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3116-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty
Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem
you notice should be brought to the attention of your Toyota
dealer or qualified service shop for advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the battery fluid level and
connections. ( P. 330)
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct
level? (P. 329)
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct
level? (P. 326)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level?
(P. 323)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser
The radiator and condenser should
be free from foreign objects.
(P. 328)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid?
(P. 333)
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316
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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition(P. 330)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
• Distilled water
Brake fluid level ( P. 329)
• 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. 326)
•“To y o t a Super Long Life Coolant”
or a 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 Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 50% coolant and
50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 55% coolant and
45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding cool- ant)
Engine oil level ( P. 323)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
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3226-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Engine compar tment
Engine oil filler cap (P. 324)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 323)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 329)
Fuse box ( P. 352)
Battery ( P. 330) Radiator (
P. 328)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 328)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 326)
Washer fluid tank ( P. 333)1
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3266-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line
If the level is on or below the “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
(P. 422)
■ Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a 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% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 F [-35 C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -44 F [-42 C])
For more details about engine coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir caps, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
Engine coolant
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2
3
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3857-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
AVALON (U)_(OM41452U)
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air co nditioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points higher
than normal.
● Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
● Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
● 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, spon gy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the follow ing symptoms, your vehicle proba-
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms
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4227-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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●The needle of the engine coolant temperature gauge ( P. 7 7 )
enters the red zone or a loss of engine power is experienced.
(For example, the vehicle speed does not increase.)
● Steam comes out from under the hood.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning sys-
tem, and then stop the engine.
If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficient ly, inspect the
hoses and radiator core (radia-
tor) for any leaks.
Radiator
Cooling fan
If a large amount of coolant leaks,
immediately contact your Toyota
dealer.
The coolant level is satisfactory
if it is between the “F” and “L”
lines on the reservoir.
Reservoir
“F” line
“L” line
Radiator cap
If your vehicle overheats
The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating:
Correction procedures
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3
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4
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