system monitors the air- bag sensor assembly, inflators, warning light, interconnecting wiring and power sources. (For details, see ”Service remind- er in Chapter 1−5.)

indicators and warning buzzers”

In response to a severe side impact, the SRS side airbags work together with the seat belt to help prevent or reduce injury by inflating, in order to decrease the im- pact mainly on the driver’s or front pas- senger’s chest. The SRS side airbag on the passenger seat is activated even with no passenger in the front seat. Be sure to wear your seat belt.

CAUTION

SRS side airbags inflate with consid- erable force. To avoid potential death or serious injury during inflation of a side airbag, Toyota strongly recom- mends that the driver and front pas- senger; D Wear their seat belt D Remain properly seated with their back against the seat at all times.

SRS side airbags

The SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys- tem) side airbags are designed to pro- vide further protection for occupants in the following seats when added to the primary protection provided by the seat belts. D Vehicles with separate front seats—The SRS side airbags are designed to pro- tect the driver and front passenger.

D Vehicles with bench front seats—The SRS side airbags are designed to pro- tect the driver and right−front passen- ger. They are not designed to protect occupant in the center position.

52

There may be the case that the SRS side airbags will not activate with such an im- pact in which the occupant wearing the seat belt correctly would not get serious injury. The SRS side airbags are designed to inflate when the passenger compartment gets a severe impact from the side. For the safety of all occupants, be sure to always wear your seat belt.

The SRS side airbag system may not inflate if the vehicle is subjected to a collision from the side at an angle, or a collision to the side of the vehicle body other than the passenger compart- ment shown in the illustration, which impact is not severe enough for the passenger compartment.

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Collision from the rear

Collision from the front

Vehicle rollover

The SRS side airbags are not designed to inflate if the vehicle is subjected to a front or rear impact, if it rolls over, or if it is involved in a low−speed side collision.

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’99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U

In a severe side impact, the side airbag sensor triggers the side airbag inflators. Then a chemical reaction in the inflators momentarily fills the airbags with non−tox- ic gas to help restrain the forward or lat- eral motion of the occupants. When the airbags inflate, they produce a fair- ly loud noise and release some smoke and residue along with non−toxic gas. This does not indicate a fire. This gas is normally harm- less, however, for those who have delicate skin, it may cause minor skin irritation. Be sure to wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent minor skin irritation. Deployment of the airbags happens in a fraction of a second, so the airbags must inflate with considerable force. While the system is designed to reduce serious inju- ries, it may also cause minor burns or abrasions and swellings. Front seats may be hot for several min- utes, but the airbags themselves will not be hot. The airbags are designed to inflate only once.

CAUTION

D The SRS side airbag system is de- signed only as a supplement to the primary protection of the driver side and front passenger side seat belt systems. The front seat occu- pants can be killed or seriously in- jured by an inflating airbag if they the available seat do not wear belts. During sudden braking just before a collision, an unrestrained driver or front passenger can move sideward into direct contact with or close proximity to the airbag which may then deploy during the colli- sion. To obtain maximum protection in an accident, the driver and all passengers the vehicle must wear their seat belts. Wearing a seat belt during an accident re- duces the chances of death or seri- ous injuries or being thrown out of instructions and the vehicle. For precautions concerning the seat belt system, see ”Seat belts” in this chapter.

in

the

The SRS side airbag system mainly con- sists of following components and their locations are shown in the illustra- tion. 1. SRS airbag warning light 2. Side airbag modules (airbag and inflat-

or)

3. Side airbag sensor assemblies 4. Airbag sensor assembly The SRS side airbag system is controlled by the airbag sensor assembly. The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sen- sor and airbag sensor.

54

D Improperly seated and/or restrained infants and children can be killed or seriously injured by a deploying airbag. An infant or child who is too small to use a seat belt should be properly secured using a child restraint system. Toyota strongly recommends infants and children be placed in the rear seat of re- strained. The rear seat is the safest for in- structions concerning the installa- tion of a child restraint system, see ”Child restraint” in this chapter.

the vehicle and properly

infants and children. For

that all

D Do not allow

to

the child

lean against the front door or around the front door even if the child is seated in the child restraint system. It is dangerous if the side airbag inflates and the impact could cause death or serious injury to the child. For the installation of a child restraint sys- tem, see ”Child restraint” in this chapter.

concerning

instructors

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D Do not lean against the front door when the vehicle is in use. The side airbag inflates with considerable speed and force; you may be killed or seriously injured.

