2002 TOYOTA AVALON check engine light

’02 AVALON U (L/O 0107)
2692002 MY AVALON_U (OM22493U)
Low level
Add oil O.K. Too full Full level
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 ex-
haust 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 ref-
erence.
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)
NOTICE
 Avoid overfilling, or the engine
could be damaged.
 Check the oil level on the dipstick
once again after adding the oil.
Engine oil selection
Use API grade SJ, “Energy −Conserving”
or ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
5W-30 Preferred
Temperature range anticipated before
next oil change
SAE 5W30 is the best choice for your
vehicle, for good fuel economy and
good starting in cold weather.
If you use SAE 10W30 engine oil in
extremely low temperatures, the engine
may become difficult to start, so SAE
5W30 engine oil is recommended.
Checking the engine oil level

’02 AVALON U (L/O 0107)
2722002 MY AVALON_U (OM22493U)
To check the fluid level, simply look at
the seethrough reservoir. The level
should be between the “MAX” and
“MIN” 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.If the level is low, add SAE J1703 or
FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid to the
brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cap by
hand. Fill the brake fluid to the dotted
line. This brings the fluid to the correct
level when you put the cap 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 r
eservoir
because brake fluid can harm your
eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water immediately. If
you still feel uncomfortable with your
eyes, go to the doctor.
NOTICE
If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash
it off with water to prevent it from
damaging the parts or paint.
If hot
O.K. Close OpenIf cold
O.K.
If cold
add
If hot
add
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.
Checking brake fluid Checking power steering fluid

’02 AVALON U (L/O 0107)
2822002 MY AVALON_U (OM22493U)
NOTICE
Be sure the engine and all accesso-
ries are off before performing main-
tenance.
 When checking the battery, remove
the ground cable from the negative
terminal (“” mark) first and rein-
stall it last.
 Be careful not to cause a short cir-
cuit with tools.
 Take care no solution gets into the
battery when washing it.
Ty p e A
Green Dark Clear or
light yellow
Ty p e B Blue White Red
CHECKING BY HYDROMETER
Check the battery condition by the
hydrometer color.
Hydrometer color
ConditionTy p e ATy p e B
GreenBlueGood
DarkWhite
Charging necessary.
Have battery
checked by your
Toyota dealer.
Clear orlight
yellow
Red
Have battery
checked by your
Toyota dealer.
During recharging, the battery is pro-
ducing hydrogen gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect
the ground cable.
2. Be sure the power switch on the re- charger is off when connecting the
charger cables to the battery and when
disconnecting them.
CAUTION
Always charge the battery in an un-
confined area. Do not charge the
battery in a garage or closed room
where there is not sufficient ventila-
tion.
Only do a slow charge (5 A or
less). Charging at a quicker rate is
dangerous. The battery may ex-
plode, causing personal injuries.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the
engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.
—Checking battery c ondition Battery recharging pr ecautions

’02 AVALON U (L/O 0107)
2952002 MY AVALON_U (OM22493U)
COOLING SYSTEM
Total capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):9.0 (9.5, 7.9)
Coolant type: “TOYOTA Long Life Coolant” or equiva-
lent
With ethylene− glycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum
components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
BATTERY
Open voltage
∗ at 20 C (68 F):
12.6—12.8 V Fully charged
12.2—12.4 V Half charged
11.8—12.0 V Discharged
∗: Voltage that is checked 20 minutes
after the key is removed with all the
lights turned off
Charging rates: 5 A max.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Fluid capacity (drain and refill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.): Up to 4.75 (5.0, 4.2)
Fluid type: Automatic transmission fluid D −II or
DEXRON III (DEXRON II) BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when depressed
with the force of 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf)
with the engine running, mm (in.)
55 (2.2)
Pedal free play, 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):
3—6 clicks
Fluid type: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
STEERING
Wheel free play: Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluid type: Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON II
or III