1996 toyota avalon owners manual

Toyota Avalon Owners Manual; Pages. Community Ask An Owner. Accessories Warranty Genuine Toyota Parts are built to the highest standards of quality, durability and performance.

For accessories purchased after the new vehicle purchase, the coverage is 12 months, regardless of mileage, from the date the accessory was installed on the vehicle, or the remainder of any applicable new vehicle warranty, whichever provides greater coverage, with the exception of car covers. Additional Resources To view or download additional manuals that take you down to the nuts and bolts of most Toyota models from and beyond, you may subscribe to our Technical Information System TIS at https: You might have trouble logging in.

Sorry, our site is temporarily unavailable. All information contained herein applies to vehicles registered in the 48 U. Genuine Toyota Parts are built to the highest standards of quality, durability and performance. Car covers are warranted for 12 months from the date of purchase and do not assume any coverage under the Toyota New Vehicle Limited Warranty. To view or download additional manuals that take you down to the nuts and bolts of most Toyota models from and beyond, you may subscribe to our Technical Information System TIS at https: The HV battery may have longer coverage under emissions toyyota.

Try again in a tlyota. Every Toyota Certified Used Vehicle is put through a point quality insurance The service is currently unavailable. Apple, the Apple logo and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc. You can save this vehicle to My Garage by simply signing in or creating a new account. By pushing the button once again, the display returns to that of track number. DISC By using this button, you can select a disc you wish to listen to. Push either side of the button until the number of the disc you want to listen to appears on the display.

If you want to return to the beginning of the current disc, push the down side of the button one time, quickly. Five EQ settings EQ Equalizer Your audio system can store five different EQ settings in its memory so that you will not need to readjust in every time you listen to a different program.

The audio system will adjust the program you are hearing to the selected setting. This will replace the original factory setting with your new one. The original factory setting will appear on the display. MID Mid-range This knob lets you adjust the mid-range level. Turn the knob to adjust the mid-range level. Auto-reverse feature: After the cassette player reaches the end of a tape side, it automatically reverses and begins to play the other side.

Push the button again to turn off the random feature. M Radio monitor The radio monitor feature allows you to listen to the radio while a cassette is being rewound or fast forwarded.

You cannot change the radio station unless you switch out of the cassette player function. RPT Repeat The repeat feature automatically replays the current cassette or compact disc track.

When the track ends, it will automatically be rewound cassette and replayed. Cassettes—There must be at least 3 seconds of blank space between tracks in order for the repeat feature to work correctly. SCAN Radio You can either scan all the frequencies on a band or scan only the preset stations for that band. Cassette player The cassette player scan feature is similar to the radio scan feature and uses the same button.

Compact disc player The compact disc player scan feature is similar to the radio scan feature. The compact disc player will play the first track of the next disc for 10 seconds, then scan to the next disc.

If the player has scanned all the discs, it will stop scanning. SKIP The skip feature allows you to fast forward past long stretches of blank tape. To operate the compact disc player, put the compact discs into the magazine and set the magazine in the player. Inserting compact discs 1.

Slide open the cover and push the eject button. Take out the magazine from the automatic changer. While pressing the lock release button on the magazine, draw out a tray. Place a disc on the tray with its label face up, and insert the tray into the slot. The magazine can store 12 discs of 12 cm 4. The player will skip any empty disc slots. Insert the magazine into the automatic changer as shown above. Then close the cover. The anti-theft system prevents the audio system from working after it has been disconnected.

To activate the system, you must set a three-digit security code. You will need to know your security code to reactivate your radio after electrical service is performed on your vehicle. Choose a security code that is easy to remember and keep a copy of it not in your Toyota.

You may make up to nine errors, but no more! The audio system is completely inoperable. Contact your Toyota dealer. Turn off the audio system. Input the three-digit code. You have 10 seconds to enter each digit. The three-digit code should be on the display. Go back to step 2 and try again. Input the existing three-digit code. Repeat steps 2 and 3, this time entering your new code.

The new three-digit code should be on the display. The audio system will be completely inoperable. At this time, the anti-theft light also comes on. If this occurs, contact your Toyota dealer.

Wait for 10 seconds until the security system is deactivated and the display goes dark. On some audio units, the mode selection and eject buttons also light up.

On some audio-units, when a cassette tape and compact disc are not in the slot the letters on the tape and disc mode buttons do not light up, but the slot lights up for easy access. Once a cassette tape or compact disc is inserted, the letters on the tape or disc mode buttons light up, and the slot stops illuminating. For example, nearby buildings and terrain can interfere with FM reception.

Power lines or telephone wires can interfere with AM signals. And of course, radio signals have a limited range, and the farther you are from a station, the weaker its signal will be.

