2000 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual

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Brake pad wear limit indicators

(cid:1) The light comes on while driving. If the light lit during driving goes out and does not come on again, it is a normal operation.

CAUTION

If the “ABS” warning light remains on together with the brake system warn- ing light, immediately stop your ve- hicle at a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer. In this case, the vehicle may become harder to control or skid during hard braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.

DRUM- IN- DISC TYPE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM Your vehicle has a drum- in- disc type parking brake system. This type of brake system needs bedding- down of the brake shoes periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drums are replaced. Have your Toyota dealer perform the bed- ding- down.

in

the brakes on,

BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM When you slam the brake assist system judges as an emer- gency stop and provides more powerful braking for a driver who cannot hold down the brake pedal firmly. When you slam the brakes on, more pow- erful braking will be applied. At this time, you may hear a sound the engine compartment and feel the vibration of the brake pedal. This does not indicate a mal- function. The brake assist system becomes opera- tive after the vehicle has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately 10
km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle decelerates to a speed below approximately 5 km/h (3 mph). For an explanation of this system’s warn- ing light, see “Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers” in Section 1- 5.

The brake pad wear limit indicators on your disc brakes give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn to where replacement is required. If you hear a squealing or scraping noise while driving, have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible. Expensive ro- tor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when necessary.

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Your Toyota’s identification— —Vehicle identification number

NOTICE

Do not load the vehicle beyond the vehicle capacity weight specified in Section 8.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the legal identifier for your vehicle. This number is on the left top of the instrument panel, and can be seen through the windshield from outside. This is the primary identification number for your Toyota. It is used in registering the ownership of your vehicle.

luggage or cargo

Luggage stowage precautions When stowing vehicle, observe the following: (cid:1) Put luggage or cargo in the trunk when at all possible. Be sure all items are secured in place.

the

in

(cid:1) Be careful

to keep

the vehicle bal- anced. Locating the weight as far for- ward as possible helps maintain bal- ance.

(cid:1) For better fuel economy, do not carry

unneeded weight.

CAUTION

the

(cid:1) Do not place anything on the filler rear seatback. panel behind items may be thrown about Such and possibly injure people in the vehicle during sudden braking or an accident.

(cid:1) Do not drive with objects left on top of the instrument panel. They may interfere with the driver’s field of view. Or they may move during sharp vehicle acceleration or turn- ing, and impair the driver’s control of the vehicle. In an accident they may injure the vehicle occupants.

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—Engine number

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also on the Certification Label.

The engine number is stamped on the engine block as shown.

Theft prevention labels (except for Canada) Your new vehicle carries theft preven- tion labels which are approximately 56
mm (2.20 in.) by 16 mm (0.63 in.). The purpose of these labels is to reduce the incidence of vehicle thefts by facilitat- ing the tracing and recovery of parts from stolen vehicles. The label is designed so that once it is applied to a surface, any attempt to remove it will result in destroy- ing the integrity of the label. Transferring these labels intact from one part to anoth- er, will be impossible.

NOTICE

You should not attempt to remove the theft prevention labels as it may vio- late certain state or federal laws.

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CAUTION

(cid:1) Do not mix summer and all season tires on your vehicle as this can cause dangerous handling charac- teristics, resulting in loss of con- trol.

(cid:1) Do not use tires other

than the manufacturer’s designated tires, and never mix tires or wheels of the sizes different from the originals.

Suspension and chassis

CAUTION

Do not modify the suspension/chassis with lift kits, spacers, springs, etc. It can cause dangerous handling charac- teristics, resulting in loss of control.

240

Types of tires Make sure what kind of tires your ve- hicle is originally equipped with. 1. Summer tires Summer tires are high- speed capability tires best suited to highway driving under dry conditions. Since summer tires do not have the same traction performance as snow tires, sum- mer tires are inadequate for driving on snow- covered or icy roads. For driving on snow- covered or icy roads, we recom- mend using snow tires. If installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires. 2. All season tires All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to be adequate for driving in most winter conditions, as well as for use all year round. All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose snow. Also, all season tires fall short in accel- eration performance compared with summer tires in highway driving.

handling

and

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SECTION 3

STARTING AND DRIVING Before starting the engine How to start the engine Tips for driving in various conditions Winter driving tips Trailer towing How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer, too

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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243
244
245
246
251

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Before starting the engine 1. Check the area around the vehicle be-

fore entering it.

2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, restraint

seat cushion angle, head height and steering wheel angle.

3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view

mirrors.

4. Lock all the doors. 5. Fasten seat belts.

How to start the engine— (a) Before cranking 1. Apply the parking brake firmly. 2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces-

sories.

3. Put the selector lever in “P”. If you need to restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, put the selector le- ver in “N”. A starter safety device will prevent the starter from operating if the selector lever is in any drive position. 4. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to

the floor until driving off.

(b) Starting the engine Before starting the engine, be sure to fol- low the instructions in “(a) Before crank- ing”. Normal starting procedure The multiport fuel injection system/sequen- tial 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 ped- al, crank the engine by turning the key to “START”. Release it when the en- gine starts.

2. After the engine runs for about 10 se-

conds, 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 proce- dure given in normal starting. If the engine will not start... See “If your vehicle will not start” in Sec- tion 4.

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Tips for driving in various conditions (cid:1) Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you much better control. (cid:1) Drive slowly onto curbs and, if pos- sible, 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 result- ing in tire bursts.

they

(cid:1) When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until touch the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking brake, and place the transmis- sion the wheels.

If necessary, block

in “P”.

(cid:1) 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 park- ing brake applied. If they still do not work safely, pull to the side of the road and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.

CAUTION

(cid:1) Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is fully released and the parking brake reminder light is off.

(cid:1) Do not

leave your vehicle unat- tended while the engine is running. (cid:1) Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear, and poor fuel economy.

(cid:1) To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes excessively, they may overheat and not work properly.

(cid:1) Be careful when accelerating, up- shifting, downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. Sudden accelera- tion or engine braking, could cause the vehicle to spin or skid.

NOTICE

(cid:1) Do not crank for more than 30 se- conds at a time. This may overheat the starter and wiring systems.

(cid:1) Do not race a cold engine. (cid:1) If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine checked immediately.

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tire dealer

(cid:1) Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140
km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle has high- speed capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to con- sult a to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high- speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds. (cid:1) Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are wet. If they are require a wet, your vehicle will longer stopping distance, and it the may pull brakes are applied. Also, the park- ing brake will not hold the vehicle securely.

to one side when

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Winter driving tips Make sure you have a proper freeze protection of engine coolant. Your coolant must contain ethylene- glycol type corrosion protection of aluminum components. Use “TOYOTA Long Life Coolant” or equivalent. See Section 7- 2 for details about coolant type selection.

for a proper

coolant

NOTICE

Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.

When it is extremely cold, we recommend to use 60% solution for your Toyota, to provide protection down to about -50(cid:2)C (- 58(cid:2)F). Do not use more than 70% solu- tion for better coolant performance. Check the condition of the battery and cables. Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter start- ing. Section 7- 3 tells you how to visually inspect the battery. Your Toyota dealer and most service stations will be pleased to check the level of charge.

Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold weather. See Section 7- 2 for recommended viscos- ity. Leaving a heavy summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call your Toyota deal- er—he will be pleased to help. Keep the door locks from freezing. Squirt lock de- icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from freezing. Use a washer fluid containing an anti- freeze solution. This product is available at your Toyota dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how much to mix with water.

NOTICE

Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it may dam- age your vehicle’s paint.

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WEIGHT LIMITS Before towing, make sure the total trail- er weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits. The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with platform scales found at a highway weighing station, build- ing supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.

CAUTION

(cid:1) The

total

trailer weight its cargo

(trailer weight plus load) must not exceed 907 kg (2000 lb.). Ex- ceeding this weight is dangerous.

vehicle. Towing

Trailer towing Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger- carrying trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, performance, braking, durability and driving economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Your safety and satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious driving habits. For your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload your vehicle or trailer. Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes. Ask your local further details before Toyota dealer towing.

for

NOTICE

When towing a trailer, be sure to con- sult your Toyota dealer for further in- formation on additional requirements such as a towing kit, etc.

Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility it could freeze. When parking, put the transmission into “P” and block the rear wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water accu- mulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may freeze, making it hard to release. Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders. Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the fenders occasionally. Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you carry some emer- gency equipment. Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains, window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel, jumper cables, etc.

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(cid:1) The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from distribution of the gross vehicle weight on both axles must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Certification Label.

(cid:1) Trailer hitch assemblies have differ- ent weight capacities established by the hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capa- ble of towing a higher weight, the operator must determine the maxi- mum weight rating of the particular hitch assembly and never exceed the maximum weight rating speci- fied for the trailer- hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight rating set by the trailer hitch manufacturer can cause an accident resulting in seri- ous personal injuries.

indicated on

(cid:1) The gross vehicle weight must not the Gross Vehicle Weight exceed Rating (GVWR) the Certification Label. The gross ve- hicle weight is the sum of weights of the unloaded vehicle, driver, pas- sengers, luggage, hitch and trailer tongue includes the weight of any special equipment installed on your vehicle.

