Get Maintenance and care -> Maintenance Guide for Toyota Avalon 4 Door Third Generation (2005-2012)

4-2. Maintenance

Maintenance requirements

To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and regular

maintenance is essential. It is the owner’s responsibility to perform

regular checks. Toyota recommends the following maintenance.

■ General maintenance

Should be performed on a daily basis. This can be done by your-

self or by a Toyota dealer.

■ Scheduled maintenance

Should be performed at specified intervals according to the

maintenance schedule.

For details about maintenance items and schedules, refer to the

“Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

■ Do-it-yourself maintenance

You can perform some maintenance procedures yourself.

Please be aware that do-it-yourself maintenance may affect war-

ranty coverage.

The use of Toyota Repair Manuals are recommended.

For details about warranty coverage, see the separate “Owner’s War-

ranty Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

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4-2. Maintenance

■Repair and replacement

It is recommended that genuine Toyota parts be used for repair to ensure

performance of each system. If non-Toyota parts are used in replacement or

if a repair shop other than a Toyota dealer performs repairs, confirm the war-

ranty coverage.

■Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Toyota dealer

●Toyota technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date

with the latest service information. They are well informed about the

operations of all systems on your vehicle.

●Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has

been performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise

while your vehicle is under warranty, your Toyota dealer will promptly

take care of it.

4

381

4-2. Maintenance

CAUTION

■If your vehicle is not properly maintained

It could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible serious injury or

death.

■Hazardous materials

●Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile

components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to

cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a

well ventilated area.

●Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by

component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of Califor-

nia to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid

exposure and wash any affected area immediately.

●Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands

after handling. (P. 405)

●Used engine oil contains chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer

in laboratory animals. Avoid prolonged and repeated contact. Always pro-

tect your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.

382

4-2. Maintenance

General maintenance

Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-

formed at the intervals specified in the “Scheduled Maintenance

Guide” or “Owner’s” Manual Supplement”. 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

Items

Check points

• Maintenance-free

Battery

(P. 405)

(P. 402)

(P. 400)

(P. 396)

Brake fluid

• At the correct level?

Engine coolant

Engine oil

Exhaust system

Power steering fluid

• No fumes or strange sounds?

4

• At the correct level?

(P. 403)

• Not blocked with foreign matter?

Radiator/condenser/hoses

Washer fluid

(P. 401)

• At the correct level?

(P. 408)

383

4-2. Maintenance

Vehicle interior

Items

Check points

• Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal

effort or catching)?

Accelerator pedal

• Can the vehicle be hold securely on an

incline with the shift lever in “P”?

Automatic transmission

“Park” mechanism

• Moves smoothly?

Brake pedal

Brakes

• Does it have appropriate clearance and

correct amount of free play?

• Pulls to one side when applied?

• Loss of brake effectiveness?

• Spongy feeling brake pedal?

• Pedal almost touches floor?

Head restraints

• Move smoothly and lock securely?

• Function properly?

Indicators/buzzers

• Do all the lights come on?

• Headlights aimed correctly? (P. 440)

Lights

• Moves smoothly?

Parking brake

• Can hold the vehicle securely on an

incline?

• Does the seat belt system operate

smoothly?

• Are the belts undamaged?

Seat belts

Seats

• Do the seat controls operate properly?

• Moves smoothly?

Steering wheel

• Has correct free play?

• No strange noises?

384

4-2. Maintenance

Vehicle exterior

Items

Doors/trunk

Check points

• Operate smoothly?

Engine hood

Fluid leaks

• The lock system works properly?

• Is there any leakage after parking?

• Inflation pressure is correct?

• Tire surfaces not worn or damaged?

• Tires rotated according to the mainte-

nance schedule?

Tire

• Wheel nuts are not loose?

CAUTION

■If the engine is running

4

Turn off the engine and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per-

forming maintenance checks.

385

4-2. Maintenance

Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs

Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which

include OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system moni-

tors the operation of the emission control system.

■ If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on

The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in

the emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M

test and may need to be repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer to

service the vehicle.

■ Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test:

● When the battery is disconnected or discharged

Readiness codes that are set during ordinary driving are

erased.

Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes

may not be completely set.

● When the fuel tank cap is loose

The malfunction indicator lamp comes on as a temporary mal-

function and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.

■ When the malfunction indicator lamp goes off after several

driving trips

The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the

vehicle is driven 40 or more times.

■ If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test

Contact your Toyota dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.

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Maintenance and care -> Maintenance for Your Toyota Avalon 4 Door Third Generation (2005-2012)

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