Toyota Avalon (2018 year). Manual

225

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Drivin

This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles
up to approximately 328 ft. (100 m) ahead, determines the current
vehicle-to-vehicle following distance, and operates to maintain a suit-
able following distance from the vehicle ahead.

Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long
downhill slopes.

Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead

The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-
vehicle distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance switch.

Example of deceleration cruising and follow-up cruising
When a preceding vehicle driving slower than the set speed
appears

When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automatically
decelerates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed is
necessary, the system applies the brakes (the stop lights will come on at
this time). The system will respond to changes in the speed of the vehicle
ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle distance set by the driver.
Approach warning warns you when the system cannot decelerate suffi-
ciently to prevent your vehicle from closing in on the vehicle ahead.

Example of acceleration
When there are no longer any preceding vehicles driving slower
than the set speed

The system accelerates until the set speed is reached. The system then
returns to constant speed cruising.

Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode

226

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Press the “ON-OFF” button to
activate the cruise control.

Radar cruise control indicator will
come on and a message will be
displayed on the multi-information
display.

Press the button again to deacti-
vate the cruise control.

If the “ON-OFF” button is pressed
and held for 1.5 seconds or more,
the system turns on in constant
speed control mode. (

→P. 230)

Accelerate or decelerate, with
accelerator pedal operation, to
the desired vehicle speed (at or
above approximately 30 mph
[50 km/h]) and push the lever
down to set the speed.

Cruise control “SET” indicator will
come on.

The vehicle speed at the moment
the lever is released becomes the
set speed.

Setting the vehicle speed (vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode)

227

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Drivin

To change the set speed, operate the lever until the desired set speed
is displayed.

Increases the speed

Decreases the speed

Fine adjustment: Momentarily
move the lever in the desired
direction.

Large adjustment: Hold the lever
up or down to change the speed,
and release when the desired
speed is reached.

In the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the set speed will be
increased or decreased as follows:



For the U.S.A

Fine adjustment: By 1 mph (1.6 km/h)

or 1 km/h (0.6 mph)

each time

the lever is operated

Large adjustment: Increases or decreases in 1 mph (1.6 km/h)

or 1 km/h

(0.6 mph)

increments for as long as the lever is held



For Canada

Fine adjustment: By 1 mph (1.6 km/h)

or 1 km/h (0.6 mph)

each time

the lever is operated

Large adjustment: Increases or decreases in 5 mph (8 km/h)

or 5 km/h

(3.1 mph)

increments for as long as the lever is held

In the constant speed control mode (

→P. 230), the set speed will be

increased or decreased as follows:

Fine adjustment: By 1 mph (1.6 km/h)

or 1 km/h (0.6 mph)

each time

the lever is operated

Large adjustment: The speed will continue to change while the lever is
held.

: When the set speed is shown in “MPH”

: When the set speed is shown in “km/h”

Adjusting the set speed

1
2

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

Pressing the switch changes the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance as fol-
lows:

Long

Medium

Short

The vehicle-to-vehicle distance is
set automatically to long mode
when the engine switch is turned to
IGNITION ON mode.

If a vehicle is running ahead of you, the preceding vehicle mark will also be
displayed.

Select a distance from the table below. Note that the distances shown
correspond to a vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). Vehicle-to-vehicle
distance increases/decreases in accordance with vehicle speed.

Changing the vehicle-to-vehicle distance (vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance control mode)

Preceding

vehicle mark

1
2
3

Vehicle-to-vehicle distance settings (vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode)

Distance options

Vehicle-to-vehicle distance

Long

Approximately 160 ft. (50 m)

Medium

Approximately 130 ft. (40 m)

Short

Approximately 100 ft. (30 m)

229

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Drivin

Pulling the lever toward you
cancels the speed control.

The speed control is also canceled
when the brake pedal is
depressed.

Pushing the lever up resumes
the cruise control and returns
vehicle speed to the set speed.

However, cruise control does not
resume when the vehicle speed is
approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or
less.

When your vehicle is too close to
a vehicle ahead, and sufficient
automatic deceleration via the
cruise control is not possible, the
display will flash and the buzzer
will sound to alert the driver. An
example of this would be if
another driver cuts in front of you
while you are following a vehicle.
Depress the brake pedal to
ensure an appropriate vehicle-to-
vehicle distance.

■

Warnings may not occur when

In the following instances, warnings may not occur even when the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance is small.
● When the speed of the preceding vehicle matches or exceeds

your vehicle speed

● When the preceding vehicle is traveling at an extremely slow

speed

● Immediately after the cruise control speed was set
● When depressing the accelerator pedal

Canceling and resuming the speed control

Approach warning (vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode)

230

4-5. Using the driving support systems

When constant speed control mode is selected, your vehicle will main-
tain a set speed without controlling the vehicle-to-vehicle distance.
Select this mode only when vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
does not function correctly due to a dirty radar sensor, etc.

With the cruise control off,
press and hold the “ON-OFF”
button for 1.5 seconds or more.

Immediately after the “ON-OFF”
button is pressed, the radar cruise
control indicator will come on.
Afterwards, it switches to the cruise
control indicator.

Switching to constant speed con-
trol mode is only possible when
operating the lever with the cruise
control off.

Accelerate or decelerate, with
accelerator pedal operation, to
the desired vehicle speed (at or
above approximately 25 mph
[40 km/h]) and push the lever
down to set the speed.

Cruise control “SET” indicator will
come on.

The vehicle speed at the moment
the lever is released becomes the
set speed.

Adjusting the speed setting:

→P. 227

Canceling and resuming the speed setting:

→P. 229

Selecting constant speed control mode

231

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Drivin

■

Dynamic radar cruise control can be set when

●

The shift lever is in D or range 4 or higher of S has been selected.

●

Range 4 or higher of D has been selected by using the paddle shift switch.

●

Vehicle speed is at or above approximately 30 mph (50 km/h).

■

Accelerating after setting the vehicle speed
The vehicle can accelerate by operating the accelerator pedal. After acceler-
ating, the set speed resumes. However, during vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode, the vehicle speed may decrease below the set speed in order
to maintain the distance to the preceding vehicle.

■

Automatic cancelation of vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode is automatically canceled in the fol-
lowing situations.

●

Actual vehicle speed falls below approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).

●

VSC is activated.

●

TRAC is activated for a period of time.

●

When the VSC or TRAC system is turned off.

●

The sensor cannot detect correctly because it is covered in some way.

●

Pre-collision braking is activated.

If vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode is automatically canceled for any
other reason, there may be a malfunction in the system. Contact your Toyota
dealer.

232

4-5. Using the driving support systems

■

Automatic cancelation of constant speed control mode
Constant speed control mode is automatically canceled in the following situa-
tions:

●

Actual vehicle speed is more than approximately 10 mph (16 km/h) below
the set vehicle speed.

●

Actual vehicle speed falls below approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).

●

VSC is activated.

●

TRAC is activated for a period of time.

●

When the VSC or TRAC system is turned off.

●

Pre-collision braking is activated.

If constant speed control mode is automatically canceled for any other rea-
son, there may be a malfunction in the system. Contact your Toyota dealer.

■

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

233

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Drivin

■

When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
In the case of the following and depending on the conditions, operate the
brake pedal when deceleration of the system is insufficient or operate the
accelerator pedal when acceleration is required.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles, the
approach warning (

→P. 229) may not be activated.

●

Vehicles that cut in suddenly

●

Vehicles traveling at low speeds

●

Vehicles that are not moving in the same lane

●

Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board, etc.)

●

Motorcycles traveling in the same lane

●

When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the
detecting of the sensor

●

When your vehicle is pointing upwards
(caused by a heavy load in the luggage
compartment, etc.)

●

Preceding vehicle has an extremely
high ground clearance

234

4-5. Using the driving support systems

■

Conditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
may not function correctly
In the case of the following conditions, operate the brake pedal (or accelera-
tor pedal, depending on the situation) as necessary.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, the system
may not operate properly.

●

When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly

●

When the road curves or when the
lanes are narrow

●

When steering wheel operation or your
position in the lane is unstable

235

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Drivin

Use the cruise control to maintain a set speed without depressing the
accelerator pedal.

Display

Indicators

Set speed

Cruise control switch

Press the “ON-OFF” button to
activate the cruise control.

Cruise control indicator will be dis-
played.

Press the button again to deacti-
vate the cruise control.

Accelerate or decelerate the
vehicle to the desired speed,
and push the lever down to set
the speed.

Cruise control “SET” indicator will
be displayed.

The vehicle speed at the moment
the lever is released becomes the
set speed.

Cruise control

∗

: If equipped

Summary of functions

1
2
3
4

Setting the vehicle speed

236

4-5. Using the driving support systems

To change the set speed, operate the lever until the desired set speed
is obtained.

Increases the speed

Decreases the speed

Fine adjustment: Momentarily
move the lever in the desired direc-
tion.

Large adjustment: Hold the lever in
the desired direction.

The set speed will be increased or decreased as follows:

• When the set speed is shown in “MPH”

Fine adjustment: By approximately 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each time the lever
is operated.

Large adjustment: The set speed can be increased or decreased contin-
ually until the lever is released.

• When the set speed is shown in “km/h”

Fine adjustment: By approximately 1 km/h (0.6 mph) each time the lever
is operated

Large adjustment: The set speed can be increased or decreased contin-
ually until the lever is released.

Pulling the lever toward you
cancels the constant speed
control.

The speed setting is also canceled
when the brakes are applied.

Pushing the lever up resumes
the constant speed control.

Resuming is available when the
vehicle speed is more than approx-
imately 25 mph (40 km/h).

Adjusting the set speed

1
2

Canceling and resuming the constant speed control

237

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Drivin

■

Cruise control can be set when

●

The shift lever is in D or range 4 or higher of S has been selected.

●

Range 4 or higher of D has been selected by using the paddle shift.

●

Vehicle speed is above approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).

■

Accelerating after setting the vehicle speed

●

The vehicle can be accelerated normally. After acceleration, the set speed
resumes.

●

Even without canceling the cruise control, the set speed can be increased
by first accelerating the vehicle to the desired speed and then pushing the
lever down to set the new speed.

■

Automatic cruise control cancelation
Cruise control will stop maintaining the vehicle speed in any of the following
situations.

●

Actual vehicle speed falls more than approximately 10 mph (16 km/h) below
the preset vehicle speed.
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.

●

Actual vehicle speed is below approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).

●

VSC is activated.

■

If the warning message for the cruise control is shown on the multi-
information display
Press the “ON-OFF” button once to deactivate the system, and then press
the button again to reactivate the system.
If the cruise control speed cannot be set or if the cruise control cancels imme-
diately after being activated, there may be a malfunction in the cruise control
system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

238

4-5. Using the driving support systems

WARNING

■

To avoid operating the cruise control by mistake
Switch the cruise control off using the “ON-OFF” button when not in use.

■

Situations unsuitable for cruise control
Do not use cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in loss of control and could cause an accident resulting
in death or serious injury.

●

In heavy traffic

●

On roads with sharp bends

●

On winding roads

●

On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow

●

On steep hills
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.

●

During emergency towing

239

4-5. Using the driving support systems

Drivin

The Blind Spot Monitor is a system that has 2 functions;
● The Blind Spot Monitor function

Assists the driver in making the decision when changing lanes

● The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function

Assists the driver when backing up

These functions use same sensors.

BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)

∗

: If equipped

Summary of the Blind Spot Monitor

BSM main switch

Pressing the switch turns the system on or off. When the switch is set to
on, the switch’s indicator illuminates. Common switch for Blind Spot Moni-
tor function and Rear Cross Traffic Alert function.

Outside rear view mirror indicator

Blind Spot Monitor function:
When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the outside rear view mirror
indicator comes on while the turn signal lever is not operated and the out-
side rear view mirror indicator flashes while the turn signal lever is oper-
ated.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert function:
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is
detected, the outside rear view mirror indicators flash.

240

4-5. Using the driving support systems

■

The outside rear view mirror indicators visibility
When under strong sunlight, the outside rear view mirror indicator may be dif-
ficult to see.

■

Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer hearing
Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may be difficult to hear over loud noises
such as high audio volume.

■

When there is a malfunction in the Blind Spot Monitor system
If a system malfunction is detected due to any of the following reasons, warn-
ing messages will be displayed:

●

There is a malfunction with the sensors

●

The sensors have become dirty
Clean the sensor and its surrounding area on the bumper.

●

The outside temperature is extremely high or low

●

The sensor voltage has become abnormal

If a message continues to be displayed, have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer.

■

Certification for the Blind Spot Monitor system



For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.

FCC ID: OAYSRR2A
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:

(1)This device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2)this device must accept any interference received, including interference

that may cause undesired operation.

FCC WARNING
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.



For vehicles sold in Canada

Applicable law : Canada 310

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, includ-
ing interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Frequency bands : 24.05 - 24.25GHz

Output power : less than 20 milliwatts

Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer (Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
only)

When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is
detected, a buzzer sounds from behind the rear seat.

Toyota Avalon (2018 year). Manual - part 15