2003 TOYOTA AVALON fuel type

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)
2092003 AVALON (OM41401U)
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR
TOYOTA
Breakin period210 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel210 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries212 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Threeway catalytic converters212 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust cautions213 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption214 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Iridiumtipped spark plugs215 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system215 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators219 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage stowage precautions219 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Toyota’s identification220 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft prevention labels221 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis221 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires221 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 2

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)
2102003 AVALON (OM41401U)
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
breakin. But following a few simple tips
for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can add
to the future economy and long life of
your vehicle:
Avoid full throttle acceleration when
starting and driving.
Avoid racing the engine.
Try to avoid hard stops during the first
300 km (200 miles).
Do not drive for a long time at any
single speed, either fast or slow.
Do not tow a trailer during the first 800
km (500 miles).FUEL TYPE
Your new vehicle must use only un-
leaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mixups, your
Toyota has a smaller fuel tank opening.
The special nozzle on pumps with un-
leaded fuel will fit it, but the larger stan-
dard nozzle on pumps with leaded gas will
not.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use
should meet specifications of ASTM
D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB 3.5M93
in Canada.NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of
leaded gasoline will cause the three
way catalytic converter to lose its ef-
fectiveness and the emission control
system to function improperly. Also,
this can increase maintenance costs.
OCTANE RATING
Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Oc-
tane Number 91) or higher. For im-
proved vehicle performance, the use of
premium unleaded gasoline with an Oc-
tane Rating of 91 (Research Octane
Number 96) or higher is recommended.
Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating or research octane number lower
than stated above will cause persistent
heavy knocking. If it is severe, this will
lead to engine damage.
If your engine knocks...
If you detect heavy knocking even when
using the recommended fuel, or if you
hear steady knocking while holding a
steady speed on level roads, consult your
Toyota dealer.
However, now and then, you may notice
light knocking for a short time while accel-
erating or driving up hills. This is no need
of concern.
Breakin period Fuel

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GASOLINE CONTAINING DETERGENT
ADDITIVES
Toyota recommends the use of gasoline
that contains detergent additives to
avoid buildup of engine deposits.
However, all gasoline sold in the U.S.
contains detergent additives to keep clean
and/or clean intake systems.
QUALITY GASOLINE
Automotive manufacturers in the U.S.,
Europe and Japan have developed a
specification for quality fuel named
WorldWide Fuel Charter (WWFC) that
is expected to be applied world wide.
The WWFC consists of three categories
that depend on required emission lev-
els. In the U.S., category 3 has been
adopted. The WWFC improves air quali-
ty by providing for better emissions in
vehicle fleets, and customer satisfaction
through better vehicle performance.CLEANER BURNING GASOLINE
Cleaner burning gasoline, including re-
formulated gasoline that contains oxy-
genates such as ethanol or MTBE is
available in many areas.
Toyota recommends the use of cleaner
burning gasoline and appropriately blended
reformulated gasoline. These types of gas-
oline provide excellent vehicle perfor-
mance, reduce vehicle emissions, and im-
prove air quality.
OXYGENATES IN GASOLINE
Toyota allows the use of oxygenate
blended gasoline where the oxygenate
content is up to 10% ethanol or 15%
MTBE. If you use gasohol in your
Toyota, be sure that it has an octane
rating no lower than 87.
Toyota does not recommend the use of
gasoline containing methanol.GASOLINE CONTAINING MMT
Some gasoline contain an octane en-
hancing additive called MMT (Methylcy-
clopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl).
Toyota does not recommend the use of
gasoline that contains MMT. If fuel con-
taining MMT is used, your emission con-
trol system may be adversely affected.
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the in-
strument cluster may come on. If this hap-
pens, contact your Toyota dealer for ser-
vice.
GASOLINE QUALITY
In a very few cases, you may experience
driveability problems caused by the partic-
ular gasoline that you are using. If you
continue to have unacceptable driveability,
try changing gasoline brands. If this does
not rectify your problem, then consult your
Toyota dealer.
NOTICE
Do not use gasohol other than
stated above. It will cause fuel sys-
tem damage or vehicle performance
problems.
If driveability problems occur (poor
hot starting, vaporizing, engine
knock, etc.), discontinue the use.

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2782003 AVALON (OM41401U)
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 SL. The center
portion of the label shows the SAE viscos-
ity grade such as SAE 5W30. “Energy
Conserving” shown in the lower portion,
indicates that the oil has fuelsaving ca-
pabilities.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-
dardization and Approval Committee) Certi-
fication Mark is displayed on the front of
the container.
To ensure the best possible lubrication
performance for your engine, the “Toyota
Genuine Motor Oil” range is available,
which has been specifically tested and ap-
proved for all Toyota engines.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details of the “Toyota Genuine Motor
Oil” range.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 ethyleneglycol 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

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)
3012003 AVALON (OM41401U)
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.
BT3373F (used belt), Ibf:
Generator belt 8822
Power steering pump belt 11520
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)
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is filled in
your Toyota vehicle. Use Toyota approved
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
to satisfy the following grade and
viscosity.Oil grade:
API grade SL “EnergyConserving” or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended oil viscosity:
SAE 5W30
Outside temperature
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details.
Fuel Service specifications

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Engine compartment
Engine compartment
Fuses (type A)
1. HEAD RH UPR 10 A: No circuit
2. HEAD LH UPR 10 A: No circuit
3. HEAD RH LWR 15 A: Righthand
headlight (low beam)
4. HEAD LH LWR 15 A: Lefthand head-
light (low beam)
5. ABS NO.4 5 A: Vehicle skid control
system
6. DRL 7.5 A: Daytime running light sys-
tem
7. SPARE 30 A: Spare fuse
8. SPARE 15 A: Spare fuse
Instrument panel
9. SPARE 25 A: Spare fuse
10. SPARE 10 A: Spare fuse
11. ALTS 5 A: Charging system
12. DCC 30 A: “DOME”, “ECUB” and
“RADIO” fuses
13. SECURITY 10 A: Theftdeterrent sys-
tem
14. HAZ 15 A: Turn signal lights
15. A/F 25 A: Air/fuel sensor
16. DOOR NO.2 15 A: Power door lock
system
17. HORN 10 A: Horn, theftdeterrent sys-
tem
Fuses

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3062003 AVALON (OM41401U)
47. DOME 7.5 A: Interior lights, front per-
sonal lights, door courtesy lights, igni-
tion switch light, vanity lights, garage
door opener, open door warning light,
illuminated entry system, rear personal
lights, automatic light control system,
trunk light, wireless remote control sys-
tem, multiplex communication system
48. OPNER 5 A: No circuit
49. RL P/W 20 A: Power window (for rear
left passenger)
50. RR P/W 20 A: Power window (for rear
right passenger)
51. WIP 25 A: Windshield wipers and
washer
52. ECUIG NO.2 10 A: Antilock brake
system, cruise control system, multiin-
formation display, theft deterrent sys-
tem, vehicle skid control system, me-
ters, multiplex communication system
53. CIG 15 A: Cigarette lighter
54. DOOR NO.1 25 A: Theft deterrent sys-
tem, trunk opener, multiplex commu-
nication system
55. SUN ROOF 30 A: Electric moon roofFuses (type B)
56. AM1 40 A: Multiport fuel injection sys-
tem/sequential multiport fuel injection
system
57. HTR 50 A: Air conditioning system
58. CDS 30 A: Electric cooling fans
59. RDI 30 A: Electric cooling fans
60. MAIN 40 A: Starter system
61. DEF 40 A: Rear window defogger,
noise filter
62. PWR SEAT 30 A: Power seats
Fuses (type C)
63. ABS 60 A: Antilock brake system,
“ABS NO.4” fuse
64. ALT 120 A: “HTR”, “A/C”, “ABS NO.2”,
“ABS NO.3”, “RDI”, “CDS”, “AM1”,
“ABS” and “ABS NO.4” fuses

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)
2003 AVALON (OM41401U)
Publication No. OM41401U
Part No. 01999-41401
Printed in Japan 01020600
(U)
Quick index
If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 116. . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 236. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your engine stalls while driving 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 249. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips for driving during breakin period 210. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 224. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General maintenance 263. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 210 for detailed information.
Fuel tank capacity:
70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 lmp. gal.)
Engine oil:
API grade SL “EnergyConserving” or ILSAC multigrade engine oil is recom-
mended.
See page 277 for detailed information.
Automatic transmission fluid:
Toyota Genuine ATF DII or DEXRONIII (DEXRONII)
Tire information: See pages 281 through 286.
Tire pressure: See page 303.
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