2008 TOYOTA AVALON check engine

344
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Checking and replacing fuses
If any of the electrical components do not operate, a fuse may have
blown. If this happens, check and replace the fuses as necessary.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine
switch to OFF mode.
Open the fuse box cover.
Engine compartment
Push the tab in and lift the lid
off.
Driver’s side instrument panel Remove the lid.
After a system failure, see “Fuse layout and amperage rat-
ings” ( P. 346) for details about which fuse to check.STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5
When trouble arises
371
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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Stop the vehicle immediately.
The following warning indicates the possibility of damage to the vehi-
cle that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.
Have the vehicle inspected immediately.Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to
the system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning light Malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system.
Low engine oil pressure warning light Abnormal level of engine oil pressure. 
This warning light may turn on if the level of engine oil
declines. The light should turn off after checking the oil
and adding oil if necessary.
Warning lightWarning light/Details

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lampMalfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The transmission control system.
SRS warning light Malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• Front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system.

374 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
*1: Open door warning buzzer:
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approximately 3
mph (5 km/h) or more with any door open.
*2: Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder buzzer:
The driver’s and front passenger’s seat belts reminder sounds to alert the
driver and front passenger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. The
buzzer sounds intermittently for 10 seconds after the vehicle has reached a
speed of at least 9 mph (15 km/h). Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened,
the buzzer will continue to sound.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure

(U.S.A.)
Engine oil replacement
reminder light
Illuminates for about 3 sec-
onds and then flasher for
about 15 seconds: 
Engine oil is scheduled to
be changed. Check and the engine oil,
and change if necessary.
Comes on and remains:
Engine oil should be
changed. Check and change the
engine oil.

(if equipped) Dynamic laser cruise con-
trol master warning light
Malfunction in the dynamic
laser cruise control sys-
tem. When the light comes
on, the alarm sounds and
the warning code will
appear on the display. P. 157

5
When trouble arises
375
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Have the malfunction repaired immediately. (vehicles with smart
key system)
After taking the specified steps to correct the suspected problem,
check that the warning light turn off.
Interior buzzerExterior buzzerWarning lightDetailsCorrection procedure
Once
(Flashing)
The electronic key
is not detected
when attempting to
start the engine.
• Confirm the location of the
electronic key.
• The electronic key battery
maybe dis-
charged. 
( P. 340)
Once3 times
(Flashing)
An open door
other than the
driver’s door is
closed while the
electronic key is
outside the detec-
tion range and the
“ENGINE START
STOP” switch is in
ACC or ON mode.
Confirm the
location of the
electronic key.

5
When trouble arises
379
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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■If the tire pressure warning light continues to comes on after blink-
ing for 1 minute frequently
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute
when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
or the engine switch is turned
to ON mode, have it checked by your Toyota dealer.
■When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level.
Pushing the tire pressure warning reset switch does not turn off the tire
pressure warning light.
■The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes such
as natural air leaks or tire inflation pressure changes caused by temper-
ature. In this case, adjusting the ti re inflation pressure will turn off the
light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with a spare tire
The spare tire is also equipped with the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter. The tire pressure warning li ght will turn on if the tire inflation
pressure of the spare tire is low. If a tire goes flat, even though the flat
tire is replaced with the spare tire, the tire pressure warning light does
not turn off. Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire and adjust the
proper tire inflation pressure. The ti re pressure warning light will turn off
after a few minutes.

5
When trouble arises
389
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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CAUTION
■Using the tire jack
Improper use of the tire jack may lead to death or injuries due to the
vehicle suddenly falling off the jack.
●Do not use the tire jack for any pu
rpose other than replacing tires or
installing and removing tire chains.
●Only use the tire jack that comes wi th this vehicle for replacing a flat
tire. 
Do not use it on other vehicles, and do not use other tire jacks for
replacing tires on this vehicle.
●Always check that the tire jack is securely set to the jack point.
●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in it.
●When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle to a heigh t greater than that required to
replace the tire.
●Use a jack stand if it is necessary to get under the vehicle.
●Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle supported by a jack.
●Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is supported by the
jack.
Take particular care when lowering the vehicle to ensure that no one
working on or near the vehicle may be injured.
■Replacing a flat tire
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious
injury.
●Never use oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel nuts. 
The oil or grease can cause the wheel nuts to loosen, causing a seri-
ous accident. Remove any oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel
nuts.
●Have the wheel nuts tightened with a torque wrench to 76 ft•lbf (103
N•m, 10.5 kgf•m) as soon as possible after changing wheels. 
Failure to follow these precautions could cause the nuts to loosen and
the wheels may fall off, which could lead to an accident causing death
or serious injury.

392 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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Emergency start function (vehicles with smart key system)When the engine does not start, th e following steps can be used as
an interim measure to start the engine if the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch is functioning normally.
Set the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to “P”.
Set the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to the ACC mode.
Push and hold the “ENGINE START STOP” switch about 15
seconds while depressing the brake pedal firmly.
Even if the engine can be started using the above steps, the system
may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle checked by your Toyota
dealer.
■ The starter motor does not turn over (vehicles with smart
key system).
The engine starting system may be malfunctioning due to an
electrical problem such as an open circuit or a blown fuse. How-
ever, an interim measure is available to start the engine. 
(  P. 122)
■ The starter motor does not turn over, the interior lights and
headlights do not turn on, or the horn does not sound
One of the following may be the cause of the problem.
● One or both of the battery terminals may be disconnected.
● The battery may be discharged. ( P. 397)
● There may be a malfunction in the steering lock system (vehi-
cles with smart key system).
Contact your Toyota dealer if the problem cannot be repaired, or if
repair procedures are unknown.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

398 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■Starting the engine when the battery is discharged
The engine cannot be started by push-starting.
■ To prevent battery discharge
● Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch or the engine is turned off.
● Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is run-
ning at a low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic, etc.
■ When the battery is removed or discharged
The following systems must be initialized.
● Power windows (
P. 66)
● Moon roof (
P. 70)
● Tire pressure warning system (
P. 324)
Start the engine of the second vehicle. Increase the engine
speed slightly and maintain at that level for approximately
five minutes to recharge the battery of your vehicle.
Vehicles with smart key system  Open and close any of
the doors with the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
Maintain the engine speed on the second vehicle and turn
the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch to
the ON mode, then start the vehicle’s engine.
Once the vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper
cables in the exact reverse order in which they were con-
nected.
Once the engine starts, have the vehicle checked at your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5