2015 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual

a steel tower, between buildings, roof car park/parking lot, near an intersec- tion, near a large vehicle, etc.).

●The vehicle has become magnetized.

(There is a magnet or metal object near the inside rear view mirror.)

●The battery has been disconnected. ●A door is open.

CAUTION

■While driving

Do not adjust the display. Be sure to adjust the display only when the vehicle is stopped.

■When doing the circling calibration

Be sure to secure a wide space, and watch out for people and vehicles in the neighborhood. Do not violate any local traffic rules while performing cir- cling calibration.

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NOTICE

■To avoid the compass malfunctions

Do not place magnets or any metal objects near the inside rear view mirror. Doing this may cause a malfunction of the compass sensor.

■To ensure normal operation of the compass

●Do not perform circling calibration of the compass in a place where the earth’s magnetic field is subject to interference by artificial magnetic fields. ●During calibration, do not operate electric systems (moon roof, power win-

dows, etc.) as they may interfere with the calibration.

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5-4. Other interior features

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6-1. Maintenance and care Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior.......... 302
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior........... 306

6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements................... 309
General maintenance........ 311
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs......................... 315

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions ..................... 316
Hood ................................. 319
Positioning a floor jack ...... 320
Engine compartment......... 322
Tires .................................. 334
Tire inflation pressure ....... 342
Wheels .............................. 345
Air conditioning filter.......... 348
Electronic key battery........ 350
Checking and replacing fuses ............................... 352
Light bulbs......................... 361

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6-1. Maintenance and care

Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior

Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in prime condition:

● Working from top to bottom, liberally apply water to the vehicle body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any dirt and dust.

● Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a

chamois.

● For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thoroughly

with water.

● Wipe away any water. ● Wax the vehicle when the waterproof coating deteriorates.

If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehicle body is cool.

■Automatic car washes

●Fold the mirrors before washing the vehicle. Start washing from the front of

the vehicle. Make sure to extend the mirrors before driving.

●Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface and

harm your vehicle’s paint. ■High pressure car washes

●Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity of

the windows.

●Before using the car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle is

closed properly.

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■When using a car wash

If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the effective range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. In that case, follow the fol- lowing correction procedures to wash the vehicle: ●Place the key in a position 6 ft. (2 m) or more separate from the vehicle while the vehicle is being washed. (Take care to ensure that the key is not stolen.)

●Set the electronic key to battery-saving mode to disable the smart key sys-

tem. (P. 101)

■Aluminum wheels

●Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent. Do not use hard brushes or abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or harsh chemical clean- ers. Use the same mild detergent and wax as used on the paint.

●Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, for example after

driving for long distance in the hot weather.

●Wash detergent from the wheels immediately after use.

■Bumpers

Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.

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6-1. Maintenance and care

CAUTION

■When washing the vehicle

Do not apply water to the inside of the engine compartment. Doing so may cause the electrical components etc. to catch fire.

■When cleaning the windshield (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield

wipers) Set the wiper switch to off. If the wiper switch is in “AUTO”, the wip- ers may operate unexpectedly in the fol- lowing situations, and may result in hands being caught or other serious inju- ries and cause damage to the wiper blades.

Off

●When the upper part of the windshield where the raindrop sensor is

located is touched by hand

●When a wet rag or similar is held close to the raindrop sensor ●If something bumps against the windshield ●If you directly touch the raindrop sensor body or if something bumps into

the raindrop sensor

■Precautions regarding the exhaust pipes

Exhaust gases cause the exhaust pipes to become quite hot. When washing the vehicle, be careful not to touch the pipes until they have cooled sufficiently, as touching hot exhaust pipes can cause burns.

■Precaution regarding the Blind Spot Monitor (if equipped)

If the paint of the rear bumper is chipped or scratched, the system may mal- function. If this occurs, consult your Toyota dealer.

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NOTICE

■To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and compo-

nents (aluminum wheels etc.) ●Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:

• After driving near the sea coast • After driving on salted roads • If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface • If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the

paint surface

• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust,

iron powder or chemical substances

• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud • If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface

●If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately. ●To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place

with low humidity when storing the wheels.