D Do not apply excessive weight to the outer side of the front seats on vehicles with side airbags.

D The child head should not be leaned against the vicinity of the part where the side airbag acti- vates.

D Do not attach a cup holder or any other device on or around the door. When the side airbag inflates, the cup holder or any other device will be thrown with great force or the side airbag may not activate cor- rectly, resulting in death or serious injury. Likewise, the driver and front passenger should not hold things in their arms or on their knees.

55

’99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U

NOTICE

consulting

Do not perform any of the following changes without your Toyota dealer. Such changes can interfere with proper operation of the SRS airbag system in some cases. z Installation of electronic items such as a mobile two−way radio, cassette tape player or compact disc player z Modification of the suspension sys-

tem

z Modification of the side structure of

the passenger compartment

z Repairs made on or near the con-

sole or front seat

for

D Do not use accessories

the seats which cover the parts where the side airbags should inflate. Such accessories may prevent the side airbags from activating correct- ly, causing death or serious injury. D Do not modify or replace the seats or surface of the front seats with the side airbags. Such changes may disable the system or cause the side airbags to inflate, resulting in death or serious injury. Consult your Toyota dealer.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious inju- ries.

56

following

conditions occurs,

This SRS side airbag system has a service reminder indicator to inform the driver of operating problems. If either of the this indicates a malfunction of the airbags. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible to service the vehicle. D The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned to the ”ACC” or ”ON” position, or remains on.

D The light comes on or flashes while

driving.

NOTICE

Do not disconnect the battery cables before contacting your Toyota dealer.

In the following cases, contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible: D The SRS side airbags have been in-

flated.

D The portion of the doors (shaded in the illustration) were involved in an acci- dent that did not cause the SRS side airbags to inflate.

D The surface of the seats with the side airbag (shaded is scratched, cracked, or otherwise dam- aged.

illustration)

the

in

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Child restraint— —Child restraint precautions Toyota strongly urges the use of child restraint systems for children small enough to use them. The laws of all fifty states in the U.S.A. and Canada now require the use of a child restraint system. Your vehicle conforms to SAE J1819. If a child is too large for a child restraint system, the child should sit in the rear seat and must be restrained using the vehicle’s seat belt. See ”Seat belts” for details.

CAUTION

D For effective protection in automo- bile accidents and sudden stops, children must be properly re- strained using a seat belt or child restraint system depending on the age and size of the child. Holding a child in your arms is not a sub- stitute for a child restraint system. In an accident, the child can be crushed against the windshield, or between you and the vehicle’s inte- rior.

57

’99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U

the manufacturer’s

—Child restraint system A child restraint system for a small child or baby must itself be properly restrained on the seat with either the lap belt or the lap portion of the lap/ shoulder belt. You must carefully con- sult instructions which accompany your child restraint system. To provide proper restraint, use a child restraint system following the manufactur- er’s instructions about the appropriate age and size of the child for the child restraint system. Install the child restraint system correctly following the instructions provided by its manufacturer of the system. General directions are also provided under the fol- lowing instructions. The child restraint system should be installed on the rear seat. According to accident statistics, the child is safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front seat.

D A forward−facing child restraint sys- tem should be allowed to put on the front seat only when it is un- avoidable. Always move the seat as far back as possible, because the force of a deploying airbag could cause death or serious injury to the child. Do not allow the child to lean against the front door or around the front door even if the child is seated in the child restraint system. It is dangerous if the side airbag inflates, and the impact could cause death or serious injury to the child. D Make sure that you have complied with all installation instructions pro- vided restraint manufacturer and that the system is properly secured.

child

the

by

D Toyota strongly urges use of a proper child restraint system which conforms to the size of the child, and is put on the rear seat. Accord- ing to accident statistics, the child is safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front seat. D Never put a rear−facing child re- straint system on the front seat. In the event of an accident, the force of the rapid inflation of the airbag can cause death or serious injury if a rear−facing child restraint system is put on the front seat.

D Unless it is unavoidable, do not put a forward−facing child restraint sys- tem on the front seat.

58

CAUTION

D Never put a rear−facing child re- straint system on the front seat. In the event of an accident, the force of the rapid inflation of the airbag can cause death or serious injury if a rear−facing child restraint system is put on the front seat.

D Unless it is unavoidable, do not put a forward−facing child restraint sys- tem on the front seat.

