Toyota Avalon Basic Maintenance Questions

gregfocker

I just purchased a 1996 Toyota Avalon with only 30,000 miles. There were no maintenance records and the lady I bought it from was old and had no idea what he late husband had done service-wise with it.

I am planning on keeping this for the long haul (250K miles) and want to make sure it is in tip top shape. What type of engine/tranny/etc. maintenance should I do right now to get this in pristine condition? It has very low mileage but is over 6 years old. Thanks for your suggestions!

highlander7

Just completed the first oil change on our 03 Avalon at 970 miles.

The number on the factory oil filter is 90915-20003, the stock number for filters sold by Toyota is 90915-YZZB1. The factory filter is slightly longer, gasket and interior color is red vs. black for the stock. And the factory filter has both Japanese and English written on it.

Any reason why the number and other differences?

avdave

Just purchased an 03 Avalon...typically I do my own oil changes. With the angle of the oil filter and the location - above the motor mount, does anyone have any experience as to how messy changing the filter is or any tips (to save the garage floor and motor mount from getting trashed) on doing this??

mikem30

I use an absorbant cotton rag placed immediately under the oil filter. Along with newspapers on the ground, this works pretty well. Hope this helps!

rubicon52

Changed from dino oil to synthetic on my 95 V-6 Camry at 60k miles. Car now has 74k miles and have noticed a gradul decrease in engine noise as I continued to use synthetic oil. Changed the oil recently in the 95 Camry. After 74K miles of mixed highway/in town driving, the Camry engine is as quiet as the engine on my 01 Solara which has seen only 13k of highway miles. Both cars have the same 3L V-6 engine.

nguyet

1998 Toyota Avalon v6 mileage: 55k. Without warning, the air conditioner & fans quit working. This car has an outside air temp display & it suddenly does not show a temperature reading. I checked every fuse I could find. All OK. The car starts & runs fine & all other electrical works, i.e., lights, rear defroster, windows, door locks, seats. It is equipped with an auto mode for the air with a temperature adjustment that will control the blower speeds. This is not working, or if you try to punch manual blower speeds, (each button will light up) but will not turn fan on, or if you push the a/c button, will not work or light up. No engine service light either?

rmsachs

It's that time, and I need some advice dealing with the dealer. My 2000 Avalon XLS runs fine, I'm using a 7500-mile interval, and I live in south-central NJ near the the coast.

My maintenance guide says to replace the following: engine air filter, coolant, a/c filter, oil&filter. Also rotate tires and inspect lots of stuff. On the other hand, my dealer says I should do a bunch of extra stuff, like replace spark plugs, clean disc brakes, adjust engine idle speed, clean throttle positioner system (do I have one?), and NOT change the a/c filter. They'll do all that for a mere $300!

So should I tell them only to do what's in the maintenance schedule, plus the a/c filter? What's a good price for that? And why does the dealer discourage me from touching the a/c filter anyway? I've never had it replaced.

jc217

What is the mileage of your car? 7500, 15000, 100,000? It's hard to answer your question without knowing the total miles.

rmsachs

Jim, I'm talking about my 30,000 mile service. Actually, I have 31,000 miles now.

nippononly

skip all that other junk - the plugs are made to go 60K, not 30, and they are very expensive to replace ahead of their time. The disc brakes don't need cleaning, unless you notice excessive squeak when you apply them. I can't recall if you have a TPS, but they certainly don't need to adjust the idle speed, the computer controls all that stuff nowadays. This makes me wonder: some of these things only apply to significantly older models than the car you have, and is it possible you are just reading their standard catch-all maintenance list? They use these lists on an "as applicable" basis to cover all models for all years.

The cabin air filter is a tricky one - are you sure it is not supposed to be replaced at some odd maintenance interval like 22.5K or 37.5K? If you have never had it done, just ask them to tack it on to the service you are going to have them perform. And you are allowed to bring your manual with you to the dealership and go through it item by item to show them exactly what services you would like done.

