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2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

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Comments

  • billygatorbillygator Member Posts: 15
    I just considered it part of my cosmic luck, but I got my first hood paint chip and my first windshield chip (different sides) on the same 4 hour interstate trip after only 1500 miles. Still awaiting my first door ding at 3000 miles.

    It did strike me as odd that I did not recall any impacts to cause this damage. Never had a chip in either of these places during 45,000 miles in my previous Maxima.

    Now that I have these badges of honor, I'm just hoping the second ones are a long way off.
  • chodiechodie Member Posts: 13
    Do you still have the ping at start up. I have an 06 and mine does the same thing. Is this normal? What does Toyota say? thanks
  • mack1614mack1614 Member Posts: 4
    Hi Ed,

    This is quite the hot topic, and I'm sure with all the knowledgeable folks on here we can get around this "small irritation" somehow! When I took delivery of the car my salesman offered a "tutorial" of the navigation system from a techie who was a specialist supposedly with the system. He said it would be much more in depth than the usual quick one over when I took delivery of the car. I am going to call and make that appointment tomorrow and see if I can squeeze any information out of the guy. As for our system, if I am not mistaken it is originally made by Fujitsu Ten, which mfgs all of the other Toyota systems as well. From what you mentioned, and what I have seen on other forums, most Toyota model navigation systems with the touch screen interface have the override screen, but since ours is set up differently with the remote console buttons for operation of the nav, it is more difficult to figure this out! I have to admit it is a fun little project though. I never would have figured how to get to the diagnostic screen without the great info on this forum. In any case I'll try like the rest of you to get some information from the dealer and hopefully we can get around this somehow. :)

    Take care,
    Clay
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Sorry to hear about your paint chips. On the Toyota Avalon the door dings are programmed to come on at around 4500 miles. Actually all paint chips, windshield chips, and door dings are part of the ECM software which also tells the cars' transmission when to hesitate. This programmed "events" happen so quick that they are transparent to the user. Enjoy.
    :blush:
    Mackabee
  • ub2ub2 Member Posts: 17
    My 06 has 4500 miles on it and one chip in the front bumper. I could swear that it happened when I was washing the bugs off the front. I get real close with the spray wand and saw the chip fly off. Could be toyota need a more sterile painting environment.
  • n0v8orn0v8or Member Posts: 169
    Great find, nolava50,

    There are likely some useful clues in those Cadillac forum posts, particularly if our Nav units have the same heritage as those in the Caddys. I'll take a look on the Cadillac Division site to see if the Nav screen shots and controls look familiar.

    Before they discovered the "override" button, the Prius and Sienna guys/gals had developed a hardware "hack". It uses a timer and relay that disconnects the speed sensor signal from the Nav (which fools it into thinking you have stopped for 20 seconds or so). Once the Nav takes a new satellite read (every 20-30 seconds) it realizes your position has changed so restores the lockout. The timer re-connects the speed signal for ~1 second every 15-20 seconds to give you a fresh 20 seconds to work with. All of the the construction details and test results are available on the siennaclub site forums. A minor downside is that the nav becomes "lost" during the time you have the speed signal disconnected. However, once you or your passenger is finished, the connection is restored full time, and the Nav recovers your true position from the GPS.
  • regisregis Member Posts: 94
    Thanks motownusa. I've registered with Imagestation.com.

