2004 TOYOTA AVALON maintenance

’04 AVALON U (L/O 0408)
290
2004 AVALON from Aug. ’04 Prod. (OM41412U)
DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level291
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Checking the engine coolant level 293
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Checking the radiator and condenser 294
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Checking brake fluid 295
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. . . .
Checking power steering fluid 295
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Checking tire inflation pressure 296
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Checking and replacing tires 299
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Rotating tires 301
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Installing snow tires and chains 302
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Replacing wheels 303
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Aluminum wheel precautions 304
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SECTION 7 2

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301
2004 AVALON from Aug. ’04 Prod. (OM41412U)
With a spare tire of the same
wheel type as the installed tiresWith a spare tire of different
wheel type from the installed
tiresTo equalize the wear and help ex-
tend tire life, Toyota recommends
that you rotate your tires accord-
ing to the maintenance schedule.
(For scheduled maintenance infor-
mation, please refer to the “Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide” or “Own-
er’s Manual Supplement”.)
However, the most appropriate tim-
ing for tire rotation may vary ac-
cording to your driving habits and
road surface conditions.
See “If you have a fl
at tire” in Section
4 for tire change procedure.
When rotating tires, check for uneven
wear and damage. Abnormal wear is
usually caused by incorrect tire pres-
sure, improper wheel alignment, out
ofbalance wheels, or severe braking.
Rotating tires

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2004 AVALON from Aug. ’04 Prod. (OM41412U)
DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Electrical components
Checking battery condition307
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Battery recharging precautions 308
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Checking and replacing fuses 309
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Adding washer fluid 310
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. . . . .
Replacing light bulbs 310
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SECTION 7 3

’04 AVALON U (L/O 0408)
2004 AVALON from Aug. ’04 Prod. (OM41412U)
Publication No. OM41412U
Part No. 01999-41412
Printed in Japan 01040800
(U)
Quick index
If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 120 . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle will not start 251 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. .
 If your engine stalls while driving 254 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle overheats 254 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
 If you have a flat tire 255 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle needs to be towed 264 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Tips for driving during breakin period 213 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 How to start the engine 239 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
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 General maintenance 278 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
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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 213 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
recommended.
See page 292 for detailed information.
Tire information: See pages 296 through 304.
Tire pressure: See page 322.
aU9
B

’04 AVALON U (L/O 0408)
2004 AVALON from Aug. ’04 Prod. (OM41412U)
You should know as much about the quality and
importance of proper maintenance of your new
vehicle as the people who built it.
The Toyota authorized Repair Manual
tells you how to maintain your vehicle and
enables you to correctly perform your own
maintenance.
The best way to keep your new vehicle in top
running order is to maintain it properly from
the moment you drive it off the showroom
floor.
The Toyota authorized Repair Manual is
packed with literally everything you need to
know to perform your own maintenance in
virtually every area of your new vehicle.

’04 AVALON U (L/O 0408)
2004 AVALON from Aug. ’04 Prod. (OM41412U)
Where to obtain the Repair Manual
The repair manual for Avalon, written in Eng-
lish, may be purchased as applicable from any
Toyota dealer.
Pub. Name: 2004 AVALON Repair Manual
Pub. No.: RM1061U1 RM1061U2
Maintenance procedures for the engine,
chassis, body, electrical 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.