2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

pcc49

Toyota dealers usually carry this battery. It is a lot cheaper buy at the dealer than to paid $100 for the dealer to fix the problem. They do everything by the "book"....something about having to do a diagnostic check of the transmit and receive mechanism and there goes an hour at $88 +! The internet has it but takes a bit longer.

retired7

I just got my 05 Ltd back from the dealer- they changed out the Controller Assy on my Nav system and the difference is night and day. The "enter" button works every time now and no more cursor jumping around and much less sensitive to finger location on enter button. Anyone who has an oversensitive "enter" button and jumpy "cursor" may want to consider this fix. The dealer gave changed it out with little to no resistance. Thanks again for the great info...

NW BLIZZARD

oldnall

I was in my dealer yesterday getting my Sienna serviced when I mentioned
to my salesman that when accelerating from a stop or going around a corner with my 2006 Avalon XLS the motor rpms went up but the car didn't speed up as you would expect. It was almost like the tranny was slipping a bit.
He said that he knew what was wrong and
he took me to the serviceman that who said there was a TSB out for it. Apparently
there is some valve in the trans that doesn't work properly. They have to take the trans out and take it apart to get at this valve. I am not overly impressed that
all this has to happen, but at least it is covered under warranty.
If anyone else has this symptom, they should contact there dealer right away.
I say this because I didn't realize that this was a problem, more like something
that the is suppose to do. (ie: the motor revs up when you accelerate from a stop)
but it did not seem smooth like you would expect from an Avalon. :sick:

ange

I have the same camera set up on my 2005 Avalon for 2 years. I installed it myself and it was easy if you read the directions. Adusting the clarity and color was tricky.Shifting into reverse the picture shows up on the screen without cancelling out the annoying toyata message. Night vision is better than expected. No problems

jlsexton

I would appreciate it if you could provide the exact name of the company so I could look into purchasing one. My only concern was I remember someone stating because of the location of the camera (lisense plate) the lens got scratched or destroyed rendering it pretty much useless. I live in New York, they use a lot of salt on the highways, I'm sure this would affect it's performance.

9119911

The TSB you are talking about is EG029-07. I had an 06 and won an abitration to get my money back, You're right, no Avalon is expected to do that, but, if you research Transmission Hesitation, Avalon on Edmunds.com you'll probably see lot's of complaints and by the way try the same on Toyota Camry & Lexus while you're at it. Don't take me for a Toyota basher, I have a 1994 Toyota truck bought new and have had little trouble with it. I bought a Lexus 05, RX 330 with 17,000 miles after the Avalon, thinking; with a few miles on it, I would know right away if it had the same transmission problem ....mistake...guess what, transmission has same problem as the 06 Avalon. I took it in last week for the TSB and so far the result's has been fair but not up to Toyota's past performance. It is a widespread problem and Toyota won't recall, but, will do TSB at your request. I had a 01 RX 300 prior to the 05 and it ran like a dream with no problem's....rode much better and was much quieter than the 05. I think Toyota is going south and time for us all to go baaaaack ie. try the Buick Enclave and compare to the RX Lexus...no comparison in smoothness, quietness and performance....no transmission hesitation there. Remember the old saying....what comes round goes round, I think we've about run full circle.

Additionaly, you may want to check on the TSB's for your Toyota. Go to alldatadiy.com and check it out.

Cheers,
Cj

jlsexton

I believe sales brought arrogance as with the American vehicles. I was told Toyotas sell themselves, well not for long if long time customers leave. Nothing is perfect, admit it, fix it and move on, their customers would respect that. Mitsubishi pulled some crap on their Japanese customers and they simply boycotted them, heads rolled and customers returned. I could understand the 05's but the fix should have been in the 06's. Good luck to all, hope you have a good carstore.

oldnall

Yes, I have an excellent dealer in Nanaimo. B.C. Canada
They knew the problem right away and are covering all expenses under warranty including a loaner car for the day with no complaints. :sick:
I am also very unhappy that this problem was not addressed in the
2006's. They should know better and I told them that.(for what it was worth)

:mad:

ange

The name is BOYO at vision tech america,inc. phone 877-289-7664. My unit is vtl-100 abs $149.99. It has 0.3 lux 130 angle of view. It fits at the top of the license plate. Fits in the same holes.