    Regis
  • nolava50nolava50 Member Posts: 8
    Clay,
    Wow, got my wires crossed...for some reason I had Denso on my mind. But, whichever make it is, the intend was to spur looking in a different direction. I have read on this forum about trying the diagnostic screen, but those who got there (I guess you have made it there?) found no means of a bypass. I did read the fix someone made to trick the system with a switch to fool the unit into thinking the car was stopped. I had also read that someone said they though the dealer had some way to turn this feature off, so when I read the info from an insider about a "special" .bin DVD I thought we may have something similar which Toyota uses which opens the ability to set the system. Beyond my knowledge base, but if available I'm sure many of us would like to get their hands on it. I'm thinking of asking my wife (Japanese) to write to Toyota Japan or Fujitsu and tell them we are moving back to Japan and want to bring the Avalon with us to see if there is a bypass (not required in Japan). I doubt they will tell us anything...but like you said, with so many of us looking eventually something will come up! :)
    Ed
  • deaniedeanie Member Posts: 172
    Hi:
    I preferred the Ivory interior too, but after seeing a demo w/ivory interior with only 400 miles on it, and noticing how prevalent and visible the scuff marks and dirt showed up on the door sill plates and the lower half of the door trim, wife and I instantly decided on the slightly less handsome, but far more practical grey interior (we have two young kids). Take your pick - both are nice.
    Regards,
    Deanie
  • jeffgrizjeffgriz Member Posts: 6
    My mother has the Sirius radio option on a 2006 Avy. The antenna is above the rearview mirror on the inside of the windshield.
  • jickajicka Member Posts: 38
    If Mom's car is a LTD the small black box behind the rearview mirror is the sensor for the rain sensitive wipers.
  • gerry100gerry100 Member Posts: 100
    Kick the dilithium crystals a few times.
  • havalongavalonhavalongavalon Member Posts: 460
    I'm thinking of asking my wife (Japanese) to write to Toyota Japan or Fujitsu and tell them we are moving back to Japan and want to bring the Avalon with us to see if there is a bypass (not required in Japan). I doubt they will tell us anything...but like you said, with so many of us looking eventually something will come up! :)
    Ed


    Hi Ed,

    When your wife writes the letter, maybe she can also ask about the Left-to-Right side Steering Wheel Conversion Kit? I've been wondering if this option is something one could install oneself, or requires Dealer service. ;)

    By the way, a Hispanic wife would have warned you about your reverse handle; no lava = doesn't wash! Fortunately, as you will soon find out, avalons wash easily (Stoner's helps on inside glass, we found).

    Best wishes,

    havalongavalon :)
  • 05avforum05avforum Member Posts: 25
    If Mom's car is a LTD the small black box behind the rearview mirror is the sensor for the rain sensitive wipers.

    Do you know for a fact that the Satellite antenna is elsewhere? Jeff, what side of the mirror is the black box? On the LTD it's towards the passenger side. Anyone else know?
  • douglas1douglas1 Member Posts: 130
    The little black box behind the rear view mirror on the passenger side is for the rain sensitive wipers. I've taken it apart and can confirm that. BTW I took is apart myself to fix the fact that the wipers came on in a mist and continued to operate. I was able to improve the situation considerably.

    I have no idea where the Satellite antenna is but it's definitely no the black box behind the mirror on the passenger side, I don't even have a satellite antenna on my LTD.

    Doug
  • jickajicka Member Posts: 38
    HOW DID YOU DO THAT? On my LTD the default mode is interval if the system is defective some how. On dry days, putting the wiper on "auto" sets up an interval wipe mode on my car. I hesitate to try the "auto" selection lest I scratch what must be an expensive (sound deadening) windshield.

    I have very little confidence that Laurel (Carmax) Toyota has a clue about fixing this problem.

    Anybody else with this problem?? :confuse:
  • zekeman1zekeman1 Member Posts: 422
    This issue has been discussed previously. The wipers on my LTD will take a swipe when I start the car and the sun is out nice & hot. It's only done it about six times total; someone mentioned something about the fact that the infrared device is reading moisture, or something like that. Since it's something that I would never get to occur again if I took it into a dealer and only frustrate me, I ignore it. There are just some things that are too minor to worry about. And I doubt seriously you would scratch the windshield unless it ran constantly and you had sand all over the place.
    zekeman1
  • jickajicka Member Posts: 38
    "This issue has been discussed previously." Where, precisely? I have tried to search this problem but have come up empty. What is the secret?
  • zekeman1zekeman1 Member Posts: 422
    Type "rain sensing wiper" into the search box...you will bring up all postings with that phrase, including some regarding "phantom" wipes.
  • mack1614mack1614 Member Posts: 4
    Other than the Landcruiser and new 2006 4Runner, was the Avalon one of the first Toyota models to incorporate the voice activation as part of the navigation system? I just got to thinking if maybe there is a voice command which could override our system as well as trying to play around with the controller to do so. Just an idea.

