2004 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual

after you wash it.

soap

4. To prevent water spots, dry the vehicle using a clean soft cotton towel. Do not rub or press hard—you might scratch the paint.

Automatic car wash Your vehicle may be washed in an auto- matic car wash, but remember that the paint can be scratched by some types of brushes, unfiltered washing water, or the washing process itself. Scratching reduces paint durability and gloss, especially on darker colors. The manager of the car wash should be able to advise you wheth- er the process is safe for the paint on your vehicle.

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Waxing your Toyota Polishing and waxing is recommended to maintain the original beauty of your Toyota’s finish. Apply wax once a month or if the vehicle surface does not repel water well. 1. Always wash and dry the vehicle be- fore you begin waxing, even if you are using a combined cleaner and wax.

2. Use a good quality polish and wax. If the finish has become extremely weath- ered, use a car−cleaning polish, fol- lowed by a separate wax. Carefully fol- low the manufacturer’s instructions and precautions. Be sure to polish and wax the chrome trim as well as the paint. the vehicle again when water does not bead but remains on the sur- face in large patches.

3. Wax

NOTICE

Always remove the plastic bumpers if your vehicle is re−painted and placed in a high heat paint waxing booth. High temperatures could damage the bumpers.

Cleaning the interior

CAUTION

D Be careful not to splash water or spill liquid on the floor. This may prevent the side airbags from acti- vating correctly, resulting in serious injury.

D Do not wash the vehicle floor with water, or allow water to get onto the floor when cleaning the vehicle interior or exterior. Water may get into audio components or other electrical components above or un- der the floor carpet (or mat) and cause a malfunction; and it may cause body corrosion.

Vinyl interior The vinyl upholstery may be easily cleaned with a mild soap or detergent and water.

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First vacuum over the upholstery to re- move loose dirt. Then, using a sponge or soft cloth, apply the soap solution to the vinyl. After allowing it to soak in for a few minutes to loosen the dirt, remove the dirt and wipe off the soap with a clean damp cloth. If all the dirt do not come off, re- peat the procedure. Commercial foaming− type vinyl cleaners are also available which work well. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

NOTICE

Do not use solvent, thinner, gasoline or window cleaner on the interior.

to

foam−type shampoo

Carpets Use a good clean the carpets. Begin by vacuuming thoroughly to remove as much dirt as possible. Several types of foam cleaners are available; some are in aerosol cans and others are powders or liquids which you mix with water to pro- duce a foam. To shampoo the carpets, use a sponge or brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles.

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Do not apply water—the best results are obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as possible. Read the shampoo instructions and follow them closely. Seat belts The seat belts may be cleaned with mild soap and water or with lukewarm water. Use a cloth or sponge. As you are clean- ing, check the belts for excessive wear, fraying, or cuts.

NOTICE

z Do not use dye or bleach on the

belts—it may weaken them.

z Do not use the belts until they be-

come dry.

Windows The windows may be cleaned with any household window cleaner.

NOTICE

When cleaning the inside of the rear window, be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires or connec- tors.

Air conditioning control panel, car au- dio, instrument panel, console panel, and switches Use a soft damp cloth for cleaning. Soak a clean soft cloth in water or luke- warm water then lightly wipe off dirt.

NOTICE

z Do not use organic substances (sol- vents, kerosene, alcohol, gasoline, etc.) or alkaline or acidic solutions. These chemicals can cause discol- oring, staining or peeling of the surface.

z If you use cleaners or polishing agents, make sure their ingredients do not include the substances men- tioned above.

z If you use a liquid car freshener, do not spill the liquid onto the ve- hicle’s interior surfaces. It may con- tain ingredients mentioned above. Immediately clean any spill using the method mentioned above.

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Leather interior The leather upholstery may be cleaned with neutral detergent for wool. Remove dirt using a soft cloth dampened with 5% solution of neutral detergent for wool. Then thoroughly wipe off all traces of detergent with a clean damp cloth. After cleaning or whenever any part of the leather gets wet, dry with a soft clean cloth. Allow the leather to dry in a venti- lated shaded area.

NOTICE

z If a stain should fail to come out with a neutral detergent, apply a cleaner that does not contain an organic solvent.

z Never use organic substances such as benzine, alcohol or gasoline, or alkaline or acid solutions for clean- ing these could cause discoloring.

leather as

the

z Use of a nylon brush or synthetic fiber cloth, etc. may scratch the fine grained surface of the leather.

