2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

rbarbot

Still trying to isolate this problem. Out of curiosity, do you leave your key in the ignition when the car is parked? We leave the key in the ignition all the time when the car is in the garage, and most of the time this cranking problem is in the garage at home when the key has been sitting there. Just speculation, but I wonder if the key is disabling the ignition somehow. I have contacted Toyota an initiated their dispute program. Car goes back to the dealer next week... again. I'm not willing to sit on this problem any longer, I want a remedy ASAP.

rbarbot

FOr clarification, the car will crank indefinitely, but not start. While cranking, it won't even attempt to fire. It sounds like older cars do when you disconnect the distributor wire. When you turn the key to OFF and try again, it starts fine.

ski1003

I do leave my key in the ignition when the car is parked. It's either in my garage or in the driveway. It usually happens in at home but I have also experienced this condition at other locations. I was saying it hadn't happen for about a month but yesterday, it happened twice, again in the driveway. Let me know how you make out with the dealer. I haven't had any luck with my dealer.

gws

Maybe your anti-theft program telling you it's bad practice to leave the key in an unattended vehicle...?

rbarbot

I know that sounds funny, but it has crossed my mind that there is some reasoning behind the car's disabling the engine. It'd be great if this wasn't just some intermittent error. There's got to be some reason why it fails to start much more frequently at home than at other locations. The only factors I can determine are: Length of time parked is greater, doors stay unlocked, and key usually remains in the ignition.

netwon

Your car does have relays that are energized when the key is present in the ignition. When you insert the key if you listen carefully you can here a "click" just as the key enters the cylinder.

Netwon

307

Thank You!! Thank You!! Thank You!! I can't thank you enough for posting these instructions on how to eradicate that horrible tapping, clicking, rattling noise coming from the left side, rear of my 2005 Avalon since the first day I drove my brand new car off the lot. I absolutely love everything about my Avalon but that noise was driving me to drink!! Before I searched this forum to see if anyone had an idea about this problem I was seriously thinking that trading in my car was the only way to get rid of the noise. My dealer didn't have a clue and even suggested it was my jumper cables (yeah, right, a constant rattle for over 12,000 miles, I don't think so!) It took me a while to understand the instructions (I am a visual learner) but once I did and pressed on the body panel by the window, I heard that familiar noise and I wanted to cry!!!! I didn't have a two by four so I used two hammers and just pressed the wooden end of one into the depression by the truck lid and hit the top with the other hammer. AMAZING!!! Yesterday I spent over 5 hours as a passenger in my car while my son was driving to a college visit and NO NOISE!!! It was fabulous! Normally a trip like that would have made me want to scream (I noticed the noise more when I was in the front passenger seat) but yesterday it was quiet and calm in my car. Finally!!! Once again, thank you so much for all your hard work in finding this problem and providing a fix for it. Toyota owes you a debt of gratitude for resolving this headache for all Toyota owners!!! I am now free to love my car again and I would recommend this vehicle to anyone (along with a copy of your instructions that is). THANKS!!

jlsexton

I must have missed your problem I have an 06 limited and so far no rattles. Does anyone have any luck with the Traffic button. I assume it's for reports but nothing EVER comes up on it, perhaps it's only for city folk. I tried to use the Homelink for my garage doors. Someone please tell Toyota that ALL garage door openers are rolling code type and have been for many years, so *TWO* people are needed to use this feature.

limiteddriver

I found that the instructions for my Buick were better than Toyota's.

jlsexton

They make a great car but the arrogance is beginning to show as I've told them several times. If they keep going around beating their chests shouting "We're Number One" they will got the way of Ford, Chrysler and GM and Hyundi or Kia will take over. As I've written before I have a $500 option that is USELESS and no one in Toyota cares. Does anyone have an address, either email or regular for the corporate in Japan. I assume they have integrity.

allavalons

"Someone please tell Toyota that ALL garage door openers are rolling code type and have been for many years, so *TWO* people are needed to use this feature."

That is not true. I have 2 garage door openers both of the rolling type and I program my home link on my last 4 cars by myself. Once you have set the Door opener to receive a new transmitter you have 30 to 45 seconds to go back to your car and hit your Homelink button that you programmed to open the door (mine has a small red LED that blinks while it is in re-set mode). Sometimes you need to hit the transmit button (on the HomeLink) a second time so the receiver (Door Opener) gets the code correct but that's even explained in the Door Opener instruction manual.