Every dealership has a different idea of what they think is the absolutely perfect maintenance schedule for your car, and how can they all be right??!! With Toyotas, doing what is asked for in the manual will not only ensure you meet the warranty requirements, but it will keep the car running for a long time as well. There is no need for extra stuff.

armtdm

The dealer is adding on his maintenance items to make a boat payment. Not needed. The only thing I would question that you are doing is the 7500 oil change intervals. If you are using synthetic fine if not the Toyota V6 scares me the way they beat up oil and unless it is highway miles you may be creating a sludge monster out there using dino and 7500.

danbeth

My inlaws Avalon have the direct ignition system. How do you remove the ignition coil/wire to access the spark plugs. Is this a simple project? I have changed the old distributor system wires and plugs on all my other cars. This is the first distributorless vehicle I have attempted. Can you give me step by step instructions? Also, Is there a good online toyota parts distributor where I can pick up the platinum plugs at a price cheaper than the dealer? Do they use NGk or Nippondenso? Thank you for your assistance. Dan

wmmunn

I just had the pleasure (or displeasure) of dealing with the 60,000 major maintenance items. I started off with a fuel system cleaning using the techron concentrate. Followed up by a pcv valve, and changing out of the plugs. I had originally taken the car in to the dealer, and was more than a little bit shocked by their profit motives. Lets just say they were a bit excessive in their pricing structure. I picked up a copy of the haynes manual in hopes that it would be helpful during the tuneup. While it did have good information, it was not very throrough. For instance it did show the basics of the plug change procedure, it did NOT indicate what needed to be removed to change the rear bank of plugs. The front 3 were very simple to get to, just remove the v-galley cover, which was 3 5mm hex nuts, and spinning the toyota logo to remove it. Then remove the coil hold-down bolts, pull the coil module out, and remove and replace the plugs. once I had removed the front plugs and changed them out, I got a good look at the old plugs. This is when I discovered I was replacing irridium plugs with platinum. Right away alarm bells went off in my head. Weren't the irridium plugs good for 120,000 miles? So why was my toyota dealer insisting my platinum plugs needed to be changed? I had already invested the money to purchase the correct tools, supplies and manuals, and was halfway done with the repairs. So I decided I would forge onward, since the new plugs were of the correct range and type. I am going to hang on to the original iridium plugs and have them cleaned and inspected. If they are still good after this, I will hang onto them and reinstall them at 120,000 miles. Now I continued on the rear bank of plugs. Number 3 cylinder was reasonably easy to get to. I used a standard ratchet and plug socket. I had to reach down between the intake plenum and the throttle body. Number 2 cylinder was just as easy, albeit, I was removing and replacing bolts I could only feel, not see while I was turning them. The real fun ocurred on everybodies favorite, cylinder number 1. I looked at this, and looked at it, in sort of disbelief. I am guess either the dealer techs are very skinny, or they remove the intake plenum. or possibly get at them from underneath on a lift. I certainly didnt have these options available to me in a suburban garage. I tried several times to remove the coil holddown bolt from the same hole I used for 2 and 3. I did manage to get it out, and dropped it into the lower a-arm on the passenger side. This created a 15 minute diversion to retrieve the bolt. It was then I tried to pull the coil off the plug that I discover there was a hose blocking it from moving back enough to remove completely. I then discovered that this was the pcv valve hose. I made a note of this, and then had to remove a nut holding some wires to the end of the intake plenum. Once I removed the wires and bracket, I was able to gain access to cylinder number 1 from the passenger side of the engine compartment. Once I had access I removed the pcv valve and moved the hose out of the way so I could remove the coil and replace the last spark plug. I then removed the original pcv valve, which was encrusted with a black gritty oily substance, I would guess might be oil. if the pcv valve looked like this, what does my engine look like inside? that scares me. I purchased the car at 44,000 former lease miles. Lets say the early ownership of the car lacked regular maintenance. Once I replaced the pcv valve and reattached the hose, clamps and the electrical wires. I then put the galley cover on and checked to be sure I had removed any tools etc... from the engine compartment. I then fired it up and took it for a test drive. Ran just great. I can say pretty confidently that anyone reasonably familiar with a ratchet and tight places can accomplish the plug replacement and pcv valve replacements with ease. While not a totally pleasant experience, you can certainly save a couple of hundred bucks. I know its not nearly as awful as a couple of chevy beretta 3.8 litre v-6 plug jobs I was involved with, those were truly evil jobs to do, involving multiple extension bars and universal joints, ramps and laying underneath the car. Anyone else have some input on this topic? have I done right to continue replacing my iridium plugs with bosch platinums? Feedback is welcomed.

buckeyedon

My vehicles get the filters changed per schedule and same with fluids/oil at "severe" rate. As to spark plugs...I monitor gas mileage closely and when "highway" mileage drops (5% to 10% range)...and plugs have been in engine more than 60K...then I have plugs changed.