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z Mildew may develop on soiled leath- er upholstery. Be especially careful to avoid oil spots. Try to keep your upholstery always clean.

to direct sunlight z Long exposure may cause the leather surface to harden and shrink. Keep your ve- hicle in a shaded area, especially in the summer.

z The interior of your vehicle is apt to heat up on hot summer days, so avoid placing on the upholstery items made of vinyl or plastic or containing wax as these tend to stick to leather when warm.

z Improper cleaning of the leather up- in discolor-

holstery could result ation or staining.

If you have any questions about the cleaning of your Toyota, your local Toyota dealer will be pleased to answer them.

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SECTION 6

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND CARE Vehicle maintenance and care Maintenance requirements General maintenance Does your vehicle need repairing? Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs

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

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278
280
281

For scheduled maintenance the “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

information, please refer

to

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Maintenance requirements Your Toyota vehicle has been designed for fewer maintenance requirements with long- er service intervals to save both your time and money. However, each regular mainte- nance, as well as day−to−day care, is more important than ever before to ensure smooth, and trouble−free, safe, and eco- nomical drivings. It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the specified maintenance, including general maintenance service, is performed. Note that both the new vehicle and emis- sion control system warranties specify that proper maintenance and care must be per- formed. See “Owner’s Warranty Informa- tion Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supple- ment” for complete warranty information. General maintenance General maintenance items are those day− to−day care practices that are important to your vehicle for proper operation. It is the owner’s responsibility to insure that the general maintenance items are performed regularly. These checks or inspections can be done either by yourself or a qualified technician, or if you prefer, your Toyota dealer will be pleased to do them at a nominal cost.

Scheduled maintenance The scheduled maintenance items listed in the “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement” are those required to be serviced at regular inter- vals. For details of your maintenance schedule, read the “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”. It is recommended that any replacement parts used for maintenance or for the repair of the emission control system be Toyota supplied. The owner may elect to use non−Toyota supplied parts replacement pur- poses without invalidating the emission control system warranty. However, use of replacement parts which are not of equivalent quality may impair the effec- tiveness of the emission control sys- tems.

for

You may also elect to have mainte- nance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system performed by any automotive repair es- tablishment or individual without invali- dating this warranty. See “Owner’s War- ranty Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement” for complete war- ranty information. Where to go for service? Toyota technicians are well−trained spe- cialists and are kept up to date with the latest service information through technical bulletins, service tips, and in−dealership training programs. They learn to work on Toyotas before they work on your vehicle, rather than while they are working on it. You can be confident that your Toyota dealer’s service department performs the best job to meet the maintenance require- ments on your vehicle—reliably and eco- nomically. Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required maintenance has been per- formed for warranty coverage. If any prob- lems should arise with your vehicle while under warranty, your Toyota dealer will promptly take care of it. Again, be sure to keep a copy of the repair order for any service performed on your Toyota.

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the

items

listed,

General maintenance Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed as fre- quently as specified. In addition to check- ing if you notice any unusual noise, smell or vibration, you should investigate the cause or take your vehicle to your Toyota dealer or a quali- fied service shop immediately. It is recom- mended that any problem you notice be brought to the attention of your dealer or the qualified service shop for their advice.

CAUTION

Make these checks only with ade- quate ventilation if you run the en- gine.

IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT Items listed below should be checked from time to time, e.g. each time when refueling. Washer fluid Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See Section 7−3 for additional infor- mation.

What about do−it−yourself maintenance? Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself if you have a little mechani- cal ability and a few basic automotive tools. Simple instructions for how to per- form them are presented in Section 7. If you are a skilled do−it−yourself mechan- ic, the Toyota service manuals are recom- mended. Please be aware that do−it−your- self maintenance can affect your warranty coverage. See “Owner’s Warranty Informa- tion Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supple- ment” for the details.

278

Engine coolant level Make sure the coolant level is between the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the see− through reservoir when the engine is cold. See Section 7−2 for additional information. Radiator, condenser and hoses Check that the front of the radiator and condenser are clean and not blocked with leaves, dirt, or insects. See in Section 7−2 for additional information. Battery condition Check the battery condition by the indica- tor color. See Section 7−3 for additional information. Brake fluid level Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See Section 7−2 for additional information. Engine oil level Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and the vehicle parked on a level spot. See Section 7−2 for addi- tional information. Power steering fluid level Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in the “HOT” or “COLD” range depending on the fluid temperature. See Section 7−2 for additional information.

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Exhaust system If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected immedi- ately. (See “Engine exhaust cautions” in Section 2.) INSIDE THE VEHICLE Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc. Lights Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all working. Check headlight aim. Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers Check that all service reminder indicators and warning buzzers function properly. Steering wheel Check that it has the specified free play. Be alert for changes in steering condition, such as hard steering or strange noise. Seats Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. op- erate smoothly and that all latches lock securely in any position. Check that the head restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold securely in any latched position.

Seat belts Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or dam- aged. Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort or catching. Brake pedal Check the pedal for smooth operation and that the pedal has the proper clearance. Check the brake booster function. Brakes In a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when applied. Parking brake Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake applied. Automatic transmission “Park” mecha- nism Check the lock release button of the se- lector lever for proper and smooth opera- tion. On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in “P” position and all brakes re- leased.

to

time

fluid after

OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE Items listed below should be performed from time, unless otherwise specified. Fluid leaks Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa- ter or other the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected immediately. Doors and engine hood Check that all doors including trunk lid operate smoothly and all latches lock se- curely. Make sure the engine hood sec- ondary latch secures the hood from open- ing when the primary latch is released. Tire inflation pressure Check the pressure with a gauge ev- ery two weeks, or at least once a month. See Section 7−2 for additional information. Tire surface and wheel nuts Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear. See Sec- tion 7−2 for additional information. When checking the tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and check the nuts for looseness. Tighten them if necessary.

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Tire rotation Rotate the tires according to the maintenance schedule. (For sched- uled maintenance information, please refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supple- ment”.) See Section 7−2 for additional information.

tip−offs

for changes

Does your vehicle need repairing? Be on the alert in perfor- mance, sounds, and visual that indicate service is needed. Some impor- tant clues are as follows: D Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging D Appreciable loss of power D Strange engine noises D A leak under the vehicle (however, wa- ter dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)

If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Toyota dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs adjustment or repair.

CAUTION

Do not continue driving with the ve- hicle unchecked. It could result in se- rious vehicle damage and possibly personal injury.

D Change

in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked im- mediately.)

D Flat−looking tire; excessive tire squeal

when cornering; uneven tire wear

D Vehicle pulls to one side when driving

straight on a level road

D Strange noises related to suspension

movement

D Loss of brake effectiveness; spongy feeling brake; pedal almost touches floor; vehicle pulls to one side when braking

D Engine coolant temperature continually

higher than normal

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indicator

the malfunction

in- include OBD

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs Some states have vehicle emission spection programs which (On−Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system monitors the operation of the emission control system. When the OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in the emission control system, lamp comes on. In this case, your vehicle may the I/M test and need to be not pass repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer to service the vehicle. Even lamp does not come on, your vehicle may not pass readiness codes have not been set in the OBD system. Readiness codes are automatically set during ordinary driving. However, when the battery is disconnected or run down, the codes are erased. Also, depending on your driving habits, the codes may not be completely set.

the malfunction

indicator

test as

I/M

the

if

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Also, if the malfunction indicator lamp had come on recently due to temporary mal- function such as a loose fuel tank cap, your vehicle may not pass the I/M test. The malfunction indicator lamp will go off after taking several driving trips, but the error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless about 40 trips or more are taken. If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test even the malfunction indicator lamp does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer to prepare the vehicle for re−testing.

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SECTION 7− 1

DO−IT−YOURSELF MAINTENANCE Introduction Engine compartment overview Fuse locations Do−it−yourself service precautions Positioning the jack Parts and tools

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

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284
285
287
288

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Engine compartment overview

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1. Engine coolant reservoir 2. Power steering fluid reservoir 3. Engine oil level dipstick 4. Engine oil filler cap 5. Brake fluid reservoir 6. Fuse blocks 7. Battery 8. Radiator 9. Electric cooling fans 10. Condenser 11. Windshield washer fluid tank

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Fuse locations

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Spare fuses

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Do−it−yourself service precautions If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct procedure given in this Section. You should be aware that improper or in- complete servicing may result in operating problems. Performing do−it−yourself maintenance during the warranty period may affect your warranty coverage. Read the separate Toyota Warranty statement for details and suggestions. This Section gives for those items that are relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained in Section 6, there are still a number of items that must be done by a qualified technician with special tools. For information on tools and parts for do− it−yourself maintenance, see “Parts and tools” in this Section. Utmost care should be taken when work- ing on your vehicle to prevent accidental injury. Here are a few precautions that you should be especially careful to ob- serve:

instructions only

CAUTION

D When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive rings, watches, and ties is advisable.)

(Removing

belts.

D Right after driving,

the engine compartment—the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold and spark plug boots, etc.—will be hot. So be care- ful not to touch them. Oil, fluids and spark plugs may also be hot.

D If the engine is hot, do not remove the radiator cap or loosen the drain plugs to prevent burning yourself.

D Do not

leave anything

that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the engine compartment.

D Do not smoke, cause sparks or al- low open flames around fuel or the battery. Their fumes are flammable. D Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack supporting it. Al- ways use automotive jack stands or other solid supports.

