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Toyota Avalon 2004 and earlier

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Comments

  • harryk766harryk766 Member Posts: 6
    yes sir... I bought a used relay... it usually doesn't matter if its used.. its an electronic part..

    did you get a chance to purchase one?
  • njavalonguynjavalonguy Member Posts: 35
    I Just ordered one...hope it works for me as well....will keep you updated on the progress.

    ~A
  • njavalonguynjavalonguy Member Posts: 35
    Bad news harry...it didn't work me :(

    I got those 3 lights again today within 2 days of installing the relay.

    Should I try replacing the other ABS relay 88263-24030 ?

    Since you have the ABS circuit diagram, is there any other relay which needs to be replaced ?

    Please advise

    ~A
  • harryk766harryk766 Member Posts: 6
    hey I am sorry to hear that.

    did you get a diagnosis done through technician?
    what were the codes.

    Codes which I got were c0273,c1246,c1301.

    I only changed one abs relay. that was the blue one right adjacent to the radiator.

    First thing first.. what were the codes that you got?

    Harry
  • njavalonguynjavalonguy Member Posts: 35
    Nope I ordered the part solely on basis of your experience.

    Where can I get the diagnosis done and how much do they charge ? Would a normal OBDII scanner read ABS codes and will codes only be returned when the ABS light is on ?

    Anyways I've asked the seller for the green ABS relay as replacement since the blue didn't work for me.

    ~A
  • harryk766harryk766 Member Posts: 6
    try the green one too.

    Did you try resetting the computer after you installed the blue relay?

    Just take off the battery terminals and hook them back after 5 mins.

    Your computer will be reset.

    As you have already ordered the Green Relay too, try that after you install that.

    If in case the lights do not go off, go to a technician and get the diagnosis done.

    Sometimes the abs switch/sensor might go bad at one of the wheels. To corner the issue, Diagnosis is the first step. I thought you were through this step.

    Diagnosis costed me about 50-70 bucks. ABS code readers are different. Regular OBD code readers do not read the abs codes.

    Did you get any recent brake/wheel bearing job done?
  • njavalonguynjavalonguy Member Posts: 35
    Yes Harry...all this started within a month or 2 after I got all the 4 rotors replaced....I had no trouble till then.

    The lights are not on all the time for me...once in a while they come on when i crank the car and if I shut the engine off and start it again they are gone. Do you think they will leave an error code if they are not on all the time ?

    I haven't really sent out the blue relay for replacement yet and no I didnot reset the computer by disconnecting the battery...the lights didn't come immediately after I switched the blue relay but may after 2 or 3 days and they went immediately after I shut off the car and restarted it. Do you think I should put the ordered blue relay back and try disconnecting the battery once before I send it back for exchanging with the green one ?

    ~A
  • harryk766harryk766 Member Posts: 6
    hi, in a way its hard to find out the error code when the lights are not constantly ON.

    i had hard time getting those codes as the lights weren't ON all the time.

    Well if you are sure that the lights came ON after the rotors were changed, then make sure that the technician/whoever changed the brakes haven't clipped off any ABS related wires/connectors.

    Get the error codes first... we can corner the issue later.
  • njavalonguynjavalonguy Member Posts: 35
    Hello Folks,

    The trunk release switch on the dash stopped working all of sudden after I did my last oil change where the battery of the car was also inspected for my 2000 XLS.

    The switch on the key fob is working though.

    I checked the trunk switch in the glove box too and that didn't have any effect.

    Any clues what else do I need to check ?

