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2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

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Comments

  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    One local dealer is selling 2006 Avalons at just about invoice, $4000 below the $34K MSRP for an XLS. I'm sure it will be impossible to get a new ES350 at much below MSRP and the min sticker will be in the $38-39K range.
  • retired7retired7 Member Posts: 133
    When I turn my engine off on my 2005 Ltd and later restart it, the air flow selector defaults to mode position 4 (floor/windshield) AND the air intake selector defauts to "recirculate". I would like to reprogram both the defaults to "floor" and "fresh air" positons respectively. Anyone out there know how to do this? Thanks in advance to all you techies out there who know this stuff and are a BIG help!

    NWBLIZZARD
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Those are only default positions for/during shutdown and/or during subsequent restart with the engine having cooled or cold.

    The basic idea is to prevent cold outside airflow into the cabin due to forward speed on a cold or coolish morning before the engine warms up. Once the engine water jacket is warmed to ~130F the blower will start and the servomotor will begin moving the air outflow routing to the footwell mode.

    While the idea of baffling the (potentially COLD) incoming airflow (due to forward speed) by forcing a complete reversal of flow direction is quite sound, the recirculate mode in HOT weather is nothing but stupid.

    Luckily for you I understand that there is now a C-BEST option which allows you to have an automatic unselect of the recirculate mode during hot weather startups.
  • dan41dan41 Member Posts: 182
    Although I don't have the noise in the steering column you describe, Toyota, in effort to find the source an insane rattle I had, replaced the steering column yoke. They claimed they replaced it because the mechanic found it to be noisy when he was test driving my car. Again, I never noticed anything coming from the column, but they said mine was defective. I still question that "fix".

    Regarding the rattle coming from your passenger seat area, this has been and continues to be a disappointing problem I've had with my 05 Limited. I actually had my car back to the dealership at least three times and although they could hear the rattle, they were not able to isolate it. I then found the source of the noise was coming from the passenger side of my moon roof ( the dealership had previously told me that wherever the noise was coming from, it was not the moon roof ). I found that when I put upward pressure on the front passenger side of the moon roof, the noise went away. Well, I then had the Toyota rep meet with me and he too heard the noise and confirmed that it was coming from the moon roof. They gave me a loaner and 3 days later I pick-ed up my rattle free car. They had to realigne the metal guide brackets in the moon roof. Well, unfortunately, two months later, the noise is back, so I need to set-up yet another appointment. This may not be the source of your problem and, if not, there are a number of post which describe noise issues and fixes. Good luck and let us know how you make out! dan
  • fmayberryfmayberry Member Posts: 33
    I too experience an occasional rattling noise from the front passenger seat. The noise comes from the vertical back of the seat when the head restraint is all the way up. For some reason that causes leverage on the seat back and results in the rattle. When someone is sitting in the seat or I lower the head restraint, I have not noticed the problem.
  • dandiskdandisk Member Posts: 10
    Thanks for the help on my rattles.
    OK..Here's another problem with my 05 Limited...
    When the climate control is on and the screen indicator is showing that the air should be coming out of the floor vents, I still have air coming out of the outboard dashboard vents. I think that this means the damper motors are either sticky or bad. The dealer is saying that is part of the normal operation?? I've had other cars that have had this problem and it WAS a bad motor.

    Anybody have this problem or is this just a Toyota problem?
  • dandiskdandisk Member Posts: 10
    Thanks. I'm going to the dealer on Tuesday and will use your information to guide them. Also, I'm going to take a ride today and see if I can make the noise go away by pushing on the moonroof.

    Also, I check to see if the seat rattle was coming from the front seat head restraint position, but it was all the way down. So I'm going to do some more driving and try to do some more concerted isolating/fact-finding.

    Funny, when I got the first rattle in this car, I figured it out myself. The way they've positioned the front passenger seat belt, makes the buckle of the belt hit the "B" pillar when not in use. I'm regularly repositioning it so the buckle doesn't hit the pillar.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,932
    "air should be coming out of the floor vents, I still have air coming out of the outboard dashboard vents"