D Be sure that the ignition is off if you work near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille. With the ignition on, the electric cooling fans will automatically start to run if the engine coolant temperature is high and/or the air conditioning is on.

D Use eye protection whenever you work on or under your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. D Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin disorders such as in- flammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact with it. To re- move used engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

D Do not

leave used oil within the

reach of children.

D Dispose of used oil and filter only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil and fil- ter in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground. Call your dealer or a service station information concerning recycling or disposal.

for

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D Be extremely cautious when work- ing on the battery. It contains poi- sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.

NOTICE

z Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high currents or volt- ages. Be careful of accidentally causing a short circuit.

z Add only “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality eth- ylene glycol based non−silicate, non−amine, non−nitrite, and non−bo- rate coolant with long−life hybrid organic acid technology to fill the radiator. “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% cool- ant and 50% deionized water (for the U.S.A.) or 55% coolant and 45% deionized water (for Canada).

z If you spill some of the coolant, be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging the parts or paint.

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z Be careful not to scratch the glass

surface with the wiper frame.

z When closing

the engine hood, check to see that you have not for- gotten any tools, rags, etc.

z Do not allow dirt or anything else to fall through the spark plug holes. z Do not pry the outer electrode of a spark plug against the center elec- trode.

z Use only spark plugs of the speci- types will fied type. Using other cause engine damage, loss of per- formance or radio noise.

z Do not reuse iridium−tipped spark

plugs by cleaning or regapping.

z Do not overfill automatic transmis- transmission

fluid, or

the

sion could be damaged.

z Do not drive with the air cleaner filter removed, or excessive engine wear could result. Also backfiring could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

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Positioning the jack

Front

Rear

When jacking up your vehicle with the jack, position jack correctly as shown in the illustrations.

the

CAUTION

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

D Do not start or run the engine while is supported by the

your vehicle jack.

D Stop the vehicle on a

level firm ground, firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission in “P”. Block the wheels on the opposite side of the jack up point if neces- sary.

D 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

D Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is supported by the jack alone; use vehicle support stands. D Do not raise the vehicle with some-

one in the vehicle.

D When raising the vehicle, do not place any objects on top of or un- derneath the jack.

NOTICE

Make sure to place the jack correctly, or your vehicle may be damaged.

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Parts and tools Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform do−it−yourself mainte- nance. Remember all Toyota parts are de- signed in metric sizes, so your tools must be metric. CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL Parts (if level is low): D “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equiva-

lent See Section 7−2 for details about en- gine oil selection.

Tools: D Rag or paper towel D Funnel (only for adding oil) CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL Parts (if level is low): D “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene glycol based non−silicate, non−amine, non−ni- trite, and non−borate coolant with long− life hybrid organic acid technology. “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion- ized water (for the U.S.A.) or 55% coolant and 45% deionized water (for Canada).

288

Tools: D Funnel (only for adding coolant) CHECKING BRAKE FLUID Parts (if level is low): D SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3

brake fluid

Tools: D Rag or paper towel D Funnel (only for adding fluid) CHECKING POWER STEERING FLUID Parts (if level is low): D Automatic

transmission

fluid

DEXRONrII or III

Tools: D Rag or paper towel D Funnel (only for adding fluid) CHECKING BATTERY CONDITION Tools: D Warm water D Baking soda D Grease D Conventional wrench

(for

terminal

clamp bolts)

CHECKING AND REPLACING FUSES Parts (if replacement is necessary): D Fuse with same amperage rating as

original

ADDING WASHER FLUID Parts: D Water D Washer fluid containing antifreeze

(for winter use)

Tools: D Funnel REPLACING LIGHT BULBS Parts: D Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original (See charts in “Re- placing light bulbs” in Section 7−3.)

Tools: D Screwdriver

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SECTION 7− 2

DO−IT−YOURSELF MAINTENANCE Engine and Chassis Checking the engine oil level Checking the engine coolant level Checking the radiator and condenser Checking brake fluid Checking power steering fluid Checking tire inflation pressure Checking and replacing tires Rotating tires Installing snow tires and chains Replacing wheels Aluminum wheel precautions

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

291
293
294
295
295
296
299
301
302
303
304

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Checking the engine oil level

Low level

Full level

Add oil

O.K.

Too full

With the engine at operating tempera- ture and turned off, check the oil level on the dipstick. 1. To get a correct reading, the vehicle should be on level ground. After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.

2. Pull the dipstick out, hold a rag under

the end and wipe it clean.

3. Reinsert the dipstick—push it in as far as it will go, or the reading will not be correct.

4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil the

level while holding a rag under end.

