automatic transmission TOYOTA AVALON 1996 User Guide

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147
If towing service is not available in an
emergency, your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed by a cable secured to
one of the emergency towing eyelets
under the vehicle.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it
and operate the brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only
on hard-surfaced roads for a short dis-
tance and at low speeds. Also, the
wheels, axles, drive train, steering and
brakes must all be in good condition.
Before towing, release the parking brake
and put the transmission in Nº. The key
must be in ACCº (engine off) or ONº (en-
gine running).
CAUTION!
If the engine is not running, the
power assist for the brakes and
steering will not work so steering
and braking will be much harder
than usual.
If you cannot shift the selector lever
out of Pº position to other positions
even though the brake pedal is de-
pressed, use the shift lock override
button as follows:
1. Turn the ignition key to LOCKº
position. Make sure the parking brake
is set.
2. Pry up the cover with a flat-bladed
screwdriver or equivalent.3. Insert the screwdriver or equivalent
into the hole to push down the shift
lock override button. You can shift out
of Pº position only while pushing the
button.
4. Shift into Nº position.
5. Insert the cover.
6. Start the engine. For your safety,
keep the brake pedal depressed.
Be sure to have the system checked by
your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
If you cannot shift automatic
transmission selector lever
(floor shift)
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148
If you cannot shift the selector lever
out of Pº position to other positions
even though the brake pedal is de-
pressed, use the shift lock override
button as follows:
1. Turn the ignition key to LOCKº
position. Make sure the parking brake
is set.
2. Pry up the cover with a flat-bladed
screwdriver or equivalent.3. Insert the screwdriver or equivalent
into the hole to push up the shift lock
override button. You can shift out of
Pº position only while pushing the
button.
4. Shift into Nº position.
5. Insert the cover.
6. Start the engine. For your safety,
keep the brake pedal depressed.
Be sure to have the system checked by
your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.Many Toyota dealers can make a new
key if you can give them the key num-
ber.
See the suggestion given in Keysº in
Chapter 1-2.
If your keys are locked in the vehicle and
you cannot get a duplicate, many Toyota
dealers
can still open the door for you, us-
ing their special tools. If you must break a
window to get in, we suggest breaking the
smallest side window because it is the
least expensive to replace. Be extremely
cautious to avoid cuts from the glass.
If you cannot shift automatic
transmission selector lever
(column shift) If you lose your keys
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159
Tire surface and wheel nuts
Check the tires carefully
for cuts, damage
or excessive wear. See Chapter 7-2 for
additional information. When checking
the tires, make sure no nuts are missing,
and check the nuts for looseness. T ighten
them if necessary.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500
miles). See Chapter 7-2 for additional in-
formation.
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.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors including trunk lid op-
erate smoothly and all latches lock se-
curely. M ake sure the engine hood secon-
dary latch secures the hood from opening
when the primary latch is released.
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be checked
regularly, e.g. while performing peri-
odic services, cleaning the vehicle,
etc. Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and
warn-
ing buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified freeplay.
Be alert for changes in steering condition,
such as hard steering or strange noise.
Seats
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.
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.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
uneven pedal effort or catching. Brake pedal
Check
the pedal for smooth operation and
that the pedal has the proper clearance.
Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do
not pull to one side when applied.
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.
Automatic transmission Parkº mech-
anism
Check the lock release button of the se-
lector lever for proper and smooth opera-
tion. On a safe incline, check that your ve-
hicle is held securely with the selector
lever in ºPº position and all brakes re-
leased.
IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Items listed below should be checked
from time to time, e.g. each time when
refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the
tank. See Chapter 7-3 for additional infor-
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165
Be sure that the ignition is off if
you work near the electric cooling
fans or radiator grille. With the
ignition on, the engine cooling fan
will automatically start to run if the
engine coolant temperature is
high and/or the air conditioning is
on.
 Use eye protection whenever you
work on or under you vehicle
where you may be exposed to fly-
ing or falling material, fluid spray,
etc.
 Used engine oil contains poten-
tially harmful contaminants which
may cause skin disorders such as
inflammation or skin cancer, so
care should be taken to avoid pro-
longed and repeated contact with
it. To remove used engine oil from
your skin, wash thoroughly with
soap and water.
 Do not leave used oil within the
reach of children.
 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 deal-
er or a service station for informa-
tion concerning recycling or dis-
posal. 
Remember that battery and igni-
tion cables carry high currents or
voltages. Be careful of accidental-ly causing a short circuit.
Add only demineralized or dis-tilled water to fill the radiator. And
if you spill some of the coolant, besure to wash it off with water to
prevent it from damaging theparts or paint.
Do not allow dirt or anything elseto fall through the spark plug
holes.
Do not pry the outer electrode of aspark plug against the center elec-
trode.
Use only spark plugs of the speci- fied type. Using other types will
cause engine damage, loss of per-
formance or radio noise.
Do not reuse platinum-tipped
spark plugs by cleaning or regap-ping.
Do not overfill automatic trans-mission fluid, or the transmission
could be damaged.
Do not drive with the air cleaner fil-ter removed, or excessive engine
wear could result. Also backfiringcould cause a fire in the enginecompartment.
NOTICEBe careful not to scratch the glasssurface with the wiper frame.
When closing the engine hood,
check to see that you have not for-gotten any tools, rags, etc.
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166Here is a list of parts and tools you will
need on performing do-it-yourself main-
tenance. Remember all Toyota parts are
designed in metric sizes, so your tools
must be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):

