Driving assist systems. Toyota Avalon Hybrid 2020, Avalon HV

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

■ Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode

Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the air conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency (

 P. 338). To improve air

conditioning performance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode.

■ Auto Glide Control

● While driving in Eco drive mode with D selected, releasing the accelerator pedal will activate Auto Glide Control under certain conditions. (Auto Glide

Control may activate before the accelerator pedal is fully released.)

When Auto Glide Control operates, the electric motor (traction motor) will be controlled, reducing the deceleration force and allowing the vehicle to coast, enhancing fuel economy.

When Auto Glide Control operates, the AGC indicator light will illuminate.

● Auto Glide Control may not operate in the following situations:

• When the brake pedal is depressed

• When a shift position other than D is selected

• When the vehicle speed is approximately 10 mph (15 km/h) or lower

• When the vehicle is accelerating on a downward slope

• When the PCS (Pre-Collision System) is operating

• When the dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range is operating

• When the Intelligent Clearance Sonar system is operating

• When the TRAC or VSC system is operating

• When the TRAC or VSC system is disabled by pressing the VSC OFF switch

■ Sport mode automatic deactivation

Sport mode is automatically deactivated if the power switch is turned off after driving in sport mode.

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Driving assist systems

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To keep driving safety and performance, the following systems operate automatically in response to various driving situations.

Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.

◆ ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)

The electronically controlled system generates braking force corresponding to the brake operation

◆ ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface

◆ Brake assist

Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation

◆ VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)

Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on slippery road surfaces.

◆ Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)

Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.

Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by controlling steering performance.

◆

TRAC (Traction Control)

Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads

◆ Hill-start assist control

Helps to reduce the backward movement of the vehicle when starting on an uphill

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

◆ EPS (Electric Power Steering)

Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the steering wheel

◆ The Secondary Collision Brake

When the SRS airbag sensor detects a collision and the system operates, the brakes and stop lights are automatically controlled to reduce the vehicle speed and help reduce the possibility of further damage due to a secondary collision.

When the TRAC/VSC/ABS systems are operating

The slip indicator light will flash while the TRAC/VSC/ABS systems are operating.

Disabling the TRAC system

If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may reduce power from the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing to turn the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.

To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press and release .

The “Traction Control Turned Off” will be shown on the multi-information display.

Press again to turn the system back on.

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■ Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems

To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than 3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.

The VSC OFF indicator light will come on and the “Traction Control Turned

Off” will be shown on the multi-information display

*

.

Press again to turn the system back on.

*

: Pre-collision brake assist and pre-collision braking will also be disabled.

The PCS warning light will come on and the message will be shown on the multi-information display. (

 P. 252)

■ When the message is displayed on the multi-information display showing that TRAC has been disabled even if has not been pressed

TRAC is temporary deactivated. If the information continues to show, contact your Toyota dealer.

■ Operating conditions of hill-start assist control

When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will operate:

● The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/ backward on an upward incline)

● The vehicle is stopped

● The accelerator pedal is not depressed

● The parking brake is not engaged

■ Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control

The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:

● The shift lever is shifted to P or N

● The accelerator pedal is depressed

● The parking brake is engaged

● 2 seconds at maximum elapsed after the brake pedal is released

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC, and hill-start assist control systems

● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid system is started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.

● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.

• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.

• A motor sound may be heard also after the vehicle comes to a stop.

■ ECB brake operation

Braking power may be stronger than normal for a short time after the hybrid system is started.

■ ECB operating sound

ECB operating sound may be heard in the following cases, but it does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred.

● Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is operated.

● Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle when the driver’s door is opened.

● Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when one or two minutes passed after the stop of the hybrid system.

■ EPS operation sound

When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

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■ Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC systems

After turning the TRAC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automatically re-enabled in the following situations:

● When the power switch is turned off

● If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed increases

If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will not occur when vehicle speed increases

■ Secondary Collision Brake operating conditions

The system operates when the SRS airbag sensor detects a collision while the vehicle is in motion.

However, the system does not operate in any of the following situations.

● The vehicle speed is below 6 mph (10 km/h)

● Components are damaged

■ Secondary Collision Brake automatic cancellation

The system is automatically canceled in any of the following situations.

● The vehicle speed drops below approximately 6 mph (10 km/h)

● A certain amount of time elapses during operation

● The accelerator pedal is depressed a large amount

■ Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system

The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system off. The EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

WARNING

■ The ABS does not operate effectively when

● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).

● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.

■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal conditions

The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situations:

● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads

● When driving with tire chains

● When driving over bumps in the road

● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces

■ TRAC/VSC may not operate effectively when

Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC system is operating.

Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

■ Hill- start assist control does not operate effectively when

● Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.

● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident.

■ When the TRAC/ABS/VSC is activated

The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.

■ When the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off

Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As these are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.

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WARNING

■ Replacing tires

Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire inflation pressure level.

The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are installed on the vehicle.

Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.

■ Handling of tires and the suspension

Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

■ Secondary Collision Brake

Do not rely solely upon the Secondary Collision Brake. This system is designed to help reduce the possibility of further damage due to a secondary collision, however, that effect changes according to various conditions.

Overly relying on the system may result in death or serious injury.

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4-6. Driving tips

Hybrid vehicle driving tips

For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:

◆ Using Eco drive mode

When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accelerator pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy. (

 P. 321)

◆ Use of Hybrid System Indicator

The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the needle of Hybrid

System Indicator within Eco area. ( 

P. 100)

◆ Shift lever operation

Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be generated. Also, when using the air conditioning system, etc., the hybrid battery

(traction battery) power is consumed.

◆

Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation

● Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration. Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) without having to use gasoline engine power.

● Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid battery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel consumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the accelerator pedal slightly released.

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◆ When braking

Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.

◆ Delays

Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at traffic lights, will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports before leaving and avoid delays as much as possible. When driving in a traffic jam, gently release the brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding overuse of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline consumption.

◆ Highway driving

Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stopping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.

◆ Air conditioning

Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help reduce excessive gasoline consumption.

In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioning system and reduce fuel consumption as well.

In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out until it and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel.

Also, fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the heater.

◆ Checking tire inflation pressure

Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire inflation pressure can cause poor fuel economy.

Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry roads can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appropriate for the season.

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