    ~A
  • clydekclydek Member Posts: 4
  • clydekclydek Member Posts: 4
    This is in regard to my 1997 avalon which has been drifting to the left and right while turning corners. It feels like you are on ice and you want to react. I read all about the suspension issues, but mine became a simple fix. The bolts holding the steering rack to the frame were loose. Forget about torque values and just tighten them as much as possible.

    clydek
  • carrerakencarreraken Member Posts: 9
    Anyone have torque specs for all the bolts when doing a brake job? Rotors & pads...
  • mikecraigmikecraig Member Posts: 13
    The torque for the caliper bolts is 79 ft-lb. The torque for the wheels is 76 ft-lb.
  • carrerakencarreraken Member Posts: 9
    Thanks Mike.
  • carrerakencarreraken Member Posts: 9
    ok, i presume that is for the caliper bracket, how about the caliper itself?
  • mikecraigmikecraig Member Posts: 13
    edited July 2011
    79 ft-lb is for the caliper. I don't know what you are calling the caliper bracket. Once the two caliper bolts are removed the caliper will lift off the rotor disk and the pads can eaisly be replaced.

    I just saw in the manual that front and rear calipers have different torques. The rear is 34 ft-lb.

    Send me your email address and I'll send you a copy of the shop manual mpcraigatexcitedotcom
  • carrerakencarreraken Member Posts: 9
    Thanks mike - email sent.
  • mikecraigmikecraig Member Posts: 13
    So, it looks like the front caliper bolts are attached to the torque plate with 25 ft-lb and the torque plate is attached to the front axle hub (? I'm not sure my terminology is accurate concerning the axle hub.) with two bolts at 79 ft-lb.

    The rear brake is different. There are both a disk brake and drum brake. The drum brake being the emergency brake. The rear brake caliper assembly is bolted on at 34 ft-lb. The rear does not seem to have a torque plate like the front.
  • carrerakencarreraken Member Posts: 9
    Thanks again mike.
  • arcolino2arcolino2 Member Posts: 2
  • arcolino2arcolino2 Member Posts: 2
    how do you replace the passenger side fog light, I do not see a screw on the front?
  • duke72duke72 Member Posts: 1
    Antifreeze on passenger side floor diagnosed as needing heater core replaced. I had previously, in vain, been adding and adding antifreeze to bring to level. Now, one month after replacing heater core, I am stiil seeing antifreeze stains on driveway and wetness on car floor.
    Is this just, as the dealer says, just the old antifreeze still leaking out of firewall? I know the stuff eventually has to come out somewhere, but how long can this go on?
    I don't seem to be losing any antifreeze from the radiator.
  • 5539655396 Member Posts: 529
    Well, the firewall is metal, so that's not leaking. It could be saturated sound deadening insulation on the inside of the firewall, but that's a vertical surface, so it would drain down in no time. If it drains down, it would go into the carpet padding and puddle on the floor - and stay there unless the drain plugs were loose or have a hole in them. I doubt it. If you still need to add fluid, I would guess you still have a leak, a leaking head gasket or frost plug, or radiator/heater hose.

    At any rate, you can pull the carpet back to see if it is wet there. If dry, it would point you elsewhere. If wet, you need to get that sticky antifreeze out of there.

    I purchased a BMW Z3 that had a back window leak. The carpet was dry, but when I reached under the carpet , the backing was saturated. It was a molded carpet with areas of heavy foam to fill the floor voids. I removed an ice cream pail of water from each side and it took 3 weeks to dry it completely. Fortunately I caught it soon enough. No smell, rust or mold. Better look at yours.
  • darrenstondarrenston Member Posts: 5
    my girl friend just got a Toyota Avalon and boy that car needs so much work to be done to it i don't know why it makes so much noise after reading your post now i know what to do and i think selling the car will be the options because its not worth fixing all those little things on it. it a used one a 2009 and for that year your not so pose to be putting in so much work. :mad:

    10 Tips On Buying From An Auto Auction
    http://10tipsonautoaction.blogspot.com/
  • marylandmannmarylandmann Member Posts: 3
    I bought this car new in 2001 (200k miles now) and have kept it well maintained, even repainting it a couple of times. This Avalon is BY FAR best car I have ever owned, and since I am 71, that is saying something.

    A couple of months ago, something developed and I (and my mechanic) are seeking advice.

    There is a "groan" that seems to come from the passenger front of the car, maybe the wheel area but hard to tell. Details:

    1) It is a low groan, intermittent; it is rather subtle;

    2) It does not occur until the car starts rolling; it happens whether rolling in neutral or in gear;

    3) It occurs only then the car has been sitting awhile;

    4) When outside temperature is below roughly 40 degrees, it does not occur at all;

    5) After about a minute of rolling, it goes away entirely and does not return until the car has been sitting for a while, maybe 15 minutes;

    6) There are no noticeable performance issues.

    My mechanic at first thought it might be the new premium disks and calipers, but he has now ruled that out. Also, using a stethoscope, he hears nothing in the drive train (wheel bearings on up). He cannot duplicate it on a lift.

    Any thoughts?

    Thanks!
  • mikecraigmikecraig Member Posts: 13
    My 2000 Avalon XLS has an intermittent noise coming from the driver's side of the center console approximately 8 inches off the floor and just to the right of the gas pedal. The sound is something like grrrrr, grrrrr. It make no difference if the HVAC is on or off. I think it may be an HVAC servo hunting for its zero position and the noise comes from a turning shaft that needs lubrication; but that is just a guess.

    As I said above, the noise is intermittent, sometimes absent for days and then recurring. It is not terribly loud but still annoying. A friend suggested I just turn the radio on louder. Have any of you experienced and solved this problem?
  • mcclearyflmcclearyfl Member Posts: 149
    I have the 2003 XLS (120K), essentially the same model as your car. As we all know the actual source of groans and rattles can be deceiving, and what you believe is coming from the passenger front of the vehicle may, in fact, be from somewhere else. One clue, which you have identified, is that the noise is temperature-dependent.

    The Avalon dash is a fairly complicated assembly of components. I drove for several months with a penny jammed between two panels in order to eliminate a similar groan. I eventually had to disassemble the dash to change out a failed instrument bulb, and upon reassembly the noise went away.

    In spite of your mechanic's evaluation I would not rule out a wheel bearing going bad. Hopefully not - the typical cost of a replacement is an astounding $400 with labor.
  • 5539655396 Member Posts: 529
    We had a 97 Camry that would groan under 40 degrees. Maybe with a parts swap one would be silent and the other groan all the time. Our 93 now has a loose rattle in the rear on rougher surfaces at slower speeds. Guess I have to crawl under there. I'm wondering if worn sway bar bushings would cause it. I hope it's not strut mounts. Anyone experienced that and found a solution?
  • marylandmannmarylandmann Member Posts: 3
    In an abundance of caution, I think that I will go ahead and replace that wheel bearing and see what happens, AFTER I swap that wheel/new high end tire to the back to see if it might be related to that.

    Some years ago, a guy hit me. Hard. Much of the front was replaced, but not the wheels. I have had a suspicion for a while that I may have a damaged wheel. If the sound moves to the back when I rotate, I will have my answer.

    Thanks!
  • marylandmannmarylandmann Member Posts: 3
    My 2001 XLS, although in excellent shape, has 216,000 miles on it. I have never had a breakdown. But I am wondering is anyone knows of a sensible routine for preventive repairs other than regular servicing? For example, is there an intelligent method based upon statistics, that it is wise at this mileage to replace item #1, then item #2, etc?

    Although I understand the rationale for "if it ain't broke don't fix it," that begs the issue that breakdowns are no fun.

    Any thoughts?

    Thanks,

    Dave
  • mikecraigmikecraig Member Posts: 13
    Any time I have the timing belt replaced I also replace the water pump. Once everything has been removed to access the timing belt the water pump is easily replaced. This makes the most sense if you are doing the work yourself. Some garages using the flat rate manual may double charge on labor. Ask in advance.

    I also preemptively replace my batteries at five years. They may last seven years but I don't want to find myself stranded in the Target parking lot in mid-winter. Having said that, my last battery only lasted four years. It nearly stranded me at my dentist's office. I went straight to Pep Boys, left the car running, and bought a new battery to take home.

    Leather seats will benefit from a good coat of Obenauf's Leather Oil. I was amazed at the results. The oil has a mild odor but it soon dissipates. I like to apply it in the heat of summer. Let it soak in for a day and then wipe off any excess.
  • finfin Member Posts: 594
    edited December 2011
    Here's a start: Belts and hoses are the most likely to fail without notice as time passes. Next in line is probably the battery and alternator. Ten years on belts and hoses is plenty. The battery, go for four years as in the prior post, then replace. Alternators can generally go over 100k, after that, who knows. We had one fail at 90k on a Honda.

    Watch for leaks under the car on the garage floor. NOTHING leaks on a Toyota except the AC drain. Flush and refill the radiator at 100k also if not done sooner. Replace the thermostat too. Transmissions can go 100k on the new ones with no trouble and no fluid change, yours probably 30k. These cars can go a long way with proper care... Good luck. :)
  • tridertrider Member Posts: 1
    106k I got a CEL P1155, talked to local repair shop, & they said it was Air Fuel Mixture Sensor, verses O2 Sensor. Only difference i see is the cost, true?
  • mikecraigmikecraig Member Posts: 13
    Re: 3608, Noise under dash
    I can now answer my own question concerning the noise coming from under the dash on the driver's side. What sounded like a motor hunting back and forth for a zero position was the Air Mix Servo Motor. I have replaced it and the noise has gone.

    The Air Mix Servo Motor is an assembly approximately 3" square by 3/4" thick. Within it are three gears and a small electric motor. The unit drives a lever that in turn operates the air mix flapper to control the mixture of cool air with warm air. When you raise or lower the cabin temperature using the toggle on the AC controls this is the motor you are controlling along with the fan speed. The new unit cost $115.66 plus $9.50 shipping. List price was $154.21. The Toyota part number is 87106-07071

    I disassembled the old unit and found it had spring fingers that make contact with resistive surfaces on the underside of the large gear (1-3/4" in diameter). The fingers had worn through the resistive surface to bare plastic. This probably lead to intermittent contact and the unit would hunt for its zero point.

    Removal was not too difficult. Remove the hood release. It's held by two screws in the lower plastic panel. Remove them and then snap out the cable. The lower plastic dash panel is held by a bolt on the lower left and a screw on the lower right. After removing them the panel can be removed by tugging down. It is held in place by four clips. Then remove the combination air duct and temperature sensor. It just unsnaps from the lower plastic panel. There is no need to disconnect the electrical connector. Next remove the connector for the 120V AC inverter switch. The lower dash panel can now be removed from the car. You can now access the three screws holding the Air Mix Servo. This required laying across the floor to get to the screws. I stacked two bags of tree mulch next to the driver's door to lay across. It helped but then I'm not a flexible as I once was. The top left screw holding the Air Mix Servo had to be removed by feel; I could not see it. Tip: Put the foot brake on. It will keep it partially out of the way. The arm on the Air Mix Servo fits into the damper control lever. It just pulls out. You will need to reinsert it on installation. Not a big deal, just be sure to do it. I found reinstallation to be a little easier than removal. Nothing was hard except blindly removing and installing that top left screw and laying on my belly through the front door while removing the screws.
  • mcclearyflmcclearyfl Member Posts: 149
    edited April 2012
    Mike, I haven't experienced the problem you describe, but thank you for the detailed procedure for replacing the servo. I plan to keep my 2003 for several more years, and this is a typical problem that occurs more frequently as miles accumulate. Is the specific brand of tree mulch important for use as a bed? I am getting older faster than the car. LOL.
  • mcclearyflmcclearyfl Member Posts: 149
    Once in a blue moon the speedometer on my 2003 XLS (130K miles) does not function. Upon restarting the car everything reverts to normal. With such an easy solution I don't plan to do any corrective work, but can anyone throw light on a possible cause? I live in Florida and the car is garaged at night.
  • nishantknishantk Member Posts: 1
    You know the plastic cover between front and rear doors...the cover which covers the seat belt. This plastic cover at the passenger seat side came out. I tried fixing by pushing it back. It is not yet fit. It is still loose from the middle. Pls suggest how to fix it. Are there hinges that need to fit in grooves?
  • 03avalon03avalon Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2012
    Just changed (first time) the transmission filter and fluid on my 2003 Avalon; 123,000 miles. I am the original owner and have changed the fluid every 30k. Probably could/should have done this job sooner. Though very minor sludge in the bottom of the pan; quick, light wipe and it was gone. Very easy job, all parts have easy access. Need only open the drain (back/bottom of trans, faces to the rear), both diff and trans drain together. Remove and replace the filter (three screws). Replace the drain plug. Replace the pan with new gasket (supplied with the new filter). Refill with 4 quarts of a good synthetic (my preference) trans fluid. Drive away and enjoy the smoooooooth, effortless shifting. Man, I love this car, will keep it foreeeeever!!! Happy motoring to all.
  • richa555richa555 Member Posts: 4
    I have a 2006 Avalon Limited. I have the factory VIP remote starter. It has worked perfectly since 2006, but now when I go to remote start it, it goes through the same routine, and when the lights flash the final time before it starts....nothing, it's doesn't attempt to turn over the car.

