2008 TOYOTA AVALON light

303
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Hood
CAUTION
■Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked. 
If the hood is not locked properly it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
Pull the hood lock release
lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Lift the hood catch and lift the
hood.
STEP1
STEP2

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AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Power steering fluid■ Fluid level
The fluid level should be within the appropriate range.
Full (when hot)
Add fluid (when hot)
Full (when cold)
Add fluid (when cold)
Hot: The vehicles has been driven around 50 mph (80 km/h) for 20 minutes, or slightly longer in frigid temperatures. (Fluid tem-
perature, 140 F - 175F [60C - 80 C]).
Cold: The engine has not been run for about 5 hours. (Room tem- perature, 50 F - 85F [10C - 30 C]).
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high. 
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious pro\
blem.

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AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
BatteryCheck the battery as follows.
■ Battery exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Te r m i n a l s
Hold-down clamp
■ Checking battery condition
Check the battery condition by the indicator color.
Good condition
Charging necessary.
Have the battery checked by
your Toyota dealer.
Not working properly, have the
battery checked by your Toy-
ota dealer.
Ty pe A Ty pe B
Green Blue
Dark White
Clear or light yellow Red

320 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■Chemicals in the battery
A battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death
or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or near bat-
tery:
● Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
● Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
● Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
● Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
● Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
● Keep children away from the battery.
■ Where to safety charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a
garage or closed room where there is not sufficient ventilation.
■ How to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5A or less). The battery may explode if charged
at a quicker rate.
■ Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
● If electrolyte gets in your eyes 
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
● If electrolyte gets on your skin 
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or a burning sensation,
seek medical attention immediately.
● If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
● If you accidentally swallow electrolyte 
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia,
beaten raw egg or vegetable oil. Get emergency medical attention immedi-
ately.

4
Maintenance and care
321
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Washer fluid
If any washer does not work or
the low washer fluid warning light
comes on, the washer tank may
be empty. Add washer fluid.
NOTICE
■When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.
CAUTION
■When refilling the washer fluid
Do not refill the washer fluid when the engine is hot or running, as the
washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid. 
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.
■ Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary. 
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the washer fluid tank.

324 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)■
How to initialize the tire pressure warning system
Park the vehicle in safe place and turn the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch or the engine switch to OFF mode.
While the vehicle is moving, in itialization is not performed.
Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire infla-
tion pressure level. ( P. 412)
Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire
inflation pressure level. The ti re pressure warning system will
operate based on this pressure level.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch
to ON mode.
Push and hold the tire pressure
warning reset switch until the tire
pressure warning light blinks
slowly three times.
Wait for a few minutes with the ON mode, and then turn the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch to OFF
mode.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

4
Maintenance and care
325
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Registering ID codes
The tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is equipped with a
unique ID code. 
When replacing a tire pressure warning valve and transmitter, it is
necessary to register the ID code of tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter. Have the ID code registered by your Toyota dealer.
■When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
●You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to
expose the fabric or bulges indicating internal damage
●A tire goes flat repeatedly or c annot be properly repaired due to the
size or location of a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult with your Toyota dealer.
■Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not
registered, the tire pre ssure warning system will not work properly. After
about 20 minutes, the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking
for 1 minute to indicate a system malfunction.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even
if they have seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
■If the tread wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm) on snow tires
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost.

4
Maintenance and care
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■If you push the tire pressure warning reset switch accidentally
If initialization is performed, adjust t
he tire inflation pressure to the speci-
fied level and initialize the tire pressure warning system again.
■When the initialization of the tire pressure warning system has
failed
Initialization can be completed in a few minutes. However, in the follow-
ing cases, the settings have not b een recorded and the system will not
operate properly. If repeated attempts to record tire inflation pressure
settings are unsuccessful, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer.
●When operating the tire pressure warning reset switch, the tire pres-
sure warning light does not flash 3 times.
●After carrying out the initialization procedure, the tire pressure warn-
ing light blinks for 1 minute then stays on after driving for about 20
minutes.
■Routine tire inflation pressure checks
The tire pressure warning system doe s not replace routine tire inflation
pressure checks. Ma ke sure to check tire infl ation pressure as part of
your routine of daily vehicle checks.