D A forward−facing child restraint sys- tem should be allowed to put on the front seat only when it is un- avoidable. Always move the seat as far back as possible, because the force of a deploying airbag could cause death or serious injury to the child. Do not allow the child to lean against the front door or around the front door even if the child is seated in the child restraint system. It is dangerous if the side airbag inflates, and the impact could cause death or serious injury to the child.

D After

installing the child restraint system, make sure it is secured in place following the manufacturer’s instructions. If it is not restrained securely, it may cause death or se- rious the event of a sudden stop or accident.

the child

injury

to

in

it

in

from

injuring passengers

When not using the child restraint system, keep it secured with the seat belt or place it in the trunk or somewhere other than the passenger compartment. This will pre- vent the event of a sudden stop or accident. Your vehicle has anchors for securing the top strap of a child restraint system. The anchor nuts are welded beneath the sheet metal to permit installation of an anchor bracket for a child restraint system. To install an anchor bracket, use an 8 mm 30 mm 1.25 mm coarse thread met- ric bolt and 15 mm (0.6 in.) spacer. Note that the bolts accompanying many child restraint systems are not metric. You can damage the anchor nuts on your vehicle if you force bolts with different thread into the anchor nuts. For instructions about how to install the anchor bracket, see ”Top strap anchors and locations”.

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If your child restraint system does not provide any of the necessary parts, you can purchase the from your Toyota dealer. D CRS installation kit

following

items

(Part No. 04731−22012)—contains 1
bolt, 3 types of spacers and 1 locking clip.

D Bolt (Part No. 91511−60830)

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’99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U

—Types of child restraint system Child restraint systems are classified into the following 3 types depending on the child’s age and size. (A) Infant seat (B) Convertible seat (C) Booster seat Install the child restraint system following the instructions provided by its manufac- turer.

(A) Infant seat

(C) Booster seat

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(B) Convertible seat

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—Installation with 3−point type seat belt

(A) INFANT SEAT INSTALLATION An infant seat is used in rear−facing position only.

CAUTION

D Never put a rear−facing child re- straint system on the front seat be- cause the force of the rapid infla- tion of the passenger airbag can cause death or serious injury to the child.

D Do not put a rear−facing child re- straint system on the rear seat if it interferes with the lock mechanism of the front seats. This can cause severe injury to the child and front passenger in case of sudden brak- ing or a collision.

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’99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U

CAUTION

D After inserting the tab, make sure the tab and buckle are locked and that the lap and shoulder portions of the belt are not twisted.

D Do not insert coins, clips, etc. in the buckle as this may prevent you from properly latching the tab and buckle.

D If the seat belt does not function it cannot protect your normally, child injury. Contact your Toyota dealer immediately. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed.

from

2. Fully extend the shoulder belt to put it in the lock mode. When the belt is then retracted even slightly, it cannot be extended.

the

To hold infant seat securely, make sure the belt is in the lock mode before letting the belt retract.

1. Run the lap and shoulder belt through or around the infant seat following the instructions provided by its manufactur- er and insert the tab into the buckle taking care not to twist the belt. Keep the lap portion of the belt tight.

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’99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U

3. While pressing the infant seat

firmly against the seat cushion and seatback, let the shoulder belt retract as far as it will go to hold the infant seat secure- ly.

CAUTION

Make sure the seat belt is securely locked. Also make sure the child re- straint system is secure by pushing and pulling it in different directions. Follow all the installation instructions provided by its manufacturer.

4. To remove the infant seat, press the buckle−release button and allow the belt to retract completely. The belt will move to work for an adult or older child passen- ger.

freely again and be ready

63

’99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U

(B) CONVERTIBLE SEAT INSTALLATION A convertible seat is used in forward− facing and rear−facing position depend- ing on the child’s age and size. When installing, the manufacturer’s instruction about the applicable child’s age and size as well as directions for installing a child restraint system.

follow

CAUTION

D Never put a rear−facing child re- straint system on the front seat be- cause the force of the rapid infla- tion of the passenger airbag can cause death or serious injury to the child.

Move seat fully back

D A forward−facing child restraint sys- tem should be allowed to put on the front seat only when it is un- avoidable. Always move the seat as far back as possible, because the force of a deploying airbag could cause death or serious injury to the child. Do not allow the child to lean against the front door or around the front door even if the child is seated in the child restraint system. It is dangerous if the side airbag inflates, and the impact could cause death or serious injury to the child.

