2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

tfrank

Mackabee,

Obviously I can't fault you for not knowing my situation. I am handicaped and have a driver with me. Due to business, I am in my car much of the day and my usual commute is upwards of 100 miles a day. Since we often travel to new clients' businesses, and we do not have any previous knowledge of the routes, it would be beneficial for me to be able to enter in destinations while he is driving. I also feel that the code should be available for families who are taking long trips, and anyone who would have a passenger in the car with them. It should also be taken into account that anything in a car (cell phone, radio, CD player, food, passengers, etc...) could be a distraction, and drivers should use common sense as to what would constitute a distraction to them while driving. One could also note that an aftermarket navigation system such as the Magellan Roadmate series (which is very popular), simply shows the disclaimer screen, requesting safe driving, and then allows the owner to use any option they wish. The point is, many navigation systems have the option to be used while driving, and if a person pays for the system, I believe he or she deserves to have full access to the system.
When I purchased my '05 Avalon, I explained my situation to the car salesman. He personally said that he has seen the override feature active in an Avalon he had preveiously test-driven. He also said that Toyota does this in case a select few drivers need it for logistical purposes, and because of testing reasons. He suggested to me to first ask the Parts Department, which said they could only give me access to the diagnostic menu if I had a gyroscope problem. This is where I currently stand with everything. Any help would be appreciated. If there is anyone who is interested in this feature, let's get together and make it happen.

~tfrank

ub2

I'm having trouble achieving hover before hyper transport. I've replaced the flux capacitor and the nero neutralizer, but all systems still seem to power down. Atleast my NAV works perfectly.

dclee12

Does anyone know how much is it to get a HID headlight upgrade on a 2005 XLS?

If possible I'd like to get the same parts that went into the Touring and Limited. I've heard aftermarket HID lamps can cause problems, like toasting the plastic cover.
Thanks

igor530

Help me with Avalon 2005 remote start installation manual.
In Russia Toyota dealer have no such instruction because of
Avalon is not present by Toyota on Russian market.

mstem

Hi Bill! Hi 3puttmax! My name is Mike...

And I am right there with you guys. My mix of travel so far with my Avy matches yours, and so does my (realistic) mileage figures. Some wise old sage once said otherwise honest folks will still lie about only two things: gas mileage and sex! Not implying anything about anyone on this Board, it's just an old quote.

Mike

n0v8or

igor530:

pdf instruction file is 33 pages and ~1.6mB.
I can send to you as an email attachment. Some internet access providers limit the size of attachments. If necessary, I can divide the file into 2 or 3 smaller ones.
Send me a message at 'n0v8oratcoxdotnet' (remove ' marks, and replace "at" and "dot" with the usual symbols), and I will reply with file attached.
My version is written in English, but I have several friends here who can help with translation of words into colloquial Russian.
If you prefer several smaller files, advise in your message.

edc1

Thanks for your feedback. I have not driven the Touring model but should be able to do so in the next week and will put it to the test.

n0v8or

tfrank:
I have accessed the diagnostics menu and, unfortunately, there is no override selection. It could be there, but hidden. If enough of us combined our efforts to try different button combinations, one of us might find it.

By the way, you can access the diagnostics screens (in ignition or accessory key position) by holding down either the Menu or Info button while you turn your headlights on and off 3 times (toggle between Off and ON, not Off and Auto). Exit the diagnostics by turning off the ignition. This method is identical to one of the methods that works for Sienna and Highlander owners.

I believe Denso buys the Nav from Fujitsu Ten. If you study the Nav units on their web site, features and screen images are identical to ours.

pat

Hi n0v8or - just a thought for you. It's safer to make your email address public in your profile (or include it in the bio section) than to put it on a public webpage, even in the form which you used. If it's in your profile, only registered logged-in members can see it.

As I say, just a thought - your technical assistance on this board is terrific.

bbraddock

The Michelin just didn't look good, and did not have an aggressive enough tread. The Coopers look much bteer and have a better more aggressive tread. MPG have not noticed any difference. My girlfriend went on a 250 mile trip last weekend, most 80mph on the highway, and 60 on the two lane. Got 29.9 mpg! At least thats what the "screen" said.

dclee12

I also don't get the rated MPG. I range from 20 to 24, depending on how i drive. But I used to use ARCO premium gas. Since I've switched to Cheveron supreme, I think I've been getting about 24 consistently. I'm not sure if it's that I'm more concious about the way I drive or if it's really the gas.

While we're on the subject, I am also using the sequencial shift more often. I like to think that I'm more fuel efficient than the automatic shift. Any thoughts on this?

n0v8or

It is certainly refreshing to find a Host/Moderator/Administrator who not only is an active Forum monitor/participant, but displays concern for the welfare of contributors. I have not seen this same level of professionalism on other automotive Forums to which I subscribe. Kudos to you.

Unfortunately, my technical prowess is over-rated. Several previous attempts to modify my profile to make my email address public have all failed. A quick sample of 100 contributors to this Forum reveals that all are private as well. So perhaps I am not the only techno-challenged subscriber here.

Mindful of email "harvesting" software, I use a "throw-away" address for this Forum. My ISP allows up to 7 different concurrent identities, all of which can be changed at will. The one I disclosed with rudimentary encryption is used only for members of this Forum to communicate with me privately. Should it become spammed to death, I'll simply delete/change it to something else.

regis

"I'm having trouble achieving hover before hyper transport. I've replaced the flux capacitor and the nero neutralizer, but all systems still seem to power down. Atleast my NAV works perfectly."

HUH????

motownusa

I think it was a prank post. :P

pat

I have heard a few reports of errors received when some try to change their profiles. Write to me off-line and tell me what's happening. I may end up referring you somewhere else, but fill me in on what you do and what happens in response - I'd really appreciate it.

And thanks muchly for the kind words.

johndjr

ub2,
Whut???????

nolava50

Well after starting to get an 05 for my wife (hence the log in name of 05 Avalon backwards), deciding to finally wait the extra month for the 06 to come out I ordered a Limited, Blizzard Pearl with Ivory interior in August. Today was the day after a two month wait that I could finally go pick it up. After three months reading this board I was ready to check all the problem areas I had read about...instead I arrived and the interior was gray :confuse: Two months on order and they got it wrong! They offered me free oil changes for one year to take this one...or a two month wait to start from scratch and order a new one (none in the system) I haven't decided yet...funny they didn't offer me anything for waiting the extra two months if I reject it. This really sucks. The car looks great, but I know my wife would always feel like she didn't get what she really wanted. In the mean time, I will continue to read this forum and enjoy some very informative posts! Still undecided on whether I will accept it or not

easyrider300m

tell em you'd like a free loaner and then you will give them a reorder. Can't hurt to ask.

regis

My Garmin c330 can shut off Safe Mode so that my wife (navigator) has full access to POI's while in motion. I don't want to be pulling off a busy freeway to search for the nearest gas station or accommodation.

acuralady

Get what your wife and you really want. You are going to have this care awhile and when you pay thousands of dollars, you want to love it. Negotiate to get free oil changes for waiting another two months.

osteoman2

I bought a blizzard Pearl 06 with the gray interior. I have just come out of an ivory type of interior in another car. It is growing on me every day. I don't know your wife but she may end up liking the gray as well. Its a great combo and interestingly not nearly as common as the Ivory with the Blizzard. Also the gray seats don't show the dirt as much over time. Good luck and enjoy your Ave with whichever you choose.

regis

"Also the gray seats don't show the dirt as much over time"

We found the same thing with the gray interior. Our previous Avalon was ivory and tended to show dirt more readily. I think gray with the dark wood trim looks great.

deanie

Hi All:
This past week, another build quality concern arose. The front passenger door rattles briefly after closing it with either the window up or down (audible from inside and outside the car). From inside the car when the door is closed, I can hear the rattle coming from a point several inches below the beltline - probably something broken or loose in the power window mechanism because that window opens with an abrupt "jerk" that is louder and more prominent than that of any other window in the car (the others seem fine).

When I go in for my 4000 mile oil/filter change I have that looked at along with the loose left front fog light, the front passenger door's 2mm misalignment with the passenger rear door, but I won't let them touch my dash and ruin it just to replace my faulty stereo cover door with the new version of that door cover. I'll live with it to prevent them from potentially creating a worse problem when reassembling the dash.

