Page 299 of 339

’04 AVALON U (L/O 0408)
291
2004 AVALON from Aug. ’04 Prod. (OM41412U)
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 correct reading, the vehicle should be on level ground. After turning
off the engine, wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain back into the bottom of
the engine.
2. Pull the dipstick out, hold a rag under the end and wipe it clean.
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 while holding a rag under the
end.
CAUTION
Be careful not to touch the hot ex-
haust manifold.
NOTICE
Be careful not to drop engine oil on
the vehicle components.
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. We recommend that you use
a funnel when adding oil.
The approximate quantity of oil needed to
raise the level between low and full on the
dipstick is indicated below for reference.
When the level reaches within the correct
range, install the f iller cap hand tight.
Oil quantity, L (qt., Imp. qt.): 1.5 (1.6, 1.3)
NOTICE
Be careful not to spill engine oil on
the vehicle components.
Avoid overfilling, or the engine
could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick
once again after adding the oil.
Checking the engine oil level
Page 300 of 339
’04 AVALON U (L/O 0408)
292
2004 AVALON from Aug. ’04 Prod. (OM41412U)
ENGINE OIL SELECTION
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is used 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 “Energy Conserving” or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil
Recommended viscosity: SAE 5W 30
Outside temperature
SAE 5W 30 is the best choice for good
fuel economy and good starting in cold
weather.
If SAE 5W 30 is not available, SAE
10W 30 may be used. However, it
should be replaced with SAE 5W 30 at
the next oil change.
API service symbol
ILSAC certification mark
Page 301 of 339

’04 AVALON U (L/O 0408)
293
2004 AVALON from Aug. ’04 Prod. (OM41412U)
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 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.
To ensure excellent lubrication perfor-
mance for your engine, “Toyota Genuine
Motor Oil” is available, which has been
specifically tested and approved for all
Toyota engines.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details about “Toyota Genuine Motor
Oil”.Look at the see through 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 the
coolant. (For the coolant type, see
“Coolant type selection” described be-
low.)
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.
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.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not
remove the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot.
Checking the engine coolant
level
Page 328 of 339

’04 AVALON U (L/O 0408)
320
2004 AVALON from Aug. ’04 Prod. (OM41412U)
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 22
Power steering pump belt 115 20
ENGINE LUBRICATION
Oil capacity (drain and ref ill), 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 used 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 “Energy Conserving” or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended oil viscosity: SAE 5W 30
Outside temperature
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details.
Fuel Service specifications
Page 336 of 339