64

D Do not put a rear−facing child re- straint system on the rear seat if it interferes with the lock mechanism of the front seats. This can cause severe injury to the child and front passenger in case of sudden brak- ing or a collision.

1. Run the lap and shoulder belt through or around the convertible seat following its the instructions manufacturer and into the buckle taking care not to twist the belt. Keep the lap portion of the belt tight.

provided insert the

by tab

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CAUTION

D After inserting the tab, make sure the tab and buckle are locked and that the lap and shoulder portions of the belt are not twisted.

D Do not insert coins, clips, etc. in the buckle as this may prevent you from properly latching the tab and buckle.

D If the seat belt does not function it cannot protect your normally, child injury. Contact your Toyota dealer immediately. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed.

from

65

’99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U

2. Fully extend the shoulder belt to put it in the lock mode. When the belt is then retracted even slightly, it cannot be extended.

To hold the convertible seat securely, make sure the belt is in the lock mode before letting the belt retract.

3. While pressing

the convertible seat firmly against the seat cushion and seatback, let the shoulder belt retract as far as it will go to hold the convert- ible seat securely.

CAUTION

Make sure the seat belt is securely locked. Also make sure the child re- straint system is secure by pushing and pulling it in different directions. Follow all the installation instructions provided by its manufacturer.

66

4. To remove the convertible seat, press the buckle−release button and allow the belt to retract completely. The belt will move to work for an adult or older child passen- ger.

freely again and be ready

(C) BOOSTER SEAT INSTALLATION A booster seat is used in forward−fac- ing position only.

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Move seat fully back

CAUTION

A forward−facing child restraint sys- tem should be put on the front seat only when it is unavoidable. Always move the seat as far back as pos- sible, because the force of a deploy- ing airbag could cause death or seri- ous injury to the child. Do not allow the child to lean against the front door or around the front door even if the child is seated in the child re- straint system. It is dangerous if the side airbag inflates, and the impact could cause death or serious injury to the child.

67

’99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U

CAUTION

D Always make sure the shoulder belt is positioned across the center of child’s shoulder. The belt should be kept away from child’s neck, but not falling off child’s shoulder. Fail- ure the amount of protection in an accident and cause serious injuries in a col- lision.

to do so could reduce

D If the seat belt does not function normally, it cannot protect your child injury. Contact your Toyota dealer immediately. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed.

from

lap

D High−positioned

belts

and loose−fitting belts both could cause serious injuries due to sliding un- der the lap belt during a collision or other unintended result. Keep the lap belt position as low on hips as possible.

D For child’s safety, do not place the

shoulder belt under child’s arm.

D After inserting the tab, make sure the tab and buckle are locked and that the lap and shoulder portions of the belt are not twisted.

D Do not insert coins, clips, etc. in the buckle as this may prevent you from properly latching the tab and buckle.

1. Sit the child on a booster seat. Run the lap and shoulder belt through or around the booster seat and child fol- lowing the instructions provided by its manufacturer and into the buckle taking care not to twist the belt.

insert

tab

the

Make sure the shoulder belt is correctly across the child’s shoulder and that the lap belt is positioned as low as possible on child’s hips. See ”Seat belts” for de- tails.

68

’99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U

—Installation with 2−point type seat belt

2. To remove the child restraint system, press the buckle−release button and al- low the belt to retract.

CONVERTIBLE SEAT INSTALLATION A convertible seat is used in forward− facing and rear−facing position depend- ing on the child’s age and size. When installing, the manufacturer’s instruction about the applicable child’s age and size as well as directions for installing a child restraint system.

follow

CAUTION

D Never put a rear−facing child re- straint system on the front seat be- cause the force of the rapid infla- tion of the passenger airbag can cause death or serious injury to the child.

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’99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U

1. Run

lap belt

the center

the convertible seat provided insert the

through or following around its by the instructions tab into manufacturer and the buckle taking care not to twist the belt. Keep the lap portion of the belt tight.

With the child restraint system installed, check that your driving position is satis- factory and that the child restraint system does not interfere with your driving. If your driving position is not satisfactory, or interferes with your driving, install it at another posi- tion.

the child restraint system

CAUTION

D When using a forward−facing child restraint system, move the driver and passenger seats as far back as possible, set both seatbacks to the same angle as the back of the child restraint system, set both seat cushions at the same height and make sure your driving position is satisfactory.

D Ignoring the above instructions may result in a serious injury in case of on accident.