It also

load.

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Total trailer weight

Tongue load

Tongue load

Total trailer weight

(cid:1) 100 = 9 to 11%

(cid:1) The trailer cargo

the

total

to 11% of

load should be distributed so that the tongue load is 9 trailer weight, not exceeding the maximum of 90 kg (200 lb.). Never load the trailer with more weight in the back than in the front. About 60% of the trailer load should be in the front half of the trailer and the remaining 40% in the rear.

248

HITCHES (cid:1) Use only a hitch which

recom- mended by the hitch manufacturer and conforms to the total trailer weight re- quirement.

is

(cid:1) Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer, and bolt the hitch securely to the rear bumper. Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.

trailer

(cid:1) Toyota recommends removing the trail- er hitch whenever you are not towing to reduce the possibility of additional damage caused by the hitch if your vehicle is struck from behind. After the hitch, seal any mounting holes in the vehicle body to prevent entry of pollutants such as ex- haust fumes, dirt, water, etc.

removing

NOTICE

Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can cause damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires. Also, never install a hitch which may interfere with the normal function of an Energy Absorbing Bumper.

BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS (cid:1) Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.

the

towing vehicle and in

(cid:1) A safety chain must always be used the between trailer. Leave sufficient slack the chain for turns. The chain should cross under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground in case it becomes damaged or sepa- rated. For correct safety chain proce- dures, trailer the hitch or manufacturer’s recommendations.

follow

CAUTION

(cid:1) If the total trailer weight exceeds 453 kg (1000 lb.), trailer brakes are required.

(cid:1) Never tap

into your vehicle’s hy- draulic system as it would lower its braking effectiveness.

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(cid:1) Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is danger of the trailer wandering over into another lane.

TIRES (cid:1) Ensure

that your vehicle’s

tires are properly inflated. See Section 7- 2 for instructions.

(cid:1) The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the trail- er manufacturer in respect to the total trailer weight.

local

local

TRAILER LIGHTS (cid:1) Trailer lights must comply with federal, regulations. state/provincial and See your recreational vehicle dealer or rental agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for your trail- er. Check for correct operation of the turn signals and stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may dam- age your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction of your lights.

BREAK- IN SCHEDULE (cid:1) Toyota recommends

that you do not tow a trailer with a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train com- ponent (engine, transmission, differen- tial, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.

MAINTENANCE (cid:1) If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to the additional load. For this informa- tion, please the scheduled maintenance information in the “Sched- uled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

refer

to

(cid:1) Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.

PRE- TOWING SAFETY CHECK (cid:1) Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an abnormal nose- up or nose- down condition, and check improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other possible causes.

for

(cid:1) Make sure the trailer cargo is securely

loaded so that it can not shift.

(cid:1) Check that your rear view mirrors con- form to any applicable federal, state/ provincial or local regulations. If not, install the rear view mirrors required for towing purpose.

TRAILER TOWING TIPS When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently than when not tow- ing. The three main causes of vehicle- trailer accidents are driver error, exces- sive speed and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when towing: (cid:1) Before starting out, check operation of the lights and all vehicle- trailer connec- tions. After driving a short distance, stop and recheck the lights and con- nections. Before actually towing a trail- er, practice turning, stopping and back- ing with a trailer in an area away from traffic until you learn the feel.

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(cid:1) Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to move the trailer to the right. (This pro- cedure that when backing without a trailer). Also, just turn the steering wheel a little at time, avoiding sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when backing to reduce the risk of an acci- dent.

is generally opposite

to

increased when

(cid:1) Because stopping distance may be in- vehicle- to- vehicle distance creased, should be towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length between you and the ve- hicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.

(cid:1) Avoid jerky starts or sudden accelera-

tion.

250

(cid:1) Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit your vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn to avoid the necessity of sudden braking.

(cid:1) Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Therefore, compensate for this by making a turning radius with your vehicle.

than normal

larger

(cid:1) Crosswinds and rough roads will ad- versely affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to the rear from time to time to pre- pare yourself for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly grip the steering wheel and immediately but gradually. Never increase speed. Steer straight ahead. If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, the vehicle and trailer will stabilize.

reduce speed

(cid:1) Be careful when passing other ve- hicles. Passing requires considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty of room be- fore changing lanes.

