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Toyota Avalon Basic Maintenance Questions

290 messages,  Last post on Jun 16, 2009 at 8:51 AM

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#51 of 290 Synthetic tranny fluid by hank14 Jan 30, 2004 (9:02 am)
I drained and refilled the transmission this summer in our 98 avalon with 80K miles. I used Amsoil synthetic ATF. I repeated the procedure this week with 89,000 miles. I honestly haven't seen any difference, but I plan on draining and refilling every 6 months or so. I am also using Amsoil synthetic oil which has a 25K mile or one year change interval and a 6 month Amsoil filter.   On my 99 Landcruiser with 120,000 miles, I changed all the fluids to synthetic Amsoil motor oil, trans fluid, gear lube, and grease. I plan on driving these vehicles a long time.
#52 of 290 60K Service & Where to Buy Synthetics by berob Jan 31, 2004 (12:11 pm)
I just bought a 2000 Avalon with 56,000. I cannot find a maintenance schedule with the literature but assume that some level of maintenance is scheduled for 60,000 miles. Can someone advise what I should do at 60,000 miles? Keep in mind that I don't know a lot about the maintenance history so I'm inclined to do too much rather than not enough. Also, what's the cheapest place to buy Mobil 1? I seem to recall someone saying Sam's Club sells it, but I couldn't find it at the one near me. Also, what kind of oil filter should I use? Thanks.
#53 of 290 by alcan Jan 31, 2004 (5:04 pm)
Here you go:   http://www.renotoyota.com/service_schedule.htm#Service%20B   Depending on your vehicle's use, just use the appropriate schedule. Many items are inspect or check, which you could probably perform yourself.
#54 of 290 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Feb 10, 2004 (3:39 pm)
that's a handy chart. All you Toyota owners should bookmark it. thaks Alcan!
#55 of 290 After-market air cleaner filter by mcclearyfl Mar 01, 2004 (10:23 am)
I replaced the stock air filter on my '03 Avalon with a a TRD oil-coated version. The company claims superior filtration and improved airflow, thus greater power. My initial reaction is that full-throttle acceleration from a standing start is perkier and more willing. I have not yet tried acceleration from cruising speeds.   The owner's manual decribes a few simple do-it-yourself maintenance steps, but changing the air filter is, amazingly, not one of them. It is very obvious what is necessary, but this omission from the manual is bizarre. Installing snow tires and rotating tires (rarely done by most owners - it's left to the service bay) are descrbed in detail. Maybe the air filter isn't considered important!
#56 of 290 After-market air filter performance on highway by mcclearyfl Mar 02, 2004 (4:42 am)
In my previous post I had not evaluated performance of the TRD air filter at highway speeds. Acceleration from 75 mph to 85 mph again seems more sprightly. The key seems to be getting the revs above 4000 rpm, at which point the better breathing of the replacement filter has the most impact. I am previously accustomed to slipping out of overdrive into 3rd gear to use the engine's optimum power and torque characteristics, but always felt that there was something missing. At least part of that surge has been restored, probably about 5 HP worth.
#57 of 290 '00 XLS 60k service by tomdisalvo May 02, 2004 (6:37 pm)
Hello all. Glad to find such an active forum for the Avalon. I'm doing some legwork for my mom in regards to her Avalon maintenance. She has so-far continued going to the dealership after expiration of the warranty, which is an argument for a later date...   After reading through most of the archives, I've got a few questions on the 60k service:   First, the timing belt. There is no consensus on whether or not the engine is an 'interference' engine. IE - should the timing belt break, will the valves and pistons will smash together in a $2,500 collision? Is this the case with the 3.0? My feeling is to hold off on replacing the belt until 90k, but only if it's not an interference engine. Otherwise I won't take that chance. Any definitive answer would be appreciated.   Second, replacing the spark plugs. What type & mfr are the OEM plugs on an '00? Platinum or Iridium? My mom's dealership is looking for a $100 upcharge to their normal inflated service prices. That charge is what has led me to this forum, BTW. I'd like to change her plugs myself (knowing it's a pain) and don't want to get them from the dealership.   Any guidance would be appreciated. With significant shade-tree mechanic time on my Nissan, hopefully I can contribute to the forum in the future.   Regards, TOM
#58 of 290 Timing belt... by nomad56 May 02, 2004 (10:39 pm)
Tom-FYI-CAR Mfg recommendation on the belt is 60k. BELT mfg recommendation is 90k. Toyota's only true "interference" engines are 4 cyl. and were made from 1980-1994. Even the VVTi engine is not an interference engine. NGK "platinum" plugs are available for about $50. -nomad56- Replies to this message: tomdisalvo (May 03, 2004 4:30 am)
#59 of 290 Re: Timing belt... [nomad56 #403] by tomdisalvo May 03, 2004 (4:30 am)
Replying to: nomad56 (May 02, 2004 10:39 pm) Thanks for the information. Indeed a set of NGK platinum plugs should only cost about $50. I'm glad to hear Toyota doesn't use anything exotic for the plugs. Might you (or someone else) have a specific part number for them? I know there are a range of gaps & temperatures.   Time to break out my socket extensions & universal joints. From my reading, it sounds like the rear bank of plugs, especially #1, is tricky to reach. My next hurdle is also finding her a good local garage for future maintenance. At least in our part of the country (Milwaukee WI), there is an absolute shortage of competent mechanics.   Regards, TOM
#60 of 290 Avalon Spark Plug Replacement by jicka May 04, 2004 (7:27 am)
According to the owner's manual, the 2000 Avalon has "Iridium" plugs. In the maintenance book there is no mention of plug replacement specificaly for the Avalon until 120,000 miles.   At the 60,000 mile mark, plug replacement is indicated for the Camry.   Do I argue with the dealer when the 60K service is due?

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