Page 524 of 772

524
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
4-2. Maintenance
Maintenance requirements
To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and regular
maintenance is essential. Toyota recommends the following mainte-
nance.
Scheduled maintenance
Scheduled maintenance be performed at specified intervals
according to the maintenance schedule.
For full details of your maintenance schedule, read the “Toyota
Service Booklet” or “Toyota Warranty Booklet”.
Do-it-yourself maintenance
What about do-it-yourself maintenance?
Many maintenance items are easy to do yourself if you have a little
mechanical ability and a few basic automotive tools.
Note, however, that some maintenance tasks require special tools
and skills. These are best performed by qualified technicians. Even if
you’re an experienced do-it-yourself mechanic, we recommend that
repairs and maintenance be conducted by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional. Any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer will keep a record of
maintenance, which could be useful should you ever require Warranty
Service. Should you choose to select a qualified and equipped profes-
sional other than an authorized Toyota repairer to service or maintain
your vehicle, we recommend that you request that a record of mainte-
nance be kept.
Page 525 of 772

525 4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Where to go for service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the highest possible condition, Toyota
recommends that all repairs and service operations be carried out by autho-
rized Toyota dealers or repairers or other duly qualified and equipped profes-
sionals. For repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, who will use genuine Toyota parts in
repairing any difficulties you may encounter. There can also be advantages
in utilizing authorized Toyota dealers or repairers for non-warranty repairs
and services, as members of the Toyota network will be able to expertly
assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional service department will perform all of the scheduled maintenance
on your vehicle-reliably and economically due to their experience with
Toyota vehicles.
Does your vehicle need repair?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs
that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air condi-
tioning after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon mon-
oxide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system
checked immediately.)
Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
Page 526 of 772

526 4-2. Maintenance
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension movement
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost
touches the floor, vehicle pulls to one side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional, as
soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
CAUTION
If your vehicle is not properly maintained
It could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible personal injury
or death.
Warning in handling of the battery
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling. (P. 545)
Used engine oil
Used engine oil contains chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer
in laboratory animals. Avoid prolonged and repeated contact. Always protect
your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.
Page 527 of 772
527
4
Maintenance and care
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedures as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition (P. 545)
• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Engine coolant level (P. 543)
• 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. Toyota
Super Long Life Coolant is pre-
mixed with 50% coolant and 50%
deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool-
ant)
Engine oil levelP. 538)
• Toyota Genuine Motor Oil or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel
(used only for adding oil)
Page 528 of 772
528 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
ItemsParts and tools
Fuses (P. 569)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Radiator, condenser and inter-
cooler (P. 545)
Tire inflation pressure (P. 556)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 549)
• Water or washer fluid containing
antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel
Page 529 of 772

529 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
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.
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with
clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
Page 530 of 772

530 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
CAUTION
When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Vehicles with smart entry & start system
Be sure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is OFF.
With the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in IGNITION ON mode, the
electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is
on and/or the coolant temperature is high. (P. 545)
Vehicles without smart entry & start system
Be sure the engine switch is in the “LOCK” position.
With the engine switch in the “ON” position, the electric cooling fan may
automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant
temperature is high. (P. 545)
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in the eyes.
NOTICE
If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compart-
ment.
If the brake 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 problem.
Page 531 of 772
531
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Hood
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
Pull the hood release lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Lift the hood catch and lift the
hood.
Hold the hood open by insert-
ing the supporting rod into the
slot.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3