(cid:1) In order to maintain engine braking effi-

ciency do not use overdrive.

(at

(cid:1) Because of the added load of the trail- er, your vehicle’s engine may overheat on hot days temperatures over 30(cid:2)C [85(cid:2)F]) when going up a long or steep grade with a trailer. If the engine coolant indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in use), pull off the road and stop in a safe spot. Refer to “If your vehicle overheats” in 4 of this manual.

temperature gauge

(cid:1) Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. Put the transmission in “P”. Avoid park- ing on a slope with a trailer, but if it cannot be avoided, do so only after performing the following:

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1. Apply the brakes and hold. 2. Have someone place wheel blocks un- der both the vehicle and trailer wheels. 3. When the wheel blocks are in place, the

release your brakes slowly until blocks absorb the load.

4. Apply the parking brake firmly. 5. Shift into “P” and turn off the engine. When restarting out after parking on a slope:

1. With the transmission in “P” position, start the engine. Be sure to keep the brake pedal depressed.

2. Shift into the “2”, “L” or “R” position. 3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull or back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply your brakes.

4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.

CAUTION

towing speed

(cid:1) Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or the posted limit, whichever is lower. Because insta- bility (swaying) of a towing vehicle- trailer in- creases as the speed increases, ex- ceeding 72 km/h (45 mph) may cause loss of control.

combination

usually

(cid:1) Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do not make sudden down- shifts.

long or

(cid:1) Avoid holding the brake pedal down too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking effi- ciency.

too

fuel

How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer, too Getting more kilometers/mileage from a liter/gallon of take it is easy—just easy. It will help make your vehicle last longer, too. Here are some specific tips on how to save money on both fuel and repairs: (cid:1) Keep your tires inflated at the cor- rect pressure. Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel. See 7- 2 for instructions.

(cid:1) Do not carry unneeded weight

in your vehicle. Excess weight puts a heavier the engine, causing greater fuel consumption.

load on

(cid:1) Avoid lengthy warm- up idling. Once the engine is running smoothly, begin driving—but gently. Remember, howev- er, that on cold winter days this may take a little longer.

(cid:1) Keep

the automatic

transmission overdrive turned on when engine braking is not required. Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel economy. (For details, see “Automatic transmission” in Section 1- 6.)

(cid:1) Accelerate

slowly

and

smoothly.

Avoid jackrabbit starts.

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the

(cid:1) Keep

front wheels

in proper alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and slow down on rough roads. Improper alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an extra load on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel. (cid:1) Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc. This not only lessens weight but also helps prevent corro- sion.

CAUTION

Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your power steering and brake booster will not function with- out the emission control system operates properly only when the engine is run- ning.

the engine running. Also,

(cid:1) Keep your vehicle tuned- up and in top shape. A dirty air cleaner, improp- er valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and grease, brakes not adjusted, etc. all lower engine performance and con- tribute to poor fuel economy. For longer life of all s and lower operating costs, keep all maintenance work on sched- ule, and if you often drive under se- vere conditions, see that your vehicle frequent maintenance receives more (For scheduled maintenance informa- tion, please the separate “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”).

refer

to

(cid:1) Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start again later.

(cid:1) Avoid engine lug or overrevving. Use a gear position suitable for the road on which you are travelling.

(cid:1) Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down. Stop- and- go driving wastes fuel.

(cid:1) Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a steady pace. Try to time the traffic signals so you only need to stop as little as possible or take advantage of through streets to avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper dis- tance from other vehicles to avoid sud- den braking. This will also reduce wear on your brakes.

(cid:1) Avoid heavy traffic or traffic

whenever possible.

jams

(cid:1) Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This causes premature wear, overheating and poor fuel economy.

(cid:1) Maintain a moderate speed on high- ways. The faster you drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your speed, you will cut down on fuel con- sumption.

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SECTION 4

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

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If your vehicle will not start

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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If your engine stalls while driving

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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If your vehicle overheats

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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If you have a flat tire

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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If your vehicle needs to be towed

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever

. . . . . . . .

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If you lose your keys

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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If you lose your wireless remote control transmitter

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

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to start

followed in

If your vehicle will not start— (a) Simple checks Before making these checks, make sure the correct starting you have procedure given “How the engine” in Section 3 and that you have sufficient fuel. If your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobiliser system, also check whether the other keys will start the engine. If they work, your key may be broken. Have the key checked at your Toyota dealer. If none of your keys work, the system is possibly broken. Call your Toyota dealer. (See “Keys (with engine immobiliser system)” in Section 1- 2.) If the engine is not turning over or is turn- ing over too slowly— 1. Check

terminals are

the battery

that

tight and clean.

