Toyota Avalon 2003 User manual

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2003 AVALON (OM41401U)
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 operation of your new Toyota. Please read it thoroughly and have all the occupants
follow the instructions carefully. Doing so will help you enjoy many years of safe and trouble−free motoring. For
important information about this manual and your Toyota, read the following pages carefully.
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 maintenance and any other assistance you may require.
If there is not a Toyota dealer near you, or you need emergency assistance for any reason, please call the following number:
DU.S. OWNERS: Toyota Customer Assistance Center Tol l−free: 1−800−331−4331
DCANADIAN OWNERS: Toyota Canada Customer Interaction Centre Tol l−free: 1−888−TOYOTA−8 (1−888−869−6828)
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 improvement, 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.
©2002 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.

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Important information about this manual
Safety and vehicle damage warnings
Throughout this manual, you will see safety and vehicle dam-
age warnings. You must follow these warnings carefully to
avoid possible injury or damage.
The types of warnings, what they look like, and how they are
used in this manual are explained as follows:
CAUTION
This is a warning against something which may cause
injury to people if the warning is ignored. You are
informed about what you must or must not do in
order to avoid or reduce the risk to yourself and other
people.
NOTICE
This is a warning against something which may cause
damage to the vehicle or its equipment if the warning
is ignored. You are informed about what you must or
must not do in order to avoid or reduce the risk of
damage to your vehicle and its equipment.
Safety symbol
When you see the safety symbol
shown above, it means: “Do not...”;
“Do not do this”; or “Do not let this
happen”.

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Important information about your Toyota
New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Toyota limited
warranties:
DNew vehicle warranty
DEmission control systems warranty
DOthers
For further information, please refer to the “Owner’s War-
ranty Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment”.
Your responsibility for
maintenance
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that the speci-
fied maintenance is performed. Section 6 gives details of
these maintenance requirements. Also included in Section
6 is general maintenance. For scheduled maintenance in-
formation, please refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.
Accessories, spare parts and
modification of your Toyota
A wide variety of non−genuine spare parts and accessories
for Toyota vehicles are currently available in the market.
You should know that Toyota does not warrant these prod-
ucts and is not responsible 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 Toyota
products could affect its performance, safety or durability,
and may even violate governmental regulations. In addi-
tion, damage or performance problems resulting from the
modification may not be covered under warranty.

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Spark ignition system of your
Toyota
The spark ignition system in your Toyota meets all require-
ments of the Canadian Interference−Causing Equipment
Standard.
Installation of 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 multi-
port fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection
system, cruise control system, anti−lock brake system,
traction control system, vehicle skid control system, SRS
airbag system and seat belt pretensioner system, be sure
to check with your Toyota dealer for precautionary mea-
sures or special instructions regarding installation.
Scrapping of your Toyota
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your
Toyota contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is
scrapped with the airbags and pretensioners left as they
are, this may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to
have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt preten-
sioner removed and disposed of by the qualified service
shop or by your Toyota dealer before you dispose of your
vehicle.

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OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Overview of instruments and controls
Instrument panel overview 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster overview 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1−1

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1. Side vents
2. Side defroster outlets
3. Instrument cluster and/or
multi−information display
4. Garage door opener
5. Center vents
6. Auxiliary boxes
7. Front personal light, interior light and/or
electric moon roof switch
8. Power door lock switches
9. Power window switches
10. Glove box
11. Trunk opener main switch
12. Rear vents
13. Power outlet (115 VAC)
14. Power outlet (12 VDC)
15. Cup holder
16. Automatic transmission selector lever
17. Hood lock release lever
18. Parking brake pedal
19. Window lock switch
Instrument panel overview
"With bucket front seat (view A)

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1. Power rear view mirror control switches
2. Headlight and turn signal switch and
front fog light switch
3. Wiper and washer switches
4. Emergency flasher switch
5. Car audio
6. Air conditioning controls
7. Rear window and outside rear view
mirror defogger switch
8. Cigarette lighter and ashtray
9. Ignition switch
10. Power outlet main switch
11. Traction control system off switch
12. Cruise control switch
13. Tilt steering lock release lever
14. Trunk lid lock release switch
15. Instrument panel light control knob
"With bucket front seat (view B with manual air conditioning controls)

