2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

9119911 · December 2007

Daves,
The purpose of that cover is to protect the eng and tranmission from dirt and mud. It also acts as sound proofing from road and wind noise. If it has'nt been distorted it's simple. Go to your dealer and tell him which cover is dragging and he will sell you the necessary lock clip's to repair, which is simple quick snap clip's. My guess the panel dragging is the one used to gain acces to the oil filter. Next time you get an oil channge, check to see if the tecn. reinstalled the panel properly eg. missing clips, quiet often they'rre in a hurry and it's faster to just let it all hang out.
Good luck.

Cj

rbw141 · December 2007

I just bought an '06 Avalon Ltd. When my wife (weight about 120 lbs) sits in the passenger seat the light says "airbag off". When my son (weight 165) sits in it, it changes to "airbag on". This doesn't seem right. I've heard that it's designed to not go off for kids and groceries. My wife is not a child (5'5") and feels unsafe if the airbag is off. Has anyone else had this problem? Should I take it back to the dealer?

rbw141 · December 2007

I just purchased an '06 Avalon Ltd which has a radio (type 3 in the owner's manual) that appears to be ready for Satellite radio. What works for adding it? Should I buy it at a Toyota dealer, audio store, etc.. Any advice? I really don't have the tools or time to do it myself. Wha should it cost? Does it matter if I use XM or Sirius? THANKS!!!

tjc78 · December 2007

I would try and find out what the spec is for the sensor. I thought I remember reading something about the seat position (maybe even about a different car??) . Is she sitting close to the dash? If so, try moving the seat back further to see if it changes to "on"

mackabee · December 2007

You should have a AM-SAT button on the radio panel. You will need the satellite receiver and an antenna. You can get either the XM or Sirius and it should be around $399.00 plus installation at your Toyota dealer.
Mack

thwilkins · December 2007

Automotive Concepts offers some replacement grills for Avalons. I am considering the mesh design.
automotive concepts

dandl · December 2007

Hi rbw141, I am also 120 lbs and I DO activate the "airbag on" setting when I am in the passenger seat. I would consult your dealer. Hope this helps...
Laura

eugenegierson · December 2007

yesterday i got a 05 Limited. It is a certified car, so i am hopeful that there will be few problems. just wondering what advice you all might want to give me. thnx, eugene thesinger

mackabee · December 2007

Make sure the TSB's (technical service bulletins) have been performed on your car. These include the transmission/hesitation, steering rack weld, and maybe another one or two. Check with your service department and have them pull a history of the service requirements. If they did the TSB's they should show up in the list.
Mack

eugenegierson · January 2008

The headlights on my 05 Limited (new to me, certified) are aimed too low. Therefore, forward vision is a problem, except on high beams. I have been told that the Limited has Automatic headlight adjustment. Hopefully, there is some manual adjustment possible. Is there? thnx, eugene.

mackabee · January 2008

The Limited does have an automatic headlight adjustment that compensates for passenger load, trunk loads, etc and it keeps the light at the same level so it won't blind incoming traffic. This is explained on page 128 of your owner's manual. Check this link to get acquainted with your Limited Avalon: link title This is a link to Toyota I-guides.
Mack :shades:

njrealtor · January 2008

With less than 28,000 miles on my 2006 Avalon Limited, I was advised by the Toyota dealer that I needed new front and rear brake pads and that my two rear tires were nearly bald. I am the only driver of the car and I purchased it new. The majority of my driving is highway and I have never towed anything. Although I purchased an extended warranty, the response is that wear and tear isn't covered on the pads.

I called customer service and spoke to an agent that suggested that I bring it to another Toyota dealer for a second opinion and that the tire issue be resolved with Michelin, the manufacturer of the tires that came with the car. .

What would cause the pads and tires to wear, even though I had tire rotations? Also what recourse do I have? The brake job was nearly $500.00 and I haven't yet purchased the tires. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

9119911 · January 2008

Brake pads are equipped with a detector that will warn you when the pads are worn to the point of being replaced. The detector is no more than a piece of metal attached to the pad and when the pad wears down to that detector you will get a metallic chirping sound, this device is often referred to as a cricket. My guess is you were taken for $500. I suggest you buy a repair manual from your nearest auto zone or some other auto parts store and read up on any item before you let anyone do maintenance on your car.