In addition, reception conditions change constantly as your vehicle moves. Here are some common reception problems that probably do not indicate a problem with your radio: FM Fading and drifting stations—Generally, the effective range of FM is about 40 km 25 miles. Once outside this range, you may notice fading and drifting, which increase with the distance from the radio transmitter. They are often accompanied by distortion.

Multi-path—FM signals are reflective, making it possible for two signals to reach your antenna at the same time. If this happens, the signals will cancel each other out, causing a momentary flutter or loss of reception. Static and fluttering—These occur when signals are blocked by buildings, trees, or other large objects. Increasing the bass level may reduce static and fluttering. Station swapping—If the FM signal you are listening to is interrupted or weakened, and there is another strong station nearby on the FM band, your radio may tune in the second station until the original signal can be picked up again.

These reflected signals can interfere with those received directly from the radio station, causing the radio station to sound alternately strong and weak.

Station interference—When a reflected signal and a signal received directly from a radio station are very nearly the same frequency, they can interfere with each other, making it difficult to hear the broadcast. Static—AM is easily affected by external sources of electrical noise, such as high tension power lines, lightening, or electrical motors. This results in static. The easiest way to clean them is by using a cleaning tape.

They can also get stuck or tangled in the cassette player. The tape used in these cassettes is thin and could get stuck or tangled in the cassette player. On hot days, use the air conditioning to cool the vehicle interior before you listen to a disc.

Remove the disc from the player and wait until it dries. Hold them on the edge and do not bend them. Avoid getting fingerprints on them, particularly on the shiny side. To see a pin hole, hold the disc up to the light. Store them in their plastic cases away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. To clean a compact disc: Wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth that has been dampened with water. Wipe in a straight line from the center to the edge of the disc not in circles.

Dry it with another soft, lintfree cloth. Do not use a conventional record cleaner or anti-static device. A new disc may have rough edges on its inner and outer perimeter.

Remove the rough edges by pressing the side of a ball-point pen or pencil against the inner and outer perimeter of the disc as shown. If you continue to play a disc with rough edges, flakes will fall on to the signal side of the disc and cause sound skipping or other problems.

Be sure to operate the player correctly as instructed. An indicator light will illuminate to show that the automatic operation mode has been selected. In the automatic operation mode, the air conditioning selects the most suitable fan speed and air flow according to the temperature.

You may use manual controls if you want to select your own settings. Fan speed selector Turn the knob type 1 or press the button type 2 to adjust the fan speed. In automatic operation, you do not have to adjust the fan speed unless you desire another fan speed mode. Temperature selector Turn the knob to adjust the temperature— to the right to warm, to the left to cool.

Windshield—Air flows mainly from the windshield vents. Air flow selector Turn the knob type 1 or press the buttons type 2 to select the vents used for air flow. Type 2 only—In automatic operation, you do not have to select the air flow unless you desire another air flow mode. Panel—Air flows mainly from the instrument panel vents.

Bi-level —Air flows from both the floor vents and the instrument panel vents. Floor—Air flows mainly from the floor vents. To turn the air conditioning off, press the button again. If this happens, take your vehicle to a Toyota dealer for service. Air intake selector Press the button to select the air source.

Recirculate—Recirculates the air inside the vehicle. Fresh—Draws outside air into the system. This vents the hot air, allowing the air conditioning to cool the interior more quickly. Make sure the air intake grilles in front of the windshield are not blocked by leaves or snow, for example. On humid days, do not blow cold air on the windshield. The windshield could fog up because of the difference in air temperature on the inside and outside of the windshield.

Keep the area under the front seats clear to allow air to circulate throughout the vehicle. This can reduce the amount of fogging on the windows. To keep the windows from fogging, select fresh after the vehicle interior has been warmed. The instrument panel vents may be opened or closed as shown.

When the instrument panel lights are turned on, the brightness of the time indication will be reduced. If the time is between —, the time will change to When finished with your cigarette, thoroughly extinguish it in the ashtray to prevent other cigarette butts from catching fire. After using the ashtray, push it back in completely. To remove the ashtray, pull the ashtray lid and pull it out.

When it becomes heated, it automatically pops out ready for use. Do not hold the cigarette lighter pressed in. Use a Toyota genuine cigarette lighter or equivalent for replacement. To use the glovebox, do this. To open: Pull the lever. With the instrument panel lights on, the glovebox light will come on when the glovebox is open. To lock: Insert the master key and turn it clockwise. Miscellany box To open the miscellany box, press on the knob and pull out the box lid.

Cup holder with separate front seat Cup holder with bench front seat The cup holder is designed for holding cups or drink-cans fit snugly in its holes. To use the cup holder, push on the lid. To use the cup holder, open the armrest lid, pull out the cup holder. Then close the armrest lid. If the lid is forcibly pulled up, the drink may spill over the seat occupants. If the floor mat has a hole, then it is designed for use with a locking clip. Fix the floor mat and locking clip into the hole in the floor carpet.

If the floor mat slips and interferes with the movement of the pedals during driving, it may cause an accident. Your vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in.

To help prevent gas station mixups, your Toyota has a new smaller fuel tank opening. The special nozzle on pumps with unleaded fuel will fit it, but the larger standard nozzle on pumps with leaded gas will not.

Use of leaded gasoline will cause the three-way catalytic converter to lose its effectiveness and the emission control system to function improperly. Also, this can increase maintenance costs. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline with a Research Octane number of 96 Octane Rating 91 or higher is recommended. If severe, this will lead to engine damage.

If your engine knocks If you detect heavy knocking even when using the recommended fuel, or if you hear steady knocking while holding a steady speed on level roads, consult your Toyota dealer. However, now and then, you may notice light knocking for a short time while accelerating or driving up hills. This is no cause for concern. For further details, ask your Toyota dealer or a local gasoline retailer. Gasohol is a mixture of gasoline and ethanol.

Toyota does not recommend the use of gasolines containing methanol. It will cause fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems. Gasohol may cause paint damage. Operation in foreign countries Three-way catalytic converter If you plan to drive your Toyota in another country First, comply with the vehicle registration laws. Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel unleaded and minimum octane number.

Its purpose is to reduce pollutants in the exhaust gas. The exhaust gas is very hot. A large amount of unburned gases flowing into the three-way catalytic converter may cause it to overheat and create a fire hazard. Remember, your Toyota dealer knows your vehicle and its three-way catalytic converter system best.

It contains carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas. It can cause unconsciousness or even death. The system should be checked from time to time. If you hit something, or notice a change in the sound of the exhaust, have the system checked immediately. The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this a particularly dangerous situation.

If it is unavoidable, however, do so only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle. An open or unsealed trunk lid may cause exhaust gases to be drawn into the vehicle.

If you must drive with the trunk lid open to accommodate a large object, close the windows, open all the instrument panel vents and have the heating or cooling system deliver fresh air into the vehicle by turning the fan to high speed with the air intake control button set at the outside air mode.

Have the cause immediately located and corrected. The causes of oil consumption in a normal engine are as follows. A thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall when a piston moves downwards in the cylinder.

High negative pressure generated when the vehicle is decelerating sucks some of this oil into the combustion chamber. This oil as well as some part of the oil film left on the cylinder wall is burned by the high temperature combustion gases during the combustion process. Some of this oil is sucked into the combustion chamber together with the intake air and is burned along with the fuel.

High temperature exhaust gases also burn the oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve stems. The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the conditions the vehicle is driven under.

More oil is consumed by high-speed driving and frequent acceleration and deceleration. A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston rings and cylinder walls have not become conditioned. When judging the amount of oil consumption, note that the oil may become diluted and make it difficult to judge the true level accurately. As an example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips, and consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show any drop in the oil level at all, even after km miles or more.

This is because the oil is gradually becoming diluted with the fuel or moisture, making it appear that the oil level has not changed. The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is then driven at high speeds, as on an expressway, making it appear that oil is excessively consumed after driving at high speeds. Therefore, it is essential that the oil level be checked regularly. Toyota recommends that the oil level be checked every time you refuel the vehicle.

If either sub-system should fail, the other will still work. However, the pedal will be harder to press, and your stopping distance will be longer. Also, the brake system warning light may come on.

Have your brakes fixed immediately. If the engine should quit while you are driving, you can bring the vehicle to a stop with normal pedal pressure. There is enough reserve vacuum for one or two stops—but no more! Each push on the pedal uses up your vacuum reserve.

But you will have to push the pedal hard—much harder than normal. And your braking distance will be longer. This assists the driver in controlling the vehicle under these circumstances. You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle is started. This means that the anti-lock brake system is in the self check mode, and does not indicate a malfunction.

When the anti-lock brake system function is in action, you may feel the brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this situation, to let the anti-lock brake system work for you, just hold the brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake. The brake pedal pulsation caused by the anti-lock brake system may indicate hazardous road surface conditions.

The anti-lock brake system cannot eliminate the risk of hydroplaning and loss of tire friction. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

After about three seconds, the light will go off. If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning light system. Even if the anti-lock brake system should fail, the brake system will still operate conventionally. Have your vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible. Have your Toyota dealer perform the bedding-down. Be sure all items are secured in place.

Locating the weight as far forward as possible helps maintain balance. CAUTION The brake pad wear limit indicators on your disc brakes give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn to where replacement is required. If you hear a squealing or scraping noise while driving, have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

Expensive rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when necessary. Such items may be thrown about and possibly injure people in the vehicle during sudden braking or an accident. In an accident they may injure the vehicle occupants. This number is on the left top of the instrument panel, and can be seen through the windshield from outside.

This is the primary identification number for your Toyota. It is used in registering the ownership of your vehicle. The engine number is stamped on the engine block as shown.

The purpose of these labels is to reduce the incidence of vehicle thefts by facilitating the tracing and recovery of parts from stolen vehicles. The label is designed so that once it is applied to a surface, any attempt to remove it will result in destroying the integrity of the label. Transferring these labels intact from one part to another, will be impossible. It can cause dangerous handling characteristics, resulting in loss of control.

Types of tires Make sure what kind of tires your vehicle is originally equipped with. Summer tires Summer tires are high-speed capability 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 or icy roads, we recommend using snow tires.

If installing 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 all 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 compared with summer tires in highway driving. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, head restraint height and steering wheel angle. Adjust inside and outside rear view mirrors.

Lock all the doors. Fasten seat belts. How to start the engine— a Before cranking 1. Apply the parking brake firmly. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories. A starter safety device will prevent the starter from operating if the selector lever is in any drive position. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until driving off. You can start a cold or hot engine as follows: 1.

Release it when the engine starts. After the engine runs for about 10 seconds, you are ready to drive. If the weather is below freezing, let the engine warm up for a few minutes before driving.

If the engine stalls Simply restart it, using the correct procedure given in normal starting. This may overheat the starter and wiring systems. This will allow you much better control. Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle. Avoid driving onto high, sharp-edged objects and other road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire damage resulting in tire bursts.

When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. If necessary, block the wheels.

Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that there is no traffic near you, and then press the pedal lightly.

If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake depressed. If they still do not work safely, pull to the side of the road and call a Toyota dealer for assistance. Winter driving tips! It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear, and poor fuel economy.

Remember, if you ride the brakes excessively, they may overheat and not work properly. Sudden acceleration or engine braking, could cause the vehicle to spin or skid. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when the brakes are applied.

Also, the parking brake will not hold the vehicle securely. Make sure you have ethylene-glycol antifreeze in the radiator. Check the condition of the battery and cables.

Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter starting.

Chapter tells you how to visually inspect the battery. Your Toyota dealer and most service stations will be pleased to check the level of charge. Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold weather. See Chapter for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call your Toyota dealer— he will be pleased to help. Keep the door locks from freezing. Squirt lock de-icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from freezing.

To open a frozen lock, try heating the key before inserting it. This product is available at your Toyota dealer and most auto parts stores. Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility it could freeze.

Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may freeze, making it hard to release. Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.

Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the fenders occasionally. Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains, window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel, jumper cables, etc.

Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, performance, braking, durability and driving economy fuel consumption, etc. Your safety and satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious driving habits.

For your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload your vehicle or trailer. Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a tailer for commercial purposes. Ask your local Toyota dealer for further details before towing. The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.

Exceeding this weight is dangerous. The gross vehicle weight is the sum of weights of the unloaded vehicle, driver, passengers, luggage, hitch and trailer tongue load. It also includes the weight of any special equipment installed on your vehicle.

Never load the trailer with more weight in the back than in the front. Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease. After removing the hitch, seal any mounting holes in the vehicle body to prevent entry of pollutants such as exhaust fumes, dirt, water, etc. Also, never install a hitch which may interfere with the normal function of an Energy Absorbing Bumper. Leave sufficient slack in the chain for turns.

The chain should cross under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground in case it becomes damaged or separated. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is danger of the trailer wandering over into another lane. See Chapter for instructions. See your local recreational vehicle dealer or rental agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for your trailer.

Check for correct operation of the turn signals and stop lights each time you hitch up. Do not drive if the vehicle has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition, and check for improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other possible causes.

If not, install the rear view mirrors required for towing purpose. The three main causes of vehicletrailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed and improper trailer loading. After driving a short distance, stop and recheck the lights and connections. Before actually towing a trailer, practice turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away from traffic until you learn the feel.

Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to move the trailer to the right. This procedure is generally opposite to that when backing without a trailer. Also, just turn the steering wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when backing to reduce the risk of an accident.

Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces. Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration. Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit your vehicle in a tight turn.

Slow down before making a turn to avoid the necessity of sudden braking. Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn.

Therefore, compensate for this by making a larger than normal turning radius with your vehicle. Pay attention to the rear from time to time to prepare yourself for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately but gradually. Never increase speed. Steer straight ahead. If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, the vehicle and trailer will stabilize.

Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty of room before changing lanes. In order to maintain engine braking efficiency do not use overdrive. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning if in use , pull off the road and stop in a safe spot.

Avoid parking on a slope with a trailer, but if it cannot be avoided, do so only after performing the following: 1. Apply the brakes and hold. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer wheels. When the wheel blocks are in place, release your brakes slowly until the blocks absorb the load. All rights reserved. All information contained herein applies to vehicles registered in the 48 U.

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