■Cleaning the exterior lights

●Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.

This may damage the surfaces of the lights.

●Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.

Wax may cause damage to the lenses.

■To prevent damage to the windshield wiper arms

When lifting the wiper arms away from the windshield, pull the driver side wiper arm upward first, and repeat for the passenger side. When returning the wipers to their original position, do so from the passenger side first.

■When using an automatic car wash (vehicles with rain-sensing wind-

shield wipers) Set the wipers switch to off. If AUTO mode is selected, the wipers may operate and the wiper blades may be damaged.

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Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior

The following procedures will help protect your vehicle’s interior and keep it in top condition:

Protecting the vehicle interior Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner. Wipe dirty surfaces with a cloth dampened with lukewarm water.

Cleaning the leather areas ● Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner. ● Wipe off any excess dirt and dust with a soft cloth dampened with

diluted detergent. Use a diluted water solution of approximately 5% neutral wool detergent.

● Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off

all remaining traces of detergent.

● Wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Allow the leather to dry in a shaded and ventilated area.

Cleaning the synthetic leather areas ● Remove loose dirt using a vacuum cleaner. ● Apply a mild soap solution to the synthetic leather using a sponge

or soft cloth.

● Allow the solution to soak in for a few minutes. Remove the dirt and

wipe off the solution with a clean, damp cloth.

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■Caring for leather areas

Toyota recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year to maintain the quality of the vehicle’s interior.

■Shampooing the carpets

There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a sponge or brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not use water. Wipe dirty surfaces and let them dry. Excellent results are obtained by keep- ing the carpet as dry as possible.

■Seat belts

Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a cloth or sponge. Also check the belts periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.

■When cleaning the carpeted portions of the glove box, console box, etc. If a strong adhesive tape is used, there is a possibility that the surface of the carpet could be damaged.

CAUTION

■Water in the vehicle

●Do not splash or spill liquid in the vehicle.

Doing so may cause electrical components etc. to malfunction or catch fire.

●Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle interior wet.

(P. 35) An electrical malfunction may cause the airbags to deploy or not function properly, resulting in death or serious injury.

■Cleaning the interior (especially instrument panel)

Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel may reflect off the windshield, obstructing the driver’s view and leading to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.

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6-1. Maintenance and care

NOTICE

■Cleaning detergents

●Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehi-

cle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces: • Non-seat portions: Organic substances such as benzene or gasoline,

alkaline or acidic solutions, dye, and bleach

• Seats: Alkaline or acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, and alco-

hol

●Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel’s or other

interior part’s painted surface may be damaged.

■Preventing damage to leather surfaces

Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of leather surfaces: ●Remove any dust or dirt from leather surfaces immediately. ●Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.

Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.

●Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or containing wax on the uphol- stery, as they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats up significantly.

■Water on the floor

Do not wash the vehicle floor with water. Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes into contact with electrical components such as the audio system above or under the floor of the vehicle. Water may also cause the body to rust.

■Cleaning the inside of the rear window

●Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this may cause damage to the rear window defogger heater wires or antenna. Use a cloth dampened with lukewarm water to gently wipe the window clean. Wipe the window in strokes running parallel to the heater wires or antenna. ●Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires or antenna.

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Maintenance requirements

To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and reg- ular maintenance are essential. It is the owner’s responsibility to perform regular checks. Toyota recommends the following main- tenance:

General maintenance General maintenance should be performed on a daily basis. This can be done by yourself or by a Toyota dealer.

Scheduled maintenance Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified intervals according to the maintenance schedule.

For details about maintenance items and schedules, refer to the “Sched- uled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

Do-it-yourself maintenance You can perform some maintenance procedures by yourself. Please be aware that do-it-yourself maintenance may affect warranty coverage.

The use of Toyota Repair Manuals is recommended. For details about warranty coverage, refer to the separate “Owner’s War- ranty Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

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6-2. Maintenance

■Repair and replacement

It is recommended that genuine Toyota parts be used for repairs to ensure performance of each system. If non-Toyota parts are used in replacement or if a repair shop other than a Toyota dealer performs repairs, confirm the war- ranty coverage.