I bought the oem navigation dual video input interface module with wiring harness from g-net canada, web site www.gnetcanada.com. cost $365.00. I bougt the remote control for $30.00 and that was a mistake. The remote is attached to the base of the dash and actually is not a remote, it is attached.

Installed in about 3 hours and worked without any problems since 7-06. Reading the directions several times helps. angelo

jlsexton

THANK YOU, AS STATED I LIVE IN UPSTATE NEW YORK, LOTS OF SALT ON THE ROADS. I WAS TOLD THE LICENSE PLATE MOUNTED CAMERAS LENS'S GET SCRATCHED VERY QUICKLY, HAVE YOU SEEN ANY DETERIORATION IN PICTURE QUALITY ?

mackabee

jl, it's not proper netiquette to post in all capitals. To the reader it means you are shouting.
Mack

jlsexton

I WAS, I'M HARD OF HEARING. Mack, with the state of everything in this once great country, REALLY...............

Also I noticed that according to Consumer Reports the Altima, Accord and even the previously lowly KIA were ALL rated over the Camry. The fall from grace is deafening. To whom much is given, much is expected..................

mackabee

Which Consumer reports is this? Last I read they recommended the 4 cylinder model but not the V6. And this is for the 07 model year which had the tranny problems which by the way have been corrected. I guess Toyota must have dropped their donations to the magazine and they got a little miffed.

jlsexton

Now, now, not nice. I'm looking at March 2008, sedans $20,000 to $25,000,1) Altima, 2) Accord, 3) Kia Optima & then 4) Camry, all 4 cyl.

Next, sedans, $25,000 to $30,000,1) Altima,2) Accord,3) Camry (not recommended), all 6 cyl.

Listen Mack, I had a great Camry (1999), my Avalon so far is much better, but I waited. And Consumers is REAL picky but people read them and will go elsewhere. Too many other choices.

mackabee

So far it has not hurt Camry sales. We ended up with the number 1 selling car for 2007 and 2008 doesn't look bad either. Now my question is how many customers did they poll in regards to the V6 Camry? I used to have faith in CR but not anymore.
Mack

9119911

Where do I get a copy of, "Proper Netiquette"? My wife uses upper cse, in everything she types.

Another comment, I also have lost confidence in Consumer Reports. I know for fact Toyota, Avalon and Lexus had transmission problem's in 05 -07 and CR rated the transmission better than average or better....that's bunk.

Cj

pat

If you google netiquette and/or proper netiquette you'll find a boatload of good stuff.

Meanwhile, howzabout we all get back on topic here? :shades:

oldnall

I received a call from my friend at the dealership and he has told me that I do NOT need the tranny pulled to fix the problem with the weird sensation when accelerating from a stop. (sometimes it feels like the tranny is slipping. He said that was the fix with the earlier models but all I need is to have the computer re-programed under a different TSB and it will be fine. Any opinions?
I have a 2006 Avalon XLS :sick:

pcc49

Your friend is correct. The fix (TSB EG029-07) for the 2007 model involves recalibrating(reprogramming) the ECM unit. I have the TSB installed in my 2006 Limited and the difference in night and day. Hurry up and get that fixed.

ange

There has not been any change in the camera quality. The lens is recessed and about 3/8 in. in diameter, adjustable up or down, covered with glass lens. Today I polished the chrome over plastic license frame that holds the camera to remove the salt attack. ange

ange

I doubt changing gasoline source will reduce the rotten egg smell as all gasolines have a maximum limit on sulfur content. As of 8-07 all US refineries were required to lower sulfur content of their gasolines. This reduces exhaust system corrosion. You may have a leak in the exhaust system or the catalytic converter is fouled. ange

jlsexton

Thanks, perhaps the other lenses were plastic..............

rpfingsten

Havent been checking in on a daily basis like I used to so forgive my not being sure what we're talking about here. Is the discussion over the transmission feeling like it's "searching" for a gear when you're at low speeds between 1st and 2nd.? Almost feels like it's slipping... and dosn't do it all the time, just some of the time. I have an 07XLS and I was wondering if the TSB you were referencing was in regard to the issue I just descrbed? Also, where is a reliable place on the net that keeps up with tsb's so I can keep up with them as well. I appreciate your help with this.. thanks again and have a good week.