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1. Power rear view mirror control switches
2. Headlight and turn signal switch and
front fog light switch
3. Wiper and washer switches
4. Emergency flasher switch
5. Car audio
6. Air conditioning controls
7. Rear window and outside rear view
mirror defogger switch
8. Cigarette lighter and ashtray
9. Seat heater switches
10. Ignition switch
11. Power outlet main switch
12. Traction control system off switch
13. Cruise control switch
14. Tilt steering lock release lever
15. Trunk lid lock release switch
16. Instrument panel light control knob
"With bucket front seat (view B with automatic air conditioning controls)

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1. Side vents
2. Side defroster outlets
3. Instrument cluster and/or
multi−information display
4. Automatic transmission selector lever
5. Garage door opener
6. Center vents
7. Auxiliary boxes
8. Front personal light, interior light and/or
electric moon roof switch
9. Power door lock switches
10. Power window switches
11. Gl ov e box
12. Cup holder
13. Trunk opener main switch
14. Hood lock release lever
15. Parking brake pedal
16. Window lock switch
"With bench type front seat (view A)

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1. Power rear view mirror control switches
2. Headlight and turn signal switch and
front fog light switch
3. Wiper and washer switches
4. Emergency flasher switch
5. Car audio
6. Air conditioning controls
7. Rear window and outside rear view
mirror defogger switch
8. Cigarette lighter and ashtray
9. Power outlet (115 VAC)
10. Power outlet (12 VDC)
11. Ignition switch
12. Power outlet main switch
13. Traction control system off switch
14. Cruise control switch
15. Tilt steering lock release lever
16. Trunk lid lock release switch
17. Instrument panel light control knob
"With bench type front seat (view B with manual air conditioning controls)

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1. Power rear view mirror control switches
2. Headlight and turn signal switch and
front fog light switch
3. Wiper and washer switches
4. Emergency flasher switch
5. Car audio
6. Air conditioning controls
7. Rear window and outside rear view
mirror defogger switch
8. Seat heater switches
9. Cigarette lighter and ashtray
10. Power outlet (115 VAC)
11. Power outlet (12 VDC)
12. Ignition switch
13. Power outlet main switch
14. Traction control system off switch
15. Cruise control switch
16. Tilt steering lock release lever
17. Trunk lid lock release switch
18. Instrument panel light control knob
"With bench type front seat (view B with automatic air conditioning controls)

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1. Engine coolant temperature gauge
2. Tachometer
3. Service reminder indicators and
indicator lights
4. Speedometer
5. Engine immobiliser system indicator
light
6. Odometer and two trip meters
7. Clock
8. Outside temperature display
9. “ADJ” button∗
10. “MODE” button∗
11. “ODO/TRIP” button
12. Fuel gauge
∗: This button is used to adjust the clock. For details, see “Clock” in Section 1−9.
Instrument cluster overview
"Type A

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1. Engine coolant temperature gauge
2. Tachometer
3. Service reminder indicators and
indicator lights
4. Speedometer
5. Theft deterrent system/Engine
immobiliser system indicator light
6. Clock∗
7. Outside temperature display∗
8. Multi−information display
9. “LIGHT” button∗
10. “MODE” button∗
11. “RESET/ADJ” button∗
12. “DISPLAY” button∗
13. Odometer and two trip meters
14. “ODO/TRIP” button
15. Fuel gauge
∗: This button is used to operate the multi−information display. For details, see “Multi−information display” in Section 1−9.
"Type B

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1. Engine coolant temperature gauge
2. Tachometer
3. Service reminder indicators and
indicator lights
4. Speedometer
5. Theft deterrent system/Engine
immobiliser system indicator light
6. Clock∗
7. Outside temperature display∗
8. Odometer and two trip meters
9. “ODO/TRIP” button
10. Fuel gauge
∗: For details, please refer to the separate “Navigation system Owner’s manual”.
"Type C