    -Clay
  • n0v8orn0v8or Member Posts: 169
    mack1514:
    A secret word to allow full Nav operation while moving . . . . an interesting concept I would not have thought of.

    It's worth a try. The worst that can happen is that we give the knowledgeble Totota/Denso Techs who monitor this forum a little mirth to brighten their day.

    I tried the words "override" and "test mode" for starters.
    "Override" was not recognized and "test mode" downshifted the CD changer by 1 CD.

    Would anyone care to contribute some other words/phrases to try? Perhaps a few Japanese words as well.
  • nolava50nolava50 Member Posts: 8
    n0v8or,
    Since it is a Japanese unit, perhaps "Hirake goma" (Open sesame) :surprise:
  • mack1614mack1614 Member Posts: 4
    I like it! I knew this would spark some amusement considering the voice activation part of our systems is much less than perfect sometimes. I've had my Avalon a little over a month now, and for the first week every time I would try a command I would turn my head upwards and try to speak right into the microphone as if I were yelling at it or something... but playing around with it over time I seem to have better luck just speaking while looking forward in the normal driving position. It seems to recognize commands better that way, at least in my experience. It's probably safer that way as well... :D
    -Clay
  • luvmyavalonluvmyavalon Member Posts: 11
    I have a 2006 XLS and I do have Sirius. The black box (kind of triangular shaped) is placed next to the rear view mirror on the passenger side. When I took delivery of my car several weeks ago, it was pointed out to me where it was located. It is a great place because you don't even notice it while driving and doesn't affect any of the windshield visibility.
  • mstemmstem Member Posts: 113
    Hmmm, I think I am starting to experience "Sirius envy" or something! I have XM and am quite satisfied, but my antenna was factory installed in that most bizarre location of "side of trunk lid!" Wonder why they couldn't have done the same thing as they did for the Sirius fans? Or at least mount it directly in the middle of the trunk lid behind the rear window? Have to admit it really bothered me at first and I intended to move it, but I think it bothers me a little less each day. Oh well... :confuse:

    Mike
  • bahraini_zuprabahraini_zupra Member Posts: 98
    hi guys tomorow i am going to pick up my new blizzard LIMITed avvy :)
    its fully loaded and installed toyota Parktronic sensors :D
    iwill post up my review of my first 1000 k :D :shades:
  • dandldandl Member Posts: 57
    Speaking of less than perfect comprehension of voice commands, we were goofing around with the navi and my husband said to it, " I love you" and "she" replied, "System is showing ATM machines" :surprise: . I then said, "I'm jealous" and the reply came back," System is showing courthouses" :surprise:
    YIKES.....I think I will call her Christine....
    Laura
    :D
  • motownusamotownusa Member Posts: 836
    Don't forget to post Pics :D
  • zekeman1zekeman1 Member Posts: 422
    Why don't you move it from the present location?
    zekeman1
  • carldeccarldec Member Posts: 2
    We just bought a new Avalon LX today. :) Its a real beauty, but my wife did not want the gps factory option. :confuse:

    I would like to look into getting an after market GPS. Has anyone tried to do this?

    My wife is a Hospice Nurse and I think a good navigation system would make her life easier as she drives around central texas.

    Carldec
  • wynwyn Member Posts: 32
    See my post #8853. Garmin 330 or 340 are good easy to use options as well.
  • jackerusseljackerussel Member Posts: 12
    Funny thing happened today. Took my 2006 limited Blizzard Pearl to pick up my Honda Crv. As I started to get out of the car, a salesman was yelling at me my god what a beautiful car & the color is wow. Of course the sun was hitting the car (You fellow Blizzards know the effect of the sun hitting this color) Soon my car was surrounded by salespeople with all singing praises. I went in to pay for the service on the Crv. Upon leaving the dealership the same group of salespeople where clustered near the entrance and all gave thumbs up as I drove by. I thought maybe I was on candid camera. I don't drive the Avalon all that much as it's my wifes car but maybe I'll get behind the wheel more often. So far 1200 miles and oh so smooth. Happy that I had the teflon coating done as it enhances the color along with dual pewter pinstripping down the sides. The bugs, tar and dirt come off with no effort. Love this Avalon
  • carldeccarldec Member Posts: 2
    where do you mount your Garmin Streetpilot 320?

    as a computer guy, i am kinda bummed at how dumb it is to have a screen in the car that does so little... someday Apple will make some car sterio gear and gps/nav/info systems will be as cool and innovatve as what is happening in mp3 music players. :shades:

    carldec
  • mrtouringmrtouring Member Posts: 12
    does anybody have the part # and the price for the wiper inserts??what ever happend to changing the wiper blade??is this just a avalon thing or what
  • mjinsjmjinsj Member Posts: 5
    Mike - another board member had the same issue way back in Feb - see post #1707 for before/after relocation pics. Hope that helps.

    Mike
  • avasteravaster Member Posts: 20
    What is that little black plastic thingy inside the middle console.
  • beeman4ubeeman4u Member Posts: 34
    9160 of 9506 Re: HID headlamps [beeman4u] by gladiator99 Oct 03, 2005 (2:05 pm)
    Bookmark | Reply | E-mail Msg
    Replying to: beeman4u (Oct 03, 2005 1:10 pm)

    Hi again!!
    I too have an Avalon XLS without the HID headlights. I sure wish Toyota had included the HID lights, however there are some aftermarket replacement lamps which can help to get brighter lighting for a reasonable cost. If you log on to www.sylvania.com you can go to their product comparison page and see how much brighter their selection of aftermarket bulbs are. They have the standard halogen bulb, the xtravision bulb, the cool blue, and the silverstar bulb. The silverstar gives off the brightest light and according their photos of light output, is close to that of the HID lamps,however the bulb life is somewhat shorter than a standard bulb. I personally am considering changing my low beam bulbs to the xtravision bulbs which should give a good increase in light output.
    They also show an aftermarket HID kit (X1010) which is priced from $299.99 to $499.99. I don't know if this is a separate complete light or a replacement light assembly. I had the HID lights on my 02 Acura TL and they were very bright in comparison to the 05 Avalon. Just thought I'd pass on this info. for those of you who might desire more light from your avalon's headlamps.
    Regards
    Gladiator99
  • regisregis Member Posts: 94
    You might want to review recent past posts about mounting an after-market GPS in an Avalon. See photo in post # 9280 showing a Garmin GPS on dash. Also the GPS forum could help you at:
    regis, "Navigation / GPS Systems" #381, 9 Oct 2005 11:20 am
  • regisregis Member Posts: 94
    You can view a video tutorial of the GPS system installed in the Lexus models at:
    http://lexus.com/models/is/demo_popups/dvdDemo.html

    Too bad toyota did not offer the same help but the two systems (Lexus and toyota GPSs) are quite similar so this may help those who are having difficulty understanding how their system functions.
  • luvmyavalonluvmyavalon Member Posts: 11
    Had the same reaction but at the Toyota dealership when I took delivery of my Blizzard Pearl XLS three weeks ago. There hasn't been a blizzard pearl available in the area for months. My car was also surrounded by salespeople singing their praises about how beautiful the car was. Wherever I go, I get wonderful comments about this car and, I must admit, that I have never been happier driving. This is a great car!! I also had the teflon coating done on mine. I had to wait almost four months to get a blizzard pearl here in southern California, but it was well worth the wait. I also changed my mind from getting the ivory interior and got the light grey. I am so happy that I did because it looks so good with the exterior color!
  • texasred1texasred1 Member Posts: 20
    I really enjoyed reading your message, especially since we will be ordering a 2006 XLS, soon. We want to make sure that we get the Teflon coating also, as you did.
    That is called the.......VEHICLE SHIELD PACKAGE........P4 Package.............isn't it? This is my understanding, but just want to make sure.
    Thanks for sharing.
  • wynwyn Member Posts: 32
    We move it from vehicle to vehicle and the mount usually gets stuck right in the middle of the windshield. That does makes it a long reach in the Avalon. I have just taken it in hand on the built-in battery when riding with others several times. The 8hr battery life is more than adequate and it seems to have no problem finding satelites when hand held in the front or back seat. I bought a 1G SD card when they were onsale but still lack a few states loading the entire US. With the 330 or 340, you would have it all on the HD out of the box.
  • wynwyn Member Posts: 32
    Cell phone holder
  • henuahhenuah Member Posts: 1
    How do you get the display to scroll? I've got Xm but don't see an option to scroll. It would be nice if it scrolled automatically.
  • lntlnt Member Posts: 192
    One reason I bought the Avalon was because of all the airbags because I was thinking of safety for my grandkids ages 3 and almost 1 that I keep 3 days a week. As I was riding in the backseat of my car the other day, the thought occurred to me that my 3 year old's carseat was awfully close to the door and if the airbag deployed it could possibly break her neck. The baby's carseat is in the center. Do I have a reason to be concerned? Has anyone else thought about this? Are the airbags in the rear seat dangerous for kids? I am assuming so since they aren't supposed to ride in the front seat because of the airbags.
  • avasteravaster Member Posts: 20
    thanks
  • limiteddriverlimiteddriver Member Posts: 234
    The reflectors are different for HID lights and your results won't be as good as the OEM HID headlight assembly. The xtravision bulbs do make a difference. Don't get a blue tinted bulb, in my experience the light output appears less.
  • jackerusseljackerussel Member Posts: 12
    Tex;