This, of course, doesn't apply to the 120K plugs.

danbeth

Wmmunn, Thank you very much for your detailed description of the plug change. I also bought a haynes manual but was disappointed in the lack of detail. I have owned a 1987 Beretta V-6 and hated changing the plugs on that car. As far as the plugs, I like NGK or Denso plugs. They seem to work well with most Toyota and Hondas. Any idea of a good website to purchase plugs and Toyota parts online? Thanks again. Dan

wmmunn

One note I forgot to mention in my post about the spark plug change. It is very dark inside the engine compartment, so you should use a trouble light or a nice strong flashlight. I performed the change at night in the dark using a mini mag light. Actually I prefer to do work like this in the dark, as bright daylight tends to wash out the darker recesses of the engine compartment, and makes it difficult to see the bolts and such on the back bank of plugs.

wmmunn

Danbeth,

I am not sure what to recommend as far as places online to get spark plugs. I tend to make use of the local auto parts discounters. They have good cross-references for applications, and tend to stock a large quantity of useful late model parts. The best part of local discounters would be local accountability. Who wants to wait on shipping to get needed materials, and even worse, what happens when something goes wrong?
Besides, the Bosch platinums I used for my avalon were only $1.99 each over the counter. Thats about as inexpensive as you could desire.

armtdm

Genuine Toyota parts on line at wholesale prices. Been using these guys a few years and the shipping is usually less then tax but depends on the order. Much cheaper then dealer prices and Genuine toyota Metro toytoa www.toyotaparts.com

danbeth

Thank you one and all for your help and assistance. I will check out Toyotaparts.com. This is a very informative board. Dan

highlander7

Does anyone have a suggestion on how to minimize the oil spill when changing and spinning off the oil filter on the Avalon. I have a 2003 XLS and after 2 changes have yet to figure how to pack enough rags and paper towels under the filter to minimize the mess. If this cannot be done without the spill, then this is a bad design.

Everything else about this Avalon XLS has been flawless, outstanding car.

rwallen

I find that if you wait a while before changing oil, like a couple of hours or more the oil will drain out of the filter and you will have no mess.The only drawback is the oil is not hot.

gsleve

at the bottom of the filter this would facilitate drainage and become less messy after the filter drains

dylan383

Toyota both in their booklet that came with my avalon and the dealership both recommend oil changes every 5,000 miles. I'm used to doing it every 3,000 miles. Any problem with going every 5,000? Any reason for the change in recommendation?

travelerjb

but anyone who insists on using conventional dino oil, I would surely not go past 3000 miles before a filter AND oil change. I can't tell you how against regular oil I've become, but that's my soap box. I'm stricktly a MobilOne Synthetic kind of guy and have been over the lives of the last 7 new cars I've owned. The seals remain dry and intact for the typical 250,000+ mile life of the vehicle before I sell them. To ME it's worth it, to those that prefer cheap oil I guess they just won't ever learn........

pmoskal

travelr, I guess if synthetic is your soap box. After doing research and through experience, synthetic is for those who do not change their oil frequently and for those who want to give $$ to the oil companies.

travelerjb

I'm NOT into extended oil change intervals, and typically do them somewhere between 3-5000 miles (or whenever my business trip happens to end) and as for the giving of money to the oil companies, not at all. I'm into the "next to NO wear" camp and it's THAT simple. If you don't get it, well then you just never will, without seeing various engines torn apart at various intervals having been run with various oils vs. synthetics. (which I have). Some people are like that horse being led to the water to drink. They just NEVER get it.........(P.S. It's not a soapbox, and if you prefer I'm done preaching to a hearing impaired audience). I'll just lurk and watch the plethora of problems that will arise over the coming months with ya'll.

bwia

On my Y2K Avalon XLS I just had my 30,000 miles major service at a total cost of $382 less a 10% service discount. What did I get for almost $400?