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Brake system warning light∗1
Driver’s seat belt reminder light∗1
Discharge warning light∗1
Malfunction indicator lamp∗1
Low engine oil pressure warning light∗1
or
Low fuel level warning light∗1
Anti−lock brake system warning light∗1 or
Open door warning light∗1
Rear light failure warning light∗1
SRS warning light∗1
Low windshield washer fluid level warning light∗1
Front outside passenger’s seat belt reminder
light∗1
Vehicle skid control system and traction control
system warning light∗1
Headlight high beam indicator light
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel

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∗1: For details, see “Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers” in Section 1−5.
∗2: If this light flashes, see “Cruise control” in Section 1−6.
Turn signal indicator lights
Slip indicator light
Cruise control indicator light∗2
Overdrive−off indicator light
Automatic transmission indicator lights
Traction control system off indicator light

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OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Keys and Doors
Keys 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine immobiliser system 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side doors 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power windows 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk lid 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft deterrent system 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel tank cap 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric moon roof 38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1−2

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Your vehicle is supplied with two kinds
of keys.
1. Master key—This key works in every
lock.
2. Sub key—This key will not work in the
glove box, trunk and armrest door in
the rear seat.
To protect things locked in the glove box
or trunk when you have your vehicle
parked, leave the sub key with the atten-
dant.
Since the doors and trunk lid can be
locked without a key, you should always
carry a spare master key in case you
accidentally lock your keys inside the ve-
hicle.
KEY NUMBER PLATE
Your key number is shown on the plate.
Keep the plate in a safe place such as
your wallet, not in the vehicle.
If you should lose your keys or if you
need additional keys, duplicates can be
made by a Toyota dealer using the key
number.
We recommend you to write down the key
number and keep it in safe place.
Your vehicle is supplied with two kinds
of keys.
1. Master key (black)—This key works in
every lock. Your Toyota dealer will
need it to make you a new key with
built−in transponder chip.
2. Sub key (gray)—This key will not work
in the glove box, trunk and armrest
door in the rear seat.
A transponder chip for engine immobiliser
system has been filled in the head of the
master and sub keys. These chips are
needed to enable the system to function
correctly, so be careful not to lose these
keys. If you make your own duplicate key,
you will not be able to cancel the system
or start the engine.
Keys (without engine
immobiliser system)
Keys (with engine immobiliser
system)

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To protect things locked in the glove box
or trunk when you have your vehicle
parked, leave the sub key with the atten-
dant.
Since the doors and trunk lid can be
locked without a key, you should always
carry a spare master key in case you
accidentally lock your keys inside the ve-
hicle.
NOTICE
When using a key containing a trans-
ponder chip, observe the following
precautions:
zWhen starting the engine, do not
use the key with a key ring resting
on the key grip and do not press
the key ring against the key grip.
Otherwise the engine may not start,
or may stop soon after it starts.
zWhen starting the engine, do not
use the key with other transponder
keys around (including keys of oth-
er vehicles) and do not press other
key plates against the key grip.
Otherwise the engine may not start,
or may stop soon after it starts. If
this happens, remove the key once
and then insert it again after taking
off other transponder keys (includ-
ing keys of other vehicles) from the
ring or while gripping or covering
them with your hand to start the
engine.

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zDo not bend the key grip.
zDo not cover the key grip with any
material that cuts off electromagnet-
ic waves.
zDo not knock the key hard against
other objects.
zDo not leave the key exposed to
high temperatures for a long period,
such as on the dashboard and hood
under the direct sunlight.
zDo not put the key in water or
wash it in an ultrasonic washer.
zDo not use the key with electromag-
netic materials. KEY NUMBER PLATE
Your key number is shown on the plate.
Keep the plate in a safe place such as
your wallet, not in the vehicle.
If you should lose your keys or if you
need additional keys, duplicates can be
made by a Toyota dealer using the key
number.
We recommend you to write down the key
number and keep it in safe place.