2003 TOYOTA AVALON service

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In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The light does not come on after the
ignition is turned to on.
The light is left on after the ignition is
turned to on.
The light comes on while driving.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come
on when the “VSC” warning light comes
on even if the “TR
AC OFF” switch is not
pushed.
(m) Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Warning Light
The light warns that the windshield washer
fluid level is too low. Add washer fluid at
your earliest opportunity. (For instructions,
see “Adding washer fluid” in Section 73.)
(n) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the
key when you open the driver ’s door with
the ignition key in the “ACC” or “LOCK”
position.CHECKING SERVICE REMINDER
INDICATORS (except the low fuel level
warning light and low windshield
washer fluid level warning light)
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Open one of the doors.
The open door warning light should
come on.
3. Close the door.
The open door warning light should go
off.
4. Turn the ignition key to “ON”, but do
not start the engine.
All the service reminder indicators ex-
cept the open door warning light should
come on. The “ABS” and “VSC” warn-
ing lights, “TRAC OFF” and slip indica-
tor lights go off after a few seconds.
The SRS warning light goes off after
about 6 seconds.
If any service reminder indicator or warn-
ing buzzer does not function as described
above, have it checked by your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.

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If no messages have been stored, or if
there are no more messages to be re-
called, “NO MSG STORED” will appear on
the display, and the message display will
be canceled. The display then returns to
show the program service name. The
message display will be canceled if you
activate any function that affects the dis-
play.
Message display can be canceled by
pressing any of the following buttons:
“AM”, “FM”, “CD”, “TAPE”, “LOAD”,
“SEEK”, “TUNE”, any preset, “SCAN”, any
audio control, “RDS”, “SRCH”, or “ TYPES>”. If the current station is not a
traffic program and traffic announcements
is off, pushing “TRAF” will cancel the dis-
play. The message will be canceled after
the entire message has been displayed.
PROG (Program)
The “
” button switches the side of
the cassette being played. The display in-
dicates which side is currently selected
(“” indicates top side, “” indicates bot-
tom side).
Autoreverse feature: After the cassette
reaches the end of a tape, it automatically
reverses and begins to play the other
side. This feature works both in play and
fastforward mode. (Program Types)
This button is operational only in RDS
mode.
This button is used for program type
(PTY) search of RDS stations. 32 program
types are available as listed here.
By pushing this button, RDS turns on in
FM mode and “RDS” will be displayed. If
the program type search is not already
performed, the radio will start a program
type search (see “SRCH” for details). If a
program type search has already been
performed, the last active program type
will be tuned.
If you are already in FM type mode and
a program type is not already being dis-
played, pushing this button will recall the
display for the current program type.
After a program type is being displayed,
subsequent pushes of this button within 3
seconds will toggle through the available
program types. Pushing the right or left
arrows repeatedly will increment or decre-
ment the display through the available pro-
gram types in alphabetical order.Program Type List
The following program type names are
available. After a program type search,
the radio will display one of the following
program types for 3 seconds, then the
program type name for 3 seconds (if
available). After that, it will display the
first 8 characters of the program service
name of the current station.
Program types included are
Adlt Hit (Adult Hits)
Alert! (Emergency message)
Classicl (Classical)
Cls Rock (Classic Rock)
College
Country
Inform (Information)
Jazz
Language
News
Nostalga (Nostalgia)
Oldies
Persnlty (Personality)
Public
R & B (Rhythm and Blues)
Rel Musc (Religious Music)

