TOYOTA AVENSIS 2012 Owners Manual

541 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
After changing the engine oil (diesel engine)
The oil change system should be reset. Perform the following procedures:
Vehicles with smart entry & start system
Switch the display to trip meter A (P. 242) when the engine is run-
ning.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
While pressing the trip meter reset button, set the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch to IGNITION ON mode (but do not start the engine
because otherwise the reset mode will be canceled). Continue to
press and hold the button until the multi-information display indi-
cates that the reset is complete.
Vehicles without smart entry & start system
Switch the display to trip meter A (P. 242) when the engine is run-
ning.
Turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position.
While pressing the trip meter reset button, set the engine switch to
the “ON” position (but do not start the engine because otherwise
the reset mode will be canceled). Continue to press and hold the
button until the multi-information display indicates that the reset is
complete.
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542 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 any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional, 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, as 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.

543 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
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Engine coolant
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Gasoline engine
Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
Diesel engine
Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, reservoir cap, radiator cap, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional, test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.

544 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
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.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50%
deionized water. (Enabled: -35C [-31F])
For more details about engine coolant, contact any authorized Toyota dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
CAUTION
When the engine is hot
Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
When adding engine coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze 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 damage to parts or paint.

545 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Radiator, condenser and intercooler
Check the radiator, condenser and intercooler (diesel engine) and
clear any foreign objects.
If any of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicle checked by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
Battery
Check the battery as follows.
Caution symbol
The meanings of each caution symbol on the top of the battery are
as follows:
CAUTION
When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator, condenser or intercooler, as they may be hot and
cause serious injuries, such as burns.
No smoking, no naked
flames, no sparksBattery acid
Shield eyesNote operating
instructions
Keep away from chil-
drenExplosive gas

546 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)Battery exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to discon-
nect the ground cable.
Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and
disconnecting the charger cables to the battery.

547 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
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After recharging the battery (vehicles with smart entry & start system)
The engine may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the sys-
tem.
Depress the brake pedal with the shift lever in “N”.
Open and close any of the doors.
Restart the engine.
When replacing the battery
A proper battery should be used. Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
CAUTION
Chemicals in the battery
A battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death
or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or near bat-
tery:
Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
Keep children away from the battery.
Where to safely charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a
garage or closed room where there is not sufficient ventilation.
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548 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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CAUTION
How to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The battery may explode if
charged at quicker rate.
Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.
NOTICE
When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.
When adding distilled water
Avoid overfilling. Water spilled during battery recharging may cause corro-
sion.
Do not spill distilled water onto the rubber components.

549 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Washer fluid
If the fluid level is extremely low,
add washer fluid.
Raise the cap keeping your finger
pressed down on the hole in the
center and check the fluid level in
the tube.
CAUTION
When refilling the washer fluid
Do not refill the washer fluid when the engine is hot or running, as the
washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.
Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bot-
tle.

550 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
AVENSIS_EE (OM20B44E)
Fuel filter (diesel engine)
You may drain the fuel filter yourself. However, as the operation is dif-
ficult, we recommend having it drained by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional. Event if you decide to drain it yourself, contact any authorized
Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional.
The water in the fuel filter needs to be drained if the “DRAIN WATER
FROM FUEL FILTER” warning message is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display and a buzzer sounds. (P. 629)
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to off (vehicles with
smart entry & start system) or the engine switch to the “LOCK”
position (vehicles without smart entry & start system).
Place a small tray under the drain plug to catch the water and
any fuel that comes out.
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