I have a 1994 Toyota pickup, it has 127,000 miles and has never had the pads replaced, I inspected them a couple of weeks ago and they still have plenty pad left for another 10,000 miles. I have a 2001 Lexus that I have just changed the pads on and it has 138,000 mi. S00000000, me thinks you have been taken.

Another good idea is, if you're not mechanically inclined, ask an informed friend or relative for advice,there's usually someone nearby that will be happy to give you the info you need. As a matter of fact,when in doubt, post your problem and you'll get good advice right here.

Good Luck

Cj

limiteddriver · January 2008

Read the owner's manual. There is a manual adjustment. The auto adjustment adjusts to the base manual setting.

limiteddriver · January 2008

I forgot to say the adjustment instructions are on pages 368 and 369 in my '05 manual. Turning the screw driver CCW raises the lights. It's not hard to do.

tjc78 · January 2008

My 2003 Avalon needed front brakes at 32K. Luckily it was ready to come off lease. Everyone drives differently. I have never gotten more than 35K out of a set of front brakes. I must say needing the rears is a bit odd though at that mileage.

retired7 · January 2008

My 2005 (27K miles) Limited Navigation Sys ENTER button is becoming more and more sensitive/user unfriendly over time. It's to a point where now the cursor jumps all over the place when gently pressing on the ENTER button and it's almost impossible to enter data into system (I end up going backwards-trying to delete wrong entries-very frustrating). Thinking about taking it into Toyota Dealer to see if they can improve on the performance of entering data. Anyone out there have Toyota work on their NAV Sys and improve the operation of the ENTER button?

Thanks,
NW Blizzard

jlsexton · January 2008

Only you know how you drive & brake, I got 50,000, mostly short term driving on my Camry both for tires & brakes. Sorry but that dealer is probably not honest. I have no idea what the Avalon will get as I only have 7000 on my 06.

dandl · January 2008

Hi Retired, YES you have a problem !!!! I had the EXACT same problem. I had the car into the dealership in December and they finally replaced the controller head. I cannot believe the difference !!!!!

Actually for anyone who has a problem having the cursor jump all over the place, have it FIXED. When we bought the car, it was ALWAYS difficult to enter info because the cursor would jump to the wrong place quite often.
We were told this is normal. Well, over the past few months, it became very difficult to activate the "enter" feature. Trying to just activate the "I agree" feature was very difficult.
Now, with the new controller head, activation is a breeze, but to my amazement it is now a breeze to type in numbers and letters !!!! No more "fat fingering" or having the cursor jump all over the place. I can't believe I thought the unit was working "as intended"
Hope this helps.
Laura

dandl · January 2008

Hi everyone, I just thought I would give an update on my steering column problems. After having my car for week, on day 4 the dealership called and said "Yes, there is a problem with the steering column....." WHOO HOOO.... Um, wait a minute, I should have been bummed that there was an issue, but it was just such a relief not to hear " there is nothing wrong with it" again .

There was a problem with the intermediate shaft which they replaced. While it did help a bit, there is still shifting in the steering wheel and the occasional clunk (or popping noise as the service tech called it ). They are going to contact Toyota corp. to see what can be done. He suggested that they may try to get authorization to redo the TSB on the steering column.....
They fixed the navi enter button (see above post) and all I can say is WOW. I can't believe I was told all this time that "this is working as intended" .
They put some insulation in the dashboard but all the cold weather rattles remain

Well, thats it for now. I will take the car back sometime this month to have them continue work on the steering column.
Thanks again for the support !!!!
Laura

dandl · January 2008

You have been such a wealth of information on this site. I just wanted to ask you if it is possible that a "replacement part" would cost much more than the cost of the original equipment? When the dealership was working on my navigation system, they stated that they did not want to replace the ECU as it was a " 5000.00 dollar part" :confuse: Um, sounded a little goofy to me....but hey I'm no mechanic.... What's your take on this ?

