1996 TOYOTA AVALON ignition

92If you pushed any wrong buttons,
Errº and the number of errors you
have made will appear on the display
before SECº does. Go back to step 2
and try again. If the display returns to
- - -º while you are entering the code,
go back to step 3.
To make sure the security code has been
accepted, turn the ignition to LOCKº and
then
back to ACC.º SECº should appear
on the display.
Choose a security code that is easy to re-
member and keep a copy of it (not in your
Toyota).
Changing the security code
1. Turn off the audio system.
Turn the ignition key to ACCº.
Simultaneously push and hold in 1º, 6º,
and PWR/VOLº until SECº appears on
the display.2. While you are holding in the  ~º side of
TUNEº push 1º.
The display will read - - -º.
On some models,  º and  º will also
turn on.
ProCarManuals.com

94If you pushed any wrong buttons,
Errº and the number of errors you
have made will appear on the display
before SECº does. Go back to step 2
and try again. If the display returns to
- - -º while you are entering the code,
go back to step 3.
To make sure the security code has been
accepted, turn the ignition to LOCKº and
then
back to ACCº. SECº should appear
on the display.
NOTICE
A tenth error will activate the anti-theft system and HELPº will
appear on the display. The audiosystem will be completelyinoperable. At this time, theanti-theft light also comes on. If this
occurs, contact your Toyota dealer.
Clearing the security code
1. Turn off the audio system.
Turn the ignition key to ACCº.
Simultaneously push and hold in 1º, 6º,
and PWR/VOLº until SECº appears on
the display.2. While you are holding in the  ~º side of
TUNEº, push 1º.
The display will read - - -º.
On some models,  º and º will also
turn on.
ProCarManuals.com

96
Reactivating a disabled audio system
1. Turn the ignition switch to ACCº.
2. While you are holding in the  ~º side of
TUNEº, push 1º.
The display will read - - -º.
On some models,  º and º will also
turn on.3. Input the existing three-digit code.
You have 10 seconds to enter each digit.
For example, 209º:
To set the first digit: Push 1º until the digit
you want appears on the display.
To set the second digit: Push 2º until the
digit you want appears on the display.
To set the third digit: Push 3º until the digit
you want appears on the display.4. The three-digit code should be on the
display.
Push and hold in SCANº until the display
goes dark. (At first, SECº will appear on
the display.)
ProCarManuals.com

97
If you pushed any wrong buttons,
Errº and the number of errors you
have made will appear on the display
before SECº does. Go back to step 2
and try again. If the display returns to
- - -º while you are entering the code,
go back to step 3.
To make sure the security code has been
accepted, turn the ignition to LOCKº and
then
back to ACCº. SECº should appear
on the display.
NOTICE
A tenth error will activate the anti-theft system and HELPº will
appear on the display. The audiosystem will be completelyinoperable. At this time, theanti-theft light also comes on. If this
occurs, contact your Toyota dealer.
ILLUMINATION CONTROL LOGIC
When the instrument panel lights are on,
the letters on operable buttons of the
mode in current use light up. On some au-
dio units, the mode selection and eject
buttons also light up.
On some audio-units, when a cassette
tape and compact disc are not in the slot
the letters on the tape and disc mode but-
tons do not light up, but the slot lights up
for easy access. Once a cassette tape or
compact disc is inserted, the letters on the
tape or disc mode buttons light up, and the
slot stops illuminating.
RADIO RECEPTION
Usually, a problem with radio reception
does not mean there is a problem with
your radioÐit is just the normal result of
conditions outside the vehicle.
For example, nearby buildings and terrain
can interfere with FM reception. Power
lines or telephone wires can interfere with
AM signals. And of course, radio signals
have a limited range, and the farther you
are from a station, the weaker its signal
will be. In addition, reception conditions
change constantly as your vehicle moves. Here are some common reception prob-
lems
that probably do not indicate a prob-
lem with your radio:
FM
Fading and drifting stationsÐGenerally,
the effective range of FM is about 40 km
(25 miles). Once outside this range, you
may notice fading and drifting, which in-
crease with the distance from the radio
transmitter. They are often accompanied
by distortion.
Multi-pathÐFM signals are reflective,
making it possible for two signals to reach
your antenna at the same time. If this hap-
pens, the signals will cancel each other
out, causing a momentary flutter or loss of
reception.
Static and flutteringÐThese occur when
signals are blocked by buildings, trees, or
other large objects. Increasing the bass
level may reduce static and fluttering.
Station swappingÐIf the FM signal you
are listening to is interrupted or weak-
ened, and there is another strong station
nearby on the FM band, your radio may
tune in the second station until the original
signal can be picked up again.
ÐCar audio system operating
hints
ProCarManuals.com

11 5
If you plan to drive your Toyota in
another country...
First,
comply with the vehicle registration
laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the
correct fuel (unleaded and minimum oc-
tane number).
The three-way catalytic converter is
an emission control device installed in
the exhaust system.
Its purpose is to reduce pollutants in the
exhaust gas.
CAUTION!

Keep people and combustible ma-
terials away from the exhaust pipe
while the engine is running. The ex-
haust gas is very hot.

Do not drive, idle or park your ve-
hicle over anything that might
burn easily such as grass, leaves,
paper or rags.
A large amount of unburned gases
flowing into the three-way catalytic
converter may cause it to overheatand create a fire hazard. To preventthis and other damage, observe thefollowing precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
Do not drive with an extremely lowfuel level; running out of fuelcould cause the engine to misfire,
creating an excessive load on thethree-way catalytic converter.
Do not allow the engine to run atidle speed for more than 20 min-utes.
Avoid racing the engine.
Do no push-start or pull-startyour vehicle.
Do not turn off the ignition whilethe vehicle is moving.
NOTICE
Three-way catalytic converter
Operation in foreign countries
ProCarManuals.com

11 6
Keep
your engine in good running
order. Malfunctions in the engine
electrical system, electronic igni-tion system/distributor ignitionsystem or fuel system engine ex-
haust cautions could cause an ex-
tremely high three-way catalytic converter temperature.
If the engine becomes difficult to
start or stalls frequently, take your
vehicle in for a check-up as soon
as possible. Remember, your To-yota dealer knows your vehicleand its three-way catalytic con-
verter system best.
To ensure that the three-way cata-lytic converter and the engine
emission control system operateproperly, your vehicle must re-ceive the periodic inspections re-
quired by the T oyota Maintenance
Schedule. For scheduled mainte- nance information, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual Sup-plement/Maintenance Scheduleº.
CAUTION!

Avoid inhaling the engine ex-
haust. It contains carbon monox-
ide, which is a colorless and odor-
less gas. It can cause uncon-
sciousness or even death.

Make sure the exhaust system
has no holes or loose connec-
tions. The system should be
checked from time to time. If you
hit something, or notice a change
in the sound of the exhaust, have
the system checked immediately.

Do not run the engine in a garage
or enclosed area except for the
time needed to drive the vehicle in
or out. The exhaust gases cannot
escape, making this a particularly
dangerous situation.

Do not remain for a long time in a
parked vehicle with the engine
running. If it is unavoidable, how-
ever, do so only in an unconfined
area and adjust the heating or
cooling system to force outside
air into the vehicle.

Keep the trunk lid closed while
driving. An open or unsealed
trunk lid may cause exhaust
gases to be drawn into the ve-
hicle. If you must drive with the
trunk lid open to accommodate a
large object, close the windows,
open all the instrument panel
vents and have the heating or
cooling system deliver fresh air
into the vehicle by turning the fan
to high speed with the air intake
control button set at the outside
air mode.

To allow proper operation of your
vehicle's ventilation system, keep
the inlet grilles in front of the
windshield clear of snow, leaves,
or other obstructions.

If you smell exhaust fumes in the
vehicle, drive with the windows
open and the trunk lid closed.
Have the cause immediately lo-
cated and corrected.
Engine exhaust cautions
ProCarManuals.com

120ABSº warning light
This light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to the ONº position. After about
three seconds, the light will go off.
If either of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction somewhere in
the parts monitored by the warning light
system. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.


The light does not come on as de-
scribed above, or remains on.

The light comes on while driving.
Even if the anti-lock brake system should
fail, the brake system will still operate con-
ventionally. Have your vehicle checked by
your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
DRUM-IN-DISC TYPE PARKING
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle has a drum-in-disc type
parking brake system. This type brake
system needs bedding-down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the park-
ing brake shoes and/or drums are re-
placed.
Have your Toyota dealer perform the bed-
ding-down.
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. When stowing luggage or cargo in the ve-
hicle, observe the following:


Put luggage or cargo in the trunk when
at all possible. Be sure all items are se-
cured in place.

Be careful to keep the vehicle balanced.
Locating the weight as far forward as
possible helps maintain balance.

For better fuel economy, do not carry
unneeded weight.
CAUTION!

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

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 turning, and impair the driver's
control of the vehicle. In an acci-
dent they may injure the vehicle
occupants.
Do not load the vehicle beyond the
vehicle capacity weight specified in
Part 8.
NOTICE
Brake pad wear limit indicators Luggage stowage precautions
ProCarManuals.com

1385. Start your engine in the normal way.
After starting, run it at about 2000 rpm for
several minutes with the accelerator ped-
al 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
clothsÐthey 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
0
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 ve-
hicle will not startº.
If the engine is not running, the
power assist for the brakes and
steering will not work so steering
and braking will be much harder
than usual. CAUTION
!
If your engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, if you
experience a loss of power, or if you
hear a loud knocking or pinging noise,
the engine has probably overheated.
You should follow this procedure
0
1. Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle
and turn on your emergency flashers. Put
the transmission in Pº and apply the park-
ing 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 oper-
ating. If it is not, turn the ignition off.
To help avoid personal injury, keep
the hood closed until there is no
steam. Escaping steam or coolant is
a sign of very high pressure. CAUTION
!
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.
If your vehicle overheats
If your engine stalls while
driving
ProCarManuals.com