’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)
Do−it−yourself service
precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself,
be sure to follow the correct procedure
given in this section.
D Be sure that the ignition is off if
CAUTION
you work near the electric cooling
fans or radiator grille. With the
ignition on, the electric cooling fans
will automatically start to run if the
engine coolant temperature is high
and/or the air conditioning is on.
D When the engine is running, keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from the moving fan and engine
You should be aware that improper or in-
complete servicing may result in operating
problems.
drive
belts.
(Removing
watches, and ties is advisable.)
rings,
Performing
do−it−yourself
maintenance
during the warranty period may affect your
warranty coverage. Read the separate
Toyota Warranty statement for details and
suggestions.
D Right after driving, the engine
compartment—the engine, radiator,
exhaust manifold and spark plug
boots, etc.—will be hot. So be care-
ful not to touch them. Oil, fluids
and spark plugs may also be hot.
D Use eye protection whenever you
work on or under your vehicle
where you may be exposed to flying
or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
This section gives instructions only for
those items that are relatively easy for an
owner to perform. As explained in Section
6, there are still a number of items that
must be done by a qualified technician
with special tools.
D Used engine oil contains potentially
harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as in-
flammation or skin cancer, so care
should be taken to avoid prolonged
and repeated contact with it. To re-
move used engine oil from your
skin, wash thoroughly with soap
and water.
D If the engine is hot, do not remove
the radiator cap or loosen the drain
plugs to prevent burning yourself.
D Do not smoke, cause sparks or al-
low open flames around fuel or the
battery. Their fumes are flammable.
For information on tools and parts for do−
it−yourself maintenance, see “Parts and
tools” in this section.
D Do not get under your vehicle with
just the body jack supporting it. Al-
ways use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.
Utmost care should be taken when work-
ing on your vehicle to prevent accidental
D Do not leave used oil within the
reach of children.
injury. Here are
a
few precautions that
D Dispose of used oil and filter only
in a safe and acceptable manner.
Do not dispose of used oil and fil-
ter in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your dealer or
you should be especially careful to ob-
serve:
a service station for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
2003 AVALON (OM41401U)
270
English 