Thanks in advance.
Laura

johndjr · January 2008

I can give you my experience if it may help.
I have a 2005 Limited, have 36,000 on it. Brake pads look hardly used. Tires appear as if new. They do have a trip to Alaska on them. One I had to replace due to road hazard within 3 miles of home. Cost of exact type as was on it was 212.55. I did get some money ($75.00) from the tire warranty outfit.
But let me warn you people who may have taken the 100K tire warranty. If you don't have your tires rotated by a Toyota dealer within 500 miles of the due time, the 100k warranty is invalid. On the trip to Alaska, I violated this requirement and thereby broke the warranty deal!
One good thing about the tire replacement. The local dealer I bought it from gives a free tire rotation every 5K. Toyota was charging $29.00 per rotation.
I'm cheap!!

mackabee · January 2008

Sounds fishy to me. An ECU or electronics control unit or module is not $5000.00 to replace. I can find out what it would cost to replace the ECU or Nav on your car. But I do believe it's not 5k. Did you go to another dealership to get your car looked at? The ECU shouldn't affect your nav system. Is the car still under warranty? and what is the nav not doing that they are talking about replacing the ECU? Let me know and I'll get with my ace master mechanic. He's the only one that works on my Toyota's and is one of the best! He's straight up and tells me what I need to be done and not the extra fluff service writers tend to "advice" you to do.
Mack :shades:

P.S. some parts are more expensive to replace like for example the post I did on the owner that wanted to replace the light colored wood to the new darker wood with chrome trim and center console, etc, The cost to replace those parts was prohibitive. Too much. Other common things like ECU's, starters, alternators, etc, are not that expensive (relatively speaking)

captain2 · January 2008

just changed the oil on my 05 and had the front right wheel off - pads have a good 1/4" or so left on them - 60000 miles. Never have gotten 100k on a set of front pads - guess we'll see. Suggestion on tires - used Toyo Versado 235/50 17s on the stock wheels after 50k- very very quiet compared to the Michelins. Seems to lose about .5 mpg, however
Been a great car, had the cam cover oil leak as well as the steering column weld, my car #5000, but otherwise never been close to back to the dealer. Doesn't surprise me about the 100k tire warranty and all the fine print. If there wasn't some money in it, they wouldn't do it.

captain2 · January 2008

some parts are more expensive to replace
you mean like $1100.00 HID headlight assemblies - if they were worth even close to that the Touring model would cost more than the XLS.

retired7 · January 2008

Thanks for the info. Do you have a part # for the "controller head" they replaced? Was the dealer cooperative or did you get the "it's operating normal" line first? I plan on using this info when I take my 05 Ltd into Toyota...

NW Blizzard

mackabee · January 2008

I checked with my parts guy and he's been doing this longer than I've been selling cars so I trust him. He knows his stuff. ECU's are anywhere from $800-1200.00 I mentioned your problem with the dealership and he told me maybe they meant replacing the nav unit itself and the ECU which would be more expensive but not quite 5k.
Mack

dandl · January 2008

Hi Retired, I believe the part number (FP number?) is 86820-41040. Description : Controller Assembly.
What was happening with our 05 was that it was becoming harder and harder to get the Enter function to work. Ex: It would take 7-10 pushes to even click on the "I agree" button, same with trying to "enter" a selection. Either nothing would happen or the cursor would jump around all over the place. It seemed pretty obvious to me that the problem was in with the enter button (controller) itself.
On day 2 and 3. The dealer said it was working "as intended" then FINALLY they said "yep, there is a problem"
Here is the write up they did:
Contacted tech line case # TAD73530179 was advised to check the TX wires and if good to replace ECU. swapped disk and ECU with known good one and did not fix complaint. Swapped controller head and worked good. Replaced controller head. ( Note : they had another customers 05 in for service so they swapped out his parts with mine to see if that fixed the problem. Don't know if this guy knew they did that

)
The navi works MUCH better than NEW now !!!! We always had a problem with the cursor jumping around too much, however, the enter button problem came up about two months ago.....
Good luck with your car !!!
Laura

dandl · January 2008

Hi Mackabee, thanks for the info. Yeah, I kinda take the "$5000.00 to replace the ECU" as a um.....metaphor

I just kind'a chuckled when he said that and did not want to challenge that figure with him.
Have had them come back with some other silly things too. EX: With the steering column problems. On day 3, he called and said the tech noticed that one of the steering column adjustment latches was not fully engaged..... Um... no,no,no,no no !!! After months with this problem we have adjusted and checked and tried everything to stop the shifting and clunking and NO WAY would I leave a latch loose !!!!! Then he suggested I was feeling the brake pads disengaging. NOPE !!!!
Well, as I said in a previous post, they finally found a problem with the intermediate shaft which they replaced but the problem with the shifting and clunking still remains.... Service manager did acknowledge this (WHOO HOOO) and will check with Toyota tech to possibly get authorization to redo the steering column TSB.