2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch

on the interior light.

3. If the light

is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked, the battery is discharged. You may try jump start- ing. See “(c) Jump starting” for further instructions.

If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop.

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NOTICE

Do not pull- or push-start the ve- hicle. It may damage the vehicle or cause a collision when the engine starts. Also the three-way catalytic converter may overheat and become a fire hazard.

If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will not start— 1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking. See “(b) Starting a flooded engine” for further instructions. 2. If the engine still will not start, it needs repair. Call a Toyota

adjustment or dealer or qualified repair shop.

(b) Starting a flooded engine If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking. If this happens, turn the key to “START” the accelerator pedal held down. with Keep the key and accelerator pedal in these positions for 15 seconds and re- lease them. Then try starting the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal. If the engine does not start after 15 se- conds of cranking, release the key, wait a few minutes and try again. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for assistance.

NOTICE

Do not crank for more than 30 se- conds at a time. This may overheat the starter and wiring systems.

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JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE 1. If

the booster battery

installed in another vehicle, make sure the vehicles are not touching. Turn off all unneces- sary lights and accessories.

is

2. If required, remove all the vent plugs from the booster and discharged batter- ies. Lay a cloth over the open vents on the batteries. (This helps reduce the explosion hazard, personal injuries and burns.)

3. If the engine in the vehicle with the booster battery is not running, start it and let it run for a few minutes. During jump starting, run the engine at about 2000 rpm with the accelerator pedal lightly depressed.

(cid:1) The gas normally produced by a battery will explode if a flame or spark is brought near. Use only standardized jumper cables and do not smoke or light a match while jump starting.

NOTICE

The battery used for boosting must be 12 V. Do not jump start unless you are sure that the booster battery is correct.

(c) Jump starting To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your vehicle which might re- sult from battery explosion, acid burns, electrical burns, or damaged electronic components, these instructions must be followed precisely. If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, we strongly that you seek the help of a competent me- chanic or towing service.

recommend

CAUTION

(cid:1) Batteries

contain

sulfuric

acid which is poisonous and corrosive. Wear protective safety glasses when jump starting, and avoid spilling acid on your skin, clothing, or ve- hicle.

(cid:1) If you should accidentally get acid on yourself or in your eyes, remove any contaminated clothing and flush the affected area with water im- mediately. Then get immediate medi- cal attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while en route to the medical office.

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Discharged battery

Jumper cable

Booster battery

Positive terminal (“+”mark)

Discharged battery

Jumper cable

Positive terminal (“+”mark)

Negative terminal (“- ”mark)

Booster battery

4. Make the cable connections in the or-

der a, b, c, d. a. Connect the clamp of the positive (red) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal on the discharged battery. b. Connect the clamp at the other end of the positive (red) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal on the booster battery.

jumper cable to

c. Connect the clamp of the negative (black) the negative (- ) terminal on the booster battery. d. Connect the clamp at the other end of the negative (black) jumper cable to a solid, stationary, unpainted, metallic point of the vehicle with the discharged battery. The recommended connecting point is shown in the following illustration:

Connecting point

Do not connect the cable to or near any part that moves when the engine is cranked.

CAUTION

the connections,

to When making avoid serious injury, do not lean over the battery or accidentally the jumper cables or clamps touch any- thing except the correct battery termi- nals or the ground.

let

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5. Start your engine in the normal way. After starting, run it at about 2000 rpm for several minutes with the accelerator pedal lightly depressed.

6. Carefully disconnect the cables in the exact reverse order: the negative cable and then the positive cable.

7. Carefully dispose of the battery cover cloths—they may now contain sulfuric acid.

8. If removed, replace all the battery vent

plugs.

If the cause of your battery discharging is not apparent (for example, lights left on), you should have it checked.

If your engine stalls while driving If your engine stalls while driving... 1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off the road to a safe place.

2. Turn on your emergency flashers. 3. Try starting the engine again. If the engine will not start, see “If your vehicle will not start”.

CAUTION

If the engine is not running, the pow- er assist for the brakes and steering will not work so steering and braking will be much harder than usual.

If your vehicle overheats If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, if you ex- perience a loss of power, or if you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has probably overheated. You should follow this procedure... 1. Pull safely off the road, stop the ve- turn on your emergency hicle and flashers. Put the transmission in “P” and apply the parking brake. Turn off the air conditioning if it is being used. 2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator or reservoir, stop the engine. Wait until the steam subsides before opening the hood. If there is no coolant boiling over or steam, leave the engine running and make sure the electric cooling fan is operating. If it is not, turn the ignition off.

