2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

gedgoudasl

Re: #14376, fuel taxes are generally based on cents per gallon. The general increase in cost per gallon does not put any more tax money in anyone's pocket. If the government wanted to increase revenue it would want a lower FE average. It is logical that higher FE standards will ultimately result in higher fuel taxes because of fewer gallons purchased.

jlsexton

That was my understanding but an IRS representative was there and totally agreed with the complaint, stating it was a percentage, go figure.

avytouring

Does anyone know how to adjust the volume of the horn when opening/locking the Avalon with the key fob? I don't have the 'smart/dumb key', but have noticed that it is louder than many other cars... actually, I would not mind just disabling it as you can still hear the locks "click" while approaching the vehicle., along with the driving lights flash.

Thanks!

oldnall

I would think that you should be able to get it disconnected quite easily. It might be something the dealer should do.
On my 2006 XLS, the horn does not "chirp" at all. I hear the click
of the lock and the headlights and tail lights flash.

johndjr

Mr. IRS may be an expert on income tax, but around here the amount of fed. and state tax PER GALLON is posted on the fuel pump. Guess the fuel pump is dumb.

jlsexton

I could go into a lengthy explanation and Pat would probably pull it stating it was not relevent as yours is not. Ignorance is bliss.

nvbanker

On my Lexus - there's a knob under the dash that regulates the volume of the horn chirp on lock....from off to ear piercing....

johndjr

I don't understand your attitude here. The discussion had to do with 'windfall' taxes collected due to increased prices on gas. The second item was that there is not an increase in taxes due to price increase. Then you said that and IRS agent said it 'was a percentage'. My point was that it is a flat amount per gallon regardless of the price per gallon. The IRS man may be correct that it is a percentage, but that would change with each change in the price per gallon.
Please advise as to how this was not 'relevant' as well as your comment having to do with 'ignorance is bliss'. I might be ignorant of many things but what is being discussed here I am not guilty of being ignorant.
Do you have some kind of a problem?

pat

I think probably the poster meant it's not "relevant" because the topic here is the 05-06 Avalon. In any case, let's not get personal. Thanks.

rewop

I recently purchased a set of Toyo Versado tires for my Avalon based largely upon the recommendations from this community. I purchased standard size tires and did not "plus up." The installed cost per tire was $140.00. My driving so far has been solely in town but I have found the tire to be much quieter than my previous Michelin OEM. No highway experience yet but I'm enjoying the new and quieter ride. Thanks for the tire tip, guys! Rewop

captain2

based largely upon the recommendations from this community
isn't that really what these forums are for?
glad to hear that you're happy with the Versados thus far - mine now have about 20k on them with negligible noticeable wear and yes they are still quieter than my OEM Michelins as well.

jlsexton

Thanks Pat, I was merely relaying what was stated by an IRS agent at a congressional chat session, sorry I even brought it up.

icdchess

I started my 2006 Avalon Touring (42,000 miles) two days ago and found the check-engine, VSC, AND traction control warning lights lit up. I assumed it was a fluke so I restarted the car, but to no avail. The warning lights have persisted for two days. The car seems to run fine. Anyone else ever experience anything similar? What might it be? I can't imagine those three separate issues are related to a single issue.
Thanks.
Steve

4936

Just a quick shot:
I too had that happen on my 2000 xls. I checked everything including the brake fluid resivour. It showed about i/2 -3?4 in below cold full. I topped it off and since then all is well. Cheap try

tjc78

Could also be as simple as the gas cap not being on tight enough. Also when the check engine light is on it disables the VSC/trac for whatever reason that is why those lights are on.

retired7

Have you noticed any difference in gas mileage (better/worse) w/Versados?

retired7

On our NAV system: While we are driving and use the voice command feature and call for "rest areas", ICONS appear on the screen identifying where the rest areas are located. If we then ask for "Italian Restaurants", more ICONS appear and after a while the screen becomes cluttered with ICONS. I want to be able to remove the previous ICONS before calling up new ones and there appears to be no mechanism in the software to do this. Before I gave up on this one, I thought I'd ask all you innovative and creative folks out there...
(I've read the NAV manual and called 1-800 Toyota on this one and they said you cannot remove ICONS before calling up others).

mackabee

It disables the VSC since the engine is showing a malfunction. VSC works by reducing engine output and applying braking to the tires that are slipping.
Mack
:shades:

captain2

see posts 14351 and 14363, the jury still seems to be out on this question.