Replaced air conditioning cabin filter

Drain and refill cooling system

Drain and replace transmission fluid

Rotate all four tires

Oil and filter change

Air filter replacement.

Everything else was inspect or check. For that they charged me 3.5 hours of labor time. But I must say after the service the car sounds and feels great, just as if it was brand new. I am looking forward to many more trouble-free miles and hope the next major scheduled maintenance is not as expensive.

matthew525

Have you asked what the hourly rate is? Probably in the $55-65 range. So it looks like you got about $110 in parts (filters, and lubes). May have been able to save a few dollars purchasing the part separate (e.g. off the web) and having them install them or maybe doing the A/C cabin and air filter yourself. Might want to call another local Toyota dealer and get a comparison cost. Assume you got the 10% discount because of your previous service record so sticking with them may garner another 5-10% in the future.

bwia

Yes, I agree the service was expensive. The cost breakdown is as follows:
Parts...............$111.82
Labor..............$253.13
Disposal fee.... $ 10.50

Tax....................$ 6.09
Total................$381.54

So I guess 3.5 hours labor time works out to be $72.32 an hour
Whew!

dfurnier

Is there an advantage in purchasing genuine Toyota engine oil and filters?

Also, the dealer wants to change the oil at 3000 mile intervals. After lots of research, I'm basically convinced every 5000 miles is more than sufficient (the shorter interval recomended by Toyota).

Expert opinions?

matthew525

I would be interested in knowing if Toyota manufactured their own oil - - wouldn't think so; filters maybe. Whether oil & filters are better or not could be a national debate. I use Mobile 1 and NAPA Gold filters for years and have not had any problems at all in any of my vehicles. Conclusive - nope. Dealers want more frequent changes because more visit = more dollars in their pockets. Simply follow the manual to keep your warranty in place.

david_turner

Using the right viscosity grade is important to avoiding the oil sludge problem. Most dealers and installers will try to push 10W-30 on you because it is cheaper. Don't let them. They will try to tell you 10W-30 is better because it's thicker and gives you more protection. Don't believe them. 5W-30 meeting API SL and ILSAC GF-3 is superior to 10W-30 because the spec's require a higher quality of base oil resulting in better viscosity and deposit control. Tell your dealer/installer you want 5W-30 because that is what the OEM recommends. If they do not carry 5W-30 go someplace else.

david_turner

My 2000 Avalon owners manual recommends changing the differential fluid and transmission fluid every 30K. I checked the Hayes repair manual and it showed there should be drain and fill plugs for the differential. I searched under the car and found neither (no problem finding the ATF drain plug). The dealer told me the transmission and differential share the same fluid between both systems. Any DIY'ers out there have any experience with changing differential fluid?

hank14

David Turner-

I was wondering the same thing about changing the differential oil on my 98 Avalon. The only thing I have seen is a plug with a small piece of bent tubing on the front side of the block, about 1/3 the way over from the end on the right. I assumed this was the differential oil drain, but did not see a fill hole, so I left it alone. I am going to the dealer for a brake job this weekend and will ask them. I am planning on switching over to all synthetic fluids- Amsoil tranny and diff fluid, as well as motor oil and filter.

mcclearyfl

I'm interested to know how many Avalon owners are experiencing pressure tactics to bring their vehicle in for unnecessary service. I have received a letter, a phone call and a follow-up call from a manager stressing the need for service at 3500 miles. Even for conditions of severe use Toyota does not require such frequent service.

The key phrase seems to be "Tires For Life Agreement". To qualify for the program such ridiculously short service intervals are required. The program was of no interest to me so I was able to terminate the irritating call.

Who else is suffering these misleading calls?

rzepa1

I have noticed that too. My theory is that since Toyota is a reliable car, the dealer's service department is trying to make additional money on excessive service as opposed to other dealerships which make big $$$ on fixing cars.

Seems as everytime I go for a oil change I am asked about 15K,30K and so on services. One time they even made me signed that I declined on the receipt. The other time lady sid "oh, you must have fogotten ...". You should see the look on her face when I said, no I have not forgotteb but I have declined.