CAUTION

injury, keep To help avoid personal the hood closed until there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is a sign of very high pressure.

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6. After

the engine coolant

temperature has cooled to normal, again check the coolant level in the reservoir. If neces- sary, bring it up to half full again. Seri- ous coolant loss indicates a leak in the system. You should have it checked as soon as possible at your Toyota dealer.

3. Look for obvious coolant leaks from the radiator, hoses, and under the vehicle. However, note that water draining from the air conditioning is normal if it has been used.

CAUTION

the engine

When is running, keep hands and clothing away from the moving fan and engine drive belts.

4. If the coolant is leaking, stop the en- gine immediately. Call a Toyota dealer for assistance.

5. If there are no obvious leaks, check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add coolant to the reservoir while the en- gine is running. Fill it about half full.

CAUTION

Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out under pressure.

If you have a flat tire— 1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off the road to a safe place well away from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the center divider of a highway. Park on a level spot with firm ground.

2. Stop

the engine and

turn on your

emergency flashers.

3. Firmly set the parking brake and put

the transmission in “P”.

4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle

on the side away from traffic.

5. Read oughly.

the

following

instructions

thor-

CAUTION

When jacking, be sure to observe the following to reduce the possibility of personal injury: (cid:1) Follow jacking instructions. (cid:1) Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle supported by the jack. Personal injury may occur.

(cid:1) Do not start or run the engine while is supported by the

your vehicle jack.

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—Required tools and spare tire

NOTICE

Do not continue driving with a de- flated tire. Driving even a short dis- tance can damage a tire and wheel beyond repair.

tools and spare

the required

1. Get tire. 1. Wheel nut wrench 2. Jack 3. Jack handle 4. Spare tire

To prepare yourself for an emergency, you should familiarize yourself with the use of the jack, each of the tools and their stor- age locations.

(cid:1) Stop the vehicle on a

level firm ground, firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission in “P”. Block the wheel diagonally opposite to the one being changed if neces- sary.

(cid:1) Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack point. Raising the ve- hicle with improperly posi- tioned will damage the vehicle or may allow the vehicle to fall off the jack and cause personal injury.

jack

(cid:1) Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is supported by the jack alone.

(cid:1) Use the jack only for lifting your

vehicle during wheel changing.

(cid:1) Do not raise the vehicle with some-

one in the vehicle.

(cid:1) When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack. (cid:1) Raise the vehicle only high enough

to remove and change the tire.

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—Blocking the wheel

Turn the jack joint by hand. To remove: Turn the joint in the direction 1 until the jack is free. To store: Turn the joint in the direction 2
until the jack is firmly secured to prevent it from flying forward during a collision or sudden braking.

To remove the spare tire: 1. Loosen the nut and remove it. 2. Remove the spare tire cover. 3. Loosen the bolt and remove it. 4. Remove the spacer. Then take the spare tire out of the ve- hicle. When storing the spare tire, put it in place with the outer side of the wheel facing up. Then secure the above removal steps in reverse order to prevent forward during a collision or sudden braking.

repeating

tire by

flying

from

the

it

2. Block the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire to keep the vehicle from rolling when it is jacked up.

When blocking the wheel, place a wheel block from the front for the front wheels or from the rear for the rear wheels.

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—Removing wheel ornament (steel wheels only)

—Loosening wheel nuts

—Positioning the jack

3. Remove the wheel ornament. Pry off the beveled end of the wheel nut wrench as shown.

the wheel ornament, using

CAUTION

Do not try to pull off the ornament by hand. Take due care in handling the ornament to avoid unexpected person- al injury.

4. Loosen all the wheel nuts. Always loosen the wheel nuts before rais- ing the vehicle. Turn the wheel nuts counterclockwise to loosen. To get maximum leverage, fit the wrench to the nut so that the handle is on the right side, as shown above. Grab the wrench near the end of the handle and pull up on the handle. Be careful that the wrench does not slip off the nut. Do not remove the nuts yet—just unscrew them about one- half turn.

5. Position the jack at the correct jack

point as shown.

Make sure the jack level and solid place.

is positioned on a

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—Raising your vehicle

—Changing wheels

CAUTION

Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle jack alone.

is supported by

the

6. After making sure that no one is in the vehicle, raise it high enough so that the spare tire can be installed. Remember you will need more ground clearance when putting on the spare tire than when removing the flat tire. To raise the vehicle, insert the jack handle into the jack (it is a loose fit) and turn it clockwise. As the jack touches the vehicle and begins to lift, double- check that it is properly positioned.

7. Remove the wheel nuts and change

tires.

it

the flat

the spare wheel

tire straight off and put

Lift aside. Roll into position and align the holes in the wheel with the bolts. Then lift up the wheel and get at least the top bolt started through its hole. Wiggle the tire and press it back over the other bolts.

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—Reinstalling wheel nuts

—Lowering your vehicle

Before putting on wheels, remove any cor- rosion on the mounting surfaces with a wire brush or such. Installation of wheels without good metal- to- metal contact at the mounting surface can cause wheel nuts to loosen and eventually cause a wheel to come off while driving. Therefore after the first 1600 km (1000 miles), check to see that the wheel nuts are tight.

8. Reinstall all the wheel nuts finger

tight.

Reinstall the wheel nuts (tapered end in- ward) and tighten them as much as you can by hand. Press back on the tire back and see if you can tighten them more.

272

9. Lower

the vehicle completely and

tighten the wheel nuts.

Turn the jack handle counterclockwise to lower the vehicle. Use only the wheel nut wrench and turn it clockwise to tighten the nuts. Do not use other tools or any additional leverage other than your hands, such as a hammer, pipe or your foot. Make sure the wrench is securely engaged over the nut. Tighten each nut a little at a time in the order shown. Repeat the process until all the nuts are tight.

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—Reinstalling wheel ornament (steel wheels only)

CAUTION

When lowering the vehicle, make sure all portions of your body and all oth- er persons around will not be injured as the ground.

the vehicle

lowered

to

is

10. Reinstall the wheel ornament. Align the cutout of the wheel ornament with the valve stem as shown. Then tap it firmly with the side or heel of your hand to snap it into place.

CAUTION

Take due care in handling the orna- ment to avoid unexpected personal injury.

—After changing wheels 11. Check the air pressure of the re-

placed tire.

Adjust the air pressure to the specification designated in Section 8. If the pressure is lower, drive slowly to the nearest service station and fill to the correct pressure. Do not forget to reinstall the tire inflation valve cap as dirt and moisture could get into the valve core and possibly cause air leakage. If the cap is missing, have a new one put on as soon as possible. 12. Restow all the tools, jack and flat

tire securely.

As soon after changing wheels as pos- sible, tighten the wheel nuts to the torque specified torque wrench. Have a technician repair the flat tire and replace the spare tire with it.

in Section 8 with a

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If your vehicle needs to be towed—

(a) Towing with wheel lift type truck—

—From front

CAUTION

Before driving, make sure all the tools, jack and flat tire are securely in place in their storage location to reduce the possibility of personal in- jury during a collision or sudden braking.

—From rear

(b) Using flat bed truck

274

If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your Toyota dealer or a commercial tow truck ser- vice. In consultation with them, have your vehicle towed using either (a) or (b). Only when you cannot receive a towing service from a Toyota dealer or com- mercial tow truck service, tow your ve- hicle carefully in accordance with the instructions given in “—Emergency tow- ing” in this section. Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are generally aware of local laws pertaining to towing. Your vehicle can be damaged is towed incorrectly. Although most operators know the correct procedure, it is possible to make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle, make sure the following pre- cautions are observed. If necessary, show this page to the tow truck driver.

the state/provincial and

if

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’00 AVALON U (L/O9908)

(c) Towing with sling

type truck

—Emergency towing

(c) Towing with sling type truck

Front

NOTICE

Do not tow with sling type truck, ei- ther from the front or rear. This may cause body damage.

Rear (on some models)

275

TOWING PRECAUTIONS: Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use a towing dolly. (a) Towing with wheel lift type truck From front—Release the parking brake.

NOTICE

When lifting wheels, take care to en- sure adequate ground clearance for towing at the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Otherwise, the bumper and/or underbody of the towed vehicle will be damaged during towing.

From rear—Use a towing dolly under the front wheels.

NOTICE

Never tow from the rear with the front wheels on the ground, as this may cause serious damage to the trans- mission.

(b) Using flat bed truck

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If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever (floor shift)

If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your Toyota dealer or a commercial tow truck ser- vice. If towing service is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be tempo- rarily towed by a cable or chain se- cured to one of the emergency towing eyelets under the vehicle. Use extreme caution when towing vehicles.

NOTICE

Only use specified towing eyelet; otherwise your vehicle may be dam- aged.

A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the brakes. Towing in this manner may be done only on hard- surfaced roads for a short dis- tance and at the train, steering and wheels, axles, drive brakes must all be in good condition.

low speeds. Also,

276

CAUTION

Use extreme caution when towing ve- hicles. Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would place excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelets and towing cable or chain. The eyelets and towing cable or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.

NOTICE

Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or chain to the towing eyelets provided.

Before towing, release the parking brake and put the transmission in “N”. The key must be in “ACC” (engine off) or “ON” (engine running).

CAUTION

If the engine is not running, the pow- er assist for the brakes and steering will not work so steering and braking will be much harder than usual.

though

If you cannot shift the selector lever out of “P” position to other positions even is de- pressed, use the shift lock override but- ton as follows: 1. Turn

the brake pedal

ignition key

the

to “LOCK” the parking

position. Make sure brake is set.

2. Pry up the cover with a flat- bladed

screwdriver or equivalent.

’00 AVALON U (L/O9908)

If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever (column shift)

3. Insert your finger into the hole to push down the shift lock override button. You can shift out of “P” position only while pushing the but- ton.

4. Shift into “N” position. 5. Insert the cover. 6. Start the engine. For your safety,

keep the brake pedal depressed.

Be sure to have the system checked by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

though

If you cannot shift the selector lever out of “P” position to other positions even is de- pressed, use the shift lock override but- ton as follows: 1. Turn

the brake pedal

ignition key

the

to “LOCK” the parking

position. Make sure brake is set.

2. Pry up the cover with a flat- bladed

screwdriver or equivalent.

3. Insert the screwdriver or equivalent into the hole to pull down the shift lock override button. You can shift out of “P” position only while push- ing the button.

4. Shift into “N” position. 5. Insert the cover. 6. Start the engine. For your safety,

keep the brake pedal depressed.

Be sure to have the system checked by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

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If you lose your wireless remote control transmitter You can purchase a new wireless re- mote control transmitter at your Toyota dealer. Have the registered identification numbers of your transmitters deleted from your ve- hicle by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible to avoid the possibility of theft or an accident. Then, have the identification number of your new transmitter registered. At the same time, you must bring all of the remaining transmitters to have them registered again as well. You can use the wireless remote control system with the new transmitter. Contact your Toyota dealer for detailed information.

If you lose your keys You can purchase a new key at your Toyota dealer if you can give them the key number. If your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobiliser system, the dealer will also need your master key. Vehicles with engine immobiliser system— Even if you lose only one key, contact your Toyota dealer to make a new key. If you lose all your master keys, you cannot make new keys; the whole engine immobi- liser system must be replaced. See Section 1- 2. If your keys are locked in the vehicle and you cannot get a duplicate, many Toyota dealers can still open the door for you, using If you must break a window in, we suggest breaking the smallest side window be- cause it is the least expensive to replace. Be extremely cautious to avoid cuts from the glass.

the suggestion given

their special

in “Keys”

to get

tools.

in

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SECTION 5

CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE Protecting your Toyota from corrosion Washing and waxing your Toyota Cleaning the interior

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

281
282
283

280

the

Protecting your Toyota from corrosion Toyota, through its diligent research, de- sign and use of the most advanced technology available, has done its part to help prevent corrosion and has provided you with vehicle construction. Now, it is up to you. Proper care of your Toyota can help ensure long- term corrosion prevention. The most common causes of corrosion to your vehicle are: (cid:1) The accumulation of road salt, dirt and moisture in hard- to- reach areas under the vehicle.

quality

finest

(cid:1) Chipping of paint, or undercoating caused by minor accidents or by stones and gravel.

Care is especially important if you live in particular areas or operate your ve- hicle under certain environmental condi- tions: (cid:1) Road salt or dust control chemicals will accelerate corrosion, as will the pres- ence of salt in the air near the sea- coast or in areas of industrial pollution. (cid:1) High humidity accelerates corrosion es- pecially when temperatures range just above the freezing point.

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(cid:1) Wetness or dampness to certain parts of your vehicle for an extended period of time, may cause corrosion even though other parts of the vehicle may be dry.

(cid:1) High ambient temperatures can cause corrosion to those components of the vehicle which are prevented from quick- drying due to lack of proper ven- tilation.

The above signifies the necessity to keep your vehicle, particularly the underside, as clean as possible and to repair any dam- age to paint or protective coatings as soon as possible. To help prevent corrosion on your Toyota, follow these guidelines: