FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Repair Instruction - Precaution (from 12/2010)





INTRODUCTION: REPAIR INSTRUCTION: PRECAUTION

1. BASIC REPAIR HINT

(a) HINTS ON OPERATIONS









CAUTION:
*: Be sure to perform these checks properly, Not performing these checks properly after finishing work can lead to serious accident or injury.

(b) JACKING UP AND SUPPORTING VEHICLE

(1) Care must be taken when jacking up and supporting the vehicle. Be sure to lift and support the vehicle at the proper locations.

(c) PRECOATED PARTS





(1) Precoated parts are bolts and nuts that are coated with a seal lock adhesive at the factory.

(2) If a precoated part is retightened, loosened or moved in any way, it must be recoated with the specified adhesive.

(3) When reusing a precoated part, clean off the old adhesive and dry the part with compressed air. Then apply new seal lock adhesive appropriate to that part.

(4) Some seal lock agents harden slowly. You may have to wait for the seal lock adhesive to harden.

(d) GASKETS

(1) When necessary, use a sealer on gaskets to prevent leaks.

(e) BOLTS, NUTS AND SCREWS

(1) Carefully follow all the specifications for tightening torques. Always use a torque wrench.

NOTICE:
Perform the torque with the lower limit value of the torque tolerance.

(f) FUSES





(1) When inspecting a fuse, check that the wire of the fuse is not broken.

(2) If the wire of a fuse is broken, confirm that there are no shorts in its circuit.

(3) When a fuse is replaced, a fuse with the same amperage rating must be used.





(g) CLIPS

(1) The removal and installation methods of typical clips used in body parts are shown in the table below.

HINT
If clips are damaged during a procedure, always replace the damaged clip with a new clip.









(h) CLAWS

(1) The removal and installation methods of typical claws used for vehicle body parts are shown in the table below.

HINT
If claws are damaged during a procedure, always replace the damaged claws with a new caps or covers.





(i) REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF VACUUM HOSES





To disconnect a vacuum hose, pull and twist from the end of the hose. Do not pull from the middle of the hose as this may cause damage.

(2) When disconnecting vacuum hoses, use tags to identify where they should be reconnected.





(3) After completing the job, double check that the vacuum hoses are properly connected. The label under the hood shows the proper layout.

(4) When using a vacuum gauge, never force the hose onto a connector that is too large. If a hose has been stretched, air may leak. Use a step-down adapter if necessary.

(j) TORQUE WHEN USING TORQUE WRENCH WITH EXTENSION TOOL





(1) Use the formula below to calculate special torque values for situations where SST or an extension tool is combined with the torque wrench.

Formula:

T' = L2/(L1 + L2) * T





NOTICE:
If an extension tool or SST is combined with a torque wrench and the wrench is used to tighten to a torque specification in this manual, the actual torque will be excessive and parts will be damaged.

2. FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SRS AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER

The AVALON is equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).

CAUTION:
* Before performing pre-disposal deployment of any SRS component, review and closely follow all applicable environmental and hazardous material regulations. Pre-disposal deployment may be considered hazardous material treatment.
* Failure to carry out the service operations in the correct sequence could cause the SRS to unexpectedly deploy during servicing and lead to serious injury. Furthermore, if a mistake is made when servicing SRS, it is possible that the SRS may fail to operate properly. Before servicing (including removal or installation of parts, inspection or replacement), be sure to read the following section carefully.
(a) GENERAL NOTICE

(1) As malfunctions of the SRS are difficult to confirm, the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) become the most important source of information when troubleshooting. When troubleshooting the SRS, always check the DTCs before disconnecting the battery.

(2) Work must be started at least 90 seconds after the ignition switch is turned off and after the cable is disconnected from the negative (-) battery terminal.

The SRS is equipped with a back-up power source. If work is started within 90 seconds after turning the ignition switch off and disconnecting the cable from the negative (-) battery terminal, the SRS may deploy.

When the cable is disconnected from the negative (-) battery terminal, clock and audio system memory is erased. Before starting work, make a note of the settings of each memory system. When work is finished, reset the clock and audio system as before.

CAUTION:
Never use a back-up power source (battery or other) to avoid erasing system memory. The back-up power source may inadvertently power the SRS and cause it to deploy.

(3) In minor collisions where the SRS does not deploy, the steering pad, front passenger airbag assembly, driver side knee airbag assembly, front seat side airbag assembly, curtain shield airbag assembly and front seat outer belt assembly should be inspected before further use of the vehicle.

Disposal (from 12/2010) for steering pad)

Disposal (from 12/2010) for front passenger airbag assembly)

Disposal (from 12/2010) for driver side knee airbag assembly)

Disposal (from 12/2010) for front seat side airbag assembly (for Manual Seat Type RH Side))

Disposal (from 12/2010) front seat side airbag assembly (for Power Seat))

Disposal (from 12/2010) for curtain shield airbag assembly)

Procedures for front seat outer belt assembly)

(4) Never use SRS parts from another vehicle. When replacing parts, use new parts.

(5) Before repairs, remove the airbag sensor assemblies if impacts are likely to be applied to the sensor during repairs.

(6) Never disassemble and repair the center airbag sensor assembly, steering pad, front passenger airbag assembly, curtain shield airbag assembly, front seat side airbag assembly, driver side knee airbag assembly or front seat outer belt assembly.

(7) Replace the airbag sensor assemblies and the airbag assemblies if: 1) damage has occurred from being dropped, or 2) cracks, dents or other defects in the case, bracket or connector are present.

(8) Do not directly expose the airbag sensor assembly or airbag assembly to hot air or flames.

(9) Use a voltmeter / ohmmeter with high impedance (minimum=10 kOhms) for troubleshooting electrical circuits.

(10) Information labels are attached to the SRS components. Follow the instructions on the labels.

(11) After work on the SRS is completed, check the SRS warning light.

(b) SPIRAL CABLE





(1) The steering wheel must be fitted correctly to the steering column with the spiral cable at the neutral position, as cable disconnection and other problems may occur. Refer to the information about correct installation of the steering wheel Testing and Inspection.

(c) STEERING PAD

(1) When removing the steering pad or handling a new steering pad, it should be placed with the pad surface facing up. See illustration below.





Placing the steering pad of the pad surface facing down may lead to a serious accident if the airbag accidentally inflates. Also, do not place anything on top of the steering pad.

(2) Never measure the resistance of the airbag squib. This may cause the airbag to inflate, which could cause serious injury.





(3) Grease or detergents of any kind should not be applied to the steering pad.

(4) Store the horn button assembly in an area where the ambient temperature is below 93°C (200°F), the humidity is not high and electrical noise is not nearby.

(5) When using electric welding anywhere on the vehicle, disconnect the center airbag sensor assembly connectors. These connectors contain shorting springs. This feature reduces the possibility of the airbag or seat belt pretensioner deploying due to currents entering the squib wiring.

(6) When disposing of the vehicle or the steering pad by itself, the airbag should be inflated using an SST before disposal Disposal (from 12/2010). Activate in a safe away from electrical noise.

(d) FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG ASSEMBLY

(1) Always place a removed or new front passenger airbag assembly with the airbag inflation direction facing up.

Placing the airbag assembly with the airbag inflation direction facing down could cause a serious accident if the airbag inflates.

(2) Never measure the resistance of the airbag squib. This may cause the airbag to inflate, which could cause serious injury.





(3) Grease or detergents of any kind should not be applied to the front passenger airbag assembly.





(4) Store the airbag assembly in an area where the ambient temperature is below 93°C (200°F), the humidity is not high and electrical noise is not nearby.

(5) When using electric welding anywhere on the vehicle, disconnect the center airbag sensor assembly connectors. These connectors contain shorting springs. This feature reduces the possibility of the airbag deploying due to currents entering the squib wiring.

(6) When disposing of a vehicle or the airbag assembly unit by itself, the airbag should be deployed using SST before disposal Disposal (from 12/2010).

Activate in a safe place away from electrical noise.

(e) DRIVER SIDE KNEE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY

(1) Always store a removed or new driver side knee airbag assembly with the airbag inflating direction facing upward.





Placing the airbag assembly with the airbag inflation direction facing downward could cause a serious accident if the airbag inflates.

(2) Never measure the resistance of the airbag squib. This may cause the airbag to inflate, which could cause serious injury.





(3) Grease or detergents of any kind should not be applied to the driver side knee airbag assembly.

(4) Store the driver side knee airbag assembly where the ambient temperature remains below 93°C (200°F), without high humidity and away from electrical noise.

(5) When using electric welding anywhere on the vehicle, disconnect center airbag sensor assembly connectors. These connectors contain shorting springs. This feature reduces the possibility of the airbag deploying due to current entering the squib wiring.

(6) When disposing of a vehicle or the instrument panel lower airbag assembly unit by itself, the airbag should be inflated using an SST before disposal Disposal (from 12/2010).

Activate in a safe place away from electrical noise.

(f) FRONT SEAT SIDE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY

(1) Always place a removed or new front seat side airbag assembly with the airbag inflation direction facing up.

Placing the airbag assembly with the airbag inflation direction facing download could cause a serious accident if the airbag deploys.

(2) Never measure the resistance of the airbag squib. This may cause the airbag to inflate, which could cause serious injury.





(3) Grease or detergents of any kind should not be applied to the front seat side airbag assembly.

(4) Store the airbag assembly in an area where the ambient temperature is below 93°C (200°F), the humidity is not high and electrical noise is not nearby.

(5) When using electric welding anywhere on the vehicle, disconnect the center airbag sensor assembly connectors. These connectors contain shorting springs. This feature reduces the possibility of the airbag deploying due to currents entering the squib wiring.

(6) When disposing of a vehicle or the airbag assembly unit by itself, the airbag should be deployed using SST before disposal Disposal (from 12/2010) for Manual Seat Type RH Side, Disposal (from 12/2010) for Power Seat).

Activate in a safe place away from electrical noise.

(g) CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG ASSEMBLY

(1) Always place the removed or new curtain shield airbag assembly in a clear plastic bag, and keep it in a safe place.





NOTICE:
Plastic bag is re-useable.

CAUTION:
Never disassemble the curtain shield airbag assembly.

(2) Never measure the resistance of the airbag squib. This may cause the airbag to inflate, which could cause serious injury.





(3) Grease or detergents of any kind should not be applied to the curtain shield airbag assembly.

(4) Store the airbag assembly in an area where the ambient temperature is below 93°C (200°F), the humidity is not high and electrical noise is not nearby.

(5) When using electric welding anywhere on the vehicle, disconnect the center airbag sensor assembly connectors. These connectors contain shorting springs. This feature reduces the possibility of the airbag deploying due to currents entering the squib wiring.

(6) When disposing of a vehicle or the curtain shield airbag assembly unit, the airbag should be deployed using SST before disposal Disposal (from 12/2010).

Activate in a safe place away from electrical noise.

(h) FRONT SEAT OUTER BELT ASSEMBLY (SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER)

(1) Never measure the resistance of the seat belt pretensioner. This may cause the seat belt pretensioner to activate, which could cause serious injury.





(2) Never disassemble the seat belt pretensioner.

(3) Never install the seat belt pretensioner on another vehicle.

(4) Store the seat belt pretensioner in an area where the ambient temperature is below 80°C (176°F), the humidity is not high and electrical noise is not nearby.

(5) When using electric welding anywhere on the vehicle, disconnect the center airbag sensor assembly connectors. These connectors contain shorting springs. This feature reduces the possibility of the airbag deploying due to currents entering the squib wiring.

(6) When disposing of a vehicle or the seat belt pretensioner unit by itself, the seat belt pretensioner should be activated before disposal Procedures. Activate in a safe place away from electrical noise.

(7) As the seat belt pretensioner is hot after being activated, allow some time for it to cool down sufficiently before disposal. Never apply water to try to cool down the seat belt pretensioner.

(8) Grease, detergents, oil or water should not be applied to the front seat outer belt.

(i) CENTER AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY

(1) Never reuse an center airbag sensor assembly that has been involved in a collision where the SRS has deployed.

(2) The connectors to the center airbag sensor assembly should be connected or disconnected with the sensor mounted on the floor. If the connectors are connected or disconnected while the center airbag sensor assembly is not mounted to the floor, the SRS may activate.

(3) Work must be started at least 90 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position and the negative (-) terminal cable is disconnected from the battery, even if only loosening the set bolts of the center airbag sensor assembly.

(j) WIRE HARNESS AND CONNECTOR

(1) All the connectors in the system are a standard yellow color. If the SRS wire harness becomes disconnected or the connector becomes broken, repair or replace it.

3. ELECTRONIC CONTROL

(a) REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF BATTERY TERMINAL





NOTICE:
After disconnecting the negative (-) terminal, it is necessary to perform the initialization of certain systems.

(b) REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF BATTERY CABLE

(1) Before performing electronic work, disconnect the cable from the negative (-) battery terminal to prevent component and wire damage caused by accidental short circuits.

(2) When disconnecting the cable, turn the ignition switch and headlight dimmer switch off and loosen the cable nut completely. Perform these operations without twisting or prying the cable. Then disconnect the cable.

(3) Clock settings, radio settings, audio system memory, DTCs and other data are erased when the cable is disconnected from the negative (-) battery terminal. Write down any necessary data before disconnecting the cable.

(c) HANDLING OF ELECTRONIC PARTS





(1) Do not open the cover or case of the ECU unless absolutely necessary. If the IC terminals are touched, the IC may be rendered inoperative by static electricity.

(2) Do not pull the wires when disconnecting electronic connectors. Pull the connector itself.

(3) Do not drop electronic components, such as sensors or relays. If they are dropped on a hard surface, they should be replaced.

(4) When cleaning the engine with steam, protect the electronic components, air filter and emission-related components from water.

(5) Never use an impact wrench to remove or install temperature switches or temperature sensors.

(6) When measuring the resistance between terminals of a wire connector, insert the tester probe carefully to prevent terminals from bending.

4. REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF FUEL CONTROL PARTS

(a) PLACE FOR REMOVING AND INSTALLING FUEL SYSTEM PARTS

(1) Work in a location with good air ventilation that does not have welders, grinders, drills, electric motors, stoves, or any other ignition sources.

(2) Never work in a pit or near a pit as vaporized fuel will collect in those places.

(b) REMOVING AND INSTALLING FUEL SYSTEM PARTS

(1) Prepare a fire extinguisher before starting the operation.

(2) To prevent static electricity, install a ground wire to the fuel changer, vehicle and fuel tank, do not spray the surrounding area with water. Be careful when performing work in this area, as the work surface will become slippery. Do not clean up gasoline spills with water, as this may cause the gasoline to spread, and possibly create a fire hazard.

(3) Avoid using electric motors, working lights and other electric equipments that can cause sparks or high temperatures.

(4) Avoid using iron hammers as they may create sparks.

(5) Dispose of fuel-contaminated cloth separately using a fire resistant container.

5. REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF ENGINE INTAKE PARTS

(a) If any metal particles enter inlet system parts, this may damage the engine.





(b) When removing and installing inlet system parts, cover the openings of the removed parts and engine openings. Use gummed tape or other suitable materials.

(c) When installing inlet system parts, check that no metal particles have entered the engine or the installed parts.

6. HANDLING OF HOSE CLAMPS

(a) Before removing the hose, check the clamp position so that it can be reinstalled in the same position.





(b) Replace any deformed or dented clamps with new ones.

(c) When reusing a hose, attach the clamp on the clamp track portion of the hose.

