2003 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual

—Seat adjustment precautions Adjust the driver’s seat so that the foot pedals, steering wheel and instrument panel controls are within easy reach of the driver.

CAUTION

D Adjustments should not be made while the vehicle is moving, as the seat may unexpectedly move and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

D When adjusting the seat, be careful that the seat does not hit a passen- ger or luggage.

D After adjusting the seat position, try sliding it forward and backward to make sure it is locked in posi- tion.

D After adjusting the seatback, push back your body to make sure it is locked in position.

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—Adjusting front seats (manual seat)

D Do not put objects under the seats. Otherwise, the objects may interfere with the seat−lock mechanism or unexpectedly push up the seat posi- lever and the seat tion adjusting may suddenly move, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. D While adjusting the seat, do not put your hands under the seat or near the moving parts. Otherwise, you may catch and injure your hands or fingers.

1. SEAT POSITION ADJUSTING LEVER Hold the center of the lever and pull it up. Then slide the seat to the desired position with slight body pressure and release the lever. 2. SEAT CUSHION ANGLE ADJUSTING

KNOB

Turn the knob either way. ANGLE 3. SEATBACK

LEVER

ADJUSTING

lever up. lean back to the desired angle

Lean forward and pull the Then and release the lever.

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—Adjusting front seats (power seat)

1. SEAT POSITION AND SEAT CUSHION

ANGLE ADJUSTING SWITCH

Move the control switch in the desired direction. Releasing the switch will stop the seat at that position. Do not place anything under front seats, as this might interfere with the seat movement. 2. SEATBACK

ADJUSTING

ANGLE

the

SWITCH

Move the control switch in the desired direction. Releasing the switch will stop the seat- back at that position.

CAUTION

To reduce the risk of sliding under the lap belt during a collision, avoid reclining the seatback any more than needed. The seat belts provide maxi- mum protection in a frontal or rear collision when the driver and the pas- senger are sitting up straight and well back If you are reclined, the lap belt may slide past your hips and apply restraint forces directly to the abdomen. In the event of a frontal collision, the more the seat is reclined, the greater the risk of personal injury.

in the seats.

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2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

CAUTION

To reduce the risk of sliding under the lap belt during a collision, avoid reclining the seatback any more than needed. The seat belts provide maxi- mum protection in a frontal or rear collision when the driver and the pas- senger are sitting up straight and well back If you are reclined, the lap belt may slide past your hips and apply restraint forces directly to the abdomen. In the event of a frontal collision, the more the seat is reclined, the greater the risk of personal injury.

in the seats.

3. SEAT

LUMBAR ADJUSTING SWITCH

SUPPORT

Push the switch on either side. The amount of lumbar support will change while the switch is pushed.

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Driving position memory system The micro computer can memorize the position of the driver’s seat and outside rear view mirror. Two different driving position profiles can be entered into computer’s memory. Recording a driving position the computer’s memory can only be done when the ignition key is in the “ON” position and the automatic transmission selector lever is in the “P” position.

in

SETTING THE DRIVING POSITION 1. Adjust the driver’s seat and outside rear view mirror to the desired posi- tion.

2. While pushing

the “SET” button, push button “1” or “2” until the sig- nal beeps.

The beep sound means that the positions are recorded in the computer’s memory. By repeating these two steps and pressing the remaining button, the driving position for another driver can be recorded. To set a new memorized position, select the desired position and perform step 2. The previous memory will be erased and a new position will be set.

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2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

To make only slight changes to an already memorized position, the easiest way is to first activate the memorized position, then make the desired changes and perform step 2 above.

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CONDITIONS FOR POSITION ACTIVATION D Ignition key “ON” and shift lever in “P”

MEMORIZED

position All parts of the memorized positions can be activated. However, if the brake pedal the seat position will not change.

is being depressed,

D Key not in ignition switch and within 30

seconds of opening driver’s door The memorized position can be acti- vated.

If any driving position memory switch is pushed while one of the memorized driv- ing position profiles is being activated, the operation will stop. To reactivate the system, push the desired button (“1” or “2”) again. The driving position memory control sys- tem cannot be operated while the vehicle is moving. If is disconnected, the computer’s memory will be erased and the memorized position will have to be set again.

the vehicle’s battery

RECALLING THE MEMORIZED POSITION When you push button “1” or “2”, the driving position will be automatically adjusted to the position recorded for that button.

