Get INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA Guide for Toyota Avalon 4 Door Second Generation (2000-2004)

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

SECTION

2

INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR

TOYOTA

Break−in period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210

Operation in foreign countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

Three−way catalytic converters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

Engine exhaust cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

Facts about engine oil consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214

Iridium−tipped spark plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

Brake pad wear limit indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

Luggage stowage precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

Your Toyota’s identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

Theft prevention labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

Suspension and chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

Types of tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

209

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

Break−in period

Fuel

Drive gently and avoid high speeds.

FUEL TYPE

OCTANE RATING

Your vehicle does not need an elaborate

break−in. But following a few simple tips

for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can add

to the future economy and long life of

your vehicle:

Your new vehicle must use only un-

leaded gasoline.

Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Oc-

tane Number 91) or higher. For im-

proved vehicle performance, the use of

premium unleaded gasoline with an Oc-

tane Rating of 91 (Research Octane

Number 96) or higher is recommended.

To help prevent gas station mix−ups, your

Toyota has a smaller fuel tank opening.

The special nozzle on pumps with un-

leaded fuel will fit it, but the larger stan-

dard nozzle on pumps with leaded gas will

not.

D Avoid full throttle acceleration when

starting and driving.

Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane

rating or research octane number lower

than stated above will cause persistent

heavy knocking. If it is severe, this will

lead to engine damage.

D Avoid racing the engine.

At

a

minimum, the gasoline you use

D Try to avoid hard stops during the first

300 km (200 miles).

should meet specifications of ASTM

D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB 3.5−M93

in Canada.

D Do not drive for a long time at any

single speed, either fast or slow.

If your engine knocks...

If you detect heavy knocking even when

using the recommended fuel, or if you

NOTICE

D Do not tow a trailer during the first 800

km (500 miles).

hear steady knocking while holding

a

Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of

leaded gasoline will cause the three−

way catalytic converter to lose its ef-

fectiveness and the emission control

system to function improperly. Also,

this can increase maintenance costs.

steady speed on level roads, consult your

Toyota dealer.

However, now and then, you may notice

light knocking for a short time while accel-

erating or driving up hills. This is no need

of concern.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

210

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

GASOLINE CONTAINING DETERGENT

ADDITIVES

CLEANER BURNING GASOLINE

GASOLINE CONTAINING MMT

Cleaner burning gasoline, including re-

formulated gasoline that contains oxy-

genates such as ethanol or MTBE is

available in many areas.

Some gasoline contain an octane en-

hancing additive called MMT (Methylcy-

clopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl).

Toyota recommends the use of gasoline

that contains detergent additives to

avoid build−up of engine deposits.

Toyota does not recommend the use of

gasoline that contains MMT. If fuel con-

taining MMT is used, your emission con-

trol system may be adversely affected.

The Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the in-

strument cluster may come on. If this hap-

pens, contact your Toyota dealer for ser-

vice.

However, all gasoline sold in the U.S.

contains detergent additives to keep clean

and/or clean intake systems.

Toyota recommends the use of cleaner

burning gasoline and appropriately blended

reformulated gasoline. These types of gas-

oline provide excellent vehicle perfor-

mance, reduce vehicle emissions, and im-

prove air quality.

QUALITY GASOLINE

Automotive manufacturers in the U.S.,

a

Europe and Japan have developed

OXYGENATES IN GASOLINE

specification for quality fuel named

World−Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) that

is expected to be applied world wide.

The WWFC consists of three categories

that depend on required emission lev-

els. In the U.S., category 3 has been

adopted. The WWFC improves air quali-

ty by providing for better emissions in

vehicle fleets, and customer satisfaction

through better vehicle performance.

GASOLINE QUALITY

Toyota allows the use of oxygenate

blended gasoline where the oxygenate

content is up to 10% ethanol or 15%

MTBE. If you use gasohol in your

Toyota, be sure that it has an octane

rating no lower than 87.

In a very few cases, you may experience

driveability problems caused by the partic-

ular gasoline that you are using. If you

continue to have unacceptable driveability,

try changing gasoline brands. If this does

not rectify your problem, then consult your

Toyota dealer.

Toyota does not recommend the use of

gasoline containing methanol.

NOTICE

z Do not use gasohol other than

stated above. It will cause fuel sys-

tem damage or vehicle performance

problems.

z If driveability problems occur (poor

hot starting, vaporizing, engine

knock, etc.), discontinue the use.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

211

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

Operation in foreign countries

Three−way catalytic converters

If you plan to drive your Toyota in

another country...

z Take care not to spill gasohol dur-

ing refueling. Gasohol may cause

paint damage.

First, comply with the vehicle registration

laws.

Second, confirm the availability of the cor-

rect fuel (unleaded and minimum octane

number).

FUEL TANK CAPACITY

70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 Imp. gal.)

The three−way catalytic converter is an

emission control device installed in the

exhaust system.

The purpose is to reduce pollutants in the

exhaust gas.

CAUTION

D Keep people and combustible mate-

rials away from the exhaust pipe

while the engine is running. The

exhaust gas is very hot.

D Do not drive, idle or park your ve-

hicle over anything that might burn

easily such as grass, leaves, paper

or rags.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

212

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

Engine exhaust cautions

NOTICE

z Keep your engine in good running

order. Malfunctions in the engine

electrical system, electronic ignition

system/distributor ignition system

or fuel system could cause an ex-

tremely high three−way catalytic

converter temperature.

CAUTION

A

large amount of unburned gases

D Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust.

It contains carbon monoxide, which

is a colorless and odorless gas. It

can cause unconsciousness or even

death.

flowing into the three−way catalytic

converter may cause it to overheat

and create a fire hazard. To prevent

this and other damage, observe the

following precautions:

z If the engine becomes difficult to

start or stalls frequently, take your

vehicle in for a check−up as soon

as possible. Remember, your Toyota

dealer knows your vehicle and its

three−way catalytic converter sys-

tem best.

D Make sure the exhaust system has

no holes or loose connections. The

system should be checked from

time to time. If you hit something,

or notice a change in the sound of

the exhaust, have the system

checked immediately.

z Use only unleaded gasoline.

z Do not drive with an extremely low

fuel level; running out of fuel could

cause the engine to misfire, creat-

ing an excessive load on the three−

way catalytic converter.

z Do not allow the engine to run at

idle speed for more than 20 min-

utes.

z To ensure that the three−way cata-

lytic converter and the entire emis-

sion control system operate proper-

ly, your vehicle must receive the

periodic inspections required by the

Toyota Maintenance Schedule. For

scheduled maintenance information,

refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance

Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supple-

ment”.

D Do not run the engine in a garage

or enclosed area except for the

time needed to drive the vehicle in

or out. The exhaust gases cannot

escape, making this a particularly

dangerous situation.

z Avoid racing the engine.

z Do not push−start or pull−start your

vehicle.

D Do not remain for a long time in a

parked vehicle with the engine run-

ning. If it is unavoidable, however,

do so only in an unconfined area

and adjust the heating or cooling

system to force outside air into the

vehicle.

z Do not turn off the ignition while

the vehicle is moving.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

213

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

Facts about engine oil

consumption

FUNCTIONS OF ENGINE OIL

D Oil is also used to lubricate the stems

of the intake valves. Some of this oil

is sucked into the combustion chamber

together with the intake air and is

burned along with the fuel. High tem-

perature exhaust gases also burn the

oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve

stems.

D Keep the trunk lid closed while

driving. An open or unsealed trunk

lid may cause exhaust gases to be

drawn into the vehicle.

Engine oil has the primary functions of

lubricating and cooling the inside of the

engine, and plays a major role in main-

taining the engine in proper working order.

D To allow proper operation of your

vehicle’s ventilation system, keep

the inlet grilles in front of the wind-

shield clear of snow, leaves, or oth-

er obstructions.

ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION

It is normal that an engine should con-

sume some engine oil during normal

engine operation. The causes of oil

consumption in a normal engine are as

follows.

The amount of engine oil consumed de-

pends on the viscosity of the oil, the

quality of the oil and the conditions the

vehicle is driven under.

D If you smell exhaust fumes in the

vehicle, drive with the windows

open and the trunk lid closed. Have

the cause immediately located and

corrected.

D Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston

rings and cylinders. A thin film of oil

is left on the cylinder wall when a pis-

ton moves downwards in the cylinder.

High negative pressure generated when

the vehicle is decelerating sucks some

of this oil into the combustion chamber.

This oil as well as some part of the oil

film left on the cylinder wall is burned

by the high temperature combustion

gases during the combustion process.

More oil is consumed by high−speed driv-

ing and frequent acceleration and decel-

eration.

A new engine consumes more oil, since

its pistons, piston rings and cylinder walls

have not become conditioned.

When judging the amount of oil con-

sumption, note the that oil may become

diluted and make it difficult to judge

the true level accurately.

As an example, if a vehicle is used for

repeated short trips, and consumes a nor-

mal amount of oil, the dipstick may not

show any drop in the oil level at all, even

after 1000 km (600 miles) or more. This

is because the oil is gradually becoming

diluted with fuel or moisture, making it

appear that the oil level has not changed.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

214

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

Iridium−tipped spark plugs

Brake system

The diluting ingredients evaporate out

when the vehicle is then driven at high

speeds, as on an expressway, making it

appear that oil is excessively consumed

after driving at high speeds.

The tandem master cylinder brake system

is a hydraulic system with two separate

sub−systems. If either sub−system should

fail, the other will still work. However, the

pedal will be harder to press, and your

stopping distance will be longer. Also, the

brake system warning light may come on.

IMPORTANCE OF ENGINE OIL LEVEL

CHECK

One of the most important points in prop-

er vehicle maintenance is to keep the en-

gine oil at the optimum level so that oil

function will not be impaired. Therefore, it

is essential that the oil level be checked

regularly. Toyota recommends that the oil

level be checked every time you refuel

the vehicle.

CAUTION

Do not drive your vehicle with only a

single brake system. Have your

brakes fixed immediately.

Your engine is fitted with iridium−tipped

spark plugs.

BRAKE BOOSTER

The brake booster uses engine vacuum to

power−assist the brakes. If the engine

should quit while you are driving, you can

bring the vehicle to a stop with normal

pedal pressure. There is enough reserved

vacuum for one or two stops—but no

more!

NOTICE

Failure to check the oil level regularly

could lead to serious engine trouble

due to insufficient oil.

Use only iridium−tipped spark plugs

and do not adjust gaps for your en-

gine performance and smooth drive-

ability.

For detailed information on oil level check,

see “Checking the engine oil level” in Sec-

tion 7−2.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

215

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

ANTI−LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM

(with “ABS” warning light)

Depressing the brake pedal on slippery

road surfaces such as on the manhole

cover, the steel plate under the construc-

tion, joints in the bridge, etc. on a rainy

day tends to activate the anti−lock brake

system.

CAUTION

The anti−lock brake system is designed

to help prevent lock−up of the wheels

during a sudden braking or braking on

slippery road surfaces. This assists in

providing directional stability and steer-

ing performance of the vehicle under

these circumstances.

D Do not pump the brake pedal if the

engine stalls. Each push on the

pedal uses up your reserved vacu-

um.

You may hear a click or motor sound in

the engine compartment for a few seconds

when the engine is started or just after

the vehicle is started. This means that the

anti−lock brake system is in the self

check mode, and does not indicate a mal-

function.

D Even if the power assist is com-

pletely lost, the brakes will still

work. But you will have to push the

pedal hard, much harder than nor-

mal. And your braking distance will

be longer.

Effective way to press the ABS brake

pedal: When the anti−lock brake system

function is in action, you may feel the

brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise.

In this situation, to let the anti−lock

brake system work for you, just hold the

brake pedal down more firmly. Do not

pump the brake in a panic stop. This

will result in reduced braking performan-

ce.

When the anti−lock brake system is ac-

tivated, the following conditions may

occur. They do not indicate a malfunc-

tion of the system:

D You may hear the anti−lock brake sys-

tem operating and feel the brake pedal

pulsating and the vibrations of the ve-

hicle body and steering wheel. You

may also hear the motor sound in the

engine compartment even after the ve-

hicle is stopped.

The anti−lock brake system becomes op-

erative after the vehicle has accelerated

to a speed in excess of approximately 10

km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the

vehicle decelerates to

approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).

a

speed below

D At the end of the anti−lock brake sys-

tem activation, the brake pedal may

move a little forward.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

216

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

Anti−lock brake system is not de-

CAUTION

signed to shorten the stopping dis-

tance: Always drive at the moderate

speed and maintain a safe distance

from the vehicle in front of you.

Compared with vehicles without an

anti−lock brake system, your vehicle

Do not overestimate the anti−lock

brake system: Although the anti−lock

brake system assists in providing ve-

hicle control, it is still important to

drive with all due care and maintain

a moderate speed and safe distance

from the vehicle in front of you, be-

cause there are limits to the vehicle

stability and effectiveness of steering

wheel operation even with the anti−

lock brake system on.

may require

tance in the following cases:

a

longer stopping dis-

D Driving on rough, gravel or snow−

covered roads.

D Driving with tire chains installed.

Type A

D Driving over the steps such as the

joints on the road.

If tires grip performance exceeds its

capability, or if hydroplaning occurs

during high speed driving in the rain,

the anti−lock brake system does not

provide vehicle control.

D Driving on roads where the road

surface is pitted or has other differ-

ences in surface height.

Install all 4 tires of specified size at

appropriate pressure: The anti−lock

brake system detects vehicle speeds

using the speed sensors for respec-

tive wheels’ turning speeds. The use

of tires other than specified may fail

to detect the accurate turning speed

resulting in

tance.

a

longer stopping dis-

Type B

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

217

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

“ABS” warning light

D The light comes on while you are driv-

ing.

BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM

The light comes on when the ignition key

is turned to the “ON” position. If the anti−

lock brake system and the brake assist

system work properly, the light turns off

When you slam the brakes on, the

brake assist system judges as an emer-

gency stop and provides more powerful

braking for a driver who cannot hold

down the brake pedal firmly.

A warning light turning on briefly during

operation does not indicate a problem.

after

a

few seconds. Thereafter, if the

CAUTION

system malfunctions, the light comes on

again.

When you slam the brakes on, more pow-

erful braking will be applied. At this time,

If the “ABS” warning light remains on

together with the brake system warn-

ing light, immediately stop your ve-

hicle at a safe place and contact your

Toyota dealer.

When the “ABS” warning light is on (and

the brake system warning light is off), the

anti−lock brake system, the brake assist

system, the traction control system and

the vehicle skid control system do not

operate, but the brake system still oper-

ates conventionally.

you may hear

a

sound in the engine

compartment and feel the vibration of the

brake pedal. This does not indicate a mal-

function.

In this case, not only the anti−lock

brake system will fail but also the

vehicle will become extremely unsta-

ble during braking.

The brake assist system becomes opera-

tive after the vehicle has accelerated to

a speed in excess of approximately 10

km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the

When the “ABS” warning light is on (and

the brake system warning light is off), the

anti−lock brake system does not operate

so that the wheels could lock up during

a sudden braking or braking on slippery

road surfaces.

vehicle decelerates to

approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).

a

speed below

DRUM−IN−DISC TYPE PARKING BRAKE

SYSTEM

For an explanation of this system’s warn-

ing light, see “Service reminder indicators

and warning buzzers” in Section 1−5.

Your vehicle has

a

drum−in−disc type

parking brake system. This type of brake

system needs bedding−down of the brake

shoes periodically or whenever the parking

brake shoes and/or drums are replaced.

If either of the following conditions

occurs, this indicates

a

malfunction

somewhere in the parts monitored by

the warning light. Contact your Toyota

dealer as soon as possible to service

the vehicle.

