run flat TOYOTA AVALON 2008 XX30 / 3.G Owners 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

7
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

101
1-7. Safety information
1
Before driving
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
CAUTION
■
Child restraint precautions
● Toyota strongly urges the use of a proper child restraint system that con-
forms to the size of the child, installed on the rear seat. According to acci-
dent statistics, the child is safer when properly restrained in the rear seat
than in the front seat.
● Never install a rear-facing child restraint system on the front passenger
seat even if “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light is illuminated. In the event of an
accident, the force of the rapid inflation of the front passenger airbag can
cause death or serious injury to the child if the rear-facing child restraint
system is installed on the front passenger seat.
● A forward-facing child restraint system should allowed to be installed on
the front passenger seat only when it is unavoidable. Always move the
seat as far back as possible even if “A IR BAG OFF” indicator light is illumi-
nated, because the front passenger airbag could inflate with considerable
speed and force. Otherwise, the child may be killed or seriously injured.
● Do not use the seat belt extender when installing a child restraint system
on the front or rear passenger seat. If installing a child restraint system
with the seat belt extender connected to the seat belt, the seat belt will not
securely hold the child restraint system, which could cause death or seri-
ous injury to the child or other passengers in the event of collision.
● Do not allow the child to lean his/her head or any part of his/her body
against the door or the area of the seat, front pillar or roof side rail from
which the side airbags or curtain shield airbags deploy even if the child is
seated in the child restraint system. It is dangerous if the side airbags and
curtain shield airbags inflate, and the impact could cause death or serious
injury to the child.
● Make sure you have complied with all installation instructions provided by
the child restraint manufacturer and that the system is properly secured. If
it is not secured properly, it may cause death or serious injury to the child
in the event of a sudden stop or accident.
■ When the child restrain t system is not in use
● Keep the child restraint system properly secured on the seat even if it is
not in use. Do not store the restraint unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment.
● If it is necessary to detach the child restraint system, remove it from the
vehicle or store it securely in the trunk. This will prevent it from injuring
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or accident.

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.

362
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The engine is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck. 
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
If towing from the front, the vehicle ’s rear wheel and axles must be in
good condition. ( P. 364)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

366
5-1. Essential information
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
■ Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle 
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

378 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
■Front passenger detect ion sensor and passenger seat belt reminder
If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger detec-
tion sensor may cause the warning light to flash, even if a passenger is not
sitting in the seat.
■
If the tire pressure warning system is inoperative
The tire pressure warning system will be disabled in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters are used.
●If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is
not registered in the tire pressure warning computer.
●If the tire inflation pressure is 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm2 or bar) or
higher.
The tire pressure warning system may be disabled in the following condi-
tions: 
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies
are nearby.
●If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle.
●If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
●If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular around the
wheels or wheel housings.
●If non-genuine Toyota wheels are used. (Even if you use Toyota
wheels, the tire pressu re warning system may not work properly with
some types of tires.)
●If tire chains are used.
●If the spare tire is in a location subject to poor radio wave signal
reception.
●If a large metallic object which can in terfere with signal reception is
put in the trunk.

5
When trouble arises
389
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
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.

444 Alphabetical index
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Child safetyAirbag precautions ..................88
Child-protectors ....................... 41
Child restraint syst em..............99
How your child should wear 
the seatbelt ...........................57
Installing child restraints ........ 102
Moon roof ................................71
Power window lock switch....... 66
Power window precautions .....68
Removed key battery 
precautions .........................342
Seat belt comfort guide ........... 55
Seat belt precautions ..............58
Seat heater precautions ........ 271
Trunk .......................................45
Cleaning Exterior .................................. 288
Interior ...................................291
Seat belts ..............................292
Climate control seat.................270
Clock ......................................... 265
Compass ...................................283
Condenser ................................314
Console box ............................. 257
Cooling system Engine overheating ............... 401
Cruise control
Cruise control ........................149
Dynamic laser cruise 
control .................................152
Cup holders ..............................261
Curtain shield airbags ............... 82
Customizable features............. 429
Daytime running light 
system .................................... 144
Defogger Rear window .........................187
Side mirror............................. 187
Dimension.................................406
Dinghy towing .......................... 176 Display
Trip information ..................... 142
Do-it-yourself maintenance .... 300
Door pocket .............................. 262
Doors Door lock ........................... 24, 35
Rear door child-protector ........ 41
Driver’s seat belt reminder 
light ......................................... 373
Driving Break-in tips .......................... 115
Correct posture ....................... 80
Procedures............................ 114
Winter driving tips ................. 170
Electronic key If the electronic key does not 
operate properly ................. 395
Emergency, in case of If a warning light turns on ...... 370
If the electronic key does not 
operate properly ................. 395
If the engine will not start ...... 391
If the shift lever cannot be 
shifted from P ..................... 393
If the battery is discharged ... 397
If the warning buzzer 
sounds ................................ 370
If the warning light 
turns on............................... 370
If you have a flat tire ............. 382
If you lose your keys ............. 394
If you think something is 
wrong .................................. 366
If your vehicle becomes 
stuck ................................... 404
If your vehicle needs to be 
towed .................................. 362
If your vehicle overheats ....... 401
D
E

448 Alphabetical index
AVALON_U_(L/O_0802)
Spark plug ................................410
Specifications...........................406
Speedometer ............................ 135
Steering wheelAdjustment .............................. 61
Audio switches ......................217
Climate switches ...................185
Steering wheel memory .......... 50
Storage compartment ..............260
Storage feature.........................255
Stuck If your vehicle becomes 
stuck ...................................404
Sun visors.................................263
Switch Engine switch ................122, 126
Fog light switch ..................... 145
Ignition switch................122, 126
Light switches........................ 143
Power door lock switch ...........39
Power window switch ..............66
Window lock switch ................. 66
Wipers and washer switch ....146
Tail lights Replacing light bulbs ............. 356
Switch.................................... 143
Wattage .................................413
Theft deterrent system Alarm .......................................77
Engine immobilizer system .....75
Theft prevention labels..............79
Tire inflation pressure ............. 412
Tire information Glossary ................................422
Size ....................................... 419
Tire identification number ......418
Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading ............................... 420 Tires
Chains ................................... 172
Checking ............................... 322
If you have a flat tire.............. 382
Inflation pressure .................. 412
Information ............................ 417
Replacing .............................. 382
Rotating tires ......................... 322
Size ....................................... 412
Snow tires ............................. 173
Tire pressure warning 
system ........................ 323, 373
Tools ......................................... 382
Total load capacity .................. 169
Towing Dinghy towing ....................... 176
Trailer towing ........................ 175
TRAC ......................................... 163
Trip information ....................... 142
Trunk
Extending a space ................ 277
Opener .................................... 44
Wattage................................. 413
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ............. 355
Switch ................................... 133
Wattage................................. 413
Valet key ..................................... 22
Vanity lights Vanity lights........................... 264
Wattage................................. 413
Vanity mirrors .......................... 264
Vehicle identification 
number ................................... 407
Vehicle load limits ................... 169
VSC ........................................... 163
T
V