(d) For a spring type clamp, you may want to spread the tabs slightly after installation by pushing in the direction of the arrows as shown in the illustration.

7. FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

(a) Install the antenna far away from the ECU and sensors of the vehicle electronic systems as possible.





(b) Install an antenna feeder at least 20 cm (7.87 in.) away from the ECU and sensors of the vehicle electronic systems. For details about ECU and sensors locations, refer to the section on the applicable components.

(c) Keep the antenna and feeder separate from other wirings as much as possible. This will prevent signals sent from the communication equipment from affecting vehicle equipment and vice-versa.

(d) Check that the antenna and feeder are correctly adjusted.

(e) Do not install any high-powered mobile communication system.

8. FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL (VSC) SYSTEM

When testing with a 2-wheel drum tester such as a speedometer tester, a combination tester for the speedometer and brake, a chassis dynamometer, or when jacking up the front wheels and turning the wheels, perform the following procedure to enter Inspection Mode and stop the TRAC and VSC systems.

Enter Inspection Mode to disable TRAC and VSC control when using a chassis dynamometer.

HINT
* The vehicle may move unexpectedly out of the dynamometer because of TRAC and VSC operations.
* Pressing the VSC OFF switch does not disable TRAC and VSC operations completely.

NOTICE:
* Secure the vehicle with a lock chain for safety.
* When performing procedures related to VSC OFF switch operation, make sure that the mode is VSC OFF mode.

(a) Activating Inspection Mode (When Using the Techstream)

(1) Ensure that the ignition switch is off and the engine is stopped.

(2) Make sure that the shift lever is in P.

(3) Connect the Techstream to the DLC3.

(4) Start the engine.

(5) Turn the Techstream on.

(6) Enter the following menus: Chassis / ABS/VSC/TRAC / Utility / Inspection Mode.

(7) Check that the SLIP indicator, TRAC OFF indicator and VSC OFF indicator lights will come on.

HINT
If the SLIP indicator, TRAC OFF indicator or VSC OFF indicator light does not come on, repeat the steps.

(8) Turn the ignition switch off.

HINT
Turning the ignition switch off ends Inspection Mode.

(b) Activating Inspection Mode (When not Using the Techstream)

HINT
Perform steps from "D" to "H" within 30 seconds.

(1) Ensure that the ignition switch is off and the engine is stopped (Step "A").

(2) Make sure that the shift lever is in P (Step "B").

(3) Start the engine (Step "C").

(4) Apply parking brake by depressing the parking brake pedal (Step "D").

(5) Depress and release the brake pedal twice (Step "E").

(6) Depress and hold the brake pedal down, then release and apply parking brake twice (Step "F").

(7) With parking brake applied, depress and release the brake pedal twice (Step "G").

(8) Check if the SLIP indicator, TRAC OFF indicator and VSC OFF indicator lights will come on (Step "H").

HINT
If the SLIP indicator, TRAC OFF indicator or VSC OFF indicator light does not come on in step "H", repeat the steps from "A" to "H".

(9) Turn the ignition switch off.

HINT
Turning the ignition switch off ends Inspection Mode.

9. FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTER

CAUTION:
If a large amount of unburned gasoline or gasoline vapors flow into the converter, it may cause over heating and create a fire hazard. To prevent this, observe the following precautions.

(a) Use only unleaded gasoline.

(b) Avoid prolonged idling.

Avoid idling the engine for more than 20 minutes.

(c) Avoid a spark jump test.

(1) Perform a spark jump test only when absolutely necessary. Perform this test as rapidly as possible.

(2) While testing, never race the engine.

(d) Avoid a prolonged engine compression measurement.

Engine compression measurements must be performed as rapidly as possible.

(e) Do not run the engine when the fuel tank is nearly empty. This may cause the engine to misfire and create an extra load on the converter.

10. EXPRESSIONS OF IGNITION SWITCH

(a) The type of ignition switch used on this model differs according to the specifications of the vehicle.

The expressions listed in the following table are used in this section.