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In addition, the feature may not work well
with some spoken word, live, or classical
recordings.
SRCH (Search)
This feature is available only in RDS
mode.
This button allows you to search all avail-
able RDS stations out of the entire FM
band and sort them by program type (see
“” for details on program
types).
By pushing this button, RDS is turned on
if it was off (“RDS” will display). The radio
is switched to FM type mode. During the
program type search, “SEARCHING....” will
show on the display. Also at this time,
“FM” and “TYPE” will appear on the dis-
play to indicate that the preset buttons are
for program type.
After searching for all available RDS sta-
tions, the radio will activate the previously
used program type. If the previously used
program type is not available, or if the
radio has not yet performed a program
type search, the radio will activate the
first available program type, in alphabeti-
cal order, that has stations in memory.
The radio will preset the stations of the
current program type into the preset but-
tons.If more than 6 stations of a program type
are found, the radio will create a second
bank of presets, such as “Rock 1” and
“Rock 2”. These are accessible through
the “” button. If more than
12 stations are found, the radio will load
the 12 strongest stations signal of the
program type into the presets.
After the search is complete, the radio will
display the number of RDS stations found
for 3 seconds: for example, “Found 19
RDS.” The radio will then display the se-
lected program type for 3 seconds: for
example, “ROCK.” After the program type
has been displayed for 3 seconds, the
radio will display the program type name
for 3 seconds. After that, the radio will
display the program service name.
Day mode (headlights off): The radio will
only display the number of presets that
have a frequency for the selected program
type. For example, if program type Rock
is selected, and there are three rock sta-
tions, only preset numbers 1, 2 and 3 will
be displayed. The remaining preset num-
bers will not be displayed and the remain-
ing preset button(s) will have no function.Night mode (headlights on): In addition to
the display described for day mode, the
radio will illuminate the jewels of the pre-
sets that have stations available. The re-
maining preset button(s) will have no func-
tion.
A type search in progress can be can-
celed by pushing the following buttons:
“SEEK”, “TUNE”, “SCAN”, “AM”, “FM”, any
preset button, “CD” (if CD mode is avail-
able), “TAPE” (if tape mode is available),
“RDS”, “SRCH”, “”,
“TRAF”, or “LOAD”. If any of these but-
tons is pressed, the search will be can-
celed and the appropriate function started.
Inserting a tape will also cancel the
search.
If no RDS stations are found, “FOUND 0
RDS” will display and the radio will return
to the previous FM mode and frequency.
ST (Stereo reception) display
Your radio automatically changes to stereo
reception when a stereo broadcast is re-
ceived. “ST” appears on the display. If the
signal becomes weak, the radio reduces
the amount of channel separation to prev-
ent the weak signal from creating noise.
If the signal becomes extremely weak, the
radio switches from stereo to mono recep-
tion.

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“A/C” button
To turn on the air conditioning, press the
“A/C” button. The “A/C” button indicator
will come on. To turn the air conditioning
off, press the button again.
If the “A/C” button indicator flashes, there
is a problem in the air conditioning system
and the air conditioning automatically
shuts off. If this happens, take your ve-
hicle to your Toyota dealer for service.

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For details about air flow selector settings,
see “—Air flow selector settings” de-
scribed below.
Air intake selector
Press the button to select the air source.
The air intake mode which is being se-
lected is shown on the display.
1. Recirculate—Recirculates the air inside
the vehicle.
2. Fresh—Draws outside air into the sys-
tem.
To prevent fogging up of the windshield,
the air intake mode may change automati-
cally to FRESH depending on the condi-
tion of the air conditioning system.
For example, when the ambient tempera-
ture is low, the air intake mode may
change automatically to FRESH. This is
not a malfunction.“A/C” button
To turn on the air conditioning, press the
“A/C” button. The “A/C” button indicator
will come on. To turn the air conditioning
off, press the button again.
If the “A/C” button indicator flashes, there
is a problem in the air conditioning system
and the air conditioning automatically
shuts off. If this happens, take your ve-
hicle to your Toyota dealer for service.