■Resetting the message indicating maintenance is required (U.S.A. only) After the required maintenance is performed according to the maintenance schedule, please reset the message. To reset the data, follow the procedure described below:

Turn the engine switch off with the trip meter A reading shown. (P. 78) While pressing the trip meter reset knob (P. 78), turn the engine switch to IGNITION ON mode Continue to press and hold the knob until the trip meter displays “000000”.

■Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Toyota dealer

●Toyota technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with the latest service information. They are well informed about the operations of all systems on your vehicle.

●Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has been performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise while your vehicle is under warranty, your Toyota dealer will promptly take care of it.

CAUTION

■If your vehicle is not properly maintained

Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible death or serious injury.

■Handling of the battery

●Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a well ventilated area.

●Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of Califor- nia to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid exposure and wash any affected area immediately.

●Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after handling. (P. 330)

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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 “Owner’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 service shop for advice.

Engine compartment

Items

Check points

Battery

Brake fluid

Engine coolant

Engine oil

Exhaust system

Radiator/condenser

Washer fluid

Check the battery fluid level and connections. (P. 330) Is the brake fluid at the correct level? (P. 329) Is the engine coolant at the correct level? (P. 326) Is the engine oil at the correct level? (P. 323) There should not be any fumes or strange sounds. The radiator and condenser should be free from foreign objects.

(P. 328)

Is there sufficient washer fluid?

(P. 333)

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6-2. Maintenance

Vehicle interior

Items

Check points

Accelerator pedal

Automatic mechanism

transmission

“Park”

• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly (without uneven pedal effort or catching).

• When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P, is the vehicle securely stopped?

• Does

the brake pedal move

smoothly?

• Does the brake pedal have appro-

priate clearance from the floor? (P. 436) • Does the brake pedal have the

correct amount of free play?

(P. 436) • The vehicle should not pull to one side when the brakes are applied. • The brakes should work effec-

tively.

spongy.

• The brake pedal should not feel

• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor when the brakes are applied.

Brake pedal

Brakes

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Items

Check points

• Do

the head

restraints move

smoothly and lock securely?

• Do the indicators and buzzers

function properly?

• Do all the lights come on? • Moves smoothly? • When parked on a slope and the parking brake is on, is the vehicle securely stopped?

seat belts operate

• The seat belts should not be dam-

• Do

the smoothly?

aged.

• Do the seat controls operate prop-

erly?

• Does the steering wheel rotate

smoothly?

• Does the steering wheel have the

correct amount of free play?

• There should not be any strange sounds coming from the steering wheel.

Head restraints

Indicators/buzzers

Lights

Parking brake

Seat belts

Seats

Steering wheel

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6-2. Maintenance

Vehicle exterior

Items

Doors/trunk

Engine hood

Fluid leaks

Tires

Windshield wipers

CAUTION

■If the engine is running

Check points doors/trunk

• Do

the smoothly?

operate

• Does the engine hood lock system

work properly?

• There should not be any signs of fluid leakage after the vehicle has been parked.

• Is the tire inflation pressure cor-

rect?

• The tires should not be dam-

aged or excessively worn.

• Have

the

tires been rotated according to the maintenance schedule?

• The wheel nuts should not be

loose.

• The wiper blades should not show any signs of cracking, splitting, wear, contamination or deforma- tion.

• The wiper blades should clear the windshield without streaking or skipping.

Turn the engine off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per- forming maintenance checks.

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Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs

Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which include OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system monitors the operation of the emission control system.

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in the emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test and may need to be repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer to service the vehicle.

Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test in the following situations: ● When the battery is disconnected or discharged

Readiness codes that are set during ordinary driving are erased. Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may not be completely set.

● When the fuel tank cap is loose

The malfunction indicator lamp comes on indicating a temporary malfunction and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.

When the malfunction indicator lamp still remains on after sev- eral driving trips The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the vehi- cle is driven 40 or more times.

If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test Contact your Toyota dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.

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Do-it-yourself service precautions

If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct procedure as given in these sections.

Items

Parts and tools

• Warm water • Baking soda • Grease • Conventional wrench

(for terminal clamp bolts)

• Distilled water • FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE

J1703 brake fluid

• Rag or paper towel • Funnel (used only

brake fluid)

for adding

• “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 For the U.S.A.: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. For Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with 55% coolant and 45% deionized water.

• Funnel (used only for adding cool-

ant)

• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or

equivalent

• Rag or paper towel • Funnel (used only

engine oil)

for adding

Battery condition(P. 330)

Brake fluid level

(P. 329)

Engine coolant level

(P. 326)

Engine oil level

(P. 323)

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Items

Parts and tools

Fuses

(P. 352)

• Fuse with same amperage rating

as original

Light bulbs

(P. 361)

• Bulb with same number and watt-

age rating as original

• Phillips-head screwdriver • Flathead screwdriver • Wrench

Radiator and condenser

(P. 328)



• Tire pressure gauge • Compressed air source • Water or washer fluid containing

antifreeze (for winter use)

• Funnel (used only water or washer fluid)

for adding

Tire inflation pressure (P. 342)

Washer fluid

(P. 333)

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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 and 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.

■When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille

Be sure the engine switch is off. With the engine switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant tem- perature is high. (P. 328)

■Safety glasses

Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting in your 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.

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Hood

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.

Pull up the auxiliary catch lever and lift the 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.

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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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CAUTION

■When raising your vehicle

Make sure to observe the following precautions to reduce the possibility of death or serious injury:

●Lift up the vehicle using a floor jack such as the one shown in the illustra- tion.

●When using a floor jack, follow the instructions of the manual provided with

the jack.

●Do not use the jack that was supplied with your vehicle. ●Do not put any part of your body underneath the vehicle when it is sup-

ported only by the floor jack.

●Always use floor jack and/or automotive jack stands on a solid, flat, 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 shift

the shift lever to 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 object on top of or underneath

the floor jack.

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Engine compartment

(P. 328)

Radiator Electric cooling fans Condenser Engine coolant reservoir

(P. 328)

(P. 326) Washer fluid tank (P. 333)

10

Engine oil filler cap (P. 324) Engine oil level dipstick

(P. 323)

Brake fluid reservoir

Fuse box Battery

(P. 329) (P. 352) (P. 330)

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Engine oil With 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 warming up the engine and turning it off, wait more than 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine. Holding a rag under the end, 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.

Low Normal Excessive

The shape of the dipstick may differ depending on the type of vehicle or engine.

Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

■ Adding engine oil

If the oil level is below or near the low level mark, add engine oil of the same type as that already in the engine.

Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before adding oil.

Engine oil selection P. 433
Oil quantity (Low  Full) Items

Clean funnel

1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)

Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise. Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick. Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.

■Engine oil consumption

A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be refilled in between oil maintenance intervals. ●When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or

after replacing the engine

●If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used ●When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, or when driving

while accelerating or decelerating frequently

●When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently

through heavy traffic

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CAUTION

■Used engine oil

●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin disorders such as inflammation and 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 your Toyota dealer, 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 a regular basis.

■When replacing the engine oil

●Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components. ●Avoid overfilling, or 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.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Engine coolant The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.

Reservoir cap “F” line “L” line If the level is on or below the “L” line, add coolant up to the “F” line. (P. 423)

■Coolant selection

Only use “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 a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion- ized water. (Minimum temperature: -31F [-35C]) Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deion- ized water. (Minimum temperature: -44F [-42C]) For more details about engine coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.

■If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing

Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir caps, drain cock and water pump. If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for leaks in the cooling system.

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CAUTION

■When the engine is hot

Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap or the radiator cap. (P. 425) 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 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 it from damaging parts or paint.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Radiator and condenser Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects. If either of the above parts is extremely dirty or you are not sure of their condition, have your vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

CAUTION

■When the engine is hot

Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri- ous injuries, such as burns.

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Brake fluid ■ Checking fluid level

The brake fluid level should be between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on the tank.

“MAX” line “MIN” line

■ Adding fluid

Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.

Fluid type Items

FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid Clean funnel

■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air

Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi- ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.

CAUTION

■When filling the reservoir

Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage 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 the brake pads wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high. If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Battery Check the battery as follows. ■ 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, observe the following before recharging: ●If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect

the ground cable.

●Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and dis-

connecting the charger cables to the battery.

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■After recharging/reconnecting the battery

The engine may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the system.

Shift the shift lever to P. Open and close any of the doors. Restart the engine.

●Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible imme- diately after reconnecting the battery. If this happens, use the wireless remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.

●Start the engine with the engine switch in ACCESSORY mode. The engine may not start when the engine switch turned from off. However, the engine will operate normally from the second attempt.

●The engine switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the battery is recon- nected, the vehicle will return the engine switch mode to the status it was in before the battery was disconnected. Make sure to turn off the engine before disconnect the battery. Take extra care when connecting the battery if the engine switch mode prior to discharge is unknown.

If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Toyota dealer.

CAUTION

■Chemicals in the battery

Batteries contain 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 the battery: ●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.

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CAUTION

■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 insufficient ventilation.

■How to recharge the battery

Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The battery may explode if charged at a 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 operating. Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.

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Washer fluid If any washer does not work or the warning message appears on the multi-information the washer tank may be empty. Add washer fluid.

display,

CAUTION

■When adding washer fluid

Do not add washer fluid when the engine is hot or running as 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.

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Tires

Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance sched- ules and treadwear.

Checking tires

New tread Treadwear indicator Worn tread The location of treadwear indica- tors is shown by the “TWI” or “” marks, etc., molded on the side- wall of each tire. Check spare tire condition and pressure if not rotated.

Tire rotation

Rotate the tires in the order shown. To equalize tire wear and extend tire life, Toyota recommends that tire rotation is carried out at the same interval as tire inspection.

Front

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Tire pressure warning system Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses tire pressure warning valves and transmitters to detect low tire infla- tion pressure before serious problems arise. (P. 391) ◆ Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters

When replacing tires or wheels, tire pressure warning valves and transmitters must also be installed. When new tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are installed, new ID codes must be registered in the tire pressure warning computer and the tire pressure warning system must be initialized. Have tire pressure warning valve and transmitter ID codes registered by your Toyota dealer. (P. 337)

◆ Initializing the tire pressure warning system ■ The tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the fol-

lowing circumstances: ● When changing the tire size. ● When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when chang-

ing traveling speed or load weight.

When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire inflation pressure is set as the benchmark pressure.

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■ How to initialize the tire pressure warning system

Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the engine switch off. Initialization cannot be performed while the vehicle is moving. Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure level. (P. 437) Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire infla- tion pressure level. The tire pressure warning system will operate based on this pressure level. Turn the engine switch to IGNITION ON mode. Press and hold the tire pres- sure warning reset switch until the tire pressure warn- ing light blinks slowly 3 times.

Wait for a few minutes with the engine switch in IGNITION ON mode and then turn the engine switch off.

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◆ Registering ID codes

The tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is equipped with a unique ID code. When replacing a tire pressure warning valve and transmitter, it is necessary to register the ID code. Have the ID code registered by your Toyota dealer.

■When to replace your vehicle’s tires

Tires should be replaced if: ●You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to

expose the fabric, and bulges indicating internal damage

●A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size

or location of a cut or other damage

If you are not sure, consult with your Toyota dealer.

■Replacing tires and wheels

If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not reg- istered, the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After driv- ing for about 20 minutes, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1
minute and stays on to indicate a system malfunction.

■Tire life

Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if it has seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.

■Routine tire inflation pressure checks

The tire pressure warning system does not replace routine tire inflation pressure checks. Make sure to check tire inflation pressure as part of your routine of daily vehicle checks.

