2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

tomh2

I have been shopping for a vehicle for the past 6 months and have looked at Lexus, Infinity, Caddy CRS and several other Detroit based brands. My research and especially this forum led me to the Avalon. I have a Desert Sand Limited due to be built on 10/3/05 with Nav, laser cruise, spoiler, remote start, floor & trunk mats and XM. Needless to say, I can't wait! I've got my list of rattles, squeaks, alignments, etc., ready for inspection. I've also purchased a few add on items mentioned in this forum. Prepainted side door moldings from Dawn Enterprises and prepainted mud guards from AnythingToyota. The dealer, Montrose Toyota here in Akron, OH will also be installing the 3M front end chip protector film when it gets here. I'm also very interested in Greg Brown's backup camera mod but have a few other questions:

1. Backup video vs. ultrasonic? I'm curious to know if anyone else has done these mods.

2. I've ordered the XM sat radio package and would like to know if there is still an unused input to install an iPod adapter. I know the cassette is deleted but am unsure as to if this is where the XM is plugged in. A guy at Dennison wrote me he wasn't sure either but that I might have to choose between iPod or XM but not both. Bummer! I'm also waiting for the iPod unit due soon at Audio & Video Interfaces.

3. I've seen a few threads about the "Gold Emblem Package". I'd like to know if anyone has these and where they were purchased.

4. Has anyone had to use the plastic key in the Smart Key fob. I have a company vehicle that will continue to be my primary mode of transport but will drive the Avy on weekends. Has anyone experienced any battery drain from all of the components on the Ltd? I know there hasn't been a lot of cold weather since the intro of the new Avy, but any comments will be appreciated.

Thanks for this great info forum....Tom H.

lnt

I had my mask installed today. It looks good. It doesn't cover the grill work. It is a soft leather - well, probably not REAL leather, but it looks just like the one I got for my 98 avalon from the dealer. It has the word Toyota stamped on the front of it. The service manager couldn't believe I got one. I showed him the box that had a Toyota Parts department phone number. I had him examine it before installing to make sure it was a good one. I took a picture but I am trying to figure out how to post it. I am not too computer literate when it comes to doing things like that. I probably will have to wait on my son to come over and help me.
I didn't realize it until I got home, but the service manager didn't put my box the mask came in back in my trunk!!! It had the invoice and instructions in it plus if I have to return it, I HAVE to return it in that box. I called and he is going through the dumpster after they close and see if he can find it. Go to www.autowebaccessories.com and look up front end mask for 2005 Toyota Avalon and it will have the part number. Sorry, but now I have NO information - not even my receipt.

havalongavalon

Tom,

I didn't install a backup video system, just the ultrasonic sensors, but a friend has a camera in his Suburban and I am familiar with its properties. Both systems are very helpful. I think there are 3 differences: The video system requires that you view the screen as you back up; the bumper sensor sound cues allow your eyes to look around as needed. The ultrasonic sensors have a wide field that can also extend laterally around the corners of the rear bumper; the camera field of view depends on its location and the type of lens and it may not be as wide, so it may not show obstructions near the curb as you parallel-park, for example. Lastly, video systems cost more, although they have come down a lot in price recently.

Whichever way you go, you'll enjoy your Avalon!

havalongavalon

bahraini_zupra

hey guys i tried start my engine from outside my car and friends car it couldnt happen ! please tell me if this thing need a program !

billyg

lazarous

Sorry that I cannot answer your question. I know that NAV was not available in 2000. I first encountered it in my 2005.

Regards

thepope1

I planned to put the 3M film protector on my 2005 Avalon. 2 dealers advised against it. Then contacted Fort Wayne, In detail shop who advertise it. They advised "DON'T DO IT !" - Claimed they have had nothing but trouble with it (turns yellow and other problems) and no longer offer it.

msavalon

Give me a break! It's only a key :mad: I'd better run back to the dealer and take him up on his offer of $100. I had it good and didn't know it!

lgigante

I just ordered a set of window deflectors from WeatherTech.com. They are finally available. They cost $89.95 for four. These do not glue on but fit inside the window track. I had them on my last car and they are great. Go to item number 72388. Larry

no1renonevada

I am ready to change the oil in my wife's 2005 Avalon XLS. I cannot find a WIX or Baldwin oil filter that is made to fit this car...yet. Does anybody have any suggestions? Does the Toyota dealership now have oil filters in stock for this car? By the way, I use only Mobil 1 oil in my vehicles...swear by it. Thanks.

