’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)
2642003 AVALON (OM41401U)
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be checked
regularly, e.g. while performing periodic
services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified free play.
Be alert for changes in steering condition,
such as hard steering or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. op-
erate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in any position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down
smoothly and that the locks hold securely
in any latched position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as
buckles, retractors and anchors operate
properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt
webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or dam-
aged.Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
uneven pedal effort or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
that the pedal has the proper clearance.
Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do
not pull to one side when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel
and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle
is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
Automatic transmission “Park” mecha-
nism
Check the lock release button of the se-
lector lever for proper and smooth opera-
tion. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in “P” position and all brakes re-
leased.IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Items listed below should be checked
from time to time, e.g. each time when
refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the
tank. See Section 7 3 for additional infor-
mation.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between
the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the see
through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See Section 7 2 for additional information.
Radiator, condenser and hoses
Check that the front of the radiator and
condenser are clean and not blocked with
leaves, dirt, or insects. See in Section
7 2 for additional information.
Battery condition
Check the battery condition by the indica-
tor color. See Section 7 3 for additional
information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct.
See Section 7 2 for additional information.
’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)
2752003 AVALON (OM41401U)
DO IT YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level276 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level278 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser280 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid280 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid281 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure281 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires282 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires284 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains284 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels286 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions286 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7 2
’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)
3022003 AVALON (OM41401U)
COOLING SYSTEM
Total capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
9.0 (9.5, 7.9)
Coolant type:
“Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” is
filled in your Toyota vehicle. In order to
avoid technical problems, we strongly
recommend using “Toyota Genuine Long
Life Coolant” or equivalent.
With ethylene glycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum
components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for
further details.
BATTERY
Open voltage
∗ at 20C (68F):
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:
Toyota Genuine ATF D II or
DEXRONIII (DEXRONII)
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details.
BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when depressed
with the force of 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf)
with the engine running, mm (in.):
75 (3.0)
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 3STEERING
Wheel free play:
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluid type:
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII
or III