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Trunk storage extension

CAUTION

D Do not start the vehicle while the

adjustment are being made.

D Take care not to select the wrong button, or the seat could strike the rear passenger or hit your body against the steering wheel. If this happens, you can stop the move- ment by pressing another driving position memory switch, or de- pressing the brake pedal.

1. Pull down the armrest in the rear

seat.

2. Push down the handle of the armrest

door and open the armrest door.

Access to the trunk can be prevented by locking the armrest door with the master key. To lock: Turn the key clockwise. See in Section 2 for precautions in loading lug- gage.

“Luggage stowage precautions”

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For your safety and comfort, adjust the head restraint before driving. To raise: Pull it up. To lower: Push it down while pressing the lock release button. Rear center head restraint—When an oc- cupant sits on the rear center seat, al- ways pull up the rear center head re- straint to the lock position. The head restraint is most effective when it is close to your head. Therefore, using a cushion on the seatback is not recom- mended.

CAUTION

D Adjust the center of the head re- straint so that it is closest to the top of your ears.

D After adjusting the head restraint, make sure it is locked in position. the head re-

D Do not drive with

straints removed.

Head restraints

CAUTION

Be sure to close the door when the trunk storage extension is not in use. Luggage or cargo in the trunk may be thrown into the passenger compart- ment in a sudden stop or crash re- sulting in injury.

Front

Rear

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Armrest

Seat heaters

Front—To use the armrest, pull up the strap and pull down the armrest as shown above. Rear—To use the armrest, pull it down as shown above.

Front (bench type front seat only)

For driver

Rear

For front outside passenger

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NOTICE

z Do not put unevenly weighed ob- jects on the seat and do not stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat.

z When cleaning the seats, do not use organic substances (paint thin- ner, benzine, alcohol, gasoline, etc.). They may damage the heater and seat surface.

z To prevent the battery from being discharge, turn the switch off when the engine is not running.

Seat belts— —Seat belt precautions Toyota strongly urges that the driver and passengers in the vehicle be properly re- strained at all times with the seat belts provided. Failure to do so could increase the chance of injury and/or the severity of injury in accidents. Child. Use a child restraint system ap- propriate for the child until the child be- comes large enough to properly wear the vehicle’s seat belts. See “Child restraint” for details. 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. According to accident statistics, the child is safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front seat. If a child must sit in the front seat, the seat belts should be worn properly. If an accident occurs and the seat belts are not worn properly, the force of the rapid infla- tion of the airbag may cause death or serious injury to the child.

To turn on the seat heater, push the switch. At this time, the indicator light will illu- minate to indicate the seat heater is operating. The key must be in the “ON” position. Pushing the switch again will turn it off.

CAUTION

the seat heater because

Occupants must use caution when op- erating it may make them feel too hot or cause burns at low temperatures (erythema, varicella). Use extra caution for; D Babies, small children, elderly per- sons, sick persons or handicapped persons

D Persons who have delicate skin D Persons who are exhausted D Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs which induce sleep (sleeping drug, cold remedy, etc.)

To prevent the seat overheating, do not use the seat heater with a blan- ket, cushion, or other insulating ob- jects which cover the seat.

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D Keep the belts clean and dry.

If they need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or lukewarm water. Never use bleach, dye, or abrasive clean- ers—they may severely weaken the belts. (See “Cleaning the interior” in Section 5.)

D Replace the belt assembly (includ- ing bolts) if it has been used in a severe impact. The entire assembly should be replaced even if damage is not obvious.

Do not allow the child to stand up or kneel on either rear or front seats. An unrestrained child could suffer serious in- jury or death during emergency braking or a collision. Also, do not let the child sit on your lap. It does not provide sufficient restraint. Pregnant woman. Toyota recommends the use of a seat belt. Ask your doctor for specific lap belt should be worn securely and as low as possible over the hips and not on the waist. Injured person. Toyota recommends the use of a seat belt. Depending on the inju- ry, first check with your doctor for specific recommendations.

recommendations. The

CAUTION

the vehicle

in their seats Persons should ride their seat belts properly wearing whenever is moving. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer serious bodily injury or death in the event of sudden braking or a collision. When using the seat belts, observe the following: D Use the belt for only one person at a time. Do not use a single belt for two or more people—even children. D Avoid reclining the seatbacks too much. The seat belts provide maxi- mum protection when the seatbacks are in the upright position. (Refer to the seat adjustment instructions.) D Be careful not to damage the belt webbing or hardware. Take care that they do not get caught or pinched in the seat or doors.

