2008 TOYOTA AVALON engine

268
3-6. Other interior features
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Power outlets
■The power outlets can be used when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch is in ACC or ON
mode.
The power outlets can be used fo r 12V accessories that run on less
than 10A.
Front console box
Center console box

269
3-6. Other interior features
3
Interior features
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
NOTICE
■
To avoid damaging the power outlets
Close the power outlets lid when not in use. 
Foreign objects or liquids that enter the power outlets may cause a short cir-
cuit.
■ To prevent the fuse from being blown
Do not use an accessory that uses more than 12V/10A.
■ To prevent battery discharge
Do not use the power outlets longer than necessary when the engine is not
running.

271
3-6. Other interior features
3
Interior features
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■
The seat heaters and ventilators can be used when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch is in ON mode.
CAUTION
■Burns
● Use caution when seating the following persons in a seat with the seat
heater on to avoid the possibility of burns:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the disabled
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sleeping
drugs, cold remedies, etc.)
● Do not cover the seat with anything when using the seat heater. 
Using the seat heater with a blanket or cushion increases the temperature
of the seat and may lead to overheating.
NOTICE
■ To prevent seat heater/ventilator damage
Do not put heavy objects on the seat and do not stick sharp objects (nee-
dles, nails, etc.) into the seat.
■ To prevent battery discharge
Turn the switches off when the engine is not running.

273
3-6. Other interior features
3
Interior features
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Rear sunshade (if equipped)
■The rear sunshade can be used when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch is in ON mode.
■ Reverse operation feature
To ensure adequate rear visibility, the sunshade automatically lowers when
the shift lever is shifted to “R”.
However, the rear sunshade is raised again if any of the following occurs:
● Shift the shift lever into “P”.
● The switch is pressed again.
● The shift lever is shifted out of “R”, and the vehicle reaches a speed of 9
mph (15 km/h).
If the engine is turned off when the rear sunshade has been lowered due to
the reverse operation feature, it will not be raised even when the engine is
turned on again and the vehicle reaches a speed of 9 mph (15 km/h). To
raise the sunshade again, press the switch.
■ Operating the rear suns hade after turning the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch or the engine switch off
The rear sunshade can be raised and lowered for approximately 1 minute.
■ Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
Contact your Toyota dealer for further details.
The rear sunshade can be raised and lowered by pressing the switch
shown below.
Raise/lower

274 3-6. Other interior features
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■When the rear sunshade is being raised or lowered
Do not place fingers or other objects in the fastener section or in the open-
ing. They may get caught, causing injury.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not operate the rear sunshade when the engine is not running.
■ To ensure normal operation of the sunshade
Observe the following precautions.
● Do not place excessive load on the motor or other components.
● Do not place objects where they may hinder opening and closing opera-
tions.
● Do not attach items to the rear sunshade.
● Keep the opening clean and clear of obstructions.
● Do not operate the rear sunshade continuously over long periods of time.

Maintenance and care4
287
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
4-1. Maintenance and care ... 288Cleaning and protecting the 
vehicle exterior............... 288
Cleaning and protecting the 
vehicle interior................ 291 4-2. Maintenance ................... 294
Maintenance 
requirements .................. 294
General maintenance....... 296
Emission inspection and 
maintenance (I/M) 
programs ........................ 299
4-3. Do-it-yourself 
maintenance ................. 300
Do-it-yourself service 
precautions .................... 300
Hood ................................ 303
Positioning a floor jack ..... 304
Engine compartment ........ 306
Tires ................................. 322
Tire inflation pressure ...... 331
Wheels ............................. 335
Air conditioning filter......... 337
Key battery ....................... 340
Checking and replacing 
fuses .............................. 344
Headlight aim (with 
discharge headlights) ..... 353
Light bulbs........................ 355

295
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■
Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Toyota dealer
● Toyota technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date
with the latest service information. They are well informed about the
operations of all systems on your vehicle.
● Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has
been performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise
while your vehicle is under warranty, your Toyota dealer will promptly
take care of it.
CAUTION
■Hazardous materials
● Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a
well ventilated area.
● Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid
exposure and wash any affected area immediately.
● Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands
after handling. ( P. 318)
● Used engine oil contains chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer
in laboratory animals. Avoid prolonged and repeated contact. Always pro-
tect your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.

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.