Mine Door opener will allow up to 7 different transmitters so I have all 4 cars (all have Homelink) set to open the doors. Not difficult at all.

jlsexton

I tried your procedure several times to no avail. All I got was the doors opening and closing and the present transmitters not functioning. These openers are made by Chamberlain and are not new, perhaps that makes a difference. I kind of felt stupid jumping off the stepladder and running out to the car trying to push the Homelink button within the 30 second limit. Where exactly did you position your vehicles while performing the acrobatics. It might also have to do with the height of both the programmer and the unit and age is also a factor. If you can just reach up and hit it I presume it is much easier. Mine are up high enough to need a stepladder and I would rather use a second person than keep jumping off and perhaps sprain or break something. Thank you for your input, at least I know it will work for someone. It was not a priority but I will get around to it.

alan_s

Welcome! Glad it worked for you. I understand that some new Camrys have the noise in the same place. You'd think Toyota would have fixed this by now.

alan_s

The HomeLink transmitters are manufactured by Johnson Controls. I've found that some garage door receivers can be harder to program than others, and some require a variation in the programming procedures documented in the vehicle's owner's manual.
Go to http://www.homelink.com/training/train.taf for more information on programming your specific garage door system.

jlsexton

Again, thank you.

jlsexton

I noted that at that link they suggested using a second person and a ladder to simplify the process, so I was not exactly wrong but cautious. Again thank you, I will use their instructions to first TRAIN the units.

332rick

Well here is my 2 cents on this topic.

After driving my wife's 2006 Camry for a week, I notice it drove smoother than mine(like driving on glass). Back to my 05 Avalon I was shocked on how bad the steering wheel vibrated, clicked & knock.
It was just bugging the hell out of me.

Had my wife take the car to have it checked? The dealer told her not to use the car with the telescopic adjustment out all the way? :surprise: :mad:

I was so mad when I got home and it was not even looked at. Given this stupid excuse. I took the car right back the day and told the service guy that reason is not execptible, next thing your going to tell me is not to roll my window down midway? Give me a break!

I then invited him towards the show room and asked for him to test drive an new car of the lot so we can confirm there is a problem. He refused and asked me to leave the car with him for few hours.

Later that day I got a call stating they found the problem! The steering column will have to be replaced but they had to order the parts. Later that week they finished the job.
The car was return back to me good as new.

But! :surprise:

Now 2.5 months later I have the same problem again, this time a bit worst than last. Now I even feel it when I break and hit the gas & turn of course.

I am getting a bit mad. Hell I am will to trade it in for two Camry's.

Anyone have a clue or info on how they fixed theirs?

Thanks
Rick

havalongavalon

Rick, it's troubling to hear that this problem returned after repaired. In my Avalon the entire column was replaced, as in the TSB discussed earlier in this forum. It has performed perfectly since, no noises, knocks or any other issue.

I suggest you have your Avalon checked right away. The cause could be the same as before, or it could be something else. Even if you decide to trade it in, it should sell better if fixed!

Good luck,

havalongavalon

endovit

You need to take a look at the instruction manual for your garage door openers. Some don't like Homelink. If you don't have a manual, look it up on the internet. Most manufacturers provide an on-line instruction manual. Both of my doors reacted just as the Toyota manual indicated.

jlsexton

Went to the Johnson Control link, followed THEIR directions, functions perfectly now, thanks.

guest

Toyota replaced my 05 Ltd exhaust pipe & catalitic converter due to the rotten egg smell issue (TSB) and now the engine is very loud when idleing (could hardly hear it run before work was done). I'm ready to take it back to Toyota but thought I'd ask if anyone else has experienced this increase in noise after TSB was accomplished. I did check the exhaust flange attachment bolts and they are tight. Cannot smell any exhaust fumes due to leakage.

NWBLIZZARD

ange

Topgear; I am surprised you indicate the navigation is still ok. My 2005 unit has never worked right one time. The directions chips is not doing it. The typing in names is a joke. The antipication of the computer will not not allow you to complete the addresses.

Th voice activation part also need work. With an empty car, requesting, "take me home", has worked the first time , about 5 times. The stuff that responds is also a joke. Sometimes I get "the Navigation is not on".

I typed in N.Green Street and When I got there there was only east and west Green Street.

