brake fluid TOYOTA AVALON 2020 Owners Manual (in English)

19Pictorial index
Parking brake switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 196
Applying/releasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 196, 197
Precautions for winter season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 317
Warning light/warning buzzer/
warning message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 199, 430
Turn signal lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 195
Headlight switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 202
Headlights/side marker lights/parking lights/tail lights/
license plate lights/daytime running lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 202
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 210
Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 210
Adding washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 392
Emergency flasher switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 422
Hood lock release lever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 381
Tilt and telescopic steering lock release lever
*1 . . . . . . . . P. 153
Tilt and telescopic steering control switch
*1 . . . . . . . . . . . P. 153
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 153
Driving position memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 146
Air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 322
Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 322
Rear window defogger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 324
Entune Audio Plus
*1, 2
Entune Premium Audio*1, 2
*1: If equipped
*2: Refer to “NAVIGATION AND MULT IMEDIA SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL”.
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

1774-1. Before driving
4
Driving
NOTICE
■When driving the vehicle
● Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same tim e during
driving, as this may restrain the engine output.
● Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
■ When parking the vehicle
Always set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so
may cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle may accelerate sud denly if
the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed.
■ Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
● Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and ho ld it there for
an extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
● When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possibl e to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■ 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 depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehi-
cle.
● It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
● The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
● The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire ( P. 445)
■ When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. D oing 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 i s 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 e ngine, tran-
saxle, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (whe re possi-
ble), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

1924-2. Driving procedures
■Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D positi on (vehi-
cles with paddle shift switches)
Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following situ-
ations:
● The “+” paddle shift switch is held down for a period of time
● When the vehicle comes to a stop
● If the accelerator pedal is depressed for more than a certain p eriod of time
● When the shift lever is shifted to a position other than D
■ S mode
●When the shift range is 7 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the
shift range to 8.
● To prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automat ically
occur.
● To protect the automatic transmission, a function is adopted that automati-
cally selects a higher shift range when the fluid temperature is high.
■ Downshift restriction warning buzzer (S mode or paddle shifting )
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting ope ration may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting ma y not be
possible even when the shift lever or paddle shift switches are operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)
■ When driving with dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range
activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of e nabling engine
braking, engine braking will not activate because dynamic radar cruise con-
trol with full-speed range will not be canceled.
● While driving in D or S mode, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4.
● When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in the D posi-
tion. (
P. 305)
■ Restraining sudden start (Drive-start Control)
P. 171
■ Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent accidental operation of the shift
lever in starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only when the engine switch is in the
IGNITION ON mode the brake pedal is depressed and the shift release but-
ton is pushed.

3164-6. Driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate t o the prevailing outside tempera-
tures. • Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspec t the condition of the battery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the front tires.
*
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that cha ins match
the size of the tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on vehicles with 18 and 19-inch tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is fr ozen.
Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away
the water immediately to p revent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Check for and remove any excess ic e or snow that may have accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.
● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a ma n-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle

3746-2. Maintenance
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty
Information Booklet” or “Own er’s Manual Supplement/Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem
you notice should be brought to the attention of your Toyota
dealer or qualified s ervice shop for advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the connections. ( P. 390)
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct
level? (P. 389)
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct
level? (P. 387)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level?
(P. 384)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser
The radiator and condenser should
be free from foreign objects.
(P. 388)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid?
(P. 392)

379
6
Maintenance and care
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition
(  P. 390)• Warm water• Baking soda• Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
( P. 389)
• SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
SAE J1704 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 4
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine coolant
level ( P. 387)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a 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 pre-mixed with
50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
55% coolant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding engine coolant)
Engine oil level
(  P. 384)• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( P. 416)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Radiator/con-
denser (
P. 388)
Tire inflation
pressure
( P. 407)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
( P. 392)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for win-
ter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

3836-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Engine compartment
Fuse boxes (if equipped)( P. 416)
Engine oil filler cap ( P. 385)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 384)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 389)
Battery ( P. 390) Radiator (
P. 388)
Electric cooling fan
Condenser ( P. 388)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 387)
Washer fluid tank ( P. 392)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

3896-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.“MAX”
“MIN”
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid ty pe and prepare the necessary ite m.
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss o f braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
Brake fluid
1
2
Fluid type SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid
SAE J1704 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 brake fluid
ItemClean funnel
WARNING
■
When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damag e
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■ If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as t he brake pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serio us problem.

4287-2. Steps to take in an emergency
●Fluid leaks un der the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning a fter use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points high er
than normal
● Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
● Engine missing, stumb ling or running roughly
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one s ide when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touch es
the floor
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the followi ng symptoms, your vehicle proba -
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms

4307-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a war ning
buzzer sounds
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning ligh ts
comes on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then
goes off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the
system. However, if this continues to occur, have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
Warning light and w arning buzzer list
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Red)
(Canada)
Brake system warning li ght (warning buzzer)
Indicates that:
• The brake fluid level is low; or
• The brake system is malfunctioning
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer. Continuing to drive the vehi-
cle may be dangerous.
(Yellow)
Brake system warning li ght (warning buzzer)
Indicates a malfunction in the electric parking brake
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
High coolant temperature warning light (warning
buzzer)
*1
Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Handling method ( P. 466)
Charging system warning light*1
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer.
Low engine oil pressure warning light (warning
buzzer)
*1
Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer.