2012 TOYOTA AVALON coolant level

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2
When driving
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
The units used on the speedometer may differ depending on the
target region.Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature.
Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Shift position indicator
Displays the shift position
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed.
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
Low fuel level warning light
P. 482
Odometer/trip meter and trip meter reset button
P. 170

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.

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4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Battery • Maintenance-free ( P. 417)
Brake fluid • At the correct level? ( P. 414)
Engine coolant • At the correct level? ( P. 412)
Engine oil • At the correct level? ( P. 408)
Exhaust system • No fumes or strange sounds?
Power steering fluid • At the correct level? ( P. 415)
Radiator/condenser/hoses • Not blocked with foreign matter?
(P. 413)
Washer fluid • At the correct level? ( P. 420)
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 Supp lement”. It is recommended that
any problem you notice should be brought to the attention of your
Toyota dealer or qualified service shop for advice.

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4
Maintenance and care
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedure given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition ( P. 417)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( P. 414)
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine coolant level ( P. 412)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrite and non-borate
coolant with long-life hybrid
organic acid technology.
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 50 % cool-
ant and 50 % deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 55 % cool-
ant and 45 % deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool- ant)

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine compar tment
Engine coolant reservoir( P. 412)
Power steering fluid
reservoir ( P. 415)
Engine oil filler cap ( P. 409)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 408)Brake fluid reservoir
( P. 414)
Fuse box ( P. 444)
Battery ( P. 417)
Radiator ( P. 413)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 413)
Washer fluid tank ( P. 420)

412 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine coolantThe coolant level is sati sfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
Full
Low
If the level is on or below the “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, coolant reservoir cap, radiator cap, drain
cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer pressure test the cap and
check for leaks in the cooling system.
■ Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50 % coolant and 50 % deionized water. (Enabled: -31 F [-35 C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55 % coolant and 45 % deionized water. (Enabled: -44 F [-42 C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.

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When trouble arises
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5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
■ Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature g auge needle continually points
higher than normal
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats
If your engine overheats:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air condi-
tioning system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam: Stop the engine. Carefully lift the hood after the steam
subsides and then restart the engine.
If you do not see steam: Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating: Wait until the engine coolant temperature gauge begins
to fall and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating: Stop the engine immediately and call your local Toyota
dealer.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, check the
coolant level and inspect the
radiator core (radiator) for any
leaks.
If the engine compartment
cover needs to be removed.
(P. 407)
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