I am surprised Toyota does not have a recall as I have not heard a single person say they are satisified with the $1900 toy. My dealer's owner , I am told is complaining.

Denso sure gave big daddy,Toyota a bummer. I am an engineer I have to tell it like it is. I cannot suger coat the navigation unit and say it is a good investment.
You definitly need a map with this unit.

The other day I changed the map size one unit, and it went to the end and I could see a part of northeas US.

I think most of us have accepted this for many reasons. I told my dealer I wanted a unit that works or refund my money. He is still working on this. Not enough people complain enough and give up. I guess yhere not too many navigation unit in avalons to make a big enough noise.

ange

jlsexton

You are correct, Denso has burnt Toyota big time and on several of their inferior products. I have complained to many, wrote emails, letters, and called. Toyota simply does not care, their arrogance will kill them eventually as it did their American counterparts. Sorry you paid good money for their crap as did I and many.

guest

Totally agree--the Nav System is a JOKE--Toyota will do nothing. The Lexus Nav Sys is superb--but--Lexus' are made in Japan----mmmmmmmmmmm--remember when made in Japan meant junk! I too have complained---nothing to show for it!! I test drove G35/Lexus and TL--all GREAT Nav Sys---I figured ---my bad--that the Avalon's Nav would be the same as Lexus since there Toyota products. i've told people to make sure when they test drive a car--test EVERYTHING!!
Bob

jlsexton

You are correct, I had heard that the Nav was terrible prior to my purchase, I will probably buy a Nuvi 660, recommended by consumer Reports and only about $700. I was not burnt as badly as you but $500 is still a lot for junk. And yes, one would assume that Toyota and Lexus being the same company would use the same products. I wonder who manufactures the one for Lexus. I bought the Avalon Limited for the size and room, the TL was nice but small and the RL was too expensive for a vehicle only slightly larger. The only Lexus dealer is in NJ about a 45 minute ride and not covered under our Lemon Law. Once again, if anyone has an address for corporate in Japan we could all use it to complain. No one in the car store said a word about any of this junk and I will remember that, "Let The Buyer Beware".

netwon

I am not sure why people assume that Toyota/Lexus would be the same. They don't use the same leather, trim, or wood grain interior. Why would they share Navigation & if the Toyota was the same as a more expensive car why would anyone bother to purchase a Lexus.

My .02
Netwon

niteone

The Nav isn't that bad...now that someone has found the override to let you do stuff while driving.

I've used it many times and it's always giving me the right directions..once on a trip to Philly (I'm in South Carolina), once on a trip to North Carolina, but I've used it on many short trips also.

it isn't worth $1900, with that override, at least my passanger can enter stuff while I drive. That always made me mad. I also have an aftermarket pioneer nav (avic-z1) in my Exployer, and it's 100 times better than the nav in my 2006 Avalon, and it was $300 cheaper.

morris3

can you enlighten me on the override procedure?

niteone

yep, right here..

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.f0e9895/100!make=Toyota&model=Avalon&ed_m- akeindex=.f0e9895

jlsexton

I've been buying cars for 50 years, I started at 14, primarily American cars, for the record THEY turned me to foreign.That is where MOST people get the idea that manufacturers use the same parts and accessories. Buick, Oldsmobile , Pontiac, Chevrolet all used the same radios and mechanical components, so why not the foreign manufacturers, seems logical to me. Styling and such and interiors are another matter, they are usually individual.

niteone

able to download it and copy to cd.

worth doing.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t160469.html

morris3

Thanks, will try on my 05

pat

This discussion has been reopened in accordance with this post: Sylvia, "Forums Software! Your Questions Answered..." #3319, 12 Nov 2006 2:43 pm.

ronharv

First, I really like the car for all the positive reasons that have been previously stated. However, I seem to take it to the dealer on a regular basis for various defects. Here are some so far:
1. CD player would not play or disgorge CD's. Had to be replaced.
2. Seals on small rear driver-side window were replaced.
3. Windshield washer outlets (first the left and two weeks later the right) ceased working and were replaced. (Took four separate trips to the dealer.)
4. A metal oil line was leaking and had to be replaced.
5. A ventilator knob wouldn't work and was replaced.
6. The panel door that covers the radio wouldn't open. New latch was ordered.
7. And the latest: Only when the car is fully warmed up, there are light (but inconsistent)audible thunks when I turn right while moving at, say, from 5 to 15 mph or driving slowly over road bumps. I also feel the thunks in the steering wheel. The dealership, which did not drive the car warmed up (naturally)felt and heard nothing. They checked the ball joints for safety purposes, however. Meanwhile, it's getting worse (even my wife, who could hit a moose without noticing, complained to me), so I suppose I'll wait until it's consistently awful and insist that a mechanic accompany me on a drive. (If anyone has a good idea what this could be, do speak up.)
8. Nothing yet, but I'm sure that something for the future is in the works.
Ron H.

tkevinc1

Ron,
#7 is all too familiar for me. I have had this checked three times with the dealer and no resolution yet. I was told it was the traction control initially which my car does not have and they changed the steering column under a tech serv bulletin. Still the same. Joints, etc have been checked. I think it might be something to do with the shafts coupling to the transmission but they have not been able to find anything wrong.

jlsexton

I have read Consumers Reports for 25 years and they have ALWAYS stressed to NEVER purchase a cars first run, that is the first year. I realize this is not much comfort now but for the future. I would have preferred a CVT tranny as this one does have a mind of its own but the 2006, so far, has been a 8 3/4 out of a 10. I will wait to see if I get any of your problems as I only have 1700 miles on it. As far as the steering wheel, again, some were not welded properly.

limiteddriver

I guess I've been lucky. I've had five first year cars and they have been trouble free. The one lemon I had was in the third year of the model. Remember CR once said a reason you shouldn't but a Miata was because you couldn't get a wheel chair in the trunk.

jlsexton

No, they are not perfect, but as in the gospel, where else would we go. There thought is to wait until the kinks are out, not a bad idea. It's a shame we can't do the same with our politicians.

ederzawiec

I appreciate the Post!

I was able to download and burn it to a cd, no problem.

Many links do not work. Anyone have an Idea how to repair the repair manual?

pat

Link: mcescher1, "Toyota Avalon (2005+) - Transmission Questions" #293, 20 Nov 2006 7:20 pm

ronharv

Re #7 (thunks when turning steering wheel to right while driving slowly). I took a mechanic for a circular drive around the dealer's lot, and he had no trouble hearing the problem. And he had no trouble replicating the problem when he drove the car. So the car is now at the dealer's (close by, luckily, and with a customer-oriented culture) waiting for a new steering column. The car should be ready tomorrow or Thursday. We'll see what happens . . . and/or what's next to fail.

goatee

The purchase of my 06 Avalon xls was the direct result of being able to freely navigate the Toyota website. Now it seems that Toyota has made using Adobe Flash as the only way to enter their website. Forget about it, I have yet to get past the Adobe folks. The message I get is that the flash player has loaded but i can in no way can I get into the Toyota web site. I am sure that many others are having this same problem. My computer is new with the best stuff so I know its not outdated or anything. No funky firewalls or other things. Would it be so bad if the web site could also be entered by those not able or willing to use Adobe Flash Player. Lets hear it Toyota execs...

doobre

Here's why I don't recommend the new Avalon.

The below list was compiled over the last 16 months of ownership, sent to the local dealer in Dubai and they have found nothing wrong, or nothing can be done because they can not simulate the problems.
I did demonstrate #4 for them, reply "It's normal".....
.

- When traveling at 60kmph and the accelerator is pressed lightly, there is a strong shudder in the whole car, as if running over bumper strips.
- (this has only happened twice) When traveling at less than 15kmph around a U-turn, and the accelerator is pressed lightly, there is no increase in revs from the engine, then a huge thud which is felt throughout the whole vehicle, bouncing my foot off of the accelerator pedal
- There is significant throttle lag/reaction to pressing of the accelerater
- When traveling in stop-start traffic (at less than 20kmph) and the accelerator is pressed lightly, the transmission is often unable to do a smooth job of pulling away, either revving or jolting the car.
- The clamp handle on the telescopic adjustment of the steering column came loose, leaving the steering wheel free to move in and out while driving the car.
- With the cruise control set at approx 130kmph the speed setting was cancelled when the window washers\ wipers were activated. The ABS and Cruise lights were seen to be flashing
- Only one of the two tones can be heard and at the same time a vibration is felt in the steering wheel
- Indicators do not self-cancel after cornering at a majority of junctions
- Power of the high beam lights is pitiful (no adjustment is possible)
- Considerable visual distortion thru the rear window
- Intermittent short popping noises coming from the passenger side of the dashboard

The lesser annoyances:

- Very poor lateral support from seats
- Strong vibration can be felt thru the steering wheel at around 2400rpm
- Boot compartment roof has rough/jagged metal edges causing cuts to hands and luggage
- Insufficient padding on the door armrests
- Wipers do not clean the windscreen completely/properly at normal road speeds
- Too much tyre noise
- Immediately after driving out of the service centre the front passenger door window opener would not operate. Either from the drivers panel or the passengers door panel. The light inside the switch on the passenger’s door panel was seen to be flashing. Problem disappeared when the car was started.
- At around 9500kms the door armrest on the driver’s side started to blister. The top coloured layer of the vinyl blistered away, firstly as a small dot then it started to spread out over the armrest at the point where my elbow rests. Replaced under warranty.. hooray!!

bdyment

One of life's most frustrating and annoying occurrences is a new car with a ton of problems, especially a make that is supposed to be so reliable and well crafted. Your post reminds me of our 2003 V6 Honda Accord. Great Honda reputation, absolutely terrible car. I took a loss and traded it. Life is too short to be dealing with an annoyance of this magnitude.

jlsexton

So sorry for all your problems, another reason NEVER to purchase a vehicle in the first production year as no company is perfect. Yes I know, many of you have and they were great, actually you were lucky as the Consumer reports stats go against it. I do believe that arrogance is setting in at Toyota as it does with all car companies but it will eventually hurt them.

tkevinc1

Ronharv,

Was there any resolution to this problem? Please let is know if they were able to figure out the issue.

avalonmike

My wife just recently took her car in for the steering column noise, a thunking noise in the rear, and transmission hesitation in rush hour traffic. The service manager knew about the issues. He mentioned there is a TSB with a new steering column part that is backordered, they replaced the rear strut support assemblies, and documented the transmission issue so we would get a fix if ever they have one. He did mention that the new Camry has the same transmission issue and they had a big meeting this week to discuss it at Toyota. Did not hear if they resolved anything.

Overall, with over 19K miles on it we still love the car. I'm sure we can get the steering column fixed and hope they figure out the transmission so I don't mind driving it during rush hour!

Michael

9119911

I have the same problem (hesitation)with my transmission. I took it in for 5 repairs and none were done, as a matter of fact the 4th trip they would not even make reply to the problem on the service order.The 5th trip was directed by an attorney. The problem still exists and is in litigation. If you have a problem call Toyota (see ownere manual) If It's like mine it's dangerous and I reported it NHSTA, I suggest you or anyone having the problem to do so.

I know this problem is old and nothing is being done but lip service. To the those of you that haven't complained formally, do so and eventually Toyota will respond.

Other than that one problem the car is great and I came from Cadillac.

Thanks
Cj

bobwiley

Cj: Can't be too many of us complaining very loudly. I also reported the hesitation problem to Toyota and NHSTA---over 6 months ago. Christmas is almost here, so maybe I'll here as a gift. I just use the "manual" mode whenever I know the quirk tranny will raise its ugly head. My problem happens slowing down at yield signs and then trying to speed up. I just put downshift into 1 and once going--NEVER a hesitation I shift over to Drive---works EVERY TIME!! What a shame tho--having to manually shift the automatic in a $40K car. Good luck!
Bob

rpfingsten

Hello Bob.. a quick question for you... I have an 07 Avalon and although I've only had it 3 months, I've not yet experienced the transmission woes i've read on these boards. I have however been tempted to pull that sucker out of "D" and throw it down in 1st gear and play with the suquential shift tranny... but I have to admit I'm afraid of doing harm to the transmission as I'm not exactly sure when I should be shifting. I've driven a stick before and I could always tell by sound - hardly ever used a tach. so what are the shift points when you shift it manually on the avalon? Do you go by sound, or will it automatically "upshift" if you get to high on the rev cycle? I just don't want to do any damage to the transmission. also, maybe not the forum for this, but I had planned to switch over to synthetic at 5,000 miles. but the service writer told me to wait til 15K, stating that I might damage the seals by switching over too early... I don't understand that since many high end performance vehicles, like the corvette and several others are factory filled with Synthetic ( Mobil 1 to be exact ) any thoughts on this? Thanks for your help

Roland