2002 TOYOTA AVALON oil

’02 AVALON U (L/O 0107)
2682002 MY AVALON_U (OM22493U)
DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level269
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Checking the engine coolant level 270
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Checking the radiator and condenser 271
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Checking brake fluid 272
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Checking power steering fluid 272
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Checking tire pressure 273
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Checking and replacing tires 274
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Rotating tires 275
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Installing snow tires and chains 276
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Replacing wheels 277
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Aluminum wheel precautions 278
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SECTION 7 2

’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)
2702002 MY AVALON_U (OM22493U)
API service symbol
ILSAC certification mark
Oil identification marks
Either or both API registered marks are
added to some oil containers to help
you select the oil you should use.
The API Service Symbol is located any-
where on the outside of the container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil
quality by API (American Petroleum Insti-
tute) designations such as SJ. The center
portion of the label shows the SAE viscos-
ity grade such as SAE 5W−30. “Energy −
Conserving” shown in the lower portion,
indicates that the oil has fuel −saving ca-
pabilities.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-
dardization and Approval Committee) Certi-
fication Mark is displayed on the front of
the container. Look at the seethrough coolant reser-
voir when the engine is cold. The cool-
ant level is satisfactory if it is between
the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the
reservoir. If the level is low, add ethyl-
eneglycol type coolant for a proper
corrosion protection of aluminum com-
ponents.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
with engine temperature. However, if the
level is on or below the “LOW” line, add
coolant. Bring the level up to the “FULL”
line.
Always use ethylene
−glycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of alumi-
num components. 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
radiator, 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.
Checking the engine coolant
level

’02 AVALON U (L/O 0107)
2812002 MY AVALON_U (OM22493U)
CAUTION
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.
If electrolyte gets on your skin,
thoroughly wash the contact area. If
you feel pain or burning, get medi-
cal attention immediately.
If electrolyte gets on your clothes,
there is a possibility of its soaking
through to your skin, so immediate-
ly take off the exposed clothing and
follow the procedure above, if nec-
essary.
If you accidentally swallow electro-
lyte, drink a large quantity of water
or milk. Follow with milk of magne-
sia, beaten raw egg or vegetable
oil. Then go immediately for emer-
gency help.
Warning: Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
TerminalsGround cable
Hold −down
clamp
Check the battery for corroded or loose
terminal connections, cracks, or loose
holddown clamp.
a. If the battery is corroded, wash it off with a solution of warm water and bak-
ing soda. Coat the outside of the termi-
nals with grease to prevent further cor-
rosion.
b. If the terminal connections are loose, tighten their clamp nuts—but do not
overtighten.
c. Tighten the hold −down clamp only
enough to keep the battery firmly in
place. Overtightening may damage the
battery case.
Checking battery c ondition—
—Precautions —Checking battery exterior

’02 AVALON U (L/O 0107)
2942002 MY AVALON_U (OM22493U)
Fuel type:Unleaded gasoline, Octane Rating 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or higher.
For improved vehicle performance, the
use of premium unleaded gasoline with
an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Oc-
tane Number 96) or higher is recom-
mended.
Fuel tank capacity, L (gal., Imp. gal.): 70 (18.5, 15.4) ENGINE
Valve clearance (engine cold), mm (in.):
Intake 0.15—0.25 (0.006—0.010)
Exhaust 0.25—0.35 (0.010—0.014)
Spark plug type: DENSO SK20R11
NGK IFR6A11
Spark plug gap, mm (in.): 1.1 (0.043)
Drive belt tension measured with
Borroughs drive belt tension gauge No.
BT −33− 73F (used belt), Ibf:
Generator belt 88 \b22
Power steering pump belt 115 \b20
ENGINE LUBRICATION
Oil capacity (drain and refill), L (qt., Imp.
qt.): With filter 4.7 (5.0, 4.1)
Without filter 4.5 (4.8, 4.0) Oil grade:
API grade SJ, “Energy −Conserving” or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil is recom-
mended.
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
5W-30 Preferred
Temperature range anticipated before
next oil change
Fuel Service specifications

’02 AVALON U (L/O 0107)
Publication No. OM22493U
Part No. 01999-22493
Printed in Japan 01−0107 −00
Quick index
 If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 119 . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle will not start 231 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. .
 If your engine stalls while driving 234 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle overheats 234 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
 If you have a flat tire 235 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle needs to be towed 242 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Tips for driving during break −in period 205 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 How to start the engine 219 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
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 General maintenance 256 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
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Gas station information
Fuel type:
UNLEADED gasoline, Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or
higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded
gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or
higher is recommended.
See page 205 for detailed information.
Fuel tank capacity: 70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 lmp. gal.)
Engine oil: API grade SJ, “Energy −Conserving” or ILSAC multigrade engine oil is recom-
mended.
See page 269 for detailed information.
Automatic transmission fluid: Automatic transmission fluid D −II or DEXRON III (DEXRON II)
Tire information: See pages 273 through 278.
Tire pressure: See page 296.
aU6
B

’02 AVALON U (L/O 0107)
Where to obtain the Repair Manual
The repair manual for Avalon, written in Eng-
lish, may be purchased as applicable from any
Toy ota dea l er.
Pub. Name: 2002 AVALON Repair Manual
Pub. No.: RM872U1 (Maintenance, Preparation, Service specifications
and Diagnostics)
RM872U2 (Engine, Chassis and Body)
Maintenance procedures for the engine,
chassis, body, electric al system, and more,
are clearly explained and illustrated.
Periodic maintenance and tuneup
Periodic maintenance and tuneup helps to pre-
vent small problems from growing into larger ones lat-
er on. The repair manual outlines exactly what main-
tenance is required and clearly explains how to do the
work yourself stepbystep.
Areas covered include such things as spark plug re-
placement, valve clearance adjustment and engine oil
and filter replacement.