BTW: Yesterday it was unbelievably bad. Had my sister in the passenger seat and she could plainly hear the clunking coming from the steering column. Shocked her !!!!!
BTW: The car is still under original warranty and I have the extended 7 year, 100000 too.
Thanks Mack for all your help !!!
Laura

mackabee · January 2008

You're welcome!

havalongavalon · January 2008

Hi Laura,

re: 14250, I'm glad that this year your service manager has agreed to check into the reappearing clunking noise.

Just in case it persists: when my 05 started to make a clunking noise again, mainly during low-speed acceleration and braking, they seem to have fixed it, but this time not by replacing the steering column. They found that the "steering rack" was "misaligned". Maybe you could suggest this alternative to your service manager.

best wishes,

havalongavalon

havalongavalon · January 2008

Hello captain2,

Following your tip, I installed all-weather 235/50 17 Toyo Versados on my XLS stock rims, and now have some experience driving on fresh snow (that really belongs in Eastern Canada but this crazy winter we have been getting their nasty weather here in Vancouver...).

So far the Versados are OK in snow, certainly better than other cars that were stuck mid-way up a moderate hill yesterday. To some extent the good grip may be due to their being new, we'll see next winter.

On rain, they are excellent and rain is what we have over here most of the time.

Thanks again for your helpful information.

Best wishes,

havalongavalon

jlsexton · January 2008

Laura, no one should have this kind of a problem in a new car, especially a Toyota. Thats why I don't buy American. Do you have a Lemon Law, perhaps you might invoke your rights under it and get a different vehicle, just a thought. Perhaps you should bring your friend and his gat.

dandl · January 2008

Hi Havalongavalon, Yes, I did ask him if a steering rack misalignement could be the problem and he said "no" :confuse:
Well, on a good note, when they gave me the car back on Dec. 21 he acknowledged that he DID hear a "popping" noise coming from the column and would contact Toyota tech after the Christmas holiday. He would then get back with me....
ps. He told me that Toyota tech was closed down for the holidays and would not be available available until January. True ?
Thanks for your reply Havalongavalon !!!!
Laura

dandl · January 2008

Hi Jlsexton,
I knew going into this new car purchase that no car is perfect and problems occur. My Dad was a Ford man and got a new towncar every other year. There were usually little issues at the beginning that were always addressed and fixed. The Limited replaced our loaded Grand Marquis.
I purposely went with the Toyota as their reputation was so outstanding. Had considered BMW 5 series( nope, too many issues). Acura TL (nice, but looking for more luxury). Acura RL (AWESOME but ouch! BIG money) Lexus (big money for all the toys I wanted) .
I loved the look, fuel economy and price point of the Avalon. Plus, you rarely see them on the road around me (southeastern MI 20 miles north of Detroit) Not like the dime a dozen Caddies and Chrysler 300's :P It's funny, the car always gets a lot of looks when I am cruising. Maybe once a week at best I will see another Avy.
Well, anyway. Michigan DOES have the lemon law and I might just have to go that route

It's crazy but I LOVE my car, I just hate the problems with it.
These forums (and all of you guys and gals) have really been a big help to me and I am not going to get blown off anymore

and yes, there is always my backup: my hot blooded Sicilian neighbor

BTW: your post regarding "Paxton Quigley"gave me a chuckle. I am, but I am only a threat to sporting clays, ducks, pheasant and the occasional goose :shades:
Laura

retired7 · January 2008

Thanks for the great info. I'm now well armed when I approach the dealer with this issue. Generally, we love the Nav system and it is a real buddy when taking extended trips into new territory but getting past the frustration of entering addresses almost ruins the whole experience. Our Toyota dealer has been very cooperative with previous warranty items.

NW Blizzard

limiteddriver · January 2008

Due to changes in our life styles, my wife and I no longer need two cars so we finally decided which one to sell. The Avalon went and our fun car the VW Eos stays. It's been a pleasure reading every one's comments and helpful suggestions and getting to make some of my own over the last several months. Hope any Avalon problems y'all have are small and fixable, mine were.. bob

jlsexton · January 2008

Glad Paxton could brighten your day. She teaches a great course, both my wife and I follow her advice. Anyway back to cars. Also went your route, TL was nice but wanted more room, RL, even at almost cost toooo expensive for what you get but beautiful. Benz, bad Consumer Reports rap, same with anything but a 3 series in the Beemers, Lincolns had V8's, so I went back to Toyota. I will take the RL more seriously next time as it's tough getting in to my garage with the non folding mirrors, only about 3 inches on each side. Maintain your sense of humor, bring the Sicilian......................

neil5 · January 2008

I finally after getting new cell activated my blueconnect. Really nice. Works as advertised. noise cancelling technology and nice accurate voice activation. I sent pics into toyotanation in galleries for my BU camera and my Blueconnect since not all of you have these features. enjoy.

mackabee · January 2008

What are you talking about? :confuse: Bluetooth? Nav?
:shades:

neil5 · January 2008

http://www.toyotanation.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/6295/cat/594
http://www.toyotanation.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/6296/cat/594

Here links to my camera. I have the bluetooth module put in by SE toyota distrib. I will try to send pics. made by blueconnect

mackabee · January 2008

Ok, I see what you mean now. Thanks.
:shades:

captain2 · January 2008

you're welcome. be curious to know if your ride quieted a bit and also whether you have noticed a decrease in FE. My Versados are obviously well ' broken in' now and seem to be wearing just fine (20k) - obviously can't comment about snow capabilties (we don't get much of that in Texas

) but it has been known to rain a lot and they do just fine.
PS don't be telling me about good snow in Vancouver

, I'll have to jump on an airplane and get my butt up to Whistler - the best in the world IMO when the snow's good.

jlsexton · January 2008

Please let me know how the backup camera works out. I've heard that because of the license plate location the lenses get destroyed. My thought was a wide angle on the package shelf, safe & sound within the vehicle but haven't pursued it as of yet.

havalongavalon · January 2008

Yes, absolutely quiet ride. Soo quiet in fact, that I can hear each snowflake as it lands!

Not much data on FE yet, I haven't driven much lately and my winter mileage can be more variable. I haven't noticed any increase over the past two winters, but may be it also has to do with having had to slow down recently; radar traps are back...

OK, last mention about snow -- for every inch we get in Vancouver, Whistler probably gets three feet, so this IS a great time to come. Coincidentally today I saw a Prius with Texas plates...

mdm4 · January 2008

Does anyone know if you can swap the XLS springs onto a Touring Strut? A friend has a 2008 Touring and would like to soften the ride a bit. I know that the struts between the two models have different part numbers but will it work and will it provide a softer ride? In working on older cars I know that changing the springs have always played an important role in ride quality more so than just changing the shocks. Any information would be greatly appreciated

jlsexton · January 2008

I must assume that the different part numbers pertain ONLY to the different struts as in different ride or resistance. I also must assume the car bodies and structures are identical so changing the struts would change the ride. Perhaps asking the service manager would clear it up. I really don't believe the average driver of an Avalon is going to be changing the struts or any other part, I believe they would be well in their fifties and purchased it as a large comfortable ride as did I after trying several more expensive vehicles and found them lacking. My wife always wanted a true sports car until she rode in one and drove it. BUT I will look at others again in 2010 if around, particularly the Infiniti or Acura RL.

truckbme · February 2008

05 Avalon keyless remote went dead......(book in car at location) Any suggestions
(other than going to dealer?? help!

gomst1 · February 2008

Are you refering to the keyless remote of an 05 Avalon limited? If so, you can pull out a spare key on the side of the keyless remote.That will open the drivers door.
You can then put the remote against/on top of the push button starter to start the
car. For the other models without the smart key type of keyless remote, you might want to check the battery of the remote first. Good luck

jlsexton · February 2008

Yes purchase a spare battery from Interstate batteries online, maybe 2, I looked locally and could not find one, I'm purchasing 2 before it happens to me but for now the other post was dead on.

2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

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