Same angle

Move both front seats fully back

Same height

D A forward−facing child restraint sys- tem should be put on the front seat only when it is unavoidable. Always move the seat as far back as pos- sible, because the force of a de- ploying airbag could cause death or serious injury to the child.

When installing a child restraint system in the front seat center position, move the driver and passenger seats as far back as possible, set both seatbacks to the same angle as the back of the child restraint system, and set both seat cushions at the same height so the child restraint system is securely restrained.

that

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’99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U

CAUTION

D After inserting the tab, make sure the tab and buckle are locked and that the lap and shoulder portions of the belt is not twisted.

D Do not insert coins, clips, etc. in the buckle as this may prevent you from properly latching the tab and buckle.

D If the seat belt does not function it cannot protect your normally, child injury. Contact your Toyota dealer immediately. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed.

from

2. While pressing

the convertible seat firmly against the seat cushion and seatback, tighten the lap belt by pulling its free end to hold the convertible seat securely.

CAUTION

Make sure the seat belt is securely locked. Also make sure the child re- straint system is secure by pushing and pulling it in different directions. Follow all the installation instructions provided by its manufacturer.

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—Top strap anchors and locations

Spacer

Bolt

Anchor bracket

3. To remove the convertible seat, press the buckle−release button and allow the belt to retract completely. The belt will move to work for an adult or older child passen- ger.

freely again and be ready

If your child restraint system requires the use of a top strap, latch the hook onto the anchor bracket and tighten the top strap. See the following instructions to install the anchor bracket.

380 mm (15.0 in.)

47 mm (1.9 in.)

67.5 mm (2.7 in.)

a. Using the illustration as a guide, run your fingers across the trim of the filler panel itself to locate the position of the holes underneath. b. Make a hole in the covering directly above the hole in the filler panel. c. Insert a 15 mm (0.6 in.) spacer and tighten down the anchor bracket for your child restraint system with a bolt. Torque to 16.5—24.7 N⋅m (1.68—2.52
the bolt kgf⋅m, 12.2—18.2 ft⋅lbf).

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To comply with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, this model sold in Can- ada is provided with a bracket set in the glove box, designed for use with any of the 3 anchor locations shown in the il- lustration. If your child restraint system does not provide any of the necessary parts, ask your Toyota dealer. (See ”—Child restraint system”.)

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Tilt steering wheel

Outside rear view mirrors—

To change the steering wheel angle, hold the steering wheel, pull the lock release lever toward you, tilt the steer- ing wheel to the desired angle and re- lease the lever. When the steering wheel is in a low posi- tion, it will spring up as you release the lock release lever.

CAUTION

D Do not adjust the steering wheel

while the vehicle is moving.

D After adjusting the steering wheel, try moving it up and down to make sure it is locked in position.

Adjust the mirror so that you can see the side of your vehicle in the mirror. Be careful when judging the size or dis- tance of any object seen in the outside rear view mirror on the passenger’s side. It is a convex mirror with a curved sur- face. Any object seen in a convex mirror will look smaller and farther away than when seen in a flat mirror. On some models, when you push the rear window defogger switch, the heater panels in the outside rear view mirrors will quick- ly clear the surface.

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To adjust a mirror, use the switches. 1. Master switch—To select the mirror to

be adjusted Place the switch at ”L” (left) or ”R” (right).

2. Control switch—To move the mirror

Push the switch in the desired direc- tion.

Mirror can be adjusted when key is in the ”ACC” or ”ON” position.

NOTICE

If ice should jam the mirror, do not operate the control or scrape the mir- ror face. Use a spray de−icer to free the mirror.

—Power rear view mirror control

CAUTION

D Do not adjust the mirror while the vehicle is moving. It may cause the driver to mishandle the vehicle and an accident may occur resulting in personal injuries.

D Since the mirror surfaces can get hot, keep your hands off them when the defogger switch is on.

Type A

Type B

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Anti−glare inside rear view mirror

Vanity mirrors

CAUTION

Do not adjust the mirror while the vehicle is moving. It may cause the driver to mishandle the vehicle and an accident may occur resulting in personal injuries.

Adjust the mirror so that you can just see the rear of your vehicle in the mir- ror. To reduce glare from the headlights of the vehicle behind you during night driving, operate the lever on the lower edge of the mirror. Daylight driving—Lever at position 1
The reflection in the mirror has greater clarity at this position. Night driving—Lever at position 2
Remember that by reducing glare you also lose some rear view clarity.