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CAUTION

NOTICE

z Be careful not to spill engine oil on

the vehicle components.

z Avoid overfilling, or

could be damaged.

the engine

z Check the oil level on the dipstick

once again after adding the oil.

Be careful not to touch the hot ex- haust manifold.

NOTICE

Be careful not to drop engine oil on the vehicle components.

If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low level, add engine oil of the same type as already in the engine. Remove the oil filler cap and add engine oil in small quantities at a time, checking the dipstick. We recommend that you use a funnel when adding oil. The approximate quantity of oil needed to raise the level between low and full on the dipstick is indicated below for reference. When the level reaches within the correct range, install the filler cap hand−tight. Oil quantity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):

1.5 (1.6, 1.3)

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SAE 5W−30 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. is not available, SAE If SAE 5W−30 10W−30 may be used. However, it should be replaced with SAE 5W−30 at the next oil change.

ENGINE OIL SELECTION “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” in your Toyota vehicle. Use Toyota approved “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent to grade and viscosity. Oil grade:

following

is used

satisfy

the

API grade SL “Energy−Conserving” or ILSAC multigrade engine oil

Recommended viscosity:

SAE 5W−30

API service symbol

Outside temperature

292

ILSAC certification mark

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Oil identification marks Either or both API registered marks are added to some oil containers to help you select the oil you should use. The API Service Symbol is located any- where on the outside of the container. The top portion of the label shows the oil quality by API (American Petroleum Insti- tute) designations such as SL. The center portion of the label shows the SAE viscos- ity grade such as SAE 5W−30. “Energy− Conserving” shown in the lower portion, indicates that the oil has fuel−saving ca- pabilities. The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan- dardization and Approval Committee) Certi- fication Mark is displayed on the front of the container.

To ensure excellent lubrication perfor- mance for your engine, “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is available, which has been specifically for all Toyota engines. Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur- ther details about “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil”.

tested and approved

(For

the coolant

Checking the engine coolant level Look at the see−through coolant reser- voir when the engine is cold. The cool- ant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the reservoir. If the level is low, add the coolant. type, see “Coolant type selection” described be- low.) The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine temperature. However, if the level is on or below the “LOW” line, add coolant. Bring the level up to the “FULL” line. If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing, there may be a leak the radiator, hoses, radiator cap and drain cock and water pump. If you can find no leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap pressure and check for leaks in the cooling system.

the system. Visually check

in

CAUTION

To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the radiator cap when the en- gine is hot.

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is a

hybrid

organic

long−life

improper coolants may damage

Coolant type selection Use of your engine cooling system. Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene glycol based non−silicate, non−amine, non−nitrite, and non−borate coolant with long−life technology. (Coolant hybrid organic acid acid with technology low phosphates and organic acids.) For the U.S.A.—“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. This coolant pro- vides protection down to about −35_C (−31_F). For Canada—“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water. This coolant pro- vides protection down to about −42_C (−44_F).

combination of

NOTICE

Do not use plain water alone.

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Toyota recommends “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”, which has been tested to ensure that it will not cause corrosion nor result in malfunction of your engine coolant system with proper usage. “Toyota formulated Super Long Life Coolant” with acid technology and has been specifically designed to avoid engine cooling system malfunction on Toyota vehicles. Please contact your Toyota dealer further details.

is organic

long−life

hybrid

for

Checking the radiator and condenser If any of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of their condi- tion, take your vehicle to a Toyota dealer.

CAUTION

To prevent burning yourself, be care- ful not to touch the radiator or con- denser when the engine is hot.

NOTICE

To prevent damage to the radiator and condenser, do not perform the work by yourself.

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Checking brake fluid

Checking power steering fluid

If the level is low, add SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid to the brake reservoir. Remove and replace the reservoir cap by hand. Fill the brake fluid to the dotted line. This brings the fluid to the correct level when you put the cap back on. Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once opened, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air, and excess moisture can cause a dangerous loss of braking.

CAUTION

Take care when filling the reservoir because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the af- fected area with clean water immedi- ately. If you still feel uncomfortable with your hands or eyes, go to the doctor.

NOTICE

If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging the parts or paint.

reservoir. The

To check the fluid level, simply look at the see−through level should be between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on the reservoir. It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear. So be sure to keep the reservoir filled. If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious mechanical prob- lem.

If hot O.K.

Close

Open

If cold O.K.

If cold add

If hot add

Check the fluid level through the reser- voir. If necessary, add automatic trans- mission fluid DEXRONrII or III. If the vehicle has been driven around 80
km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a little more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is hot (60_C—80_C or 140_F—175_F). You may also check the level when the fluid is temperature, 10_C—30_C or 50_F—85_F) if the engine has not been run for about five hours.

(about

room

cold

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Clean all dirt from the outside of the res- ervoir tank and look at the fluid level. If the fluid is cold, the level should be in the “COLD” range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level should be in the “HOT” range. If the level is at the low side of either range, add automatic fluid DEXRONrII or III to bring the level within the range. To remove the reservoir cap, turn it coun- terclockwise and it, turn it clockwise. After replacing the reser- voir cap, visually check the steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or damage.

lift up. To reinstall

transmission

CAUTION

The reservoir tank may be hot so be careful not to burn yourself.

NOTICE

Avoid overfilling, or the power steer- ing could be damaged.

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Checking tire inflation pressure

Keep your tire inflation pressures at the proper level. The recommended cold tire inflation pressures, tire sizes and the com- bined weight of occupants and cargo (vehicle capacity weight) are de- scribed in Section 8. They are also on the tire and loading information la- bel. You should check the tire inflation pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month. And do not forget the spare!

2004 AVALON from Aug. ’04 Prod. (OM41412U)

should

pressure

following

instructions

The for checking tire inflation pressure should be observed: D The

be checked only when the tires are cold. If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours and has not been driven for more than 1.5
km or 1 mile since, you will get an accurate cold tire inflation pres- sure reading.

D Always use a tire pressure gauge. The appearance of a tire can be misleading. Besides, tire inflation pressures that are even just a few pounds off can degrade ride and handling.

D Take special care when adding air to the compact spare tire. The smaller tire size can gain pressure very quickly. Add com- pressed air in small quantities and check the pressure often until it reaches the specified pressure.

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D Do not bleed or reduce tire inflation pressure after driving. It is normal for the tire inflation pressure to be higher after driving. D Never exceed the vehicle capac- ity weight. Passenger and lug- gage weight should be located so that the vehicle is balanced.

Tire pressure gauge

INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE 1. Remove the tire valve cap. 2. Press the tip of the tire pressure

gauge to the tire valve.

3. Read the pressure using the grad-

uations of the gauge.

4. In case the tire inflation pressure is not within the prescribed range, insert the compressed air from the valve. In case of applying too much air, press the center of the valve and release the air to adjust.

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CAUTION

Keep your tires properly inflated. Otherwise, the following condi- tions may occur and cause an ac- cident resulting in death or seri- ous injuries. Low tire pressure (underinfla- tion)— D Excessive wear D Uneven wear D Poor handling D Possibility of blowouts from an

overheated tire

D Poor sealing of the tire bead D Wheel deformation and/or tire

separation

D A greater possibility of tire

damage from road hazards

5. After completing the tire inflation pressure measurement and ad- justment, apply soapy water to the valve and check for leakage.

6. Install the tire valve cap. If a gauge and air pump are not avail- able, have your vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer.

CAUTION

Be sure to reinstall the tire valve caps. Without the valve caps, dirt or moisture could get into the valve core and cause air leakage. If the caps have been lost, have new ones put on as soon as pos- sible.

Incorrect tire inflation pressure may waste fuel, reduce the comfort of driv- ing, reduce tire life and make your ve- hicle less safe to drive. If a tire frequently needs refilling, have it checked by your Toyota deal- er.

298

High tire pressure (overinfla- tion)— D Poor handling D Excessive wear D Uneven wear D A greater possibility of tire

damage from road hazards

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Checking and replacing tires

Tread wear indicator

CHECKING YOUR TIRES Check the tire’s tread for tread wear indicators. If the indicators show, replace the tires. The loca- tion of tread wear indicators is shown by the “TWI” or “Δ” marks, etc., molded on the sidewall of each tire.

The tires on your Toyota have built−in tread wear indicators to help you know when the tires need replace- ment. When the tread depth wears to 1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less, the indica- tors will appear. If you can see the indicators in two or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced. The lower the tread, the higher the risk of skidding. The effectiveness of snow tires is lost if the tread wears down below 4 mm (0.16 in.). If you have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose the fabric, or bulges indi- cating internal damage, the tire should be replaced. If a tire often goes flat or cannot be properly repaired due to the size or location of a cut or other damage, it should be replaced. If you are not sure, consult with your Toyota dealer.

If air loss occurs while driving, do not continue driving. Driving even a short distance can damage a tire beyond repair. Any tires which are over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if damage is not obvious. Tires deteriorate with age even if they have never or seldom been used. This applies also to the spare tire and tires stored for future use.

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REPLACING YOUR TIRES When replacing a tire, use a tire of the same size and construction, and the same or greater maximum load as the originally installed tires. Using any other size or type of tire may seriously affect handling, ride, speedometer/odometer calibration, ground clearance, and clearance be- tween the body and tires or snow chains. Check that the maximum load of the replaced tire is greater than 1/2 of the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of either the front axle or the rear axle, whichever is greater. As for the maximum load of the tire, see the load limit at maximum cold tire inflation pressure mentioned on the sidewall of the tire, and as for the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR), see the Cer- tification Label. For details about the side wall of the tire and the Certification Label.

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CAUTION

Observe the following instruc- tions. Otherwise, an accident may occur resulting in death or serious injuries. D Do not mix radial, bias belted, or bias−ply tires on your ve- hicle, as this may cause dan- gerous handling characteris- tics resulting in loss of control. D Do not use tires other than the manufacturer’s recommended size, as this may cause danger- ous handling characteristics resulting in loss of control.

Toyota recommends all four tires, or at least both of the front or rear tires be replaced at a time as a set. See “If you have a flat tire” in Section 4 for tire change procedure. When a tire is replaced, the wheel should always be balanced. An unbalanced wheel may affect ve- hicle handling and tire life. Wheels can get out of balance with regular use and should therefore be balanced occasionally. When replacing a tubeless tire, the air valve should also be replaced with a new one.

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Rotating tires

With a spare tire of the same wheel type as the installed tires

With a spare tire of different wheel type from the installed tires

Manual

To equalize the wear and help ex- tend tire life, Toyota recommends that you rotate your tires accord- ing to the maintenance schedule. (For scheduled maintenance infor- mation, please refer to the “Sched- uled Maintenance Guide” or “Own- er’s Supplement”.) However, the most appropriate tim- ing for tire rotation may vary ac- cording to your driving habits and road surface conditions. See “If you have a flat tire” in Section 4 for tire change procedure. When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused by incorrect tire pres- sure, improper wheel alignment, out− of−balance wheels, or severe braking.

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SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION Snow tires should be installed on all wheels. Installing snow tires on the front wheels only can lead to an excessive difference in road grip capability between the front and rear tires which could cause loss of vehicle control. When storing removed tires, you should store them in a cool dry place. Mark the direction of rotation and be sure to install them in the same direction when replacing.

CAUTION

D Do not drive with the snow tires

incorrectly inflated.

D Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph)

with any type of snow tires.

Installing snow tires and chains WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR CHAINS Snow tires or chains are recommended when driving on snow or ice. On wet or dry roads, conventional tires provide better traction than snow tires. SNOW TIRE SELECTION If you need snow tires, select tires of the same size, construction and load capacity as the originally installed tires. Do not use tires other than those men- tioned above. Do not install studded tires without first checking local regulations for possible restrictions.

CAUTION

Do not use snow tires other than the manufacturer’s recommended size, as this may cause dangerous handling characteristics resulting loss of control. Otherwise, an accident may occur resulting in death or serious injuries.

in

302

tire

the

tires—Use

TIRE CHAIN SELECTION P205/65R15 92H chains of correct size and type. Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains except radial cable chains or V−bar type chains. P205/60R16 91H tires—Use tire chains of the correct size. Use only genuine Toyota tire chains or equiv- alent for use on the AVALON.

NOTICE

If the wrong combination of tire and chain is used, the chains could dam- age the vehicle body.

D AVALON genuine tire chains

(Part No. 08329−33801)

local

Laws about using tire chains vary ac- cording to locality and type of road, so always check your laws before you install tire chains. CHAIN INSTALLATION Install the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible. Do not use tire tires. Retighten chains on chains after km (1/4—1/2 mile).

rear driving

0.5—1.0

the

2004 AVALON from Aug. ’04 Prod. (OM41412U)

When installing chains on your tires, care- fully follow the instructions of the chain manufacturer. If wheel covers are used, they will be scratched by the chain band, so remove the covers before putting on the chains.

CAUTION

D Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or recom- is

the chain manufacturer’s mended speed lower.

limit, whichever

D Drive carefully avoiding bumps, holes, and sharp turns, which may cause the vehicle to bounce.

D Avoid sharp turns or locked−wheel braking, as use of chains may ad- versely affect vehicle handling.

D When driving with chains installed, be sure to drive carefully. Slow down before entering curves to avoid losing control of the vehicle. Otherwise an accident may occur.

