Get VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND CARE -> General maintenance Guide for Toyota Avalon 4 Door Second Generation (2000-2004)

’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

General maintenance

What about do−it−yourself maintenance?

Listed below are the general maintenance

items that should be performed as fre-

quently as specified. In addition to check-

ing the items listed, if you notice any

unusual noise, smell or vibration, you

should investigate the cause or take your

vehicle to your Toyota dealer or a quali-

fied service shop immediately. It is recom-

mended that any problem you notice be

brought to the attention of your dealer or

the qualified service shop for their advice.

Tire surface and wheel nuts

Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage

or excessive wear. See Section 7−2 for

additional information. When checking the

tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and

check the nuts for looseness. Tighten

them if necessary.

Many of the maintenance items are easy

to do yourself if you have a little mechani-

cal ability and

few basic automotive

tools. Simple instructions for how to per-

form them are presented in Section 7.

If you are a skilled do−it−yourself mechan-

ic, the Toyota service manuals are recom-

mended. Please be aware that do−it−your-

self maintenance can affect your warranty

coverage. See “Owner’s Warranty Informa-

tion Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supple-

ment” for the details.

Tire rotation

Rotate the tires according to the mainte-

nance schedule. (For scheduled mainte-

nance information, please refer to the

“Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Own-

er’s Manual Supplement”.) See Section

7−2 for additional information.

CAUTION

Make these checks only where ade-

quate ventilation can be obtained if

you run the engine.

Fluid leaks

Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-

ter or other fluid after the vehicle has

been parked for a while. If you smell fuel

fumes or notice any leak, have the cause

found and corrected immediately.

OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE

Items listed below should be performed

from time to time, unless otherwise

specified.

Doors and engine hood

Check that all doors including trunk lid

operate smoothly and all latches lock se-

curely. Make sure the engine hood sec-

ondary latch secures the hood from open-

ing when the primary latch is released.

Tire pressure

Check the pressure with a gauge every

two weeks, or at least once a month. See

Section 7−2 for additional information.

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’03 AVALON U (L/O 0206)

INSIDE THE VEHICLE

Accelerator pedal

Check the pedal for smooth operation and

uneven pedal effort or catching.

IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT

Items listed below should be checked

regularly, e.g. while performing periodic

services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.

Items listed below should be checked

from time to time, e.g. each time when

refueling.

Brake pedal

Check the pedal for smooth operation and

that the pedal has the proper clearance.

Check the brake booster function.

Lights

Washer fluid

Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail

lights, turn signal lights, and other lights

are all working. Check headlight aim.

Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the

tank. See Section 7−3 for additional infor-

mation.

Brakes

At a safe place, check that the brakes do

not pull to one side when applied.

Service reminder indicators and warning

buzzers

Check that all service reminder indicators

and warning buzzers function properly.

Engine coolant level

Make sure the coolant level is between

the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the see−

through reservoir when the engine is cold.

See Section 7−2 for additional information.

Parking brake

Check that the pedal has the proper travel

and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle

is held securely with only the parking

brake applied.

Steering wheel

Check that it has the specified free play.

Be alert for changes in steering condition,

such as hard steering or strange noise.

Radiator, condenser and hoses

Check that the front of the radiator and

condenser are clean and not blocked with

leaves, dirt, or insects. See in Section

7−2 for additional information.

Automatic transmission “Park” mecha-

nism

Seats

Check the lock release button of the se-

lector lever for proper and smooth opera-

tion. On a safe incline, check that your

vehicle is held securely with the selector

lever in “P” position and all brakes re-

leased.

Check that all front seat controls such as

seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. op-

erate smoothly and that all latches lock

securely in any position. Check that the

head restraints move up and down

smoothly and that the locks hold securely

in any latched position.

Battery condition

Check the battery condition by the indica-

tor color. See Section 7−3 for additional

information.

Brake fluid level

Make sure the brake fluid level is correct.

See Section 7−2 for additional information.

Seat belts

Check that the seat belt system such as

buckles, retractors and anchors operate

properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt

webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or dam-

aged.

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264

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND CARE -> General maintenance for Your Toyota Avalon 4 Door Second Generation (2000-2004)

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