2008 TOYOTA AVALON steering

296
4-2. Maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Battery • Maintenance-free ( P. 318)
Brake fluid • At the correct level? ( P. 315)
Engine coolant • At the correct level? ( P. 313)
Engine oil • At the correct level? ( P. 308)
Exhaust system • No fumes or strange sounds?
Power steering fluid • At the correct level? ( P. 316)
Radiator/condenser/hoses • Not blocked with foreign matter?

( P. 314)
Washer fluid • At the correct level? ( P. 321)
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s” Manual Supplem ent”. It is recommended that
any problem you notice should be brought to the attention of your
Toyota dealer or qualified service shop for advice.

297
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal • Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal
effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism • Can the vehicle be hold securely on an
incline with the shift lever in “P”?
Brake pedal • Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and
correct amount of free play?
Brakes • Pulls to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints • Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers • Function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly? (
P. 353)
Parking brake • Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on an
incline?
Seat belts • Does the seat belt system operate
smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats • Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel • Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?

4
Maintenance and care
301
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■
When working on the engine compartment
● Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
ItemsParts and tools
Fuses (P. 344)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Headlight aim ( P. 353)• Phillips-head screwdriver
Power steering fluid level
( P. 316)
• Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON® II or III
• Rag or paper towel
• Clean funnel
Radiator and condenser (P. 314)
Tire inflation pressure ( P. 331)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 321)
• Water washer fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter use)
• Funnel

306
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Engine compar tment
Engine coolant reservoir
(  P. 313)
Power steering fluid 
reservoir ( P. 316)
Engine oil filler cap 
(  P. 309)
Engine oil level dipstick 
(  P. 308)
Brake fluid reservoir 
(  P. 315)Fuse box ( P. 344)
Battery ( P. 318)
Radiator ( P. 314)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 314)
Washer fluid tank 
( P. 321)

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

4
Maintenance and care
347
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
FuseAmpereCircuit
8ALT 140 A
(Limited
grade)120 A
(XL, XLS grade) Charging system, RR DEF, ABS/
VSC No.2, HEATER, ABS/VSC
No.1, RDI FAN, WASHER,

S-HORN
9 STOP No.3 7.5 A Electronic controlled transmission
system, multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system
10 INJ 15 A Multiport fuel injection system/
sequential multiport fuel injection
system
11 AM2 7.5 A Starter system
12 DOOR No.1 25 A Multiplex communication system
13 ALT-S 7.5 A Charging system
14 ETCS 10 A Multiport fuel injection system/
sequential multiport fuel injection
system
15 IG2 25 A Multiport fuel injection system/
sequential multiport fuel injection
system, electronic controlled
transmission system
16 TURN/HAZ 15 A Turn signal lights
17 AMP 30 A Audio system
18 FEI No.3 7.5 A Smart key system, electronic con-
trolled transmission system, immo-
bilizer system
19 STR LOCK 25 A Steering lock system
20 STOP No.1 15 A Multiplex communication system

5
When trouble arises
369
5-1. Essential information
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
●
Behavior of the vehicle
● Steering wheel angle
● Vehicle speed
● To what extent the accelerator pedal was depressed
● To what extent the brake pedal was applied
● To what extent the ECU controlled the condition of the 4 wheels
● Vehicle stability contro l system diagnostic data
The information above is intended to be used for the purpose of
improving vehicle safety performan ce. Unlike general data recorders,
the EDR does not record sound data such as conversation between
passengers.
Disclosure of the data
Toyota will not disclose the data re corded in an EDR to a third party
except when:
● An agreement from the vehicle’s ow ner (or the leasing company for
a leased vehicle) is obtained
● Officially requested by the police or other authorities
● Used as a defense for Toyota in a law suit
● Ordered by a court
However, if necessary Toyota will:
● Use the data for research on Toyota vehicle safety performance
● Disclose the data to a third party for research purposes without dis-
closing details of the vehicle ow ner, and only when it is deemed
necessary
● Disclose summarized data cleared of vehicle identification informa-
tion to a non-Toyota organization for research purposes