tmeframe

No offense, but PUHHLEEEAAASE. It's purely ADP (additional dealer profit, and significant dealer profit at that) - an attempt to increase gross margin on the sale. Now, if he sells you the vehicle @ 300 back of invoice, cutting into the holdback, then maybe, if you're feeling generous. If you want more information, just go to your friendly www.consumerreports.org

If you keep your car clean and a good polymer sealant such as NuFinish or even a good quality carnuba wax on it, you need not fear "acid rain".

Steve

ron6

Your dealer's parts department has the Avalon oil filter. To the best of my knowledge, there are no aftermarket filters available yet. The Toyota filter is the cartridge type and the instruction sheet is inside the filter box. You might want to watch the service department do the oil change once before you try it because it isn't as simple as it used to be.

gar333

Does your mask have openings for the fog lights, and the laser cruise lens ?

jay24

I have a bluetooth car kit installed with a chrome keypad. Sound comes through an independent speaker, not your stereo, doesn't mute the radio, its not perfect and often it doesnt pair with my treo 650 unless I light up my phone first. If you can get a car that has integrated bluetooth I would recommend that over an aftermarket install. My kit was 100.00 to buy and 100.00 to install. Not an entirely successful endeavor. Maybe you should look into that parrot system instead if you are set on getting an avalon. :mad:

lnt

I haven't seen a car with the laser cruise, so I am not sure where it is located. It has cutouts for the fog lights & grill. There are two extra cut outs about the same size as the fog light cut outs next to the fog lights. Where is the laser lens located?

gar333

Laser located just to the inside of the passenger side fog light.

lnt

Then probably the cutout that is there would be okay for it. It is a square that is the same size as the fog light cut out.

ange

Bought an oil filter from Toyota. Costs $6.50. Instructions sheet and a slip on drain connection, to drain the filter come in the box. I had my car on a lift and did not notice anything unusual about the aluminum filter housing. I tried to see the filter by jacking up the side of the car and was not sure the small diameter aluminum container was a filter. My wife's Nisson has a filter that is mounted the same way and you get oil running down on you. I have found loosening the filter until the it starts to run and wait about 30 secconds until it just about stops and then continue to remove it. I don't see anything unusual other than aluminum body that takes a little care to not cross the threads.

Now I have to find a filter wrench that fits or use the rope type that fits most filters.

ange1

I was dissapointed about the smallness of the filter cartridge. It sure looks small to me for an engine holding 6.5 quarts. The surface area also looks small.

06indigoavalon

Does this front end mask work on both 2005 and 2006?

wyn

Dealer should have the filter, tools, and instructions. Make sure he knows this vehicle takes 6.4 qts. I had to return for additional oil. My dealer prefers that I bring my own Mobil 1---They have the other at the bay in bulk.

osteoman2

Has anyone been able to install the sirius or for that matter XM on an Avy at a place other then the dealership? Car Toys near me said they couldn't do it and have it integrated into the existing stereo. I do have the JBL Synthesis so I know the dealership does them. If so where? Any help much appreciated. Part numbers/description? I only want it if it's integrated in. I do not want seperate controls.

Any help appreciated. I have done the search and I can't tell if anyone has found any other location then dealership to have this done. Also if so; costs?

mstem

I have a factory install of XM so I cannot directly answer your question. However, many months of reading this list leads me to believe someone with direct experience can most certainly help you out! It can be done and has been done. One of the more technical folks on this board has a ton of tech bulletins he downloaded and one of them describes the XM process in excruciating detail; I think it is about 16 or 18 pages of illustrated instructions that shows just how to add the Toytoa XM kit to your existing radio. When done, it is the same as my factory install, all controlled by the steering wheel or dash control set. I have downloaded this document and would be happy to send it to you if wish to provide an e-mail address. It is in Adobe PDF format.

If I were in your shoes, I would buy the actual Toyota XM kit from of the online Web sites like AnyThingToyota.com, then print out the manual and take it to any competent aftermarket radio shop. (This was my plan until I had the opportunity to factory-order my XM kit.) Should be easey-peasey for them to install it for you and you won't be able to tell the diff from a true factory install. Write back if you need more info, I am sure the others will help you out here. This is one great board! Mike

PS I recently posted on how to get the XM activation fee waived ($14.95) and how to get three months free service ($12.95 x 3...) It is a freebie deal for any Toyota customer and you will qualify. If a search doesn't turn up the info from my post last week write back for those details...)

jim250

Last weekend I attempted to change the oil for its first time in my one month old '05 Avalon here at home as I have done in most of the other cars I have owned from Rangers, Expedition, RX-300, Prius's, and others. As the front overhang of Avalon is longer than those other vehicles and fairly low, I tried propping up the lower end of the ramp incline on one layer of bricks then used a separate metal ramp end so that the wheels would rise up immediately before rolling onto the incline and then on up to the flat part of the risers. What happened next was unexpected and unprecedented in my experience. On the right side the car's weight caused the incline section to come unfastened from the flat component of the ramp, and the turning wheel spun it with a loud crash onto the garage floor beneath the car. Fortunately, nothing was damaged, but I quickly decided to allow the dealer to change the oil in my Avalon now and in the future. Unless I get better ramps I have no way to raise this car sufficiently to do the oil change myself. I had bought four Avalon filters to get a 20% discount, and these ended up costing roughly $5+. The Toyota oil filter wrench was $39.95. Good luck and be careful if you decide to raise this heavy car to do the oil change yourself.

Jim in WI.

mackabee

Steve, like there's something wrong with a business making a profit?! PUHHLEEAAASE!! And if you believe everything consumer reports prints then I have some valuable oceantfront property in Arizona that's a great value. Some people see value in these things and others don't so don't PUHHLEEAASE me when I'm trying to offer some insight into these forums. Have a nice day.
:P
Mackabee

johndjr

bahraini Z,
Timely. Just yesterday I got the instructions out for the remote start. Just followed the instr. and it worked while I was in the house in the room next to the garage.
I didn't program anything. Glad I didn't have to because I am not too smart on this electronic stuff.
I assume you read the part on the back of the instructions as to when the car will NOT start or will STOP if so and so conditions are present or occur?

johndjr

mstem,
I would like a copy of the installation instructions. I had asked Anthing toyota if they had the instructions but they didn't. Don't know how to get you my email but here is a try.
johnd at our-town dot com.
I guess you know how to handle the at and dot.
Thanks.

rtimbo

I have done the Sirius install myself. My local dealer does not do it in their service dept, but did refer me to an independent shop to do the the installation. They quoted $95 for the install only. Check my earlier posts #'s 8478, 8546 & 8562 for info on the installation, instruction links and part numbers.

bahraini_zupra

hi there i follwed the instruc carfully on mynewavalon.com and still it didnt happen ! even on my friends car :S could this be only for gulf avalon ! i dont thjink so ! it should work ! weird i am so frustated
any help would be greatful .

mstem

Johndjr,
It's on the way, let me know if you get it OK... thanks!
Mike

osteoman2

Thanks for your initial info Mike. I appreciate it.
My email is osteomanguard-car@yahoo.com I would like to have the instructions. I'll also look up the earlier posts for part numbers. Also I had seen a sight that would sell a paint matched antenna but don't remember where. Anyone have any ideas on this?

Thanks

Darren

n0v8or

jim250 . . . I've yet to find any ramps sold in auto stores that are safe . . including "Rhino Ramps". They are all too steep, and raise the car much higher than necessary for oil changes. I have used two "safe_ramps" for years, and use them both for my Avalon and 8-cylinder engine car, to change the oil and filter. For a photo, see:
http://members.cox.net/n0v8or/safe_ramp.jpg

Each is made from a 12 foot long piece of 2 x 10 ordinary framing lumber, fastened with drywall screws. If you are worried about driving past the end, make the 6" stop 2 boards high.

To remove the filter cartridge housing, I use a $3 (Wal Mart) "Stridetool Type B" cap wrench. It is made of hard plastic, takes a standard 3/8" square drive, and will fit both 65mm and 67mm diameter filters.

pat

Folks, posting your email address is a very bad idea. If you want other Forums members to have it, go to your profile and make your address public. That will let registered users see it, but will prevent it from being collected by automated webcrawlers. It will be gobbled up on a public webpage such as this.

There is a note just above the post box asking that you not include your email address in a post.

chodie

I am not looking for the body moldings. I am looking for the small black running board that attaches under the length of both doors on both sides of the auto. The Lexus GS 300, 2006 has these and they look sporty. I would like to install these on my 2006 Avalon.

osteoman2

Sorry my fault. However, in my case it wont be a problem on my end.

Email I gave was address guarded and is a temp address that is easily erased.

I will not do it again.

Again I appreciate everyone's help.

douglas1

Would some of you Limited owners be so kind as to post, or email me directly, as to how your rain sensing wipers are working. How much rain has be fall on the windshield before they come on, does the intermittent dial provide any noticeable difference in the intermittent speed etc. Any information will be appreciated for when I approach the dealer for a fix.

thanks,
Doug

littlejohn600

Question for n0v8or::When you changed the oil, did you remove the smaller plug in the bottom of the filter case and connect a drain hose as per Toyota instructions? If not, was there a messy spill around the outside of the filter case? Thanks for any feedback.
Littlejohn600

mikegiller

I'm very interested in purchasing an Avalon, however wondering whether or not a DVD monitor can be placed in the headliner even if the car is optioned with a sunroof. I want the best of both worlds. I don't want TVs in the headrests, only a big fat screen in the headliner. What are my possibilities for an aftermarket screen and DVD system in the Avalon without removing the stock JBL Synthesis system because it's a great stereo... would adding a pre-amp to it make 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS a possibility. Experts, if you can answer this question! Please.

I'm good with home audio/theatre systems, but not very good with the car audio.

islandavy

I'd say they are not perfect, but what is? On several occasions, I waited so long for them to come on in heavy rain that I had to manually turn them on or risk zero visibility. A few times they came on when I started the car and there was NO rain. Other times they worked well. Friday I started the car and they came on with only one swipe--at the same time the MPG on the blue screen went down to 12 MPG--it was 31.4 when I parked the car. I love my car so much that these little things don't matter. We are now preparing for Hurricane Rita--the 3rd since I got my car in June..
IslandAvy

tmeframe

Gosh Mackabee- I apologize for the snide remark - I was in an AH'ish mood.

There's nothing wrong with profit. But with a car like the Avalon, popular as it is, the profit margins are already at what could called pretty darn good and then some, most deals over $2000 above invoice. Edmunds even shows them still going for "sticker" in my neck of the woods. On the XLS, that's approximately $3,800.00 + the quarterly payouts and spiff payments from big daddy Toyota. That $3800.00 margin is for the BASE retail price over invoice, not including options.

Both you and I know options like the Extra Mile, while they may add some convenience for the customer are there mainly there to increase gross profit and provide "wiggle" room for negotiating. And if Edmunds is right, they say there is no negotiation going on for these cars. The Extra Mile can cost the customer over $1000.00, while the dealer is paying less than $400.00 for it. That's adding another $600.00 added to the already fat $3,800.00 GP on the Avalon by itself.

If there's any doubt on these figures, I'll see if I can dig up the (electronic) invoice-to-the-dealer from the distributor for an Avalon XLS, that my dealer gave me, with all the proper items listed from the factory and distributor, including co-op advertising costs, and things like the 2% holdback, the "profit insurance" the dealer was charged of 2% - around $640, and verify them.

BTW, it's really not necessary to knock CR, it's a valuable resource that I've been using for over 15 years. Dealers don't like them because an educated customer puts a limit of gross profit.

Steve

mstem

ISLANDAVY,

Hope that you survive Hurrican Rita as well; good luck to you down there!
And while you are hunkered down, take solace in the fact that you have the BEST color one can put on an Avalon: SILVER PINE MICA! :>)

Mike

dmorcos

Jim250, thanks for posting the Stridetool Type B. This is what I used to change my oil with. Works great.

bahraini_zupra

today while i was surfin in mynewavalon.com some of the vids shows the gauges needles into RED COLOR !!! while some other videos shows them in the same color as the gauges ! how could this be possible !

regis

Well said tmeframe. CR's is my bible before any major purchase.

no1renonevada

I want to thank y'all gents for the helpful advice on performing the first oil change for my wife's car. I think I'll observe the dealership change it the first time and learn some pointers. If nothing else, I'll bet the oil filter was put on with a torque wrench real tight! I remember 15 years ago when I took my Nissan truck to a SuperLube to get the first oil change, and the attendent scraped his knuckles, cursed at how tight the oil filter was put on, and he almost slit his forearm open trying to loosen the filter. That was good money spent to get an "expert" to "break" the first seal from the sidemount filter shaft.

That ramp made from 2 X 10s looks very promising...is raising the front end 8 inches enough to safely crawl under the car and see the filter cartridge housing?

n0v8or

When you changed the oil, did you remove the smaller plug in the bottom of the filter case and connect a drain hose as per Toyota instructions? If not, was there a messy spill around the outside of the filter case?

Yes, I first remove the inner plug with a standard socket drive extension. Thee seems to a valve of some kind that prevents the oil from running out until the drain tube is shoved in. It's tricky to get the tube to seal without some oil running down the otside, so have a pan directly under. Coating the tube cap sealing ring (which is discarded; a new one comes with each filter) with a thick coat of Vaseline helps minimize the amount that spills.

no1renonevada . . . 3" (2 boards) is high enough to both drain the oil and change the filter from the front; I don't even drive up to the 3rd level.

squatos

I think the best color for the avalon is black because first it contains every color there is...lol. Second I have noticed that in ever picture of an avalon other than black shows black in all the reveals (cracks) of the car. Especialy around the trunk . In the lighter colors it looks like the trunk is cracked open.It dose get dirty the fastest, but cleans up the prettest. Mines a 06 XL,electric, heated, leather seats, extra mile, flaps, mats and up grade anti-theft.No moon roof .6ft.4. Need the head room. No laser or fog lights .Messes up the looks of the frount end .NAV cost me 5 bucks from ran macnally. No vented seat. Dont need a fan up my butt.No poly coatings. Love to wax. Im not to lazy to turn on the wipers when it rains.I would one of those back up camers when im 90. I may only have 16in. wheels, but my extra cool chromes look better than any wagon wheel 17in. I hope I haven't offended anybody,but if it makes you feel better .I am installing a disco ball. All in FUN...Squatos.

billygator

I have had a couple of the "phantom" single swipes at start up, but overall they work well. The sensitivity difference is noticeable, but not that dramatic except between the highest and lowest settings.

I'm sure its a personal thing - they always come on in plenty of time for me. However, last week my wife was with me and yelled for the wipers during a light drizzle, but I made her wait the extra 5 seconds or so until they came on by themselves. This was well before my visibility was significantly hampered, but too late for the kind of person that is constantly wiping things around the house.

mrtouring

i needs some suggestions on gas types. what i mean by that is cheap gas 86 mid grade or super. do you really think it makes a different in gas mileage,performance etc. will my car drive different or will i notice the difference between super mid cheap.

squatos

Never use anything below 87 octane. Usually a higher octane only improves acceleration, but I believe it gives you more miles per gallon.

fin

A "second" for the previous post. 87 octane minimum always. Going to 89 will help mileage, going to 91 or more will probably not. Warranty is not a problem. Performance is another story. Going to 91 is the only way to get the most out of the new Avalon engine, prior generations are different. Hope this helps.

easyrider300m

Seems like quite a few are complaining about the tranny hesitation/indecision. Hopefully Toyota can correct the tranny problem many have encountered with a computer update. My 300M had a similar issue when I first bought it. After several months they did have a computer update and it seemed to help. I still get an occasional bump shift if slowing almost to a stop and then accelerating slightly (even when it was new ) but my car has over 90k on it now and the tranny otherwise is fine.

I think your tranny problems may be somewhat related to the learning tranny but possibly it could be a problem in need of a computer update or valve issue.
I suggest everyone that encounters this problem, contact Toyota directly (not the dealer) and be sure they are aware of your problem and report it to the proper department. That is the only way Toyota will address the issue. Dealers could care less and will just blame it on the learning tranny or owners being too fussy.

I for one will be holding back on purchase until I see the issue addressed by Toyota. I also hope they improve the seats in the Limited and correct some of the other minor flaws I have seen posted here.