D Inspect the belt system periodically. Check for cuts, fraying, and loose parts. Damaged parts should be re- placed. Do not disassemble or modify the system.

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—Front outside and rear seat belts (3−point type)

If the seat belt cannot be pulled out of the retractor, firmly pull the belt and release it. You will then be able to smoothly pull the belt out of the retractor. When a passenger’s shoulder belt is com- pletely extended and retracted even slightly, the belt is locked in that position and cannot be extended. This fea- ture is used to hold the child restraint system securely. (For details, see “Child restraint” in this section.) To free the belt again, fully retract the belt and then pull the belt out once more.

then

is

Adjust the seat as needed (front seats only) and sit up straight and well back in the seat. To fasten your belt, pull it out of the retractor and insert the tab into the buckle. You will hear a click when the tab locks into the buckle. The seat belt length automatically adjusts to your size and the seat position. The retractor will lock the belt during a sudden stop or on impact. It also may lock if you lean forward too quickly. A slow, easy motion will allow the belt to extend, and you can move around freely.

CAUTION

D After inserting the tab, make sure the tab and buckle are locked and that 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 normally, immediately contact your Toyota dealer. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed. It cannot protect an adult occupant or your child from injury.

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2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

Seat belts with an adjustable shoulder anchor— Adjust the shoulder anchor position to your size. To raise: Slide the anchor up. To lower: Push in the lock release button and slide the anchor down. After adjustment, make sure the anchor is locked in position.

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

CAUTION

Always make sure the shoulder belt is positioned across the center of your shoulder. The belt should be kept away from your neck, but not falling off your shoulder. Failure to do so could reduce the amount of protection in an accident and cause serious injuries in a collision.

Take up slack

Too high

CAUTION

D Both high−positioned lap belts and loose−fitting belts could cause seri- ous injuries due to sliding under the lap belt during a collision or other unintended result. Keep the lap belt positioned as low on hips as possible.

D For your safety, do not place the

shoulder belt under your arm.

Keep as low on hips as possible

the

lap and

the position of

Adjust shoulder belts. Position the lap belt as low as possible on your hips—not on your waist, then ad- just it to a snug fit by pulling the shoulder portion upward through the latch plate.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

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—Front center seat belt (2−point type)

Lengthen

CAUTION

D After inserting the tab, make sure the tab and buckle are locked and that 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 normally, immediately contact your Toyota dealer. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed. It cannot protect an adult occupant or your child from injury.

To release the belt, press the buckle−re- lease button and allow the belt to re- tract. If the belt does not retract smoothly, pull it out and check for kinks or twists. Then make sure it remains untwisted as it re- tracts.

Sit up straight and well back in the seat. To fasten your belt, insert the tab into the buckle. You will hear a click when the tab locks into the buckle. If the belt is not long enough for you, hold the tab at a right angle to the belt and pull on the tab.

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—Stowing the front center seat belt

Too high

Adjust to a snug fit

Keep as low on hips as possible

Remove excess length of the belt and adjust the belt position. To shorten the belt, pull the free end of the belt. Position the lap belt as low as possible on your hips—not on your waist, then ad- just it to a snug fit.

CAUTION

Both high−positioned and loose−fit- ting lap belts could cause serious in- juries due to sliding under the lap belt during a collision or other unin- tended result. Keep the lap belt posi- tioned as low on hips as possible.

To release the belt, press the buckle−re- lease button.

front center seat belt can be

The stowed when not in use.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

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from your Toyota dealer

—Seat belt extender If your seat belts cannot be fastened se- curely because they are not long enough, a personalized seat belt extender is avail- able free of charge. Please contact your local Toyota dealer so that the dealer can order the proper re- quired length for the extender. Bring the heaviest coat you expect to wear for prop- er measurement and selection of length. Additional ordering information is available at your Toyota dealer.

CAUTION

D Remember that the extender pro- vided for you may not be safe when used on a different vehicle, for another person or at a different seating position, than the one origi- nally intended.

the

When using the seat belt extender, following precautions. observe Failure to follow these instructions could reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt restraint system in case of vehicle the chance of personal injury. D Never use the seat belt extender if you can fasten the seat belt without it.

increasing

accident,

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2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

To connect the extender to the seat belt, insert the tab into the seat belt buckle so that the “PRESS” signs on the buckle−release buttons of the ex- tender and the seat belt are both facing outward as shown. You will hear a click when the tab locks into the buckle. When releasing the seat belt, press on the buckle−release button on the extender, not on the seat belt. This helps prevent damage to the vehicle interior and extend- er itself. When not and store in the vehicle for future use.

in use, remove the extender

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

—Front seat belt pretensioners

CAUTION

D After inserting the tab, make sure the tab and buckle are locked and that the seat belt extender 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 normally, immediately contact your Toyota dealer. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed. It cannot protect an adult occupant or your child from injury.

The driver and front outside passen- ger’s seat belt pretensioners are de- signed to be activated in response to a severe frontal impact. When the airbag sensor detects the shock of a severe frontal impact, the front out- side seat belts are quickly drawn back in by the retractors so that the belts snugly restrain the front outside seat occupants. The front outside seat belt pretensioners are activated even with no passenger in the front outside seat.

light system monitors

This indicator comes on when the igni- tion key is turned to the “ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This means the front outside seat belt pre- tensioners are operating properly. This warning the airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen- sors, side airbag sensors, driver’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle switch, front seat belt pretensioner assem- blies, inflators, warning light, interconnect- ing wiring and power sources. (For details, see indicators and warning buzzers” in Section 1−5.)

reminder

“Service

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

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When the front outside seat belt preten- sioners are activated, an operating noise may be heard and a small amount of smoke−like gas may be released. This gas is harmless and does not indicate that a fire is occurring. Once the front outside seat belt preten- sioners have been activated, the seat belt retractors remain locked.

CAUTION

Do not modify, remove, strike or open the front seat belt pretensioner as- semblies, airbag sensor or surround- ing area or wiring. Doing so may cause sudden operation of the front outside seat belt pretensioners or dis- able the system, which could result in death or serious injury. Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious inju- ries. Consult your Toyota dealer about any repairs and modifications.

NOTICE

consulting

Do not perform any of the following changes without your Toyota dealer. Such changes can interfere with proper operation of the front outside seat belt pretensioners in some cases. z Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile two−way radio, cassette tape player or compact disc player

z Repairs on or near the front seat

belt retractor assemblies

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 or con- sole

the

The front outside seat belt pretensioner system mainly consists of following components and their locations are shown in the illustration. 1. Front airbag sensors 2. SRS warning light 3. Front seat belt pretensioner assemblies 4. Airbag sensor assembly The front outside seat belt pretensioners are controlled by the airbag sensor as- sembly. The airbag sensor assembly con- sists of a safing sensor and airbag sen- sor.

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D If either front outside seat belt does not retract or cannot be pulled out due to a malfunction or activation of the relevant front outside seat belt preten- sioner.

This front outside seat belt pretensioner system has a service reminder indicator to inform the driver of operating problems. If any of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a malfunction of the airbags or pretensioners. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible the vehicle. D The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi- tion, or remains on.

to service

D The light comes on or flashes while

driving.

In the following cases, contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible: D The front of the vehicle (shaded in the illustration) was involved in an accident that was not severe enough to cause the front outside seat belt pretension- ers to operate.

D Either

front outside seat belt preten- sioner assembly or surrounding area is scratched, cracked, or otherwise dam- aged.

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In response to a severe frontal impact, the SRS front airbags work together with the seat belts to help reduce injury by inflating. The SRS front airbags help to reduce injuries mainly to the driver’s or front passenger’s head or chest caused by directly hitting the steering wheel or dash- board. The front passenger airbag is acti- vated even with no passenger in the front seat. Be sure to wear your seat belt properly.

CAUTION

The driver or front passenger who is too close to the steering wheel or dashboard during airbag deployment can be killed or seriously injured. Toyota strongly recommends that: D The driver sit as far back as pos- sible from the steering wheel while still maintaining control of the ve- hicle.

D The front passenger sit as far back

as possible from the dashboard.

D All vehicle occupants be properly restrained using the available seat belts.

SRS driver airbag and front passenger airbag

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

D Vehicles with bench type front seats— The SRS front airbags are designed to protect front outside passenger. They are not designed to protect occupant in the center position.

the driver and

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this

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.). For the safety of all occupants, always wear your seat belts properly.

The SRS front airbag system is de- signed to activate in response to a se- vere frontal impact within the shaded area between the arrows in the illustra- tion. The SRS front airbags will deploy if the severity of the impact is above the de- signed threshold level, comparable to an approximate 25 km/h (15 mph) collision in the U.S.A. and 30 km/h (18 mph) collision in Canada when impacting straight into a fixed barrier that does not move or de- form. If the severity of the impact is below the above threshold level, the SRS front air- bags may not deploy.

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light system monitors

This indicator comes on when the igni- tion key is turned to the “ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This means the SRS front airbags are oper- ating properly. This warning the airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen- sors, side airbag sensors, driver’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle switch, front seat belt pretensioner assem- blies, inflators, warning light, interconnect- ing wiring and power sources. (For details, see indicators and warning buzzers” in Section 1−5.)

remainder

“Service

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

Collision from the rear

Hitting a curb, edge of pavement or hard material

Falling into or jumping over a deep hole

Collision from the side

Vehicle rollover

Landing hard or vehicle falling

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

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

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2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

The SRS airbag system consists mainly 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 front passenger

(airbag and inflator)

4. Driver’s seat belt buckle switch 5. Driver’s seat position sensor 6. Airbag sensor assembly 7. SRS warning light The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor and airbag sensor.

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

the windshield as

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.

In a severe frontal impact, the sensor de- tects deceleration and the system triggers the airbag inflators. At this time a chemi- cal reaction in the inflators quickly fills the airbags with non−toxic gas to help restrain the forward motion of the occupants. When the airbags inflate, they produce a fairly loud noise and release some smoke and residue along with non−toxic gas. This does not indicate a fire. This gas is nor- mally harmless; however, for those who have delicate skin, it may cause a minor skin irritation. Be sure to wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent any potential 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 swelling. 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.

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 the inflating airbags if they do not wear the available seat belts properly. During sudden braking just before a collision, an unrestrained driver or front passenger can move for- ward into direct contact with or close proximity to the airbag which may then deploy during the colli- sion. To ensure maximum protection in an accident, the driver and all passengers the vehicle must wear their seat belts properly. Wear- ing a seat belt properly during an the chances of accident reduces death or serious injury or being thrown out of the vehicle. For instructions and precautions con- cerning the seat belt system, see “Seat belts” in this section.

in

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restraint

D Improperly seated and/or restrained infants and children can be killed or seriously injured by the deploy- ing front airbags. An infant or child who is too small to use a seat belt should be properly secured using a child Toyota strongly recommends in- fants and children be placed in the rear seat of the vehicle and proper- ly restrained. The rear seat is the safest for infants and children. For instructions concerning the installa- tion of a child restraint system, see “Child restraint” in this section.

that all

system.

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

D Never install a rear−facing child re- straint system on the front passen- ger seat because the force of the rapid inflation of the front passen- ger airbag can cause death or seri- ous injury to the child.

Move seat fully back

the

D A forward−facing child restraint sys- tem should be allowed to be installed on front passenger seat only when it is unavoidable. Always move the seat as far back as possible, because the force of the deploying front passenger air- bag could cause death or serious injury to the child.

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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 airbags inflate, because the impact could cause death or serious injury to the child.

D For

instructions concerning

the installation of a child restraint sys- tem, see “Child restraint” in this section.

is

in use, since

D Do not sit on the edge of the seat lean over the dashboard when or the vehicle the front airbags inflate with consider- able speed and force. Otherwise, you may be killed or seriously in- jured. Sit up straight and well back in the seat, and always use your seat belt properly.

D Do not allow a child to stand up, or to kneel on the front passenger seat, since the front airbag inflates with considerable speed and force. Otherwise, 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 section.

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

instructions Failure to follow these can result in death or serious injury. Consult your Toyota dealer about any repairs and modifications.

D Do not put objects or your pets on or in front of the dashboard or steering wheel pad that houses the front airbag system. They might re- strict inflation or cause death or serious injury as they are projected rearward by the force of the deploy- ing airbags. Likewise, the driver and front passenger should not hold objects in their arms or on their knees.

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2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

NOTICE

consulting

front airbag system

Do not perform any of the following changes without your Toyota dealer. Such changes can interfere with proper operation of the SRS in some cases. z Installation of electronic devices 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,

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

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 front airbags have been in-

flated.

D The front of the vehicle (shaded in the illustration) was involved in an accident that was not severe enough to cause the SRS front airbags to inflate.

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

passenger

airbag

front

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

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following

conditions occurs,

front airbag system has a This SRS 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 “ON” posi- tion, or the light remains on.

D The light comes on while driving.

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

SRS side airbags

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

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

In response to a severe side impact, the SRS side airbags work together with the seat belts to help reduce injury by inflat- ing. The SRS side airbags help to reduce injuries mainly to 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 properly.

CAUTION

SRS side airbags inflate with consid- erable force. To avoid potential death or serious injury when they inflate, the driver and front passenger must: D Wear their seat belts properly D Remain properly seated with their back upright and against the seat at all times.

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2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

light system monitors

This indicator comes on when the igni- tion key is turned to the “ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This means the SRS side airbags are operat- ing properly. This warning the airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen- sors, side airbag sensors, driver’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle switch, front seat belt pretensioner assem- blies, inflators, warning light, interconnect- ing wiring and power sources. (For details, see indicators and warning buzzers” in Section 1−5.)

reminder

“Service

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

Collision from the rear

Collision from the front

Vehicle rollover

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

The SRS side airbag system consists mainly of the following components, and their locations are shown in the illustra- tion. 1. SRS warning light 2. Airbag sensor assembly 3. Side airbag modules

(airbag and inflator) 4. Side airbag sensors 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.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

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from

The SRS side airbag system may not activate if the vehicle is subjected to a collision the side at certain angles, or a collision to the side of the vehicle body other than the passenger compartment as shown in the illustra- tion. The SRS side airbags are designed to inflate when the passenger compartment area suffers a severe the side. For the safety of all occupants, always wear your seat belts properly.

impact

from

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

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. To ensure maximum protection in an accident, the driver and all passengers in the vehicle must wear their seat belts properly. Wearing a seat belt properly during an accident reduces the chances of death or serious injury or being thrown out of the vehicle. For instructions and precautions con- cerning the seat belt system, see “Seat belts” in this section.

In a severe side impact, the side airbag sensor triggers the side airbag inflators. At this time a chemical reaction in the inflators quickly fills the airbags with non− toxic gas to help restrain the lateral mo- tion of the occupants. When the airbags inflate, they produce a fairly loud noise and release some smoke and residue along with non−toxic gas. This does not indicate a fire. This gas is nor- mally harmless; however, for those who have delicate skin, it may cause a minor skin irritation. Be sure to wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent any potential 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 swelling. 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.

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2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

restraint

D Improperly seated and/or restrained infants and children can be killed or seriously injured by the deploy- ing airbags. An infant or child who is too small to use a seat belt should be properly secured using a child Toyota strongly recommends in- fants and children be placed in the rear seat of the vehicle and proper- ly restrained. The rear seat is the safest for infants and children. For instructions concerning the installa- tion of a child restraint system, see “Child restraint” in this section.

that all

system.

if he/she

D Do not allow a child to lean his/her head or any part of his/her body against the front door or the area of the seat from which the side air- bag deploys even 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 section.

instructions concerning

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

D Do not use seat accessories which cover the parts where the side air- bags inflate. Such accessories may prevent the side airbags from acti- vating correctly, causing death or serious injury.

the

D Do not modify or replace the seats or upholstery of front seats with the side airbags. Such changes may disable the system or cause the side airbags to inflate acciden- tally resulting in death or serious injury. Consult your Toyota dealer if you insist on modifications of this kind.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious injury.