To use the vanity mirrors, swing down the sun visor and open the cover. The vanity light comes on when you open the cover.

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Part 1
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS—

Chapter 1−4
Lights, Wipers and Defogger

D Headlights and turn signals D Emergency flashers D Instrument panel light control D Front fog lights D Interior light D Front personal lights D Rear personal lights D Ignition switch light D Windshield wipers and washer D Headlight cleaner D Rear window and outside rear

view mirror defoggers

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Headlights and turn signals (with automatic light control system)

tail,

license plate,

HEADLIGHTS To turn on the following lights: Twist the headlight/turn signal lever knob. Position 1—Parking, side marker and instrument panel lights Position 2—Headlights and all of above Position 3 (”AUTO”)—Headlights and/or all of the above They automatically turn on or off depend- ing on the darkness of the surroundings. Manually twist the knob to the position 2
to turn on the headlights if they are need- ed immediately when entering a dark tun- nel, parking structure, etc.

the

top of

the driver’s side

The automatic light control sensor is on the instrument panel. Do not place anything on the instrument panel, and/or do not affix anything on the windshield to block this sensor. If you feel that the automatic light control comes into operation too early or too late, have the sensor adjusted by your Toyota dealer.

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The lights automatically turn off when the driver’s door is opened with the ignition key in the ”ACC” or ”LOCK” position. To turn them on again, turn the key to the ”ON” position or actuate the headlight switch. If you are going to park for over one week, make sure the headlight switch is off.

NOTICE

To prevent the battery from being dis- charged, do not leave the lights on for a long period when the engine is not running.

Daytime running light system (all mod- els in Canada and some models in the U.S.A.) The headlights turn on at reduced intensi- ty when the parking brake is released with the engine started, even with light switch in the ”OFF” position. They will not go off until the ignition switch is turned off. To turn on the other exterior lights and instrument panel lights, twist the knob to the position 1. Twist the knob to the position 2 to turn to full intensity for driving at night.

the

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High−Low beams—For high beams, turn the headlights on and push the lever away from you (position 1). Pull the lever to- ward you (position 2) for low beams. The headlight high beam light indicator (blue light) on the instrument panel will tell you that the high beams are on. Flashing the high beam headlights (position 3)—Pull the way back. The high beam headlights turn off when you release the lever. You can flash the high beam headlights with the knob turned to ”OFF”.

the lever all

TURN SIGNALS To signal a turn, push the headlight/ turn signal lever up or down to position 1. The key must be in the ”ON” position. The lever automatically returns after you make a turn, but you may have to return it by hand after you change lanes. To signal a lane change, move the lever up or down to the pressure point (position 2) and hold it. If the turn signal indicator lights (green lights) on the instrument panel flash faster than normal, a front or rear turn signal bulb is burned out.

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Headlights and turn signals (without automatic light control system)

NOTICE

To prevent the battery from being dis- charged, do not leave the lights on for a long period when the engine is not running.

Daytime running light system (all mod- els in Canada and some models in the U.S.A.) The headlights turn on at reduced intensi- ty when the parking brake is released with the engine started, even with light switch in the ”OFF” position. They will not go off until the ignition switch is turned off. To turn on the other exterior lights and instrument panel lights, twist the knob to the position 1. Twist the knob to the position 2 to turn to full intensity for driving at night.

the

High−Low beams—For high beams, turn the headlights on and push the lever away from you (position 1). Pull the lever to- ward you (position 2) for low beams. The headlight high beam light indicator (blue light) on the instrument panel will tell you that the high beams are on. Flashing the high beam headlights (position 3)—Pull the way back. The high beam headlights turn off when you release the lever. You can flash the high beam headlights with the knob turned to ”OFF”.

the lever all

79

tail,

license plate,

HEADLIGHTS To turn on the following lights: Twist the headlight/turn signal lever knob. Position 1—Parking, side marker and instrument panel lights Position 2—Headlights and all of above The lights automatically turn off when the driver’s door is opened with the ignition key in the ”ACC” or ”LOCK” position. To turn them on again, turn the key to the ”ON” position or actuate the headlight switch. If you are going to park for over one week, make sure the headlight switch is off.

the

Emergency flashers

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NOTICE

To prevent the battery from being dis- charged, do not leave the switch on longer than necessary when the en- gine is not running.

TURN SIGNALS To signal a turn, push the headlight/ turn signal lever up or down to position 1. The key must be in the ”ON” position. The lever automatically returns after you make a turn, but you may have to return it by hand after you change lanes. To signal a lane change, move the lever up or down to the pressure point (position 2) and hold it. If the turn signal indicator lights (green lights) on the instrument panel flash faster than normal, a front or rear turn signal bulb is burned out.

80

flashers,

turn on

the emergency

To push the switch. All the turn signal lights will flash. To turn them off, push the switch once again. Turn on the emergency flashers to warn other drivers if your vehicle must be stopped where it might be a traffic hazard. Always pull as far off the road as pos- sible. The turn signal light switch will not work when the emergency flashers are operat- ing.

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Instrument panel light control

Front fog lights

Interior light

To adjust the brightness of the instru- ment panel lights, turn the dial.

To turn on the front fog lights, twist the band of the headlight and turn sig- nal switch lever. They will come on when the headlights are turned on.

Type A

Type B

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Front personal lights

To turn on the front personal lights, push the switch. To turn the lights off, push the switch once again.

Type C

With moon roof

To turn on the interior light, slide the switch. The interior light switch has the following positions: ”ON”—Keeps the light on all the time. ”OFF”—Turns the light off. ”DOOR”—Turns the light on when any of the door is opened. The light remains on for some time after all of the doors are closed.

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Without moon roof

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Rear personal lights

Ignition switch light

Windshield wipers and washer

To turn on the rear personal light, push the switch. To turn the light off, push the switch once again.

For easy access to the ignition switch, the ignition switch light comes on when any of the doors are opened. The light remains on for some time after all the doors are closed.

To turn on the windshield wipers, move the lever to the desired setting. The key must be in the ”ON” position.

Lever position

Speed setting

Position 1
Position 2
Position 3

Intermittent

Slow Fast

The ”INT TIME” band lets you adjust the wiping time interval when the wiper lever is in the intermittent position (position 1). Twist increase the time between sweeps, and downward to decrease it.

the band upward to

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Headlight cleaner

Rear window and outside rear view mirror defoggers

To spray fluid on the headlights, turn the headlights on and push the switch. The key must be in the ”ON” position. Check the fluid level of the see−through headlight cleaner tank every so often. Use washer fluid for replenishment. For information on adding fluid, see ”Adding washer fluid” in Chapter 7−3.

NOTICE

Do not turn the headlight cleaner on with the tank empty. It may cause the cleaner motor to overheat.

To defog or defrost the rear window, push the switch. The key must be in the ”ON” position. The thin heater wires on the inside of the rear window will quickly clear the surface. An indicator light will illuminate to indicate the defogger is operating. On some models, the heater panels in the outside rear view mirrors will also quickly clear the surfaces. Keep your hands off the mirror faces when the switch is on. Push the switch once again to turn the defoggers off.

To squirt washer fluid, pull the lever toward you. If the windshield wipers are off, they will operate a couple of times after the washer squirts. For instructions on adding washer fluid, see ”Adding washer fluid” in Chapter 7−3. In freezing weather, warm the windshield with the defroster before using the washer. This will help prevent fluid from freezing on your windshield, which can block your vision.

the washer

NOTICE

Do not operate the wipers if the wind- shield the glass.

It may scratch

is dry.

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CAUTION

Since the mirror surfaces can get hot, keep your hands off them when the defogger switch is on.

turn

The system will automatically shut off af- ter the defogger has operated about 15
minutes. Make sure you the defoggers off when the surfaces are clear. Leaving the defoggers on for a long time could cause the battery to discharge, especially during stop−and−go driving. The defoggers are not designed for drying rain water or for melting snow. If the outside rear view mirror are heavily coated with ice, use a spray de−icer be- fore operating the switch.

NOTICE

When cleaning the inside of the rear window, be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires.

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Part 1
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS—

Chapter 1−5
Gauges, Meters and Service reminder indicators

D Fuel gauge D Engine coolant temperature

gauge

D Tachometer D Odometer and two trip meters D Thermometer D Service reminder indicators and

warning buzzers

Fuel gauge

the

The gauge works when ignition switch is on and indicates the approxi- mate quantity of fuel remaining in the tank. Nearly full—Needle at ”F” Nearly empty—Needle at ”E” It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4
full. This fuel gauge has a non−return type needle which remains at the last indicated position when the ignition switch is turned off. If the fuel level approaches ”E” or the low fuel level warning light comes on, fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.

’99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)−U

On inclines or curves, due to the move- ment of fuel in the tank, the fuel gauge needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level warning light may come on earlier than usual. If the fuel tank is completely empty, the mal- function indicator lamp comes on. Fill the fuel tank immediately. The indicator lamp goes off after driving sev- eral times. If the indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

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Engine coolant temperature gauge

Tachometer

D Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in stop−and−go traffic.

D Towing a trailer.

NOTICE

z Do not remove the thermostat

in the engine cooling system as this may cause the engine to overheat. The thermostat is designed to con- trol the flow of coolant to keep the temperature of the engine within the specified operating range.

z Do not continue driving with an overheated engine. See ”If your ve- hicle overheats” in Part 4.

The tachometer indicates engine speed in thousands of rpm (revolutions per minute). Use it while driving to select correct shift points and to prevent en- gine lugging and overrevving. Driving with the engine running too fast causes excessive engine wear and poor fuel economy. Remember, in most cases the slower the engine speed, the greater the fuel economy.

NOTICE

Do not let the indicator needle get into the red zone. This may cause severe engine damage.

The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when the ignition switch is on. The engine operating temperature will vary with changes in weather and engine load. If the needle moves into the red zone, your engine is too hot. If your vehicle overheats, stop your vehicle and allow the engine to cool. Your vehicle may overheat during severe op- erating conditions, such as: D Driving up a long hill on a hot day. D Reducing speed or stopping after high

speed driving.

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Odometer and two trip meters

Thermometer

3. Trip meter reset knob—It can reset the to zero, and also

trip meters

two change the meter display. To change the meter display, quickly push and release the knob. The meter display changes in the order from the odometer to trip meter A to trip meter then back B, the odometer each time you push. To reset the trip meter A to zero, dis- play the meter A reading, then push and hold the knob until the meter is set to zero. The same process can be applied for resetting the trip meter B.

to

This meter displays the odometer and two trip meters. 1. Odometer—It shows the total distance

the vehicle has been driven.

2. Two trip meters—They show two differ- ent distances independently driven since the last time each trip meter was set to zero. You can use one trip meter to calculate the to measure the distance on each trip. All trip meter data is cancelled if the elec- trical power source is disconnected.

fuel economy and

the other

Type A

Type B

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Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers

If the indicator or buzzer comes on...

Do this.

If the indicator or buzzer comes on...

Do this.

(a)

(type A)

If parking brake is off, stop and check.

(type B)

(b)

Fasten seat belts.

(Indicator and buzzer)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Stop and check.

Stop and check.

Take vehicle to Toyota dealer.

(type A)

(type B)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

Fill up tank.

Take vehicle to Toyota dealer.

Close all doors.

Replace bulb.

Take vehicle to Toyota dealer immediately.

The thermometer indicates the outside air temperatures with the ignition key at the ”ON” position. When the instrument panel lights are turned on, the brightness of the display will be re- duced.

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If the indicator or buzzer comes on...

Do this.

(k)

(l)

Take vehicle to Toyota dealer.

Add washer fluid.

(m)

Key reminder buzzer

Remove key.

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(a) Brake System Warning Light This light has the following functions: Parking brake reminder If this light is on, make sure the parking brake is fully released. The light should go off. Low brake fluid level warning If this light comes on and stays on while you are driving, slow down and pull off the road. Then stop the vehicle carefully. Re- member that stopping distance and pedal effort may be increased. There may be a problem somewhere in the brake system. Check the fluid level of the see−through res- ervoir. To make sure the parking brake has not caused the warning light to come on, check to see that the parking brake is fully re- leased. If the brake fluid level is low... At a safe place, test your brakes by starting and stopping. D If you judge that the brakes still work to your

adequately, drive cautiously nearest dealer or shop for repairs.

D If the brakes are not working, have the vehicle towed in for repairs. (For tow- ing information, see Part 4.)

CAUTION

It is dangerous to continue driving normally when the brake fluid level is low.

If the brake fluid level is correct... Have the warning system checked by your Toyota dealer. (b) Seat Belt Reminder Light and Buzz-

er

Once the ignition key is turned to ”ON” or ”START”, the reminder light flashes and buzzer sounds if the driver’s seat belt is not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light keep flashing and the buzz- er sounds for about 4 to 8 seconds. (c) Discharge Warning Light This light warns that the battery is being discharged. If it comes on while you are driving, there is a problem somewhere in the charging system. The engine ignition will continue to oper-