    Every Toyota that I driven all do the same thing (00 Solara, 03 Avalon, 06 Av) I think it helps clear the side windows. In the winter I have always just directed the air away from me, or you can just shut the vents off.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • wayne0wayne0 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1995 Toyota Avalon. The transmission will work going forward, but not reverse, it also shifts fine, but it also goes forward in neutral.
    Do I need a new transmission or can it be repaired. Thanks, Wayne
  • gladiator99gladiator99 Member Posts: 104
    Here in Canada, many of the Toyota dealers have adopted the Toyota "access" pricing, which is full list price, no discounts whatsoever. I understand that the access pricing was outlawed in Ontario as it amounts to price fixing. Wish we could find a dealer who would discount the new Avalon's even a little. The Avalon's pricing makes the Lexus ES350 with the extra features look pretty good even at the list price.
    Take care!
  • smith1smith1 Member Posts: 283
    If you buy a U.S. model Toyota and register it in Canada you have no warranty, is that correct?
  • regisregis Member Posts: 94
    Access Pricing should be outlawed in all jurisdictions. I had no trouble in negotiating an otd price of $1000 over invoice in Toronto last August for my 2006 XLS. I'm surprised to hear it is still practised in other provinces. You should lobby your MPP to get this "price fixing" scheme outlawed where you live. And yes, if you have to pay close to full list, the 2007 ES looks very attractive with little or no premium for the badge.
  • limiteddriverlimiteddriver Member Posts: 234
    A simple solution to this is to fasten the passenger seat belt.
  • gladiator99gladiator99 Member Posts: 104
    Hi smith1!!
    I can't see why you wouldn't have a warranty. The U.S. Avalons are built in Kentucky alongside ones destined for export to Canada. Almost everything is the same except for the speedometer and the bi-lingual airbag stickers.
    The computer screens read fuel economy in litres per kilometer rather than miles per gallon. Canadian Toyota dealers should have no problems servicing an Avalon built for the U.S. market. Toyota's warranty comes with the car and should be valid in North America.
    A call to Toyota or an email to Toyota should give us an answer. I'll try to find out if possible.
  • easttexaseasttexas Member Posts: 23
    don't ya just love the s.a. one liners... :(

    You have a valid concern. You should get the answer here....a knowledgeable answer.

    i think i'm goin'a get popped by the HOST on this one.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I usually shut close those vents manually throughout the winter months. The airflow from those vents can be as much as 20F cooler than the warming footwell airflow and therefore is, can be, very discomforting.

    The idea is that the cooler air coming from those vents has been dried via the A/C and therefore will help keep the side windows from misting up/over.
  • luvmyavalonluvmyavalon Member Posts: 11
    In the Auto Club's May/June Westways magazine, it lists their highest rated vehicles (1 per price range), Models were judged on performance, design and the "wow" factor. They were also checked for acceleration, braking, cargo capacity, comfort, driver's environment, fuel economy, handling, ride, and value.

    The Avalon received AAA's highest rating in the $25.000 to $30,000 range. They are off on the price (at least for the XLS and Limited models), but it is nice to see the Avalon up there on their list.

    I certainly agree with them and couldn't be happier with my 2006 XLS. A great car!!
  • joe369joe369 Member Posts: 61
    Could anyone post the details of a TSB dated March 26th about safety recall of the airbags? (not enough accelerant used....)
  • dandydon2dandydon2 Member Posts: 77
    I sold my 2004 ES 330, am taking delivery of a new Avalon Limited nav model in a few weeks and wonder if any of you "old hands" have any suggestions to offer. In particular, are there any settings or adjustments I should have the dealer make before I pick it up? I'm thinking about the Smart Key System in particular.

    By the way, for those interested in other trivia, I paid $300 over invoice and I'm having factory door-side protection moldings installed.
  • heavensoldierheavensoldier Member Posts: 61
    Is it possible to install a aftermarket navigation system on the toyota avalon 2006? I want to get this navigation system http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_3151_2956324- 61,00.html And the way the avalon is built I was wondering if it would be possible to install it in the dash? Thanks and God Bless.
  • meyerwebmeyerweb Member Posts: 15
    Has anyone noticed this?

    On my '06 Touring, on the roof control panel where the map lights and sunroof controls are, I noticed two tiny little blue/white (LED?) lights. These point foward, toward the dash, but don't seem bright enough to actually light the dash. You also can't see them from the normal seating position, you have to lean forward and look up to see them.

    They seem to be on anytime the ignition is.

    I can't begin to guess what these are for. Anyone got a guess?
  • topgeartopgear Member Posts: 111
    My '06 Limited has the same. I never noticed them before. Good observation and good question!
  • j_hbrockj_hbrock Member Posts: 32
    They are small government cameras
  • havalongavalonhavalongavalon Member Posts: 460
    Present in the XLS too and I hadn't noticed them before, either!

    When the key is in the ignition but the dash lights are off, and it's really dark, these two lights provide a very faint, subtle bluish illumination of the instrument panel, in particular the audio system cover and center console. If you block these lights with your hand, you can tell that they do make a difference. A nice touch!

    havalongavalon
  • bahraini_zuprabahraini_zupra Member Posts: 98
    exactly u toke the words out of my mouth its very nice touch i really like them on my 05 limited :)
  • havalongavalonhavalongavalon Member Posts: 460
    Hi gladiator99

    I too wonder what Toyota Canada will say. We should be able to buy an Avalon in the US and import it into Canada and have it warranty-serviced here. Avalon price differences continue to increase as the Canadian dollar gains value. Looking forward to your findings!

    havalongavalon
  • andy82471andy82471 Member Posts: 120
    Yes. There are several aftermarket Navi that would fit in the Avalon. I believe somebody already posted a picture of his Avalon with the Garmin GPS
  • ny_avalonny_avalon Member Posts: 3
    #12084 of 12143 Navigation During Driving ?? 2006 Avalon by ny_avalon Apr 18, 2006 (9:29 am)
    Bookmark | Reply | E-mail Msg
    Are there By-pass options that will allow the Navigation to be used while the car is moving
    ___________________________________________________________

    anyone ??
  • smith1smith1 Member Posts: 283
    I know from past personal experience that Honda does not sanction importation of Canada vehicles into U.S. and vice-versa. They want to preserve the different pricing structures in the two markets and enforce this by denying warranty coverage to vehicles bought out of country. I don't know what Toyota's policy is but would not be surprised if it is similar.
  • heavensoldierheavensoldier Member Posts: 61
    Okay but the Garmin sticks to the dash, the avic z1 has to be installed by a professional installer inside the double din dash so I hope that can be done to the avalon, here is a picture of the avic z1 here http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_3151_295632461,00.h- - tml , but i'll keep the faith. Thanks and God Bless
  • dandiskdandisk Member Posts: 10
    I think they're trying to keep you focused on the road and want you to pull over to play with the Navigation system. That said, it would be nice if the passenger could manipulate it while the driver is continuing operation of the car.

    At the very least, you can use voice to "Go Home".

    Have you noticed that on radio stations that give digital text messages, you can't read them when the car is moving either? Same story. They want you to watch the road.
  • rsblaskirsblaski Member Posts: 68
    But if you notice, although the text message section is disabled, the sloooooowwwww scroll at the top which displays the song title still functions. Apparently Toyota believes it is safer to watch a scroll for many seconds as opposed to quickly reading a song title in a static text display.
    I just noticed this recently, so my amazement at this system continues..... :P

    btw, why couldn't there be an interlock with the passenger seat, using a pressure sensor combined with the seat belt, to allow operation by a passenger?
  • havalongavalonhavalongavalon Member Posts: 460
    btw, why couldn't there be an interlock with the passenger seat, using a pressure sensor combined with the seat belt, to allow operation by a passenger?

    Good idea! For passengers who weigh over 60 lb, a sensor is already there; it turns on a not-always-well-appreciated Airbag On light on the instrument panel...
  • dandiskdandisk Member Posts: 10
    Now that is a good point. I watch the slo-mo screen too.

    I think they could used a better set of editors on how the features work. That thing where all of your travel data is erased when you turn the car off (Info Screen), the radio screen issue, the not allowing a passenger to operate the Nav System. The everytime I turn on the car, I agree not to do unsafe things with the Nav system.

    But...I still like the car a lot!
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Someone is setting in the passenger seat is no indication of who is operating the nav....

    A cement block....maybe..??
  • luvmyavalonluvmyavalon Member Posts: 11
    Joe, I just found this site: www.mycarstats.com and you can find all TSBs for your particular vehicle on the site. They will post any new TSBs every Wednesday and will also send you email notification. I am glad that you asked your question because of the following which I copied from the site:

    NHTSA Recall Campaign Number: 06V096000

    Component: AIR BAGS

    Details: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.

    Consequence: THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

    Corrective Action: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

    Units Potentially Affected: 133

    Recall Initiated By: MFR
    Date added to NHTSA datbase: 04/03/2006
    Internal use: 4/3/2006

