TOYOTA AVALON 2008 XX30 / 3.G Owners Manual

4
Maintenance and care
301
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■
When working on the engine compartment
● Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
ItemsParts and tools
Fuses (P. 344)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Headlight aim ( P. 353)• Phillips-head screwdriver
Power steering fluid level
( P. 316)
• Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON® II or III
• Rag or paper towel
• Clean funnel
Radiator and condenser (P. 314)
Tire inflation pressure ( P. 331)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 321)
• Water washer fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter use)
• Funnel

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CAUTION
■When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch is OFF. 
With the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch in ON mode,
the electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is
on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( P. 314)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in the eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compart-
ment.

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Maintenance and care
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Hood
CAUTION
■Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked. 
If the hood is not locked properly it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
Pull the hood lock release
lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Lift the hood catch and lift the
hood.
STEP1
STEP2

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Positioning a floor jack
When raising your vehicle with a floor jack, position the jack cor-
rectly. Improper placement may damage your vehicle or cause injury.
Front
Rear

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Maintenance and care
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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CAUTION
■
When raising your vehicle
Make sure to observe the following to reduce the possibility of death or\
seri-
ous injury.
● Do not use the jack that was supplied with your vehicle.
● Do not put any part of your body or get underneath the vehicle supported
only by the jack. 
Always use automotive jack stands or a solid, level surface.
● Do not start the engine while the vehicle is supported by the floor jack.
● Stop the vehicle on level firm ground, firmly set the parking brake and put
the shift lever in “P”.
● Make sure to set the floor jack properly at the jack point. 
Raising the vehicle with an improperly positioned floor jack will damage
the vehicle and may cause the vehicle to fall off the floor jack.
● Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in the vehicle.
● When raising the vehicle, do not place any objects on top of or underneath
the floor jack.
●Lift up the vehicle using a floor jack
such as the one shown in the illustra-
tion.

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Engine compar tment
Engine coolant reservoir
(  P. 313)
Power steering fluid 
reservoir ( P. 316)
Engine oil filler cap 
(  P. 309)
Engine oil level dipstick 
(  P. 308)
Brake fluid reservoir 
(  P. 315)Fuse box ( P. 344)
Battery ( P. 318)
Radiator ( P. 314)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 314)
Washer fluid tank 
( P. 321)

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Maintenance and care
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Engine compartment cover
■ Removing the cover
■ Installing the clips
Open
Insert
Press

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Engine oilWith the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■ Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After turning off the engine,
wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the bottom of
the engine.
Hold a rag under the end and
pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check
the oil level.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully. Low
Full
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6

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Maintenance and care
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■
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

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Recommended viscosity
SAE 5W-30 is the best choice for
good fuel economy, and good
starting in cold weather.
If SAE 5W-30 oil is not available,
SAE 10W-30 oil may be used.
However, it should be replaced
with SAE 5W-30 oil at the next oil
change.
■How to read oil container labels
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval
Committee) Certification Mark is added to some oil containers to
help you select th e oil you should use.
Outside temperature