1997 TOYOTA AVALON service

Foreword
Welcome to the growing group of value-conscious people who drive Toyotas. We
are proud of the advanced engineering and quality construction of each vehi\
cle we
build.
This Owner's Manual explains the features of your new Toyota. Please read it and
follow the instructions carefully so that you can enjoy many years of sa\
fe motoring.
When it comes to service, remember that your Toyota dealer knows your vehicle
best and is interested in your complete satisfaction. He will provide qualit\
y mainte-
nance and any other assistance you may require.
Please leave this Owner's Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next
owner will need this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time of
printing. However, because of Toyota's policy of continual product improve-
ment, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment,
including options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for equipme\
nt
not installed on your vehicle.
TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

1997 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in w\
hole or in
part, without the written permission of Toyota Motor Corporation.
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Spark ignition system of yourToyota
The spark ignition system of your Toyota meets all re-
quirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing
Equipment Standard.
Installation of a mobiletwo-way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two-way radio system
in your vehicle could affect electronic systems such
as multiport fuel injection systems/sequential multi-
port fuel injection system, cruise control system, anti-
lock brake system and SRS airbag system, be sure
to check with your Toyota dealer for precautionary
measures or special instructions regarding installa-
tion.
Scrapping of your Toyota
The SRS airbag devices in your Toyota contains ex-
plosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped with the
airbag left as it is, it may cause an accident such as
a fire. Be sure to have the SRS airbag system re-
moved and disposed of by a qualified service shop or
by your Toyota dealer before you dispose of your ve-
hicle.
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Publication No. OM22482U
Part No. 01999-22482
Printed in Japan 04- 9711- 02
Quick index

If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 70 . . . . .

If your vehicle will not start 151 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If your engine stalls while driving 154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If your vehicle overheats 155 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.

If you have a flat tire 156 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . .

If your vehicle needs to be towed 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tips for driving during break- in period 129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to start the engine 141 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. .

General maintenance 176 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .

Complete index 219 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . .
Gas station information
Fuel type:
UNLEADED gasoline, Research Octane Number 91 (Octane Rating 87) or
higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gaso-
line with a Research Octane Number of 96 (Octane Rating 91) or higher is
recommended.
See page 129 for detailed information.
Fuel tank capacity:
70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 lmp. gal.)
Engine oil: API SH, Energy- Conservint IIº multigrade engine oil or ILSAC multigrade
engine oil is recommended.
See page 186 for detailed information.
Automatic transmission fluid: Automatic transmission fluid D- ll or DEXRON lll (DEXRON ll)
Tire information: See pages 189 through 193.
Tire pressure: See page 212.
B-1
B
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4
1. Engine coolant temperature gauge
2. Tachometer
3. Service reminder indicators or indicator lights 4. Odometer
5. Trip meter
6. Speedometer
7. Fuel gauge
8. Trip meter reset knob
9. Theft deterrent system indicator
light
Instrument cluster overview
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6
Driving pattern indicator light
Cruise control indicator light *
2
*1: For details, see Service reminder indicators and warning buzzersº in Chapter 1-5.
*
2: If this light flashes, see Cruise controlº in Chapter 1-6.
Slip indicator light
Automatic transmission indicator lights
Overdrive-of f indicator light
Headlight high beam indicator light
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40

Do not modify, remove or open any
components or wiring, such as the
steering wheel column cover, front
passenger airbag cover, front pas-
senger airbag, airbag sensor as-
sembly. Doing any of these may
cause sudden SRS airbag inflation
or disable the system, which could
result in personal injury.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result serious injuries.
Do not perform any of the following changes without consulting your
Toyota dealer. Such changes caninterfere with proper operation ofthe SRS airbag system in somecases.
Installation of electronic itemssuch as a mobile two-way radio,
cassette tape player or compactdisc player
Modification of the suspension
system
Modification of the front endstructure
Attachment of a grille guard (bullbar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snow-
plow, winches or any other equip-ment to the front end
Repairs made on or near the frontend structure, console, steeringcolumn, steering wheel or dash-board near the front passenger
airbag
NOTICE
This SRS airbag system has a service re-
minder indicator to inf orm the driver of op-
erating problems. If either of the following
conditions occurs, this indicates a mal-
function of the airbags. Contact your To-
yota dealer as soon as possible to service
the vehicle.

The light does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to the ACCº or
ONº position, or remains on.

The light comes on while driving.
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Part 1Fuel gauge
67
OPERATION OF
INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLSÐ
Chapter 1-5
Gauges, Meters
and Service reminder
indicators

Fuel gauge

Engine coolant temperature
gauge

Tachometer

Odometer and two trip meter

Thermometer

Service reminder indicators and
warning buzzers
The gauge works when the ignition
switch is on and indicates the approxi-
mate quantity of fuel remaining in the
tank.
Nearly fullÐNeedle at Fº
Nearly emptyÐNeedle at Eº
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4
full.
This fuel gauge has a non-return type
needle wh ich remains at the last indicated
position when the ignition switch is turned
off.
If the level approaches Eº or the low fuel
level warning light comes on, fill the fuel
tank as soon as possible. If the fuel tank is completely empty, the
malfunction
indicator lamp comes on. Fill
the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving
several times. If the indicator lamp does
not go off, contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
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70
Service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers
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