’06 AVALON_U (L/O 0508)
338
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of
the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have
the cause located and corrected immedi-
ately. (See “Engine exhaust cautions” on
page 264 in Section 2.)
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
In 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.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be performed
from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Wiper blades
Check for wear or cracks whenever they
do not wipe cleanly. See page 369 in
Section 7
−3 for additional information.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. If you smell fuel
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors including trunk lid
operate smoothly and all latches lock se-
curely. Make sure the engine hood sec-
ondary latch secures the hood from open-
ing when the primary latch is released.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge ev-
ery two weeks, or at least once a
month. See page 355 in Section 7 −2
for additional information.
’06 AVALON_U (L/O 0508)
340
Some states have vehicle emission in-
spection programs which include OBD
(On−Board Diagnostics) che cks.
The OBD system monitors the operation
of the emission control system. When the
OBD system determines that a problem
exists somewhere in the emission control
system, the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on. In this case, your vehicle may
not pass the I/M test and need to be
repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer to
service the vehicle.
Even if the malfunction indicator lamp
does not come on, your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test as readiness codes
have not been set in the OBD system.
Readiness codes are automatically set
during ordinary driving. However, when the
battery is disconnected or run down, the
codes are erased. Also, depending on
your driving habits, the codes may not be
completely set. Also, if the malfunction indicator lamp had
come on recently due to temporary mal-
function such as a loose fuel tank cap,
your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off
after taking several driving trips, but the
error code in the OBD system will not be
cleared unless about 40 trips or more are
taken.
If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
even the malfunction indicator lamp does
not come on, contact your Toyota dealer
to prepare the vehicle for re
−testing.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) programs
’06 AVALON_U (L/O 0508)
Publication No. OM41414U
Part No. 01999-41414
Printed in Japan 01−0508 −00
(U)
Quick index
If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 145 . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 308 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. .
If your engine stalls while driving 312 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 312 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
If you have a flat tire 313 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 323 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips for driving during break −in period 260 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 290 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
General maintenance 337 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . .
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 260 for detailed information.
Fuel tank capacity: 70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 Imp. gal.)
Engine oil: ILSAC multigrade engine oil is recommended.
See page 351 for detailed information.
Tire information: See pages 355 through 363.
Tire inflation pressure: See page 380.
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