Roland

pcc49

Based on your descriptions, youe car needs that TSB to be installed! I would have the dealer install(free) it asap! While at the dealer, you can always ask the service advisor to print out a list of TSBs for you model car!

felixc1976

Greetings!
I just bought 2006 (feb 2006 production date) Avalon Limited Cassis Pearl (Burgundy) with all options except for Dynamic Laser control. Found it on cars.com - dealer in NYC sold it to me for $24.8K out the door (plus taxes) that's it! It only has 16k mi and clean carfax. It was a bank repo - so I got lucky.
I've gotta tell you - it drives better than Lexus and Mercedes! I used to drive Fords for the last 15 years (Escort and Taurus), but I'm very excited about my Avalon.
Would you please answer some of my questions:

1) I want to put in a new battery. I'm afraid that after I disconnect it, I'll loose the navigation system and the radio. I read in the manual that there is a code that was attached to the smart-key at the time of sale, but I don't have. Will Toyota dealer be able to provide it to me easily by VIN #?

2) I attempted to clean the leather seats with a cleaning lotion/conditioner. Immidiatelly, I noticed that it clogs the holes in the perforated seats. How do you guys clean the seats?

3) The 2nd row windows are tinted (about 20%), but the first are not. The manual says that tinting will interfere with GPS - do you think I can tint the windshield and front seat windows 20%?

4) 2006 CD unit doesn't play MP3. I assume 2008 unit will fit right in and play MP3. How much do the dealers charge for them. Any other options that you can recommend?

Thanks

jlsexton

I will attempt to answer you first question. You can wire a 9V battery to a cigarette plug in and use your 12V port to sustain the voltage or you can purchase a ready made device performing the same end. As far as the GPS, I don't have one so I don't know but if you're referring to standard equipment it may. MP3, nah, whatever makes you happy.

mackabee

You can get an inexpensive good battery at Advance auto parts, they will even install it for you. They might be called something different in the south. Just google them and see if there's any close by you.
Mack

mackabee

Congratulations! You made a smart buy. I can answer a few of your questions and the others the members here can chime in.
In regards to putting a new battery in there and the car only has 16k miles I would leave the battery alone unless it is troublesome. Look at the battery itself as some have the smart eye which shows a clear "eye" if you will and if it is blue or red than the battery either needs water or charging. If you still want to do it give the VIN# to the service or parts department and they can get the code for you.

Clean the perforated leather with a soft cloth. Spray the liquid on the cloth not on the seats. That will prevent any clogs,.

Window tint, go by what your state law is. Unless it's a very dark tint it won't affect it.

The MP3 unit on the 08 won't work on the 06. Different wiring harnessess. Probably the best thing to do will be to find an aftermarket Bluetooth conncetion so that you may plug in your mp3 or i-pod in the car. Check some of the online stores like Crutchfield.com they are great at what they do. I've also seen kits that come with the i-pod connector, Bluetooth connector and one other one which I don't recall what it does. Matter of fact I saw it last night at my local exchange but the clerk had no clue of what the item did. Cost was about $99.00 for the whole package. Hope this helps;.
:shades:

felixc1976

Thanks for your answers. I will comply with local tint laws, but I'm worried about GPS reception even with slightly tinted windshield, as Toyota manual doesn't recommend it. Has anybody on this board tinted their windshield? I'm in the South, so defenetelly need it.
I applied leather conditioning gel on my Taurus and wife's Accord. I didn't find the conditioner in the liquid form at my local auto parts store. Do they come in liquid form for perforated leather?

The battery died on my 2 days after the purchase, I checked and it shows that I need a new one. Don't want to take it to Toyota dealer (expensive) - will see if my local shop around the corner can swap one while using the cigarette charger
Thanks

tjc78

Wow.. my 99 S10 with over 100K on the clock appears to have the original battery. All my Yotas have been fine after 3 years when I turned them in. I live in NJ so the winters aren't too severe but still 2 years anywhere seems short to me.

rpfingsten

Please allow me to put in my 2 cents worth on car batteries. I'm 53 years old and for the majority of my adult life I have only driven ford or gm products.. and never, in any vehicle I've ever owned has the oem battery lasted more than 2 years.. Junk I tell you. I've tried Interstate, Champion and so on, but the absolute best battery I've ever purchased has been the Sears Die Hard. Normally when my "new" car hits the 2 year mark I just run it by sears and have them throw in a new Die Hard. Alittle expensive yes, but at least now I don't find myself stranded in the parking lot at work at midnight. Having said that I can't comment on the oem batteries that are in Toyotas. My avy is about 1 1/2 years old now, and I have no idea what to expect from the battery as far as "life" goes.

