check engine TOYOTA AVALON 2008 XX30 / 3.G Owner's Manual

4
Maintenance and care
309
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■
Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as already in
the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil.
Remove the oil filler cap.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the filler cap, turning it clockwise.
Oil gradeILSAC multigrade engine oil
Oil quantity
(Low  Full) 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)
Items Clean funnel
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

312 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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CAUTION
■Used engine oil
● Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should
be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine
oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
● Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground. 
Call your Toyota dealer, service station or auto parts store for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
● Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on regular basis.
■ When replacing the engine oil
● Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
● Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
● Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
● Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

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Maintenance and care
313
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Engine coolant
The coolant level is satisf actory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
Full
Low
If the level is on or below the “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, coolant reservoir cap, radiator cap, drain
cock and water pump. 
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer pressure test the cap and
check for leaks in the cooling system.
■ Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. (Enabled: -31 F [-35 C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water. (Enabled: -44 F [-42 C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.

314 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Radiator and condenserCheck the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects. 
If either of the above parts are extr emely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicl e checked by your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap. 
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing burns or other injuries.
NOTICE
■ When adding the coolant
Coolant is neither plain water not straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and anti freeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging to parts or paint.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser, as they may be hot and you may be
burned.

344
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Checking and replacing fuses
If any of the electrical components do not operate, a fuse may have
blown. If this happens, check and replace the fuses as necessary.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine
switch to OFF mode.
Open the fuse box cover.
Engine compartment
Push the tab in and lift the lid
off.
Driver’s side instrument panel Remove the lid.
After a system failure, see “Fuse layout and amperage rat-
ings” ( P. 346) for details about which fuse to check.STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5
When trouble arises
371
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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Stop the vehicle immediately.
The following warning indicates the possibility of damage to the vehi-
cle that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.
Have the vehicle inspected immediately.Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to
the system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning light Malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system.
Low engine oil pressure warning light Abnormal level of engine oil pressure. 
This warning light may turn on if the level of engine oil
declines. The light should turn off after checking the oil
and adding oil if necessary.
Warning lightWarning light/Details

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lampMalfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The transmission control system.
SRS warning light Malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• Front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system.

374 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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*1: Open door warning buzzer:
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approximately 3
mph (5 km/h) or more with any door open.
*2: Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder buzzer:
The driver’s and front passenger’s seat belts reminder sounds to alert the
driver and front passenger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. The
buzzer sounds intermittently for 10 seconds after the vehicle has reached a
speed of at least 9 mph (15 km/h). Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened,
the buzzer will continue to sound.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure

(U.S.A.)
Engine oil replacement
reminder light
Illuminates for about 3 sec-
onds and then flasher for
about 15 seconds: 
Engine oil is scheduled to
be changed. Check and the engine oil,
and change if necessary.
Comes on and remains:
Engine oil should be
changed. Check and change the
engine oil.

(if equipped) Dynamic laser cruise con-
trol master warning light
Malfunction in the dynamic
laser cruise control sys-
tem. When the light comes
on, the alarm sounds and
the warning code will
appear on the display. P. 157

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When trouble arises
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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Have the malfunction repaired immediately. (vehicles with smart
key system)
After taking the specified steps to correct the suspected problem,
check that the warning light turn off.
Interior buzzerExterior buzzerWarning lightDetailsCorrection procedure
Once
(Flashing)
The electronic key
is not detected
when attempting to
start the engine.
• Confirm the location of the
electronic key.
• The electronic key battery
maybe dis-
charged. 
( P. 340)
Once3 times
(Flashing)
An open door
other than the
driver’s door is
closed while the
electronic key is
outside the detec-
tion range and the
“ENGINE START
STOP” switch is in
ACC or ON mode.
Confirm the
location of the
electronic key.

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When trouble arises
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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■If the tire pressure warning light continues to comes on after blink-
ing for 1 minute frequently
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute
when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
or the engine switch is turned
to ON mode, have it checked by your Toyota dealer.
■When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level.
Pushing the tire pressure warning reset switch does not turn off the tire
pressure warning light.
■The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes such
as natural air leaks or tire inflation pressure changes caused by temper-
ature. In this case, adjusting the ti re inflation pressure will turn off the
light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with a spare tire
The spare tire is also equipped with the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter. The tire pressure warning li ght will turn on if the tire inflation
pressure of the spare tire is low. If a tire goes flat, even though the flat
tire is replaced with the spare tire, the tire pressure warning light does
not turn off. Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire and adjust the
proper tire inflation pressure. The ti re pressure warning light will turn off
after a few minutes.

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When trouble arises
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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CAUTION
■Using the tire jack
Improper use of the tire jack may lead to death or injuries due to the
vehicle suddenly falling off the jack.
●Do not use the tire jack for any pu
rpose other than replacing tires or
installing and removing tire chains.
●Only use the tire jack that comes wi th this vehicle for replacing a flat
tire. 
Do not use it on other vehicles, and do not use other tire jacks for
replacing tires on this vehicle.
●Always check that the tire jack is securely set to the jack point.
●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in it.
●When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle to a heigh t greater than that required to
replace the tire.
●Use a jack stand if it is necessary to get under the vehicle.
●Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle supported by a jack.
●Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is supported by the
jack.
Take particular care when lowering the vehicle to ensure that no one
working on or near the vehicle may be injured.
■Replacing a flat tire
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious
injury.
●Never use oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel nuts. 
The oil or grease can cause the wheel nuts to loosen, causing a seri-
ous accident. Remove any oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel
nuts.
●Have the wheel nuts tightened with a torque wrench to 76 ft•lbf (103
N•m, 10.5 kgf•m) as soon as possible after changing wheels. 
Failure to follow these precautions could cause the nuts to loosen and
the wheels may fall off, which could lead to an accident causing death
or serious injury.