Have your Toyota dealer perform the bed-

ding−down.

D The light does not come on when the

ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-

tion, or remains on.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

218

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

Brake pad wear limit

indicators

Luggage stowage precautions

When stowing luggage or cargo in the

vehicle, observe the following:

D Do not drive with objects left on

top of the instrument panel. They

may interfere with the driver’s field

of view. Or they may move during

sharp vehicle acceleration or turn-

ing, and impair the driver’s control

of the vehicle. In an accident they

may injure the vehicle occupants.

D Put luggage or cargo in the trunk when

at all possible. Be sure all items are

secured in place.

D Be careful to keep the vehicle bal-

anced. Locating the weight as far for-

ward as possible helps maintain bal-

ance.

D For better fuel economy, do not carry

unneeded weight.

NOTICE

Do not load the vehicle beyond the

vehicle capacity weight specified in

Section 8.

CAUTION

The brake pad wear limit indicators on

your disc brakes give a warning noise

when the brake pads are worn to where

replacement is required.

D Never allow anyone to ride in the

enlarged trunk. It is not designed

for passengers. They should ride in

their seats with their seat belts

properly fastened. Otherwise, they

are much more likely to suffer seri-

ous bodily injury, in the event of

sudden braking or a collision.

If you hear a squealing or scraping noise

while driving, have the brake pads

checked and replaced by your Toyota

dealer as soon as possible. Expensive ro-

tor damage can result if the pads are not

replaced when necessary.

D Do not place anything on the pack-

age tray behind the rear seatback.

Such items may be thrown about

and possibly injure people in the

vehicle during sudden braking or an

accident.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

219

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

Your Toyota’s identification—

—Vehicle identification

number

—Engine number

The vehicle identification number (VIN)

is the legal identifier for your vehicle.

This number is on the left top of the

instrument panel, and can be seen

through the windshield from outside.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is

also on the Certification Label.

The engine number is stamped on the

engine block as shown.

This is the primary identification number

for your Toyota. It is used in registering

the ownership of your vehicle.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

220

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

Theft prevention labels

(except for Canada)

Suspension and chassis

Types of tires

Your new vehicle carries theft preven-

tion labels which are approximately 56

mm (2.20 in.) by 16 mm (0.63 in.).

Make sure what kind of tires your ve-

hicle is originally equipped with.

CAUTION

1. Summer tires

Do not modify the suspension/chassis

with lift kits, spacers, springs, etc. It

can cause dangerous handling charac-

teristics, resulting in loss of control.

The purpose of these labels is to reduce

the incidence of vehicle thefts by facilitat-

ing the tracing and recovery of parts from

stolen vehicles. The label is designed so

that once it is applied to a surface, any

attempt to remove it will result in destroy-

ing the integrity of the label. Transferring

these labels intact from one part to anoth-

er, will be impossible.

Summer tires are high−speed capability

tires best suited to highway driving under

dry conditions.

Since summer tires do not have the same

traction performance as snow tires, sum-

mer tires are inadequate for driving on

snow−covered or icy roads. For driving on

snow−covered or icy roads, we recom-

mend using snow tires. If installing snow

tires, be sure to replace all four tires.

NOTICE

2. All season tires

You should not attempt to remove the

theft prevention labels as it may vio-

late certain state or federal laws.

All season tires are designed to provide

better traction in snow and to be adequate

for driving in most winter conditions, as

well as for use all year round.

All season tires, however, do not have

adequate traction performance compared

with snow tires in heavy or loose snow.

Also, all season tires fall short in accel-

eration

and

handling

performance

compared with summer tires in highway

driving.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

221

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

CAUTION

D Do not mix summer and all season

tires on your vehicle as this can

cause dangerous handling charac-

teristics, resulting in loss of con-

trol.

D Do not use tires other than the

manufacturer’s designated tires, and

never mix tires or wheels of the

sizes different from the originals.

2003 AVALON (OM41401U)

222

INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA for Your Toyota Avalon 4 Door Second Generation (2000-2004)

Related Topics

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals