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I notice that you joined this thread recently. Have you had a chance to review older comments on this issue? This kind of surge behavior in Avalons may be caused or accentuated by the position of the foot on the gas pedal. Numerous Avalon drivers who had "surge" or "hesitation" problems turned out to be "toe drivers" and they were able to improve their car's response by moving the heel forward and pressing at a higher point on the gas pedal. See in the Avalon 2005+ discussion,
#11794 How do YOU step on the gas pedal? Initial Poll Results
and many following posts.
Incidentally, changing their foot position seems to have worked also for readers who drive other car brands with similar surge or hesitation problems.
havalongavalon
http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5257
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Avalon
http://www.drive.com.au/toyota-aurion-articles/@spg502/results.html
I am a big toyota fan until I bought the 05 Avalon I loved my 96 tacoma and wish i never sold it. My GF has a 2002 maxima and the 4sp transmission works perfect....why can't toyota's be just as smooth?
I also test drove an 07 recently while getting my unwelded steering column replaced. The quirky transmission problems were also on the 07 model. The other thing I don't like is that it takes ALOT of foot on the break to get the car to stop....
Bye bye avalon. I hope they correct their issues....perhaps maybe they will bring diesels to the US soon..
then there are several forums here that have been shut down over the years because of disagreements between people with the issue and people without, and others claiming some were out to bring down the house of Toyota. :surprise:
it's not just the Avalon or Camry, and it's not news.
My '06 Avalon NONE
Mom's '05 Highlander (3.3) NONE
Friend's '06 (3.3) Higlander NONE
Friend's '07 (3.5) Camry NONE
Also at work they bought 3 '07 4cyl Camrys for the salesman, not a complaint. When talking about the car I asked each of them if they were experiencing any hesitations. They all have at least 7500 miles now. I would think that if it was such a "widespread" problem one of these vehicles would have it.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
My service dept told me to keep checking back periodically for software updates for the transmission\computer issue. Now why would they say that?
Isn't it pretty obvious that if you never encounter any of those EXACT circumstances you are likely to feel you have a "perfect" Toyota?
06/07 Avalon owners are all to familiar with the jerky/sloppy shifting and acceleration of these vehicles. There have been countless complaints about this on different forums on the WEB.
Yesterday I purchased a one day subscription to -> http://techinfo.toyota.com looking for resolution to another issue. At that site I found all TSBs - trouble service bulletins.
TSB EG029-07 was released on 6/6/07 and deals specifically with the shifting/accel issues on 06/07 Avalons.
If your vin precedes VIN number 4T1BK36B#7U243331 this TSB should help. The 10th digit in all vins is the year, so this should definitely help all '06 Avalon owners. The # sign in the 9th digit represent a check digit which will vary from car to car.
I would have attached the entire document, but this site does not allow it. Here's a brief part of the text at the front of the TSB:
To enhance shifting performance and smoothness during acceleration, the Engine
Control Module/ECM (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) calibration has
been revised. Please use the following procedure to address customer concerns.
You may see the enire PDF in the Avalon forum at:
http://www.tundrasolutions.com
or at least until the forum moderators over there remove it.
A txt version of it follows - not as easy a read as the pdf at the tundrasolutions forums, but data nonetheless:
************************************************** ************************
ENGINE
Technical Service
BULLETIN
June 6, 2007
Title:
ECM CALIBRATION: ENHANCEMENT
TO SHIFTING PERFORMANCE.
& SMOOTHNES.
Models:
’06 – ’07 Avalon
EG029-07
Introduction
To enhance shifting performance and smoothness during acceleration, the Engine
Control Module/ECM (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) calibration has
been revised. Please use the following procedure to address customer concerns.
NOTE:
Before proceeding, verify the ECM (PCM) calibration has NOT been updated by
checking for the Authorized Modifications Label (shown in step 1 of the
Repair Procedure).
Applicable .
2006 – 2007 model year Avalon vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change
Vehicles
Effective VIN shown below.
Production
Change
Information
MODEL PRODUCTION CHANGE EFFECTIVE VIN
Avalon 4T1BK36B#7U243331
Parts
Information
MODEL
YEAR
PREVIOUS PART NUMBER CURRENT PART NUMBER PART NAME QTY
20062006
89661–07450
89661–07471* ECM (PCM)( ) –89661–07451
2007 89661–07470
– N/A 00451–00001–LBL Authorized
Modifications Label
1
* The ECM (PCM) should NOT be replaced as part of the Repair Procedure.
NOTE:
Authorized Modification Labels may be ordered in packages of 25 from the Materials
Distribution Center (MDC) through Dealer Daily Dealer Support Materials System or by
calling the MDC at 1–800–622–2033.
Warranty
Information
OP CODE DESCRIPTION TIME OFP T1 T2
EG7023 Recalibrate ECM (PCM) 0.9 89661–##### 26 99
Applicable Warranty*:
This repair is covered under the Toyota Federal Emission Warranty. This warranty is
in effect for 96 months or 80,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s
in-service date.
* Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer’s
specific complaint.
Toyota Supports ASE Certification
Page 1 of 4

ECM CALIBRATION: ENHANCEMENT TO SHIFTING PERFORMANCE & SMOOTHNESS – EG029-07 June 6,
2007
Required
Tools &
Material
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER PART NUMBER QTY
TIS Techstream*
NOTE: Software version 2.00.008 or
later is required.
ADE TSUNT 1
GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station* SPX/OTC 00002–MCGR8 1
* Essential SSTs.
NOTE:
.
Additional Techstream units may be ordered by calling Approved Dealer
Equipment (ADE) at 1–800–368–6787.
.
The Toyota Diagnostic Tester and CAN Interface Module may also be used to
perform the service procedures listed in this bulletin.
.
The GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station (P/N 00002–MCGR8) supersedes the
Automatic Trickle Charger (P/N 00002–YA122–01) and Fast Battery Chargers
(Associated P/N ASE6003 and Christie P/N CAPPDQ). P/N 00002–YA122–01,
ASE6003, and CAPPDQ are now obsolete.
Calibration
Identification
Chart
MODEL MODEL YEAR
PREVIOUS
CALIBRATION ID
NEW
CALIBRATION ID
VDS
AvalonAvalon
2006 30705000
30705100 3070710030707100 BK36BBK36B
2007 30707000
NOTE:
Vehicles which have been flash reprogrammed using the procedures in this TSB
will contain upgraded 2007 model year OBD II logic. Refer to the 2007 model year
Avalon Repair Manual on the Technical Information System (TIS) when checking
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) on 2006 model year vehicles that
have been reprogrammed.
Page 2 of 4

ECM CALIBRATION: ENHANCEMENT TO SHIFTING PERFORMANCE & SMOOTHNESS – EG029-07 June 6,
2007
Repair 1. Check for the Authorized Modifications Label affixed to the vehicle in the
location
Procedure
shown in Figure 1. Confirm if the ECM (PCM) calibration has been updated. If the
calibration ID listed is NOT the latest ECM (PCM) calibration — go to step 2.
Replacement
ECM (PCM)
Part
Number
Calibration
ID(s)
THE FOLLOWING MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE:
89661–07471
30707100
THESE MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVED
AS APPROPRIATE BY EPA AND CARB
DEALER CODE: DATE:
CHANGE AUTHORITY: TSB EG029–07
Date
Completed
Dealer Code
TSB Number
Figure 1. Location of Authorized Modifications Label on 2007 Avalon
2. Flash Reprogram the ECM (PCM).
NOTE:
.
The GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station MUST be used in Power Supply Mode to
maintain battery voltage at 13.5 volts while flash reprogramming the vehicle.
.
For details on how to use the GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station, refer to the GR8
Instruction Manual located on TIS, Diagnostics – Battery.
Follow the procedures outlined in TSB No. SS002–07, “Techstream ECU Flash
Reprogramming Procedure,” and flash the ECM (PCM) with the NEW calibration
file update.
3.
Start the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature before test–driving.
4.
Test–drive the vehicle to confirm proper vehicle operation (and proper laser cruise
control operation, if so equipped).
Page 3 of 4

ECM CALIBRATION: ENHANCEMENT TO SHIFTING PERFORMANCE & SMOOTHNESS – EG029-07 June 6,
2007
Repair 5. Install the Authorized Modifications Label.
A. Using a permanent marker, enter the following information on the label:
Procedure
(Continued)
.
ECM part number: [Refer to the Parts Information section for the CURRENT
PART NUMBER]
.
Calibration ID(s): [Refer to the Calibration Identification Chart for the NEW
CALIBRATION ID]
.
Dealer Code
.
Repair Date
.
Change Authority (this TSB number): EG029–07
B.
Affix the Authorized Modifications Label to the vehicle at the location shown in
Figure 1. The Authorized Modifications Label is available through the MDC,
P/N 00451–00001–LBL.
Page 4 of 4
Thanks t
You get one too! But you also get exhaust manifolds and o2 sensor, all under warranty.
http://link-protector.com/221107/
Refer to "ECM Calibration: Enhancement to shifting performance and smoothness. OP CODE DESCRIPTION TIME OFT T1 T2 - EG7023 Recalibrate ECM (PCM)"
The dealer will not fix this problem unless the customer complains.link title
Recently became aware of the TSB and called Toyo in CA to find out why I was not contacted about the "fix" . After rambling on that this was not a recall, they urged me to bring back to dealer for another "look". I dropped it off at the dealer informing him of the TSB and my discussion with Toyo central. Service tells me there is no guarantee that the TSB will work. When I questioned this he said "other work" may need to be done. Phone call 1 at 1 day post drop off: "TSB didn't work, need to replace electronic valve body in transmission" "This involves dropping the pan, replacing the valve and running diagnostic". "We need car for another day". Phone call 2 2 days post drop off: "Replacement of the electronic valve didn't work, may need to replace transmission". Phone call 3 to Toyo central: "We need to open new complaint file" I refuse, stating that it is the same problem as before which was never fixed. Phone call 4 from dealer: "Transmission needs to be replaced...sorry"
Here it is in a nutshell: If it smells like, tastes like and feels like crap...then it's crap. So to all of you who have placed wooden blocks under the accelrator or hypothesized about the impact of Newtonian physics on the transmission performance...good luck. I now have my $34,000 car with 21k miles undergoing a transmision transplant, performed by 19 year-old DeVry Tech graduates. I'll be sure to ask for the can of spare nuts and bolts when I pick it up. I only ask that the car run for another 11 miles, that's how far it is to the nearest BMW dealer.
Good luck.
glad I did this...now I can't wait to get back home and give it a go myself.
btw, mine is a 2006 xls.
Anyone else who has had it done, please continue reporting on your results.
A similar TSB hasn't been issued by Toyota Canada so far. Has anyone tried to have this fix done in Canada based on the USA TSB?
Apparently there are other issues with '05 models, but the update to my '07 was quick ,simple, and worked perfectly.
My thanks to those on this forum who made us all aware of the TSBs as soon as they came out and even provided links to them. My dealer, which is a fairly savvy group of individuals, did not even know of the TSB's release until I told him, and in fact I had to give him a copy to make sure he could get it done. Very much appreciated.
I had noticed only a limited low speed acceleration slip, and not all the time, but I did notice it once in a while. What I was really hoping for was a fix for the way the laser cruise control accelerated after a slow down and then subsequent speed up. It really slammed you in you seat because it seemed to want to get back to speed instantly. In heavy highway traffic it was a pain.
I am very pleased with the fix. (I saw the order for the parts over $1300.00 and then 4 hours of labor so Toyota is making a real commitment to fixing this.) I have taken my car on the highway and the laser cruise now works like a dream, acceleration is smooth as silk. I've also noticed the overall shifting is so smooth now I actually had to look to the Tach to tell when the shift points are, it was always smooth and quiet but now there is virtually no perceptible change when shifts occur except the tach change.
I would recommend the fix for anyone that feels they have the hesitation and/or the laser cruise control dragster type acceleration.
I spoke with the technician that did the repair and he said it was the 2nd one he had done (he is the shop expert and is the only one doing this fix right now) and it is fairly straight forward and other than time consuming not difficult, so it is not something a good service department should have trouble with.
I mentioned that I had read other folks have gone onto their dealers and all they do is flash the ECU and he shook his head and said that will only result in worse problems on the 05 since the manifold with the old Oxygen sensors will not give the new program the correct readings and will cause worse shifting.
A link to the TSB and answers all your questions on parts, etc.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/"
I am considering getting a 2007 Avalon and came across a number of complaints and the TSB (not much of a description, but enough to know what it was) without finding this discussion first.
If you do have serious problems, please report them to the Office of Defect Investigations. I have no doubt that the complaints to NHTSA pressured Toyota into issuing the fix.
BTW, is there a discussion group about the Avalon headlights? Saw a few complaints about them. Similar to the Azera complaints.">link title
ENGINE
EG033-07
Title:
ECM CALIBRATION: ENHANCEMENT
TO SHIFTING PERFORMANCE
& SMOOTHNESS
Models:
'05 Avalon
June 20, 2007
Introduction
To enhance shifting performance and smoothness during acceleration, the Engine Control Module/ECM (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) calibration has been revised and certain fuel control feedback components have been updated. Please use the following procedure to address customer concerns.
NOTE :Before proceeding, verify the ECM (PCM) calibration has NOT been updated by checking for the Authorized Modifications Label (shown in Figure 11 of the Repair Procedure).
Applicable Vehicles
^ 2005 model year Avalon vehicles.
Roland
So it is entirely possible that the change, running perfectly "again", may be the result of the reversion to the factory default parameters and therefore only a temporary "fix".
LIke you I too have an 07 Avy, and also like you, had the recalibration done to my car. After reading your post about how your engine was turning higher rpm's @ lower speeds, I decided to check mine out... here's my results:
@ 35 mph = 1550 rpm's
@ 40 mph = 1700 rpm's
@ 50 mph = 1500 rpm's ( perhaps a tad higher, 1525/1550 )
@ 60 mph = 2000 rpm's
I can also say that I noticed an immediate difference in the shifting pattern, primarily at low end speeds, after the calibration was done.
As for mileage, my normal daily drive is a combination of city / highway and I'm averaging approx. 26.5 mpg... On a recent "short" highway jaunt into texas a month or so back I was averaging between 29 & 30 mpg with the ac on.
Roland