    The fob is fine and both fobs do the same thing. I can't even find the remote starter under the dash, so I'm guessing it's integrated into the car somewhere, unlike the aftermarket ones.

    Has anyone had this happen, and if so, what was the problem?

    The only thing I can think may have caused it, is that I had to get a jump start recently. Could this have done something? Everything else is working fine.
  • skycyclepilotskycyclepilot Member Posts: 2
  • skycyclepilotskycyclepilot Member Posts: 2
    Is there a way to adjust the sensitivity of the automatic headlights on a 2002 Avalon? Mine wait way too late in the evening to turn on.
  • elguyoelguyo Member Posts: 1
    2003 Avalon XLS with 110K miles. Have clear very light brown fluid leaking through holes in front cross member passenger side after driving. The fluid evaporates or soaks into the driveway after a few hours. The fluid is of a watery slippery consistency and smells like rubber hose. Unable to visualize where it is exactly coming from. Seems to be in between the cross member and the AC compressor. Suspect brake fluid? Is there a brake line that runs in the area of the front cross member? Any help would be appreciated.

    Thanks
  • 5539655396 Member Posts: 529
    edited March 2013
    Is it water soluble or does water bead up like oil? Have you changed your water pump /timing belt? If you're really lucky, maybe it's a hose leak. My guess would be water pump. I have 115k on our 03 and none has been done, but it's been pampered.
  • gtownegtowne Member Posts: 1
    It has 119k miles on it and still rides like a brand new car. I have always taken well care of it from top tires to rapid oil changes. My problem is when it rains water some how makes it in the back passenger side door. The seat gets drenched and the floorboard gets wet. The cup on the door on the arm gets full of water. I have no idea what to replace and what parts I need to make this leak stop. I've tried to put water hose on the door when its closed on top however im unable to pin point where the actual leak is coming from. I am no familiar with body work or mechanic work but would be willing to try to fix this on my own if I knew exactly what parts and the how-to.

    Please help.
    Thanks
  • mikecraigmikecraig Member Posts: 13
    Has your car always had this problem? You don't say where you live, but with the right weather conditions I've seen ice form around the door on a different car and had the rubber door molding tear when the door was opened. Have you carefully examined the rubber molding on both the door and the door frame? Of course you have. Never mind.

    I looked at my Avalon. For the door cup to fill with water it looks like the leak would have to come from the window seal. Roll the window down and have a good look at the window frame and seals.

    Another thing you might try is to attach some tissue paper along various points inside window and the door frame. It will quickly show any moisture. A little masking tape will easily hold it in place. Then perhaps go to a car wash and use a pressure wand to see if you can cause a leak. Can you get someone to sit in the back seat at the same time?
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,817
    It could be the sunroof drains have become loosened or clogged up.

    2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve

  • olds2olds2 Member Posts: 1

    Is a denso air/fuel ratio sensor sku 234-9028 the correct replacement on my 2004 toyota avalon V6?

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