Roland

rewop

I own an Avalon in Florida with navigation. Side windows and back window are tinted and there is no adverse impact on the navigation function. Most major brands sell a tint series that does not interfere with electronics like navigation, keyless entry, etc. The installed cost for my tint was $150.00.
Rewop

felixc1976

Guys - how do I re-program my nav screen to show temperature in Celsius instead of F? I read the manual and couldn't find how. It seems that I can change mi to km, but can't change F to C.

mackabee

That's correct.
:shades:

felixc1976

Will Toyota dealer be able to reprogram computer to show C?

jlsexton

I believe I would place you in the better safe than sorry catagory, my Camry's battery was changed at almost 6 years only because my daughter was taking the car and I merely wanted to be sure and I did buy the replacement from Toyota after pricing out the others and yes Sears is a good one.... I use a trickle charger from time to time as now I only do short drives.

mackabee

I'll check for you later today to see if it's even possible. I didn't see anything on the owner's manuals about it. What year is your Avalon? You may want to go to www.toyotaiguide.com they have the 05-07 manuals and tutorials for your particular vehicle.
Mack

nimimi

Hey Mac, do you have any idea when Toyota will put the '08 Avalon on the iGuide? They told me they discontinued giving out the manuals on CD with the '08's because of the ability to view it online, however, nothing's there on the '08.

felixc1976

Mack
It's 2006 Limited. I hope dealers can reprogram it to show C. It's sold in Canada, I'm sure Candaian models show temp in C, and it's just a software change

wwest

Since temperature displays in "C" have so little resolution vs "F" I don't understand the desire.

mackabee

That's handled by corporate. Call the customer service line and they will probably have some info on the subject. 1-800-GO-TOYOTA.
If I find something soon I'll post it here.
Mack :shades:

felixc1976

*Since temperature displays in "C" have so little resolution vs "F" I don't understand the desire.*
Oh, please don't get me started - the entire world is metric, even the Brits are, and we're still stuck with the British system.
Liters have better resolution than gallon, kilometers have better resolution that miles, milimeters have better resolution than inches.
Celsius - 0 degree (freezing), 100 degree (boiling) - much easier to understand than F.
I remember driving Pacifica, it could switch the speedometer on the fly from mi/hr to km/hr - very nice feature for those who live on the northern or southern border and take trips to our metric neighbors

mackabee

Well, we don't live in the entire world. We are in the US so the english system is good enough for us. Who cares whether it's 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees fahrenheit? (sp) It's still freezing.
Mack
'

neil5

I am contemplating extending warranty with toy extended. Quote 990.00 for 7/100000 zero deductible from toy in Mass but live in Fl. (SE toy division). They sell something different and more expensive and less coverage. Diagnostics not included (I accept this). Anyone tried these? I am told the National one I am considering is more inclusive. It does cover NAV/electronics, window motors, tranny, VSC etc. thoughts?

tjc78

How long are you planning on keeping it? If only for 2/3 years more I would just put the thousand bucks in the bank "just in case" if you are planning on driving it until the wheels fall off maybe it would be good insurance, if for anything the electronics.

havalongavalon

Roland, you asked Also, where is a reliable place on the net that keeps up with tsb's so I can keep up with them as well.

One place is

www.mycarstats.com

If you enter your car(s) model year(s) you can get emailed updates on events such as new tsb's and recalls.

havalongavalon

My 2005 XLS is turning 3 tomorrow. It runs perfectly since the transmission and at least 3 steering column repairs were done.

I continue to be happy with it, but I am also confident that buying the all-inclusive, zero-deductible, 7-year extended warranty was a smart investment.

jlsexton

Amen Mack, I had a Starion and never used the alternates.........

jlsexton

Seems more like a discussion of LCD TV's rather than vehicles............

mackabee

It's good insurance for mechanical repairs. Electronics rarely fail nowadays. I worked with electronics and mechanicals in the navy and most faults were mechanical. There's also a theory going around that if anything electronic is going to fail it will do so in the first 90 days of ownership.
Mack :shades: