Toyota 1997 Avalon User manual

Foreword
Welcome to the growing group of value-conscious people who drive Toyotas. We
are proud of the advanced engineering and quality construction of each vehicle we
build.
This Owner’s Manual explains the features of your new Toyota. Please read it and
follow the instructions carefully so that you can enjoy many years of safe motoring.
When it comes to service, remember that your Toyota dealer knows your vehicle
best and is interested in your complete satisfaction. He will provide quality mainte-
nance and any other assistance you may require.
Please leave this Owner’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next
owner will need this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time of
printing. However, because of Toyota’s policy of continual product improve-
ment, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment,
including options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for equipment
not installed on your vehicle.
TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
1997 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in whole or in
part, without the written permission of Toyota Motor Corporation.

New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Toyota
limited warranties:
For further information, please refer to the separate
“Owner’s Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supplement” or
“Warranty Booklet”.
New vehicle warranty
Emission control systems warranty
Others
Your responsiblity for maintenance
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that the
specified maintenance is performed. Part 6 gives de-
tails of these maintenance requirements. Also in-
cluded in Part 6 is general maintenance. For sched-
uled maintenance information, please refer to the
separate “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Mainte-
nance Schedule”.
Accessories, spare parts and
modification of your Toyota
A wide variety of non genuine spare parts and acces-
sories for Toyota vehicles are currently available in
the market. You should know that Toyota does not
warrant these products and is not responsible either
for their performance, repair or replacement, or for
any damage they may cause to, or adverse effect
they may have on, your Toyota vehicle.
This vehicle should not be modified with non genuine
Toyota products. Modification with non genuine Toyo-
ta products could affect its performance, safety or du-
rability, and may even violate governmental regula-
tions. In addition, damage or performance problems
resulting from the modification may not be covered
under warranty.

Spark ignition system of your
Toyota
The spark ignition system of your Toyota meets all re-
quirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing
Equipment Standard.
Installationof a mobile
two-way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two-way radio system
in your vehicle could affect electronic systems such
as multiport fuel injection systems/sequential multi-
port fuel injection system, cruise control system, anti-
lock brake system and SRS airbag system, be sure
to check with your Toyota dealer for precautionary
measures or special instructions regarding installa-
tion.
Scrapping of your Toyota
The SRS airbag devices in your Toyota contains ex-
plosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped with the
airbag left as it is, it may cause an accident such as
a fire. Be sure to have the SRS airbag system re-
moved and disposed of by a qualified service shop or
by your Toyota dealer before you dispose of your ve-
hicle.

Publication No. OM22482U
Part No. 01999-22482
Printed in Japan 04- 9711- 02
Quick index
If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 70. . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 151. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your engine stalls while driving 154. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 155. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 156. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 163. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips for driving during break- in period 129. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 141. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General maintenance 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Complete index 219. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gas station information
Fuel type:
UNLEADED gasoline, Research Octane Number 91 (Octane Rating 87) or
higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gaso-
line with a Research Octane Number of 96 (Octane Rating 91) or higher is
recommended.
See page 129 for detailed information.
Fuel tank capacity:
70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 lmp. gal.)
Engine oil:
API SH, “Energy-Conservint II” multigrade engine oil or ILSAC multigrade
engine oil is recommended.
See page 186 for detailed information.
Automatic transmission fluid:
Automatic transmission fluid D-ll or DEXRON lll (DEXRON ll)
Tire information: See pages 189 through 193.
Tire pressure: See page 212.
B−1
B

Part 1
1
OPERATION OF
INSTRUMENTS
AND CONTROLS—
Chapter 1-1
Overview of instruments
and controls
Instrument panel overview
Instrument cluster overview
Indicator symbols on the
instrument panel

2
1. Side vent
2. Side defroster outlet
3. Tilt steering lock release lever
4. Automatic transmission selector
lever (column shift)
5. Center vents
6. Electric moon roof switch or front
interior light, and personal lights
7. Power door lock switch
8. Power window switches
9. Seat heater switch
10. Glovebox
11. Automatic transmission selector
lever (column shift)
12. Lower vent
13. Parking brake release lever
14. Parking brake pedal
Instrument panel overview

3
1. Instrument panel light control dial
2. Headlight and turn signal switch
3. Wiper and washer switches
4. Driving pattern selector button
5. Thermometer
6. Clock
7. Emergency flasher switch
8. Car audio
9. Miscellany box
10. Air conditioning controls
11. Ashtray and cigarette lighter
12. Rear window defogger switch
13. Ignition switch
14. Cruise control switch
15. Traction control system off switch
16. Power rear view mirror control
switch
17. Headlight cleaner switch

4
1. Engine coolant temperature gauge
2. Tachometer
3. Service reminder indicators or
indicator lights
4. Odometer
5. Trip meter
6. Speedometer
7. Fuel gauge
8. Trip meter reset knob
9. Theft deterrent system indicator
light
Instrument cluster overview

Indicator symbols on the instrument panel
5
Anti-lock brake system warning light*1
Brake system warning light *1
Seat belt reminder light*1
Discharge warning light*1
Low oil pressure warning light*1
Malfunction indicator lamp*1
Low fuel level warning light *1
Open door warning light*1
SRS airbag warning light*1
Turn signal indicator lights
Traction control system off
indicator/warning light*1
Rear light failure warning light*1