’04 AVALON U (L/O 0408)

Replacing wheels WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR WHEELS If you have wheel damage such as bending, cracks or heavy corrosion, the wheel should be replaced. If you fail to replace a damaged wheel, the tire may slip off the wheel or cause loss of handling control. WHEEL SELECTION When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that the wheels are re- placed by ones with the same load ca- pacity, diameter, rim width, and offset. Correct replacement wheels are available at your Toyota dealer. A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect handling, wheel and bear- ing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odom- eter calibration, stopping ability, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clear- ance, and tire or snow chain clearance to the body and chassis.

Replacement with used wheels is not rec- ommended as they may have been sub- jected to rough treatment or high mileage and could fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have been straightened may have structural damage and therefore should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.

CAUTION

Do not use wheels other than the manufacturer’s recommended size, as this may cause dangerous handling characteristics resulting loss of control. Otherwise, an accident may occur resulting in death or serious injuries.

in

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Aluminum wheel precautions D When aluminum wheels, check tight after driving your vehicle the first 1600
km (1000 miles).

the wheel nuts are

installing that

repaired, or D If you have changed your the wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000 miles).

rotated, tires, check

that

D When using tire chains, be careful not

to damage the aluminum wheels.

D Use only Toyota wheel nuts and for your aluminum

wrench designed wheels.

D When balancing your wheels, use only Toyota balance weights or equivalent and a plastic or rubber hammer.

D As with any wheel, periodically check your aluminum wheels for damage. If damaged, replace immediately.

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SECTION 7− 3

DO−IT−YOURSELF MAINTENANCE Electrical components Checking battery condition Battery recharging precautions Checking and replacing fuses Adding washer fluid Replacing light bulbs

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

307
308
309
310
310

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Checking battery condition— —Precautions

CAUTION

BATTERY PRECAUTIONS The battery produces flammable and explosive hydrogen gas. D Do not cause a spark from the bat-

tery with tools.

D Do not smoke or light a match near

the battery.

The electrolyte contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid. D Avoid contact with eyes, skin or

clothes.

D Never ingest electrolyte. D Wear protective safety glasses when

working near the battery.

D Keep children away from the bat-

tery.

D If electrolyte gets on your skin, thoroughly wash the contact area. If you feel pain or burning, get medi- cal attention immediately.

D If electrolyte gets on your clothes, there is a possibility of its soaking through to your skin, so immediate- ly take off the exposed clothing and follow the procedure above, if nec- essary.

D If you accidentally swallow electro- lyte, drink a large quantity of water or milk. Follow with milk of magne- sia, beaten raw egg or vegetable oil. Then go immediately for emer- gency help.

EMERGENCY MEASURES D If electrolyte gets

in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately immediate medical attention. If possible, con- tinue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while en route to the medi- cal office.

and get

—Checking battery exterior

Terminals

Ground cable

Hold−down clamp

Check the battery for corroded or loose terminal connections, cracks, or loose hold−down clamp. a. If the battery is corroded, wash it off with a solution of warm water and bak- ing soda. Coat the outside of the termi- nals with grease to prevent further cor- rosion.

b. If the terminal connections are loose, their clamp nuts—but do not

tighten overtighten.

c. Tighten

the hold−down clamp only enough to keep the battery firmly in place. Overtightening may damage the battery case.

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—Checking battery condition

NOTICE

Type A

z Be sure the engine and all accesso- ries are off before performing main- tenance.

z When checking the battery, remove the ground cable from the negative terminal (“−” mark) first and rein- stall it last.

z Be careful not to cause a short cir-

cuit with tools.

z Take care no solution gets into the

battery when washing it.

Green

Dark

Clear or light yellow

Type B

Blue

White

Red

CHECKING BY INDICATOR Check the battery condition by the indi- cator color.

Indicator color

Type A

Type B

Condition

Green

Blue

Good

Dark

White

Clear or

light yellow

Red

Charging necessary. Have battery checked by your Toyota dealer. Have battery checked by your Toyota dealer.

308

Battery recharging precautions During recharging, the battery is pro- ducing hydrogen gas. Therefore, before recharging: 1. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the ground cable.

2. Be sure the power switch on the re- charger the charger cables to the battery and when disconnecting them.

is off when connecting

CAUTION

D Always charge the battery in an un- confined area. Do not charge the battery in a garage or closed room where there is not sufficient ventila- tion.

D Only do a slow charge (5 A or less). Charging at a quicker rate is dangerous. The battery may ex- plode, causing personal injuries.

NOTICE

Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.

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Checking and replacing fuses

Type A

Good

Blown

Type B

Good

Blown

Type C

Good

Blown

If the headlights or other electrical components do not work, check the fuses. If any of the fuses are blown, they must be replaced. See “Fuse locations” in Section 7−1 for locations of the fuses. Turn the ignition switch and inoperative component off. Pull the suspected fuse straight out and check it.