Bottom line is that those types of services are DEALER recommended and not TOYOTA. They improve their bottom line. I recall that the dealership mailed me flyer on one of those (15K or 30K) services which was basically oil change and
" check hinges... check tire pressure ... etc"
for a discount price of $249.

If you are a sucker or want piece of mind you should do it, otherwise tell them no.

Since my Avalon is under warranty I have oil changes done thru them. Once the warranty is over, I plan to stay away from them and do it all myself (within a reason).

matthew525

Agree - just this week I took the wife's Avy for a minor adjustment. The service writer wanted me to complete the 10K service at a cost of 120 buck-a-roos. I asked he what they were going to do: check stuff, check the air filter, change the oil and filter, rotate tires, top off fluids. When I told him no, he looked surprised. I then showed him the Toyota service manual showing maintenance intervals at 7500 and 15000 (I change my own oil, Mobile 1) at 5k intervals). Think you've hit on something - - the dealers are trying to get more maintenance time due to the reliability of the vehicle.

2099

This talk about fuel filters got me thinking about replacing mine, 2002 XLS W/22K+ miles. Looking in the manual, I found where it said there is no recommended service interval for the fuel filter, let your dealer decide. What mileage interval do you recommend? Also on tranny fluid change, use local garage for oil changes at 5K intervals (Mobil 1) and he said Toyota recommended tranny fluid changes at 15K. Fluid looks fine to me and I couldn't find anything in the book on this either!! Finally, do you change the A/C filter every 10K as recommended? Thanks for your help in this forum.

Tom

abfisch

Tom:

Everyone has a differenct story about changing intervals. Your type of driving has alot to do with it also.

The fuel filter, the one in the engine bay, doesn't need to be changed at 22K. That is too premature. I believe I saw a dealership say 30 or 40K which means longer.

The tranny doesn't need to be changed at 22K either, unless you are doing 100% city driving, mountain driving, pulling a trailer, etc. 30K intervals are more than enough, however I am going to replace mine at 60K the first time, then 30K thereafter.

5K Oil change intervals are in my opinion perfect from the literature on wear and tear. Unless you live in a very cold climate, the difference of synthetic versus regular motor oil is negligible. How many people do you know keep a car past 200K miles??? How many autocars have you had in your lifetime past 200K??? I have had one, using reg. oil at 5K intervals, except during the dead of the winter. I sold it to a soldier at 236K, a Honda, and it did not even burn up a full quart every 5K intervals. So if it makes you feel better use it, otherwise, put the money in the bank and save for a new car one day.

I change my A/C every year, not based on mileage. It is located in back of the glove box, which has 5 or 6 screws and just slides straight out.

I hope this helps. Perhaps Nomad56 can give his opinion, but his Avalon is an older model, not sure if they have an A/C filter.

abfisch

2099

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it and will go with the intervals you recommended. I did notice a slight (1-1.5 mpg) difference with the Mobil 1 oil, but it may have just been that I did more longer distance driving between oil changes the last time. The jury is still out on that one. Will change the A/C filter as I bought my 02 XLS with 11K last winter and don't know if the filter has ever been changed. (I know I haven't changed it!!) Car has been great so far.

Tom

hank14

I posted this a while back, but no response. I drained and filled the transmission pan last night, and was wanting to change the diff fluid on our 98 Avalon, 89,000 miles. I found the drain plug for the differential, on the back lower side of it, but no fill plug. The manual says it uses ATF fluid. Do they share the same fluid, or is there a separate fill plug? Anyone with a manual that can fill me in on this?
Thanks

abfisch

hank14:

Email Nomad56. I think he has an older model Avalon and does extensive work on it. He probably missed your post. I am pretty sure, but not totally sure, the new model (2000-present) share the same fluid. Drain plug on bottom, filled through the dip stick for the transmission in the engine bay, using Dexron III.

abfisch

nomad56

Y'up-it's like AB says...fill the tranny, it's a shared system, let the car idle and shift the shifter into all positions on the selector... 2,3,D,R, etc. ..then check your level again. -nomad56-

fndlyfmrflyr

Changing the tranny fluid is one of the few jobs I like done at the dealer. Every now and then they have a sale on a tranny fluid flush and fill. This does a complete change of fluid rather than only about half with a drain and refill. Not a bad idea to do the same for brakes and cooling system if you plan on keeping the car for a long time.

