2017 TOYOTA AVALON check engine

1844-3. Operating the lights and wipers
■Washer/wiper dual operation
Wipers will automatically oper-
ate a couple of times after the
washer squirts.
■The windshield wiper and washer can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■ Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation (vehicles with rain-sensing
windshield wipers)
With low speed windshield wiper operation selected, wiper operation will be
switched from low speed to intermittent wiper operation only when the vehicle
is stationary.
■ Raindrop sensor (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
●If the wiper is turned to AUTO mode while the engine switch is in IGNITION
ON mode, the wipers will operate once to show that AUTO mode is acti-
vated.
● If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 194°F (90°C) or higher, or
14°F (-10°C) or lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this case,
operate the wipers in any mode other than AUTO mode.
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
●The raindrop sensor judges the amount
of raindrops.
An optical sensor is adopted. It may not
operate properly when sunlight from the
rising or setting of the sun intermittently
strikes the windshield, or if bugs etc. are
present on the windshield.

255
4
Driving
4-6. Driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures. • Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician ins pect the condition of the battery.
● 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 specified size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
Perform the following accordin g to the driving conditions:
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.
Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away
the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.
● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Al ways drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle

311
Maintenance and care6
6-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 312
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 316
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 319
General maintenance........ 321
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs......................... 325
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions ..................... 326
Hood ................................. 328
Positioning a floor jack ...... 329
Engine compartment ......... 330
Tires .................................. 342
Tire inflation pressure ....... 352
Wheels .............................. 355
Air conditioning filter.......... 358
Electronic key battery........ 360
Checking and replacing fuses ............................... 362
Light bulbs......................... 365

3216-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
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. 338)
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct
level? (→P. 337)
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct
level? (→P. 334)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level?
(→P. 331)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser
The radiator and condenser should
be free from foreign objects.
(→P. 336)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid?
(→P. 341)

3246-2. Maintenance
Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Doors/trunk• Do the doors/trunk operatesmoothly?
Engine hood• Does the engine hood lock systemwork properly?
Fluid leaks
• There should not be any signs offluid leakage after the vehicle has
been parked.
Tires
• Is the tire inflation pressure cor-
rect?
• The tires should not be dam- aged or excessively worn.
• Have the tires been rotated according to the maintenance
schedule?
• The wheel nuts should not be loose.
Windshield wipers
• The wiper blades should not show any signs of cracking, splitting,
wear, contamination or deforma-
tion.
• The wiper blades should clear the windshield without streaking or
skipping.
WARNING
■If the engine is running
Turn the engine off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per-
forming maintenance checks.

3316-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oilPark the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine
and turning it off, wait more than 5 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out and
check the oil level.Low
Normal
Excessive
The shape of the dipstick may
differ depending on the type of
vehicle or engine.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
Engine oil
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
6

3326-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as that
already in the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed
before adding oil.Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, c hecking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
■Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following
situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.
●When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or
after replacing the engine
● If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
● When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, or when driving
while accelerating or decelerating frequently
● When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic
Engine oil selection →P. 427
Oil quantity
(Low → Full) 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)
Items
Clean funnel
1
2
3

3336-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
WARNING
■Used engine oil
● Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation and skin cancer, so care
should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used
engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
● Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground.
Call your Toyota dealer, service station or auto parts store for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
● Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
■ When replacing the engine oil
● Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
● Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
● Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
● Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.