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“ABS” warning light
The light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to the “ON” position. If the anti
lock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns off
after a few seconds. Thereafter, if the
system malfunctions, the light comes on
again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
antilock brake system, the brake assist
system, the traction control system and
the vehicle skid control system do not
operate, but the brake system still oper-
ates conventionally.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
antilock brake system does not operate
so that the wheels could lock up during
a sudden braking or braking on slippery
road surfaces.
If either of the following conditions
occurs, this indicates a malfunction
somewhere in the parts monitored by
the warning light. Contact your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible to service
the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, or remains on.
The light comes on while you are driv-
ing.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on
together with the brake system warn-
ing light, immediately stop your ve-
hicle at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.
DRUMINDISC TYPE PARKING BRAKE
SYSTEM
Your vehicle has a drumindisc type
parking brake system. This type of brake
system needs beddingdown of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking
brake shoes and/or drums are replaced.
Have your Toyota dealer perform the bed-
dingdown.BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM
When you slam the brakes on, the
brake assist system judges as an emer-
gency stop and provides more powerful
braking for a driver who cannot hold
down the brake pedal firmly.
When you slam the brakes on, more pow-
erful braking will be applied. At this time,
you may hear a sound in the engine
compartment and feel the vibration of the
brake pedal. This does not indicate a mal-
function.
The brake assist system becomes opera-
tive after the vehicle has accelerated to
a speed in excess of approximately 10
km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the
vehicle decelerates to a speed below
approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
For an explanation of this system’s warn-
ing light, see “Service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers” in Section 15.

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Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit. Even if the legal speed limit
permits it, do not drive over 140
km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle
has highspeed capability tires.
Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control
and possible injury. Be sure to con-
sult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle
are highspeed capability tires or
not before driving at such speeds.
Do not continue normal driving
when the brakes are wet. If they are
wet, your vehicle will require a
longer stopping distance, and it
may pull to one side when the
brakes are applied. Also, the park-
ing brake will not hold the vehicle
securely.
Make sure you have a proper freeze
protection of engine coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethyleneglycol
type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components. Use
“Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” or
equivalent.
See Section 72 for details about coolant
type selection.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend
to use 60% solution for your Toyota, to
provide protection down to about 50C
(58F). Do not use more than 70% solu-
tion for better coolant performance.
Check the condition of the battery and
cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of
any battery, so it must be in top shape
to provide enough power for winter start-
ing. Section 73 tells you how to visually
inspect the battery. Your Toyota dealer
and most service stations will be pleased
to check the level of charge.Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See Section 72 for recommended viscos-
ity. Leaving a heavy summer oil in your
vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about
which oil to use, call your Toyota deal-
er—he will be pleased to help.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock deicer or glycerine into the
locks to keep them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an anti-
freeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
the manufacturer ’s directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute because it may dam-
age your vehicle’s paint.
Winter driving tips

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To avoid serious personal injury and
damage to your vehicle which might re-
sult from battery explosion, acid burns,
electrical burns, or damaged electronic
components, these instructions must be
followed precisely.
If you are unsure about how to follow this
procedure, we strongly recommend that
you seek the help of a competent me-
chanic or towing service.
CAUTION
Batteries contain sulfuric acid
which is poisonous and corrosive.
Wear protective safety glasses when
jump starting, and avoid spilling
acid on your skin, clothing, or ve-
hicle.
If you should accidentally get acid
on yourself or in your eyes, remove
any contaminated clothing and flush
the affected area with water im-
mediately. Then get immediate medi-
cal attention. If possible, continue
to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while en route to the medical
office.
The gas normally produced by a
battery will explode if a flame or
spark is brought near. Use only
standardized jumper cables and do
not smoke or light a match while
jump starting.
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.
NOTICE
The battery used for boosting must
be 12 V. Do not jump start unless you
are sure that the booster battery is
correct.
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE
1. If the booster battery is installed in
another vehicle, make sure the vehicles
are not touching. Turn off all unneces-
sary lights and accessories.
2. If required, remove all the vent plugs
from the booster and discharged batter-
ies. Lay a cloth over the open vents
on the batteries. (This helps reduce the
explosion hazard, personal injuries and
burns.)
3. If the engine in the vehicle with the
booster battery is not running, start it
and let it run for a few minutes. During
jump starting, run the engine at about
2000 rpm with the accelerator pedal
lightly depressed.
(c) Jump starting