hank14

Thanks for the info. Just to be clear- there is a separate plug for the differential which is behind the transmission fill pan and plug. I found it by looking towards the front of the car from behind the front right wheeel. It is exactly the same as the diff plug on the front and rear diffs of my 99 Landcruiser. The only difference I see is that the landcruiser has fill plugs.
In the Avalon manual, it states that the drain and refill quantity for the tranny is up to 3.7 qts and 0.9 qts for the differential. So I would assume that if you drain both of them you would add about 4.5 qts of ATF fluid to the tranny dip stick. Is this correct?

Also, we bought our Avalon out of a lease and it developed the worn strut mounts shortly afterward. Had to haggle to get them repaired, as they said it was not covered by the extended warranty.

abfisch

Forum People:

While I try at points to be the devils advocate, "leaving it to the dealer" gives me the whillys, unless it is a fair and competent dealership, which their are, but few and far between. By sticking to a REGULAR maintenance schedule, and changing all the fluids, no only including the ATF, and Brake fluid(every 3 years regardless of mileage, and Steering resevoir, you should really never need to flush the stuff, and have some incompetent put their mitts on your 30K machine. Yes, flushing gets all the fluid out, but replacement at scheduled intervals does also, without the exorbatant charges for turning a freaking screw and pouring fluid. I just can't let them do it, not at $75/hour. I would rather get frostbite!!!!

abfisch

fndlyfmrflyr

I agree and hate to leave the car at a dealer. I usually do my own maintenance, but one dealer in town actually invited me to watch and ask the person doing the job any questions I might have about what was being done. The tranny flush is sometimes on sale for under $100. Brake and cooling system flushes are too.

Most of the Toyota dealers around here change book hours and more for labor. Sometimes I think the book hours are set for someone that has to read the service manual first and has little experience.

fin

If you want a really expensive mess, just leave that Toyota ATF in there for more than 30k miles. Avalon's generate a lot of heat in the transmission and the standard fluid turns to jello as you go past 30k. A change is cheap compared to a new transmission. The flush is probably not necessary (my experience) if you are under 100k. After that, maybe, depending on how long you intend to keep the car and how much money you want to spend. These transmissions should go 150k or more without trouble...if maintained. The '99 I had was very smooth at 92k miles when traded for an '03 XL. Enjoy your Av.

abfisch

Avy Forum People:

Couldn't agree more with the last two posts. Doing it yourself, is always better if you can. Changing fluids are maintenance, not repairs, which should be very easy, with some basic equipment and safety. I have no experience with ATF longevity, since this is my first automatic car, but regular interval changes should bring it to over 200K without too much fuss, without flushes.

The Toyota Service manual, conveniently(2002), leaves out any mention of ATF change intervals or PS intervals. How freaking convenient. A new 2003 Civic manual, for severe service(much clearer) suggests ATF at first 60K interval, then every 30K thereafter. There is a NEW DEXRON III Synthetic now, instead of an organic DEXRON III. Does anyone have any experience with this synthetic in there tranny yet????????????? Nomad56?????????

abfisch

hank14

I drained and refilled the transmission this summer in our 98 avalon with 80K miles. I used Amsoil synthetic ATF. I repeated the procedure this week with 89,000 miles. I honestly haven't seen any difference, but I plan on draining and refilling every 6 months or so. I am also using Amsoil synthetic oil which has a 25K mile or one year change interval and a 6 month Amsoil filter.

On my 99 Landcruiser with 120,000 miles, I changed all the fluids to synthetic Amsoil motor oil, trans fluid, gear lube, and grease. I plan on driving these vehicles a long time.

berob

I just bought a 2000 Avalon with 56,000. I cannot find a maintenance schedule with the literature but assume that some level of maintenance is scheduled for 60,000 miles. Can someone advise what I should do at 60,000 miles? Keep in mind that I don't know a lot about the maintenance history so I'm inclined to do too much rather than not enough. Also, what's the cheapest place to buy Mobil 1? I seem to recall someone saying Sam's Club sells it, but I couldn't find it at the one near me. Also, what kind of oil filter should I use? Thanks.