flat tire TOYOTA AVALON 2008 XX30 / 3.G Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
1Before drivingAdjusting and operating features such as door locks,
mirrors, and steering column.
2When drivingDriving, stopping and safe-driving information.
3Interior 
featuresAir conditioning and audio systems, as well as other 
interior features for a comfortable driving experience.
4Maintenance
and careCleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information.
5When trouble
arisesWhat to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident.
6Vehicle 
specificationsDetailed vehicle information.
7For ownersReporting safety defects for U.S. owners and seat belt
instructions for Canadian owners.
IndexAlphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
4
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
3-6. Other interior features ..... 263Sun visors .......................... 263
Vanity mirrors ..................... 264
Clock .................................. 265
Outside temperature display .............................. 266
Ashtrays ............................. 267
Power outlets ..................... 268
Climate control seats/seat 
heaters ............................. 270
Armrest............................... 272
Rear sunshade ................... 273
Floor mats .......................... 275
Trunk features .................... 276
Garage door opener ........... 278
Compass ............................ 283
4-1. Maintenance and care...... 288 Cleaning and protecting the 
vehicle exterior ................. 288
Cleaning and protecting the 
vehicle interior .................. 291
4-2. Maintenance ..................... 294 Maintenance 
requirements .................... 294
General maintenance ......... 296
Emission inspection and 
maintenance (I/M) 
programs .......................... 299 4-3. Do-it-yourself

maintenance ................... 300
Do-it-yourself service 
precautions ....................... 300
Hood ................................... 303
Positioning a floor jack........ 304
Engine compartment .......... 306
Tires.................................... 322
Tire inflation pressure ......... 331
Wheels................................ 335
Air conditioning filter ........... 337
Key battery ......................... 340
Checking and replacing 
fuses ................................. 344
Headlight aim (with 
discharge headlights) ....... 353
Light bulbs .......................... 355
5-1. Essential information ....... 362 If your vehicle needs to be 
towed ................................ 362
If you think something is  wrong ................................ 366
Fuel pump shut off 
system .............................. 367
Event data recorder ............ 368
4Maintenance and care
5When trouble arises

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
5-2. Steps to take in an 
emergency ....................... 370
If a warning light turns on 
or a warning buzzer 
sounds... ........................... 370
If you have a flat tire............ 382
If the engine will not start .... 391
If the shift lever cannot be 
shifted from P.................... 393
If you lose your keys ........... 394
If the electronic key does 
not operate properly 
(with smart key system) .... 395
If the vehicle battery is 
discharged ........................ 397
If your vehicle overheats ..... 401
If the vehicle becomes  stuck ................................. 404
6-1. Specifications.................... 406 Maintenance data (fuel, 
oil level, etc.) ..................... 406
Fuel information .................. 414
Tire information ................... 417
6-2. Customization ................... 429 Customizable features ........ 429
6-3. Initialization ....................... 433 Items to initialize ................. 433 Reporting safety defects for

U.S. owners...................... 436
Seat belt instructions for  Canadian owners 
(in French) ........................ 437
Abbreviation list ............... 442
Alphabetical index............ 443
What to do if...................... 450
6Vehicle specifications
7For owners
Index

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AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Tire
●Rotation
● Replacement
● Inflation pressure
● Information
P. 322
P. 382
P. 412
P. 417
Tail lights P. 143
Side marker light P. 143
Trunk P. 44
Rear window defogger P. 187
Door P. 39
Fuel filler door P. 72
Turn signal light P. 133
: If equipped
Back-up light
Tail/stop light
P. 143

121
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
NOTICE
■
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
● Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for a
long time. 
Doing so may damage the power steering pump.
● When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■ If you hear a squealing or scrapin g noise (brake pad wear limit indica-
tors)
Have your Toyota dealer check and replace the brake pads as soon as pos-
sible. 
The rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
■ If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
● It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
● The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
● The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( P. 385)
■ When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
● Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, trans-
mission, differentials, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

165
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC is operating. 
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive
carefully. 
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended tire pressure level. 
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fit-
ted on the vehicle. 
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

173
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■
Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. 
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the size specified for your vehicle.
● Maintain the specified level of tire inflation pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
● Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.

Maintenance and care4
287
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
4-1. Maintenance and care ... 288Cleaning and protecting the 
vehicle exterior............... 288
Cleaning and protecting the 
vehicle interior................ 291 4-2. Maintenance ................... 294
Maintenance 
requirements .................. 294
General maintenance....... 296
Emission inspection and 
maintenance (I/M) 
programs ........................ 299
4-3. Do-it-yourself 
maintenance ................. 300
Do-it-yourself service 
precautions .................... 300
Hood ................................ 303
Positioning a floor jack ..... 304
Engine compartment ........ 306
Tires ................................. 322
Tire inflation pressure ...... 331
Wheels ............................. 335
Air conditioning filter......... 337
Key battery ....................... 340
Checking and replacing 
fuses .............................. 344
Headlight aim (with 
discharge headlights) ..... 353
Light bulbs........................ 355

298 4-2. Maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Doors/trunk • Operate smoothly?
Engine hood • The lock system works properly?
Fluid leaks • Is there any leakage after parking?
Tire • Inflation pressure is correct?
• Tire surfaces not worn or damaged?
• Tires rotated according to the mainte-
nance schedule?
• Wheel nuts are not loose?
CAUTION
■ If the engine is running
Turn off the engine and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per-
forming maintenance checks.

4
Maintenance and care
301
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
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