Regards,
Deanie

zekeman1

Don't go for anything other than what you wanted in the first place....each time you see a LTD Blizzard Pearl w/Ivory interior (and you got the one with gray), you'll always feel you got hosed. And you did!!! Free oil changes for a year??! (What's that, maybe 3 or 4 oil changes?) I would consider than an insult - does the salesman think you're taking stupid pills? (I think I would find myself another salesman and reorder - a salesman worth a darn is able to keep track of the ordered car's progress - mine did. Remember, you're the payingcustomer, entitled to get what you originally wanted!
zekeman1

limiteddriver

I had the radio door replaced last week and the job was done perfectly with no damage to anything. I'm glad the TSB was mentioned here. There is only one piece to change and a screwdriver is the only tool used.

nolava50

After looking back on the web page, what was in the car today was not even the "light gray", the wife would have accepted that. It was actually the "graphite". The salesman erroneously called it gray once we pointed out it was the wrong color. As for the oil change, I was laughing...yea, that would sway me, maybe they could throw in a dealer license plate frame as well
I actually don't think it will take them another three months...I gotta hope they can find one in the system before that. Just part of their pressure to get me to take this one. And it is tempting, since the wife can't wait to get behind the wheel (and of course I will have to "test" drive it a "few" times). If I have to re-order I will opt for the laser cruise this time, it was the only option I think I didn't get. Last time I was hessitant, I was worried about the lense in the grill getting damaged but since then reading this forum I have to say they comments in support of it seem to out weight the few who have had complaints. Thanks for the advise.

larrymit

I wouldn't buy a car without VSC. Consumer Reports says this feature can save more lives (by avoiding accidents) than air bags do (after accidents).

mrtouring

do you have the tsb date and number available for this problem. so i can bring across the service dept. if not how where you notified about this problem

jayvis

Responsible, attentive drivers will avoid more accidents and save more lives than VSC or air bags ever will.

jimk8

After 4300 miles, I already have 2 deeply pitted paint chips. My other cars drive the same roads and don't have this problem. Anyone else have these problems?

Both fog light are loose, but everything else is fine. I'm very concerned about the paint.

tstrick320

Aye, Captain! Ye must let me re-align the field coils or she can't take any more!

ub2

Thanks for having a sence of humor...make it so.

dmorcos

There is a TSB out, I will be willing to email you the actual .pdf file if you would like to print. Just send me your email address. You should be abel to get my email address from my profile.

TSB date is Aug, 30,2005
TSB# BO0-11-05

mack1614

Good morning,

As yourself, I have been reading this forum looking for a nav fix for a while now. My work requires a great deal of travel as well, and I would just like to have the option of programming the device while driving...it's not like it would be a constant thing for me. As you said in your post, since we purchased the product we should have all access to all options of the system if needed. I have been working with my dealer as well looking for answers but have yet to come to a conclusion. I read the recent post regarding the diagnostics screen, but I have yet to go out to the car to play with it and see if I can yeild any results. Have you had any luck? If you can think of any ways of beating the system or questions to ask please keep in touch and we'll see if we can get an answer on this.

Take care,
-Clay

limiteddriver

I saw a mention of the TSB on this forum. I had had trouble with the door not opening sometimes. I told the dealer's service writer that I wanted the door replaced because it was giving me trouble and I mentioned that there was a TSB. He looked up the TSB on the computer and printed me a copy and ordered the part. The TSB says it covers 2005 cars made before a certain VIN and that the work is done if the customer has reported problems with the door. The repair order says "R&R center instrument cluster finish plate assembly". The part # is 55405-07010 and the TSB # is B0011-05.

endovit

The really dark gray comes only on the Touring model. I wanted it with the Limited and went all the way to Toyota but they wouldn't budge.

endovit

Interesting that you brought up the two different modes for cruise control. I'll have to try the normal mode and see what a couple of bumps on the lever do. Thanks.

tkaz

My wife has a 2005 Sienna XLE LTD AWD. She loves it. She uses the Nav system when going to new places and it does a great job for her. She says even if she could re program while driving she would not as it takes her concentration off of driving. But when both of us are in the car it would be nice for the passenger to have the option of programming the Nav system while driving.

My Avalon Ltd is supposed to arrive first week of November. Will have to see how the Nav systems compare. Had to reorder the car as the first one didn't come with laser cruise control as had been requested. After using the laser cruise control in the Sienna I am sold on it.

Thanks for all the feedback on this reflector.

captain2

jayvis agreed: car safety features - in order of value:
1) attentive, good, defensive drivers
2) brakes - obvious
3) handling (see below)
4) power - sometimes just as valuable to have the power to get out of the way
5) vehicle weight - can argue with the laws of physics
6) restraint systems/air bags etc. - no help in the avoidance dept
and finally, maybe -
7) stability control systems - which may stop you from doing something IT doesn't think you can do. Problem with VSC is that vehicle limits are usually set artificially low - IT can actually prevent you from doing the ''violent' manuever you may need to do. IT will stop the incompetent driver from getting in over his head, however.
As I said in an earlier post, consumer magazines love 'electronic nannies' -real drivers look at systems like this with some disdain especially if it can not be disabled or adjusted - which I believe to be the case with the Avs so equipped.But, larrymit - VSC well down the list of 'important' safety features!

mrtouring

heres my email address mpirent@hotmail.com

gypsy13

Mileage report: I drove from NW Wyoming through Yellowstone and Teton parks (slow, hilly) to and around Jackson...then from there to Evanston, Wyoming. got 30.5 mpg. From there at about 65 mpg to Yuma, Arizona...800 miles....and got a precisely measured 35.2. Around town in Yuma it's running 19.4 to 20.4.

mrtouring

just wanted to see if other people are having the same issue. the issue is with the door for the compartment where your cellphone goes. my doesnt close unless i press the button and hold down to click it in. i have mentioned it to the service dept but they state that they cant do nothing for that. sounds similar to the center instrument cluster finish plate assembly. one last thing how are TSB reported and issued.

lgigante

I have seen a comment or two about roads missing from the navigator and since I mostly use mine when I travel, I didn't notice that some of the minor roads were not shown on my screen. What surprised me was that the computer "knew" what road I was on because it had a title but the road wasn't drawn on the screen. I played around until I found that zooming in with the "+" button made the roads pop into view.
I hope this helps some of you with the same problem.
I love my 05 Ltd. No real problems that I can't live with. I get a real kick of seeing people who need to move the car, puzzle about the lack of a key. (It did bother me a bit when the Toyota Service Manager couldn't start it at first though.)
Larry

05avforum

Has anyone received the Sirius radio option on the 06 Avalon. I've heard that they replaced the external antenna with one that goes on the inside of the windshield. Can anyone verify this?

ub2

This was on the net as a hybrid

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nolava50

Clay,
This topic is a hot issue not only on this site but most other auto forums which have Denso Nav systems which also will not allow an input while driving.
While browsing through a Cadillac forum I ran across an input from a guy who works for a company which services these units. His post is cryptic in that he will not say directly how to get around this problem, but he post many hints. He seems to say there is no way to do it on the diagnostics screen, or on the map disks, but he does talk about a master disc (he gives the P/N for GM vehicles) which does not contain map data but instead .bin files. Here is the link:
http://cadillacforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13242&page=6&pp=20
It is in post #115 and #118 from a poster called "FIDGAF"
Maybe someone here with the proper knowledge will be able to gleen something from his post to set them on the right path to unlocking our Nav systems as well since I believe we also have a Denso system? Just an idea...maybe some of our tech savy folks can read it and comment?
Ed

nolava50

I went back to the dealer today and told them I would not take the car...they were very apologetic and did some calling. They said they got some good deal from Toyota and that they would have the car for me as requested in about two weeks. They are even going to put the laser cruise on it for me since I decided I wanted it as well. Much better than the free oil changes first offered. They were actually surprised that I wasn't that upset about it, hey it happens all the time, just hated seeing the wife so disappointed. She should be happy in a few weeks.

islandavy

With less that 5K miles, I have chips in the front and back bumpers and several big chips on the chrome-looking front grill. None that I could find yet in the paint and I wash the car twice a week. Sure wish they painted with a longer lasting top coat. Checked the service dept. for touch-up paint and they don't have my color, Silver Pine Mica.
Island Avy

ednovak

My wife has a 2005 Sienna XLE LTD AWD. She loves it. She uses the Nav system when going to new places and it does a great job for her. She says even if she could re program while driving she would not as it takes her concentration off of driving. But when both of us are in the car it would be nice for the passenger to have the option of programming the Nav system while driving.

I can't help with the Avalon, but on the 05 Sienna (I have one) and the various Lexus models there is a "secret" sequence that unlocks the system and allows entering destination information etc. while in motion. It has to be entered each time you start the van but stays active until you turn off the ignition. Unfortunately, it only works with the touch screen models. If you wish, drop me a direct line and I'll forward the information to you. I'm ednovak@hotmail.com
Ed

motownusa

Hi Regis:

I was just finding out a new way to post picture. So I decided to try your Avalon Picture. It seems Imagestation.com works pretty good. They don't restrict posting images hosted on their sites. You do have to register at their site which is actually pretty straight forward.

Best Regards