Engine oil API SH, Energy- Conserving
IIº multigrade or ILSAC multigrade hav-
ing viscosity proper for your climate
Tools:
 Rag or paper towel
 Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
 Ethylene-glycol antifreeze
 Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
 Funnel (only for adding coolant)
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):
 SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
brake fluid
Tools:
 Rag or paper towel
 Funnel (only for adding fluid) Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):

Automatic transmission fluid DEX-
RON
[-II or -III
Tools:
 Rag or paper towel
 Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Non-maintenance batteriesÐ
Tools:
 Warm water
 Baking soda
 Grease
 Conventional wrench (for terminal
clamp bolts)
Maintenance type batteriesÐ
Parts (if level is low):
 Distilled water
Tools:
 Warm water
 Baking soda
 Grease
 Conventional wrench (for terminal
clamp bolts)
 Coin (for vent plugs)
 Funnel (only for adding distilled water) Checking and replacing fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):

Fuse with same amperage rating as
original
Tools:
 Screwdriver (for passenger's side kick
panel screw)
Adding washer fluid
Parts:
 Water
 Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for
winter use)
Tools:
 Funnel
Replacing light bulbs
Parts:
 Bulb with same number and wattage
rating as original (See charts in Re-
placing light bulbsº in Chapter 7-3.)
Tools:
 Screwdriver
 Conventional wrench
Parts and tools
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Page 171 of 202

170If the level is low, add SAE J1703 or
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 brake fluid to the
brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cover
by hand. Fill the brake fluid to the dotted
line.
This brings the fluid to the correct lev-
el when you put the cover back on.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once
opened, brake fluid absorbs moisture
from the air, and excess moisture can
cause a dangerous loss of braking.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir
because brake fluid can harm your
eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water.!
If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from
damaging the parts or paint.
NOTICE
Check the fluid level through the reser-
voir. If necessary, add automatic trans-
mission fluid DEXRON
[-II or -III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80
km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a little more
in frigid temperatures), the fluid is hot
(60 C ' 80 C or 140 F ' 175 F). You
may also check the level when the fluid is
cold (about room temperature,
10 C ' 30 C or 50 F ' 85 F) if the en-
gine has not been run for about five hours. Clean all dirt from outside of the reservoir
tank and look at the fluid level. If the fluid
is cold, the level should be in the COLDº
range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
should be in the HOTº range. If the level
is at the low side of either range, add auto-
matic transmission fluid DEXRON
[-II
or -III to bring the level within range.
To remove the filler cap, turn it counter-
clockwise and lift up. To reinstall it, turn it
clockwise. After replacing the filler cap,
visually check the steering box case, vane
pump and hose connections for leaks or
damage.
CAUTION
The reservoir tank may be hot so be
careful not to burn yourself.!
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could be damaged.
NOTICE
Checking power steering fluid
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Page 190 of 202