D Do not lean against the front door when the vehicle is in use, since the side airbag inflates with consid- erable speed and force. Otherwise, you may be killed or seriously in- jured. Special care should be taken especially when you have a small child in the vehicle.

D Sit up straight and well back in the seat, distributing your weight evenly in the seat. Do not apply excessive weight to the outer side of the front seats on vehicles with side airbags.

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

in

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NOTICE

consulting

Do not perform any of the following changes without your Toyota dealer. Such changes can interfere with proper operation of the SRS side airbag system in some cases. z Installation of electronic devices 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

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 “ON” posi- tion, or the light remains on.

D The light comes on or flashes while

driving.

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2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

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) was involved in an accident that was not severe enough to 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

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

NOTICE

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

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 50 states in the U.S.A. and Canada now require the use of a child restraint system. Your vehicle conforms to SAEJ1819. 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, a child must be properly restrained, 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 substitute for a child restraint system. In an acci- dent, the child can be crushed against the windshield, or between you and the vehicle’s interior.

D Toyota strongly urges use of a proper child restraint system which conforms to the size of the child, installed 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 install 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 installed on the front seat.

it

D Unless

is unavoidable, do not install a child restraint system on the front seat.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

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the

D A forward−facing child restraint sys- to be tem should be allowed front passenger installed on seat only when it is unavoidable. Always move the seat as far back as possible, because the force of the deploying front passenger air- bag could cause death or serious injury to the child.

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 airbags inflate, because 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

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

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 the 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. General directions are also provided under the following 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.

CAUTION

D Never install 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 installed on the front seat.

D Unless it is unavoidable, do not put the

restraint system on

a child front seat.

the

D A forward−facing child restraint sys- to be tem should be allowed front passenger installed on seat only when it is unavoidable. Always move the seat as far back as possible, because the force of the deploying front passenger air- bag could cause death or serious injury to the child.

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 airbags inflate, because the impact could cause death or serious injury to the child.

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2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

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

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.

injuring passengers

from

in

it

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

—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. Your vehicle has anchor brackets for se- curing the top strap of a child restraint system. For instructions about how to use the an- chor bracket, see “—Using a top strap” in this section. The child restraint lower anchorages ap- proved for your vehicle may also be used. See “—Installation with the child restraint lower anchorages” in this section.

(A) Infant seat

(B) Convertible seat

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

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’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

—Installation with 3−point type seat belt

(C) Booster seat

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

CAUTION

D Never install a rear−facing child re- straint system on the front passen- ger seat because the force of the rapid inflation of the front passen- ger airbag can cause death or seri- ous injury to the child.

76

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

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 child restraint system until the seat belt is fixed.

from

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.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

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the

lock mechanism of

D Do not install a child restraint sys- tem on the rear seat if it interferes with the front seats. This can cause death or serious injury to the child and front passenger in case of sudden brak- ing or a collision.

D If the driver’s seat position does not allow sufficient space for safe the child installation, install re- straint system on the rear right seat.

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

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.

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

Push and pull the child restraint sys- tem in different directions to be sure it is secure. Follow all the installation instructions provided by its manufac- turer.

78

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

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

(B) CONVERTIBLE SEAT INSTALLATION A convertible seat is used in forward− facing or 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 the child restraint system.

follow

CAUTION

D Never install a rear−facing child re- straint system on the front passen- ger seat because the force of the rapid inflation of the front passen- ger airbag can cause death or seri- ous injury to the child.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

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’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

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 airbags inflate, because the impact could cause death or serious injury to the child.

Move seat fully back

the

D A forward−facing child restraint sys- tem should be allowed to be installed on front passenger seat only when it is unavoidable. Always move the seat as far back as possible, because the force of the deploying front passenger air- bag could cause death or serious injury to the child.

80

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

the

lock mechanism of

D Do not install a child restraint sys- tem on the rear seat if it interferes with the front seats. This can cause death or serious injury to the child and front passenger in case of sudden brak- ing or a collision.

D If the driver’s seat position does not allow sufficient space for safe the child installation, install re- straint system on the rear right seat.

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

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 child restraint system 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.

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

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

81

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

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

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

Push and pull the child restraint sys- tem in different directions to be sure it is secure. Follow all the installation instructions provided by its manufac- turer.

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

82

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

to

D Do not allow

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.

Move seat fully back