1996 TOYOTA AVALON brake fluid

Part 7
167
DO-IT-YOURSELF
MAINTENANCEÐ
Chapter 7-2
Engine and Chassis

Checking the engine oil level

Checking the engine coolant
level

Checking brake fluid

Checking power steering fluid

Checking tire pressure

Checking and replacing tires

Rotating tires

Installing snow tires and chains

Replacing wheels

Aluminum wheel precautions
With the engine at operating tempera-
ture and turned off, check the oil level
on the dipstick.
1. To get a true reading, the vehicle
should be on a level spot. After turning off
the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the bottom of the en-
gine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean
with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstick 'push it in as far
as it will go, or the reading will not be cor-
rect.
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil
level on the end.
CAUTION
Be careful not to touch the hot
exhaust manifold.!
If the oil level is below or only slightly
above the low level line, add engine oil
of the same type as already in the en-
gine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine
oil in small quantities at a time, checking
the dipstick.
The approximate quantity of oil needed to
fill between the low level and the full level
on the dipstick is indicated below for refer-
ence.
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)

Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick
once again after adding the oil.
NOTICE
Checking the engine oil level
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169
Look at the see-through coolant res-
ervoir when the engine is cold. The
coolant level is satisfactory if it is be-
tween the FULLº and LOWº lines on
the reservoir. If the level is low, add
ethylene-glycol type coolant.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
with engine temperature. However, if the
level is on or below the LOWº line, add
coolant. Bring the level up to the FULLº
line.
Use only ethylene-glycol type coolant.
See information in the next column.
If the coolant level drops within a short
time after replenishing, there may be a
leak in the system. Visually check the ra-
diator, 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.
To prevent burning yourself, do not
remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot.
CAUTION!
Coolant type selection
Your coolant must contain ethylene-gly-
col antifreeze. In addition to preventing
freezing and subsequent damage to the
engine, this will also prevent corrosion.
Further supplemental inhibitors or addi-
tives are neither needed nor recom-
mended.
Read the antifreeze container for informa-
tion on freeze protection. Follow the
manufacturer 's directions for how much
to mix with water. The total capacity of the
cooling system is given in Part 8. We rec-
ommend 50% solution be used for your
Toyota, or a sufficient quantity to provide
protection to about -35 C (-31 C).
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze
or plain water alone.
NOTICE
To check the fluid level, simply look at
the see-through reservoir. The level
should be between the MAXº and
MINº 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.
Checking brake fluid
Checking the engine coolant
level
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170If the level is low, add SAE J1703 or
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 brake fluid to the
brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cover
by hand. Fill the brake fluid to the dotted
line.
This brings the fluid to the correct lev-
el when you put the cover 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
eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water.!
If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from
damaging the parts or paint.
NOTICE
Check the fluid level through the reser-
voir. If necessary, add automatic trans-
mission fluid DEXRON
[-II 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
cold (about room temperature,
10 C ' 30 C or 50 F ' 85 F) if the en-
gine has not been run for about five hours. Clean all dirt from outside of the reservoir
tank and look at the fluid level. If the fluid
is cold, the level should be in the COLDº
range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
should be in the HOTº range. If the level
is at the low side of either range, add auto-
matic transmission fluid DEXRON
[-II
or -III to bring the level within range.
To remove the filler cap, turn it counter-
clockwise and lift up. To reinstall it, turn it
clockwise. After replacing the filler cap,
visually check the steering box case, vane
pump and hose connections for leaks or
damage.
CAUTION
The reservoir tank may be hot so be
careful not to burn yourself.!
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be damaged.
NOTICE
Checking power steering fluid
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191
Oil grade:
API SH, Energy-Conserving IIº mul-
tigrade engine oil or ILSAC multi-
grade engine oil is recommended.
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
COOLING SYSTEM
Total capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.): 9.3 (9.8, 8.2)
Coolant type: With ethylene-glycol antifreeze
(Do not use alcohol type.) BATTERY
ÐMaintenance type battery
Specific gravity reading at 20
5C (685 F)
1.260 Fully charged
1.160 Half charged
1.060 Discharged
ÐNon-maintenance type battery
Open voltage* at 205 C (685F)
12.7 V Fully charged
12.3 V Half charged
11.9 V Discharged
*: Voltage that is checked 20 minutes af-
ter the key is removed with all the lights
turned off
Charging Rates: Non-maintenance battery 5 A max.
Maintenance type battery
Quick charge 15 A max.
Slow charge 5 A max.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Automatic transmission Fluid capacity (drain and refill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Up to 3.5 (3.7, 3.1) Differential
Fluid capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
0.85 (0.9, 0.7)
Fluid type: Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
[-II
BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when de-
pressed with the pressure of 490 N (50
kgf, 110 lbf) with the engine running, mm
(in.): 70 (2.8)
Pedal freeplay, mm (in.): 1' 6 (0.04' 0.24)
Pad wear limit, mm (in.): 1.0 (0.04)
Lining wear limit, mm (in.):
1.0 (0.04)
Parking brake adjustment when
depressed with the force of 294 N (30 kgf,
66.1 lbf):
3Ð6 clicks
Fluid type:
SAE J1703 or
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
STEERING
Wheel freeplay:
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluid type:
Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
[-II or -III
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