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■Low profile tires (18-inch tires)

Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip perfor- mance will be reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when compared to standard tires. Be sure to use snow tires or tire chains on snowy and/or icy roads and drive carefully at a speed appropriate for road and weather conditions.

■Maximum load of tire

Check that the maximum load of the replacement tire is greater than 1/2
of the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of either the front axle or the rear axle, whichever is greater. For the GAWR, see the Certification Label. For the maximum load of the tire, see the load limit at maximum cold tire inflation pressure mentioned on the sidewall of the tire. (P. 442)

■Tire types

●Summer tires

Summer tires are high-speed performance tires best suited to highway driving under dry conditions. Since summer tires do not have the same traction performance as snow tires, summer tires are inadequate for driving on snow-covered or icy roads. For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, the use of snow tires is recommended. When install- ing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.

●All season tires

All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to be adequate for driving in most winter conditions as well as for use year-round. All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose snow. Also, all season tires fall short in acceleration and handling performance com- pared with summer tires in highway driving.

●Snow tires

For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, we recommend using snow tires. If you need snow tires, select tires of the same size, con- struction and load capacity as the originally installed tires. Since your vehicle has radial tires as original equipment, make sure your snow tires also have radial construction. Do not install studded tires without first checking local regulations for possible restrictions. Snow tires should be installed on all wheels. (P. 236)

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■Initializing the tire pressure warning system

Initialize the system with the tire inflation pressure adjusted to the speci- fied level.

■If the tread on snow tires wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm)

The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost.

■If you press the tire pressure warning reset switch accidentally

If initialization is performed, adjust the tire inflation pressure to the speci- fied level and initialize the tire pressure warning system again.

■When initialization of the tire pressure warning system has failed

Initialization can be completed in a few minutes. However, in the following cases, the settings have not been recorded and the system will not oper- ate properly. If repeated attempts to record tire inflation pressure settings are unsuccessful, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer. ●When operating the tire pressure warning reset switch, the tire pressure

warning light does not blink 3 times.

●After driving for a certain period of time since the initialization has been

completed, the warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute.

■Tire pressure warning system certification

 For vehicles sold in the U.S.A. FCC ID: PAXPMVC010
NOTE: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. FCC WARNING: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsi- ble for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equip- ment.  For vehicles sold in Canada NOTE: Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

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CAUTION

■When inspecting or replacing tires

Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents. Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drive train as well as dangerous handling characteristics, which may lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury. ●Do not mix tires of different makes, models or tread patterns.

Also, do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear.

●Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Toyota. ●Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply

tires).

●Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires. ●Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.

Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously.

■When initializing the tire pressure warning system

Do not operate the tire pressure warning reset switch without first adjusting the tire inflation pressure to the specified level. Otherwise, the tire pressure warning light may not come on even if the tire inflation pressure is low, or it may come on when the tire inflation pressure is actually normal.

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NOTICE

■Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves,

transmitters and tire valve caps ●When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters, contact your Toyota dealer as the tire pres- sure warning valves and transmitters may be damaged if not handled correctly.

●When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than

those specified. The cap may become stuck.

■To avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmit-

ters When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is used, contact your Toyota dealer or other qualified service shop as soon as possible. Make sure to replace the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter when replacing the tire. (P. 335)

■Driving on rough roads

Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or pot- holes. These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing the cushioning ability of the tires. In addition, driving on rough roads may cause damage to the tires themselves, as well as the vehicle’s wheels and body.

■Low profile tires (18-inch tires)

Low profile tires may cause greater damage than usual to the tire wheel when sustaining impact from the road surface. Therefore, pay attention to the following: ●Be sure to use proper tire inflation pressure. If tires are under-inflated,

they may be damaged more severely.

●Avoid potholes, uneven pavement, curbs and other road hazards. Fail-

ure to do so may lead to severe tire and wheel damage.

■If tire inflation pressure of each tire becomes low while driving Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.

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Tire inflation pressure

Tire inflation pressure The recommended cold tire infla- tion pressure and tire size are dis- played on the tire and loading information label. (P. 437)

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Inspection and adjustment procedure