1997 TOYOTA AVALON light

187
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
ProCarManuals.com

192If wheel covers are used, they will be
scratched by the chain band, so remove
the covers before putting on the chains.


Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or
the chain manufacturer's recom-
mended speed limit, whichever is
lower.

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

Avoid sharp turns or locked-wheel
braking, as use of chains may ad-
versely affect vehicle handling.
CAUTION!
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 damaged wheels, the
tire may slip off the wheel or they may
cause loss of handling control.
WHEEL SELECTION
When replacing wheels, care should
be taken to ensure that the wheels are
replaced by ones with the same load
capacity, diameter, rim width, and off-
set.
Correct replacement wheels are available
at your Toyota dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may ad-
versely affect handling, wheel and bear-
ing life, brake cooling, speedometer/
odometer calibration, stopping ability,
headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, 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 there-
fore should not be used. Never use an in-
ner tube in a leaking wheel which is de-
signed for a tubeless tire.
Replacing wheels
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Part 7
Checking battery conditionÐ
ÐPrecautions
195
DO-IT-YOURSELF
MAINTENANCEÐ
Chapter 7-3
Electrical components

Checking battery condition

Battery recharging precautions

Checking and replacing fuses

Adding washer fluid

Replacing light bulbs
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
The battery produces flammable
and explosive hydrogen gas.

Do not cause a spark from the bat-
tery with tools.

Do not smoke or light a match near
the battery.
The electrolyte contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.

Avoid contact with eyes, skin or
clothes.

Never ingest electrolyte.

Wear protective safety glasses
when working near the battery.

Keep children away from the bat-
tery.
EMERGENCY MEASURES

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

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

If electrolyte gets on your clothes,
there is a possibility of its soaking
through to your skin, so immedi-
ately take off the exposed clothing
and follow the procedure above, if
necessary.

If you happen to swallow electro-
lyte, drink a large quantity of water
or milk. Follow with milk of mag-
nesia, beaten raw egg or vegetable
oil. Then go immediately for emer-
gency help.
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197
CHECKING BY THE FLUID LEVEL
LINES (MAINTENANCE TYPE BAT-
TERY ONLY)
The fluid (electrolyte) level must be be-
tween the upper and lower lines.
When checking the fluid level, look at all
six cells, not just one or two.
If the level is lower than the lower line, add
distilled water. (See ADDING DIS-
TILLED WATERº.)CHECKING BY THE HYDROMETER
Check the battery condition by the
hydrometer color.
Maintenance type battery
Hydrometer colorConditionType AType BCondition
GREENBLUEGood
DARKWHITECharging necessary.
Have battery checked
by your Toyota dealer.
CLEAR orLIGHT
YELLOWREDAdd distilled water*
*: See ADDING DISTILLED WATERº. Non-maintenance battery
Hydrometer colorConditionType AType BCondition
GREENBLUEGood
DARKWHITECharging necessary.
Have battery checked
by your Toyota dealer.
CLEAR or
LIGHT
YELLOWREDHave battery checked
by your Toyota dealer.
NOTICE
Do not refill the battery with water.
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199
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the
engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.
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 locationsº in Chapter 7-1 for
locations of the fuses.
Turn the ignition switch and inopera-
tive component off. Pull a suspected
fuse straight out and check it.
Determine wh ich fuse may be causing the
problem. The lid of the fuse box shows the
name of the circuit for each fuse. See Part
8 of this manual for the functions con-
trolled by each circuit.
Checking and replacing fuses
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201
The following illustrations show how to
gain access to the bulbs. When replacing
a bulb, make sure the ignition switch and
light switch are off. Use bulbs with the
wattage ratings given in the table.
Halogen bulbs have pressurized
gas inside and require special
handling. They can burst or shatter
if scratched or dropped. Hold a bulb
only by its plastic or metal case. Do
not touch the glass part of a bulb
with bare hands.
CAUTION
!
NOTICE
Only use a bulb of the listed type.
Light bulbsBulb
No.WType
Headlight
(low beam)900655A
Headlight
(high beam)900565B
Parking lights1685D
Front turn signal lights115627C
Front side marker
lights1943.8D
Rear turn signal ligths115627C
Stop and tail lights115727/8C
Back-up lights115627C
License plate light1685D
High mounted stop
light92118D
Interior lightÐ8E
Front personal lightÐ8C
Rear personal lightÐ8C
Glovebox lightÐ1.2D
Door courtesy lights1945D
Trunk lightÐ3E
A: HB4 halogen bulbs
B: HB3 halogen bulbs
C: Single end bulbs
D: Wedge base bulbs
E: Double end bulbs
1. Unplug the connector while de-
pressing the lock release
If the connector is tight, wiggle it.
ÐHeadlights
Replacing light bulbsÐ
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202
2. Turn the bulb and remove it.3. Install a new bulb and the connec-tor into the mounting hole.
Aiming is not necessary after replacing
the bulb. When aiming adjustment is nec-
essary, contact your Toyota dealer.Use a Phillips-head screwdriver.
ÐParking lights
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203
Remove the front side marker unit.
Use a Phillips-head screwdriver.
ÐFront turn signal lights
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