    It looks like this only affects a small number of cars. I guess I will call the Toyota toll-free number.
  • gladiator99gladiator99 Member Posts: 104
    Have sent an email to Toyota in USA, and hope to get a reply soon. If I don't hear from them this week I will try to contact someone there by phone. I think Toyota Canada would go along with whatever Toyota USA determines.
    Will let you know as soon as I hear.
    Take care!
  • regisregis Member Posts: 94
    The profit margin for Toyota vehicles sold in Canada increases as the Canadian dollar continues it's steady rise to eventual parity. The price of a similar equipped XLS in the US is approximately $30,000 compared to $40,000 in Canada. Applying the current exchange rate of 1.1386, the XLS should be priced at $34,158 in Canada. A nice bonus of almost $6,000for Toyota.
  • regisregis Member Posts: 94
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN(TBS): NHTSA Bulletin Number:00606
    MFG Bulletin Date: 20060301
    Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
    Details: EXCESSIVE SULFUR ODOR. *TT
    Date added to datbase: 20060418
  • regisregis Member Posts: 94
    Thanks to luvmyavalon for finding this great site at http://www.mycarstats.com/. I've registered here to receive all future reports on my Avalon (TBS's etc.) In addition to all TBS's issued for our Avalons, you can search their databases for secret warranties, complaints etc. And it's free! Interesting that most TBS's appear to have been added within the past week. Maybe Toyota is monitoring our forum.
  • oilcan2oilcan2 Member Posts: 120
    Dandydon2,am trying to chose between a 06 es330 or a 06
    Avalon Ltd.Am siding towards the Avalon but I am a couple of months away from buying any info would be helpful.
    Soldier,have you looked at the Garmin Nuvi,it is not dash
    mounted but looks good.
  • tkevinc1tkevinc1 Member Posts: 30
    I have a new problem with my 2006 Touring. I was on vacation for a week and came home to find the battery so dead that the doors wouldn't unlock. I charged the battery to spec and it sat two more days and was dead again. There is nothing plugged into any of the accessory outlets and the radio and all lights are in the off position. I'm out of town again for a few days and intend to take it to the dealer on my return. In the meantime, anyone else have a similar problem or any ideas what the issue might be?
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    may simply be a defective battery not holding the charge - but a current drain is relatively easy to figure with a simple voltmeter. Warranty issue?
  • limiteddriverlimiteddriver Member Posts: 234
    This shouldn't happen on a new car BUT, might check the water level. If it's low that can ruin a battery. The Toyota batteries do require water at times.
  • deaner1deaner1 Member Posts: 6
    :( Had the same problem after having the car 60 days. They said the battery wasn't holding charge after checking the electrical system. Replaced the battery and its been fine ever since April 05. Like everything else, you sometimes get a bad component.
  • bfieldsbfields Member Posts: 1
    Dandy: I'm about to buy a new Avalon Limited and am also interested in having door-side protection mouldings installed. Did you get this done yet? Did the dealer do it for you? Also, how did you get the dealer down to $300 over invoice? How did you even find out what the amount of the invoice price was? Pleaase advise. Also, how do your new side mouldings look? Are they factory issue or did you get them from a local trim shop? Thanks for the info.
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    and exchange rate gains (or losses) wouldn't be a normal cost (or gain) of business for anybody producing things in one country and selling it in another? The weak dollar vs. the stronger Euro would be a primary reason why things like Passats are so overpriced relative to competitive cars actually produced in the US. And likewise, should Toyota be raising Avalon prices when the USD moves up in value relative to the CD. And since a number of manufacturers have plants in Canada can they all raise their prices to reflect the increased cost of the parts/labor paid for in those more valuable Canadian dollars? I don't live in Canada, but if the dollar devaluation is effecting cost this much, why not take your stronger Canadian dollars across the border?
  • currycurry Member Posts: 22
    Discovered that my A/C is now just blowing hot air at me. I have an appointment to take it to the dealer on Thursday.

    Just curious if any other '05 Avalons have experienced this same problem with the A/C?

    Ed
  • gladiator99gladiator99 Member Posts: 104
    Good Morning Havalongavalon!
    Just got a reply from Toyota re: warranty on vehicles purchased in the U.S.and imported into Canada.
    RESPONSE (TYRONE CADLE)
    Quote "Warranty coverage is applicable to any vehicle registered and normally operated within the United States,
    Alaska and Canada.If the vehicle is relocated outside the United States, Alaska, or Canada, The local dealership may not provide warranty service because the local Toyota distributor may have no obligation to provide warranty service to your vehicle. Additionally, your Toyota vehicle may not comply with the regulatory and / or enviornmental requirements of certain countries. please contact the local Toyota distributor applicable to your area for more information.
    Thank you for contacting Toyota!
    Your email has been documented at our national headquarters under file # 200604260144.
    If we can be of further assistance, please contact us.
    That's it in a nutshell.
    I take it from this that Yes, The Toyota warranty would be good in Canada.
    Take care!
  • havalongavalonhavalongavalon Member Posts: 460
    Thank you, gladiator99 for sharing this response!

    Hmmm... after reading it, I am less optimistic than you, I'm afraid. This response is inconsistent, perhaps deliberately vague. On one hand, they say the US warranty technically is "applicable" in Canada. But on the other hand, Canadian dealers may not provide warranty service and may have no obligation to provide warranty service -- say that again? This could be a rider meant to discourage cross-border purchases, while still providing some assurance of warranty service to, say, U.S. tourists visiting Canada.

    Maybe it's time to buy that cabin near Mount Baker... Say, would you be interested in a time-sharing arrangement among BC Avalon owners? ;)MelBC, what do you think?

    Regards,

    havalongavalon
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