1997 TOYOTA AVALON brake

Part 7Checking the engine oil level
185
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 engine.
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
correct.
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, 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.
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
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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
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188If 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 engine 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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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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211
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.): 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 D-II or
DEXRON
[III (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)
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212Parking brake adjustment when pulled
with the force of 294 N (30 kgf, 66.1 lbf):
3-6clicks
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 Tire size:
P2.5/65R 15 92H
Tire pressure, kPa (kPa (kgf/cm
2 or
bar, psi):
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 220 (2.2, 32)
Wheel size:
15 x 6JJ
Wheel nut torque, NV m (kgfm, ftVlbf):
103 (10.5, 76)
Engine compartment (U.S.A.)
Fuses (type A)
1. 7.5 A: Spare fuse
2. EFI 15 A: Multiport fuel injection sys- tem/sequential multiport fuel injection
system, air conditioning control sys-
tem, electrical idle-up system, elec-
tronically controlled automatic trans-
mission system
3. HORN 10 A: Horn
4. OBD. TRAC 7.5 A: On-board diagno-
sis system
5. OBD 7.5 A: On-board diagnosis sys- tem
Tires Fuses
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214
Instrument panel
25.SEAT HEATER 20 A: Seat heater
26.TURN 7.5 A: Turn signal lights, emer-
gency flasher
27.ECU-IG 10 A: Cruise control system, anti-lock brake system, shift lock sys-
tem, power antenna, power door lock
system, electric cooling fan
28.WIPER 20 A: Windshield wipers and washer, headlight cleanerPassenger 's side kick panel
29.GAUGE 7.5 A: Gaugue and meter,
buck-up lights, interior lights, charging
system, electronically controlled auto-
matic transmission system, cruise
control system, power door lock sys-
tem, service reminder indicators and
warning buzzer, automatic light control
system, daytime running light system
30.TAIL 15 A: Parking lights, license plate lights, tail lights, front side mark-
er lights 31. STOP 15 A: Stop lights, cruise control
system, high mounted stoplight, anti/
lock brake system, shift lock system,
multiport fuel injection system/se-
quential multiport fuel injection system
32.PANEL 5 A: Gauge and meter, Audio
system, cigarette lighter, glovebox
light, clock, electronically controlled
automatic transmission system, air
conditioning control system, service
reminder indicators, turn signal lights,
emergency flasher, headlight cleaner,
seat heater
33.MIRROR HEATER 10 A: Mirror heat- ers
34.CIG/RADIO 15 A: Cigarette lighter,
interior lights, clock, SRS airbag sys-
tem, shift lock system, power antenna,
electronically controlled automatic
transmission sytstem, air conditioning
control system, ignition system, theft
deterrent system, outside rear view
mirror control system, Audio system,
service reminder indicators
35.HEATER 10 A: Air conditioning con- trol system, rear window defogger,
starter system
36.STARTER 5 A: Starter system
37. A.C 10 A: Air conditioning control sys- tem
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Fuses (type B)
38.MAIN 40 A: HEAD (LH)º, HEAD HI
(LH)º, HEAD (RH)º and HEAD HI
(RH)º fuses
39.RDI 30 A: Electric cooling fan
40.CDS 30 A: Electric cooling fan
41.DOOR 30 A: Power door lock system,
power seat
42. RR DEF 40 A: Rear window defogger
43.POWER 30 A: Power window, electric moon roof
Fuses (type C)
44.ALT 120 A: RDI FANº, CDSº fuses
45.AM1 80 A: RR DEFº, DOORº,
POWERº, TAILº, PANELº, DEF I/
UPº, SEAT HEATERº, SRSº and
STOPº fuses
46.ABS 60 A: Anti-lock brake system
47.IG SW 40 A: CIG/RADIOº and GAUGEº fuses
48.48HTR 50 A: A.C.º fuseProCarManuals.com