4439

Voice Command "POI Off" will take care of the icons on the screen.

retired7

Mucho thanks; you're a lot smarter than both the Toyota factory 1-800 help line and me! I looked it up and there it is in the NAV Owners Manual! This is going to help us during our travels... Forum comes through again!!!

retired7

One more question; being tires are wider 3/8" on each side (3/4" total) and tight fit in wheel well, notice any rubbing of tire sidewalls to wheel well during tight turns (wheel turned to stop positon)?

nvbanker

On my Lexus, "POI Off" voice command will remove the icons.

icdchess

I checked the gas cap, and, indeed, it was loose. I tightened it. But that was two days ago and still the check engine, VSC and traction control lights stay on. Wouldn't they all go out if the gas cap were the guilty party, or do they stay on until someone shuts off the error messages?
Thanks
Steve

nvbanker

If after 50 miles, the light remains on, go have it scanned at an AutoZone, and see if something else is throwing an error code. If they won't clear it for you, (they're not supposed to, but some kind clerks will do it) you may need to see a dealer to get rid of them.

9119911

Check the vacuum line underneath the engine air filter. In changing/checking the filter, it is easy to pop off. I learned the $85.00 hard way.

Good Luck
Cj

dandl

I was hoping that maybe Mackabee could help me out on this one. Was Toyota Technical service (the guys mechanics call for help with warranty issues) down last week ? I took my car in April 1st for the ongoing steering column problems and was told that Toyota Technical went down earlier that morning. It was still down as of Friday. If it is, can you let me know when it is up and running ? I would really appreciate it !!! Best regards.
Laura

icdchess

I think I may have stumbled upon the problem. Please let me know if it could be the cause. When getting gas yesterday, I noticed that the gas cap was, again, loose as if I had not tightened it. Since I made triple sure that I had, it looks to me that the cap itself is defective since, after clicking a few times when closing, it seems to to open very easily. Is there a cheap replacement gas cap around that will cure the problem?
Thanks.
Steve

nvbanker

Is there a cheap replacement gas cap around that will cure the problem?

You drive a new technical marvel - and you want a "cheap" part to fix the problem? How much do you think the correct replacement part from Toyota would be anyway? Do it right - that's how I feel.....

jlsexton

I agree cheap is cheap a loose gas cap will cost you in mileage buy the original from First Toyota (online )or your carstore parts. Then lift the battery terminal to clear the fault, if it doesn't go away you may have a mass air sensor problem but buy the cap, lift the terminal, give it some time. My wife screws hers up everytime she goes to NJ and doesn't check it after they fill her car, getting tired of stupid stuff. I would prefer these caps simply screwed down tight instead of the stupid clicks, make our lives easier.

captain2

no, don't think it is even close.

mackabee

I'll check for you later today Laura. I will be going on a weeks vacation starting tomorrow so you won't see any of my posts for a week. Where I'm going there is no computers.
Mack

dandl

Hi Mack, As always, your help is MUCH appreciated, but I just answered my own question by calling another dealership in my area and yes, they did confirm that Toyota Tech has been down for the whole Eastern Seaboard since April 1st.
I'm having another yet another "go round" with the my dealership trying to get my steering column problems fixed and just thought I would check. Oh boy...
Meanwhile, have an AWESOME time on vacation and get plenty of rest and relaxation !!!!!
Laura

jlsexton

Dealers treatment of women........

Laura, just curious, do you have an aggressive nature or are you a sweet person. Unfortunately personality has a tremendous affect on the way people see & deal with you. I'm not telling you to be obnoxious but at the very least confident and straight to the point. I've been called brutally honest and a few other non printable words but people need to understand to respect you and yes sometimes it backfires but at least I know I've made every attempt to be satisfied short of, well, like taking your neighbor along.

mackabee

Have you tried another dealership? The system had problems all last week.
Mack

rpfingsten

Steve...

I wouldn't put it past it being the gas cap. I haven't had any problems with the gas cap on my 07 avy, but my wife bought a new Gmc Envoy 2 years ago. On no less than 3 occasions she had to take it back to the dealership because various "trouble" lights kept coming on the dash.... at first they said, just a loose gas cap, didn't replace it, just put it back on, lights went off, alls well.. not quite, a week or two later, same trouble, back to the dealership, this time they replace some sensor, a week later, here we go again, this time they blamed some piece of "fuel line" that they claimed to replace... Finally, the last time, they actually listened to me when I said, dont you think it's just a bad gas cap... they replaced it, no more trouble since then... Sometimes they can't see the forest because of all the trees if you catch my drift.

Roland

dandl

Hello again Jlsexton ! Well, I guess I'm a lover not a fighter Not an aggressive bone in my body.... However, I have been looking into the Michigan lemon laws and may go that route (or some sort of mediation) if they cannot get this steering column problem fixed this time. Meanwhile, the car's original factory warranty is up in June but I do have the 7 year/100,000 mile warranty thank goodness !
Best regards,
Laura

dandl

Hi Mack, Yes, I have utilized all the local dealerships at some point. It has basically been a comedy of errors. Oil change gone bad, oil everywhere, dings from the lift, car returned filthy, leacherous car porter..... Next dealership: paint dripped all down the rear bumper, guys standing in front of it blocking it and looking guilty until I asked them to move so I could inspect the area ( actually it was quite funny as they all looked so guilty I KNEW something was up ) then claiming the car came that way....Next dealership: car returned with grease ALL OVER the rear interior roof and side panel, on the carpet and rear seat....took it back in to have them clean it and they gave me a "complimentary" wheel slick without asking....(I ALWAYS tell the dealership NOT to wash my car...geez they ding the heck out of the cars...watch them some time :surprise: ) Anyway, I now have brown walls instead of black walls from that stuff...
Oh, I could go WAY on with the current dealership !!!! It is really a shame. But this particular dealership supposedly has the best trained and certified master mechanics according the regional rep I met at the auto show. I asked what dealership he thought was the best in the area and he said "hands down" the one that currently has my car .....so the saga continues....
Sure wish I was a little closer to your neck of the woods. Sounds like you work at an awesome dealership !!!!
Well, best regards and sorry to sound whiny ....actually, just a wee bit frustrated is all, but I always look for the humor in everything....
Laura

nvbanker

Wouldn't that gas cap still be under warranty on this car anyway?

rpfingsten

sure it would, ... my point was that the dealership was running up hundreds of dollars in warranty work and car rentals, and charging it all to gmc, when had they listened to my suggestion the first time we took it in, the problem would have been solved on day 1. But then again they wouldn't have been able to bill gmc for all that crap.

Roland

retired7

Yeah, my horror story from a local dealer; took my then new Avy Ltd in for some warrenty work and they informed me their mechanic backed it into a column and damaged the bumper requiring me to take it to a auto body shop for 3 days for a replacement bumper. I was pretty ticked off and tried to get in to see the service mgr to complain about the lack of caring attitude the service rep showed me but I got stiff armed, he wouldn't see me... They did give me a loaner and the new bumper looks ok.

nvbanker

Yep - but when you go to trade that in, even at the same dealer, you'll get a significant "knock" in value for having wrecked the car!!! I don't know what you can do about it, but they screwed you for sure.

jlsexton

Could it be perhaps your purchase point, as in Kansas not locally. I could have saved a couple of hundred more on my Limited but chose to purchase it from the local carstore. Just a thought as I've never heard of such lousy service and all the other happenings. Try the Lemon law but be prepared to SUE.

abarger

I have had my Avalon for almost 2 yrs. and I have had NO problems until today. I went to get in my car and it won't open. The smartkey feature has evidently stopped working. I got the key out and tried to open it manually and nothing happens. I tried my husband's key and again nothing happens. I can't get in my car! It's Sunday, so I can't call the dealer. Does anyone know anything that I can try to do to get my car open and running?

nvbanker

I'm betting your battery on the car is dead......

nvbanker

If what I say is true; here's what you do. On your Smartkey, there is a little manual key that you can pull out of it. There is a keyhole on the driver's door only, that you can insert this manual key into and unlock your car. Then you can open the hood and jump the car, or replace the battery, and you should be back in business with your smartkey as usual. Good luck!

abarger

It worked! I had no idea that there was a manual key inside the smartkey Thank you SO much. I was able to get into my car and amazingly, the car even starts, so the battery must be ok. I guess the smartkey is the problem. I have no idea if the key requires a battery, but at least now I can get inside the car to read the manual and I can even drive to the dealership tomorrow if need be.
I'm so impressed that someone responded so quickly to my posting. Thanks again!

nvbanker

Glad to be of service. FYI also - there should have been a wallet key that came with your car - a plastic key that will work in an emergency, should you completely lose your Smartkey, and need to get into the car. Of course, we all tend to keep those in the car ( I don't ) so it would be of little use if one were locked out. The manual also explains how to use that in an emergency.

Anyway, glad you got in and got going.

Howard

nimimi

"Wallet key?" I purchased an '06 and an '08 Limited and have never seen such a "key." Where does on e obtain this?

nvbanker

Ok, perhaps I'm wrong - my Lexuses have both had one, but maybe Toyota doesn't provide it. Sorry :surprise: