2008 TOYOTA AVALON maintenance

4
Maintenance and care
315
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Brake fluid
■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
■ Adding fluid
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
■ Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces. 
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.

316 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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.

4
Maintenance and care
317
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■
Checking the fluid level
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall and remove the reservoir cap again.
Check the fluid level.
Fluid typeAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
ItemsRag or paper, clean funnel (only for adding fluid)
CAUTION
■ When checking the reservoir
Take care, as the reservoir may be hot.
NOTICE
■When adding fluid
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering may be damaged.
■ After replacing the reservoir cap
Check the steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or
damage.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

318 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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

4
Maintenance and care
319
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■
Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
● If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to discon-
nect the ground cable.
● Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and
disconnecting the charger cables to the battery.

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.

322
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Tires
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance sched-
ules and treadwear.
■Checking tires
New tread
Treadwear indicator
Worn tread
The location of treadwear
indicators is shown by the
“TWI” or “” marks, etc.,
molded on the sidewall of
each tire.
Check spare tire condition
and inflation pressure if not
rotated.
■ Tire rotation
Rotate the tires in the order
shown.
To equalize tire wear and
extend tire life, Toyota recom-
mends that tire rotation is
carried out at the same inter-
val as tire inspection.
Do not fail to initialize the tire
pressure warning system
after tire rotation.
Front