1996 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual - Page 132

(b) Starting the engine Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the instructions in "(a) Before cranking". Normal starting procedure The multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection system in your engine automatically controls the proper air-fuel mixture for starting. You can start a cold or hot engine as follows: 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, crank the engine by turning the key to "START". Release it when the engine starts. 2. After the engine runs for about 10 seconds, you are ready to drive. If the weather is below freezing, let the engine warm up for a few minutes before driving. If the engine stalls...Simply restart it, using the correct procedure given in normal starting. If the engine will not start- See "If your vehicle will not start" in Part 4. zIf the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine checked immediately. Tips for driving in various conditions S Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you much better control. Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle. Avoid driving onto high, sharp-edged objects and other road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire damage resulting in tire bursts. When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking brake, and place the transmission in "P". If necessary, block the wheels. Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that there is no traffic near you, and then press the pedal lightly. If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake depressed. If they still do not work safely, pull to the side of the road and call a Toyota dealer for assistance. S S S NOTICE zDo not crank for more than 15 seconds at a time. This may overheat the starter and wiring systems. zDo not race a cold engine. 126