Toyota Avalon (XX50): Engine (ignition) switch

Starting the engine

1. Check that the parking brake is set.

2. Check that the shift lever is in P.

3. Firmly depress the brake pedal.

and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display.

If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be started.

4. Press the engine switch shortly and firmly

When operating the engine switch, one short, firm press is enough. It is not necessary to press and hold the switch.

The engine will crank until it starts or for up to 30 seconds, whichever is less.

Continue depressing the brake pedal until the engine is completely started.

The engine can be started from any engine switch mode.

Stopping the engine

1. Stop the vehicle completely.

2. Set the parking brake, and shift the shift lever to P.

3. Press the engine switch.

4. Release the brake pedal and check that "ACCESSORY" or "IGNITION ON" is not shown on the meter.

Changing engine switch modes

Modes can be changed by pressing the engine switch with the brake pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.)

1. Off*
   The emergency flashers can be used.

   The multi-information display will not be displayed.

2. ACCESSORY mode
   Some electrical components such as the audio system can be used.

   A message indicating how to start the engine will be displayed on the multi-information display.

3. IGNITION ON mode
   All electrical components can be used.

*: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off the engine, the engine switch will be turned to ACCESSORY mode, not to off.

When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position other than P

If the engine is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than P, the engine switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. Perform the following procedure to turn the switch off:

1. Check that the parking brake is set.

2. Shift the shift lever to P.

3. Check that "Turn Power Off" is displayed on the multi-information display and then press the engine switch once.

4. Check that "Turn Power Off" on the multi-information display is turned off.

â– Auto power off function If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION ON mode (with the engine is not running) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the engine switch will automatically turn off. However, this function cannot entirely prevent battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long periods of time when the engine is not running.

â– If the engine does not start

• The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. Contact your Toyota dealer.
• Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The engine may not start if the shift lever is displaced out of P.

â– Steering lock After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the engine switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.

â– When the steering lock cannot be released A message informing the driver that the steering wheel is locked will be displayed on the multi-information display.

Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press the engine switch while turning the steering wheel left and right.

â– Steering lock motor overheating prevention To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be suspended if the engine is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time.

In this case, refrain from operating the engine. After about 10 seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning.

â– When a message requesting the smart key system be inspected is displayed on the multi-information display The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

â– Operation of the engine switch

• If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the engine switch mode may not change or the engine may not start.
• If attempting to restart the engine immediately after turning the engine switch off, the engine may not start in some cases. After turning the engine switch off, wait a few seconds before restarting the engine.

WARNING â– When starting the engine Always start the engine while sitting in the driver's seat. Do not depress the accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances. Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. â– Caution while driving If engine failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activation of the steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury. â– Stopping the engine in an emergency If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or more in succession. However, do not touch the engine switch while driving except in an emergency. Turning the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If the engine switch is operated while the vehicle is running, a warning message will be shown on the multi-information display and a buzzer sounds. When restarting the engine after it was turned off while driving, shift the shift lever to N and press the engine switch.

 

NOTICE â– To prevent battery discharge Do not leave the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long periods of time without the engine running. If "ACCESSORY" or "IGNITION ON" is displayed on the multi-information display, the engine switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the engine switch off. Do not stop the engine when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If the engine is stopped in another shift lever position, the engine switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode, battery discharge may occur. â– When starting the engine Do not race a cold engine. If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer immediately. â– Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the engine switch If the engine switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual, such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact your Toyota dealer immediately.