    Here in extreme north east ohio ( up on Lake Erie) I purchased a Tst package from my Toyota dealer. Included was the machined on teflon coating - rust proofing( very important in my area as salt use turns the roads white), scotch guarding of all carpets ( this works by the way as grease was tracked onto carpet and was removed without a trace), leather treatment ( which gives the leather a nice patina and increases the comfort) I was charged $775.00 which I was told was a discount. I also had black mud flaps installed( Gives a nice contrast) and I had dual graphite colored pin stripes added ( Matches the interior and sets off that Blizzard. The teflon increases the depth of this color. In my neck of the woods the blizzard pearls are very rare. Best of luck with your new Avalon.

    Jack
  • tdxtdx Member Posts: 12
    In case you're looking to add your iPod to your new Avalon, I thought I would let you know that I just installed mine easily using the iPod2car adapter. Getting the radio out is extremely simple. All front dash bezels snap out without the use of tools. I attached the adapter and used velcro to attach it to the inner dash behind the radio. I have the JBL radio with in dash CD changer. The people at Best Buy tried to tell me it wouldn't work with an in dash changer, but as usual they were wrong. In fact the CD player is still operational. I can ust the steering wheel controls to control the iPod. I ran the cable out near the glove compartment and under the center console. Then I ran it up on the driver's side and attach it to the iPod. Works very well and is easy to do.
  • pilot232pilot232 Member Posts: 1
    I am an owner of an 06 touring model. My experience has been that the tire pressure of the OEM Michelins (sp?) makes a big difference...car comes off the truck at 54#. Drive the car at 54# pressure or 37+ and you will experience the negatives that I suspect others have described from test drives at these pressures. My dealership set my car up at 37# (too high). I dropped the cold pressure to 35, then 33 then 32#. Car rides and handels very nice at 32#. At 35 and above, ride is noisy from pavement cracks etc. At 32# the tires and suspension work very well together...I suspect that a tire like a Perrelli with stiff sidewalls but a softer more complient tread compound will perform even better with the touring model....my 06 manual...recommends 32# for speeds under 99mph and 37# (I think) for extended speeds above 100 mph . Note: a cold tire at 32# will warm up to 37# easy (all pressures above are cold pressures). A warm tire at 37# rides very differently than a cold tire at 37#.

    I put a rug in the trunk and I feel it has helped. What road noise I did hear came from the rear. I can remember when cars came with insulation in the trunk...my Avalon Touring came with a very flimsy liner and no insulation...but I am very pleased with the ride and handeling...with the tires at 32# and rug, the car's tires are wisper quiet...have personally owned BMW and numerious "performance cars"; my family currently owns 2000 Acura TL and 95 Acura Legond and the Avalon Touring more than holds it's own. One test for suspension/handeling/steering is taking a turn (like a clover) at speed...does the car hold it's line or do you need to correct? Avalon touring definately first rate for a front driver - get the tire pressure right and the Touring is the best model in the line IMHO.
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