Part 8Dimensions and weight
189
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions and weight
 Engine
 Fuel
 Service specifications
 Tires
 Fuses Overall length mm (in.)
Overall width mm (in.)
Overall height
mm (in.)
Wheelbase mm (in.)
Front tread mm (in.)
Rear tread mm (in.)
Vehicle capacity weight
(occupants + luggage) kg (lb.) 4830 (190.1)
1785 (70.2)
1425 (56.1)*1
1440 (56.7)*2
2720 (107.0)
1550 (61.0)
1525 (60.0)
410 (904)*
3
478 (1054)*4
*1: Unladen vehicle plus two occupants*2: Unladen vehicle*3: With floor shift type automatic transmission*4: With column shift type automatic transmission
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191
Oil grade:
API SH, Energy-Conserving IIº mul-
tigrade engine oil or ILSAC multi-
grade engine oil is recommended.
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
COOLING SYSTEM
Total capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.): 9.3 (9.8, 8.2)
Coolant type: With ethylene-glycol antifreeze
(Do not use alcohol type.) BATTERY
ÐMaintenance type battery
Specific gravity reading at 20
5C (685 F)
1.260 Fully charged
1.160 Half charged
1.060 Discharged
ÐNon-maintenance type battery
Open voltage* at 205 C (685F)
12.7 V Fully charged
12.3 V Half charged
11.9 V Discharged
*: Voltage that is checked 20 minutes af-
ter the key is removed with all the lights
turned off
Charging Rates: Non-maintenance battery 5 A max.
Maintenance type battery
Quick charge 15 A max.
Slow charge 5 A max.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Automatic transmission Fluid capacity (drain and refill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Up to 3.5 (3.7, 3.1) Differential
Fluid capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
0.85 (0.9, 0.7)
Fluid type: Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
[-II
BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when de-
pressed with the pressure of 490 N (50
kgf, 110 lbf) with the engine running, mm
(in.): 70 (2.8)
Pedal freeplay, mm (in.): 1' 6 (0.04' 0.24)
Pad wear limit, mm (in.): 1.0 (0.04)
Lining wear limit, mm (in.):
1.0 (0.04)
Parking brake adjustment when
depressed with the force of 294 N (30 kgf,
66.1 lbf):
3Ð6 clicks
Fluid type:
SAE J1703 or
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
STEERING
Wheel freeplay:
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluid type:
Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
[-II or -III
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192Tire size:
P205/65R 15 92H
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi):
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 220 (2.2, 32)
Wheel size:
15 x 6JJ
Wheel nut torque, NV m (kgfVm, ftVlbf):
103 (10.5, 76)
Engine compartment (U.S.A.)
Fuses (type A)
1. 7.5 A: Spare fuse
2. EFI 15 A: Multiport fuel injection sys-
tem/sequential multiport fuel injection
system, air conditioning control system,
electrical idle-up system, electronically
controlled automatic transmission system
3. HORN 10 A: Horn
4. OBD. TRAC 7.5 A: On-board diagno-
sis system
5. OBD 7.5 A: On-board diagnosis
system
6. HAZ 10 A: Turn signal lights, emer-
gency flasherEngine compartment (Canada)
7. DOME 7.5 A: Interior light, personal
light, vanity mirror light, door courtesy
light, ignition switch light, trunk light, pow-
er door lock control, locking with wireless
remote control system, theft deterrent
system, automatic light control system,
daytime running light system, service re-
minder indicators and warning buzzer,
clock
8. HEAD (LH) 15 A: Left-hand headlight
9. HEAD (RH) 15 A: Right-hand head-
light
10. HEAD HI (LH) 15 A: Left-hand head-
light (high beam)
11. HEAD HI (RH) 15 A: Right-hand
headlight (high beam)
12. ALT-S 5 A: Charging system
Tires Fuses
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193
Engine compartment
13. AM2 30 A: Gauge and meters, SRS
airbag system, Multiport fuel injection sys-
tem/sequential multiport fuel injection
system, starter system
14. ECU-B 5 A: Cruise control system,
air conditioning control system
15. 15 A: Spare fuse
16. 30 A: Spare fuse
17. TEL 15 A: No circuit
18. HEAD LO (LH) 10 A: Left-hand
headlight (low beam)
19. HEAD LO (RH) 10 A: Right-hand
headlight (low beam)
20. RAD NO.1 15 A: Audio system
21. FOG 15 A: No circuitEngine compartment (Canada only)
22. DRL 5 A: Daytime running light sys-
tem
23. SRS 5 A: SRS airbag system
24. IGN 5 A: Gauge and meters, SRS air-
bag system, Multiport fuel injection sys-
tem/sequential multiport fuel injection
system
25. SEAT HEATER 20 A: Seat heater
26. TURN 7.5 A: Turn signal lights, emer-
gency flasher
27. ECU-IG 10 A: Cruise control system,
anti-lock brake system, shift lock system,
power antenna, power door lock system,
electric cooling fan
28. WIPER 20 A: Windshield wipers and
washer, headlight cleanerInstrument panel
29. GAUGE 7.5 A: Gauge and meter,
back-up lights, interior lights, charging
system, electronically controlled auto-
matic transmission system, cruise control
system, power door lock system, service
reminder indicators and warning buzzer,
automatic light control system, daytime
running light system
30. TAIL 15 A: Parking lights, license
plate lights, tail lights, front side marker
lights
31. STOP 15 A: Stop lights, cruise con-
trol system, high mounted stoplight, anti-
lock br ake system, shift lock system, mul-
tiport fuel injection system/sequential
multiport fuel injection system
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