2012 TOYOTA AVALON light

Maintenance and care4
385
4-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior ......... 386
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior .......... 389
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements .................. 392
General maintenance....... 395
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs........................ 398
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions .................... 399
Hood ................................ 403
Positioning a floor jack ..... 404
Engine compartment ........ 406
Tires ................................. 421
Tire inflation pressure ...... 430
Wheels ............................. 434
Air conditioning filter......... 437
Key battery ....................... 440
Checking and replacing fuses .............................. 444
Headlight aim (with discharge headlights) ..... 453
Light bulbs........................ 455

388 4-1. Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and compo-
nents (aluminum wheels etc.)
● Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If you see coal tar or tree sap on the paint surface
• If you see dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings on the paint
• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust,
iron powder or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled in dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzine and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface
● If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
● To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place
with low humidity when storing the wheels.
■ Cleaning the exterior lights
●Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.
● Do not apply wax on the surface of the lights. Wax may cause damage to
the lenses.
■ When using an automatic car wash
(vehicles equipped with the raindrop detection windshield wipers)
Turn off the wiper switch.
If the wiper switch is in “AUTO”, the wip-
ers may operate and the wiper blades
may be damaged.
Off

391
4-1. Maintenance and care
4
Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■
Cleaning detergents
●Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehi-
cle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces.
• Non-seat portions: Organic substances such as benzine or gasoline,
alkaline or acidic solutions, dye, or bleach.
• Seats: Acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzine, or alcohol.
● Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel’s or other
interior part’s painted surface may be damaged.
■ Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration o\
f
leather surfaces.
●Remove any dust or dirt on leather surfaces immediately.
● Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.
● Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or that contain wax on the uphol-
stery, as they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats
up significantly.
■ Water on the floor
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes
into contact with electrical components under the floor of the vehicle, and
may also cause the body to rust.
■ Cleaning the inside of the rear window
●Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this may cause
damage to the rear window defogger heater wires. Use a cloth dampened
with lukewarm water to gently wipe the window clean. Wipe the window in
strokes running parallel to the heater wires.
● Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires or antenna.

396 4-2. Maintenance
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. 453)
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?

400 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
ItemsParts and tools
Engine oil level (P. 408)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses (P. 444)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Headlight aim ( P. 453)• Phillips-head screwdriver
Power steering fluid level
(P. 415)
• Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON® II or III
• Rag or paper towel
• Clean funnel
Radiator and condenser (P. 413)
Tire inflation pressure ( P. 430)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 420)
• Water washer fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter use)
• Funnel

403
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
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

4
Maintenance and care
415
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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.

418 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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.