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Toyota Avalon 2008-2010

945 messages,  Last post on May 13, 2013 at 5:43 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Avalon, Future Vehicle, Sedan

Messages Page 89 of 95

#877 of 945 2008 -2010 Avalon headlights/assemblies by papasavalon

Jan 27, 2012 (11:00 am)

From what I have learned from my Toyota dealer, there is a release date (Feb. 22, 2012) for replacement headlight assemblies for the Avalon. That tells me there must have been a re-design due to premature failure of headlight bulbs whether they be high or low beams, both of which had dailed within a month of the other. So far communication with my dealer implies that my Avalon's headlight issues will be taken care of under warranty. time will tell if they hold up to it.

#878 of 945 Re: 2008 -2010 Avalon headlights/assemblies [papasavalon] by diekema

Jan 27, 2012 (11:07 am)

Replying to: papasavalon (Jan 27, 2012 11:00 am)
That is what I have heard. however the warranty extension is only good to 75K. Mine first blew at 83k and again at 125K Then the low (HID) blew. I have found lower cost replacements, but I am a little frustrated with Toyota for not backing this up.

#879 of 945 Re: 2008 -2010 Avalon headlights/assemblies [papasavalon] by mlingga

Jan 27, 2012 (3:02 pm)

Replying to: papasavalon (Jan 27, 2012 11:00 am)
More confusion on this recurring subject. I just had both headlight assemblies replaced by Toyota at their expense in December. However, the specifics of my repair do not match what you are describing. I received a letter from Toyota, but with these differences from what you describe:
1) The replacement was specifically due to premature burnout, or shattering/melting of the halogen HIGH beam bulb. It made no mention of any remedy for the well-known premature HID low beam burnout problem.
2) The replacement was via a warranty extension, but it was only to 60,000, not 75,000 miles.
3) the replacement was specific, I believe, to the '08 model, not '08 - '10.
4) Obviously, since mine was done last month, there was no "Feb 22" release date.
 
Having replaced a total of 4 HID bulbs to date in my '08, I'd love to hear that this problem is formally being addressed. No one at the dealer could tell me if the new headlight assemblies they installed would also in some way address the HID low beam problem, which to date Toyota has not acknowledged. My experience was that my dealer was CLUELESS about this whole situation: I had to walk them through the entire process.
 
If you get any specifics, ideally in writing, from Toyota, or even just more information, please post it here! Thanks.

#880 of 945 Re: 2009 Maintenance Question [lotlizzard] by urspider76

Jan 29, 2012 (8:18 am)

Replying to: lotlizzard (Jan 19, 2012 8:44 pm)
I have a 2008 LTD with 178,000 miles - car runs beautifully, I have not changed any of the fluids other than oil (Mobil 1). I have not touched the AC.
My daughter has a 1999 Toyota Solara - the AC runs great - never touched to date. With regards to brake fluid - contaminatiion darkens it.
Toyota builds a great product - isn't that part of the reason why we bought Avalons? Enhanced Maintenance - NO WAY!

#881 of 945 Re: 2009 Maintenance Question [urspider76] by mlingga

Jan 29, 2012 (5:25 pm)

Replying to: urspider76 (Jan 29, 2012 8:18 am)
lotlizzard: after five factory recalls, and endless hassles with the '08 headlights (see my many posts above), and Toyota's lack of help (they still deny that there is a problem with the longevity of the HID headlights with the Avvys, despite admitting that the same lights are flawed in the Prius), and my dealer's incompetence, I'm sadly not one who can say "Toyota builds a great product." That WAS why I bought the Avvy in the first place. I know my experience may be unusually negative (though all other '08 owners have lived through at least 4 of the 5 recalls I've dealt with). Still in the end, buy another Toyota? Don't think so.

#882 of 945 2008 Avalon Headlights/Daytime Running Lights by fanojag

Feb 01, 2012 (11:11 am)

Only yesterday I submitted a claim under the recently announced 75,000 mile extension on the Daytime Running/High beam lights. At $76 for the replacement bulb in 2010, this isn't my biggest problem. I had recieved notification from Toyota of this extension only a few days prior to that.
 
I recently spent $350 for replacement low beams (these had the sometimes on, sometimes off issue common in a large number of these complaints). I do as much of my own mtce as possible, but these bulbs were almost impossible to get to. I intend to submit my paperwork for the low beam replacements and see what happens. If I get any additional information I will post here.

#883 of 945 Re: 2008 Avalon Headlights/Daytime Running Lights [fanojag] by diekema

Feb 01, 2012 (11:55 am)

Replying to: fanojag (Feb 01, 2012 11:11 am)
i, too, have had to replace the lo-beams and found a lower cost sorce--HID world, or something like that. You must remove the battery and loosen the fuse panel on the driver's side. The passenger side isn't that difficult.

#884 of 945 Re: 2008 Avalon Headlights/Daytime Running Lights [diekema] by urspider76

Feb 01, 2012 (3:11 pm)

Replying to: diekema (Feb 01, 2012 11:55 am)
After 4 years and 4 months - 178,000 miles, I have replaced the high beams twice and now each side low beam once. Purchased identical philips bulbs on the net for around $ 50.00 each. Changed myself - not too difficult.

#885 of 945 2008 & up Headlights by fin

Feb 01, 2012 (3:58 pm)

For clarity.. is it just the '08 - '10 that has these headlight issues? Or additional years...? My '07 Limited has been fine but I may someday move up... What about the '11 models? Thanks for the comments... have enjoyed this forum for many years...

#886 of 945 Re: 2008 Avalon Headlights/Daytime Running Lights [diekema] by kbetts1

Feb 16, 2012 (8:34 am)

Replying to: diekema (Feb 01, 2012 11:55 am)
Just replaced the passenger side on my '08 for the first time. It took less than 10 minutes, no tools except for a flashlight and I paid $50 on Amazon for a German made Phillips bulb (quality of aftermarket Chinese bulbs varies so much that I would avoid any of them) I'll order another bulb but really don't see a problem waiting until the driver's side starts acting like the passenger side (bulb goes out while driving but comes back on after cooling down).
Maybe I did something wrong but it seemed no more difficult than replacing a bulb on a mini-van
 
Here is what I did (except I skipped disconnecting the battery);
disconnect battery
note the position "Lock ->" lettering on the outer cover for when you replace it
rotate the outer saucer dish size plastic cover until loose and remove it
rotate the connector until the spring tabs are loose and remove the connector
release the spring clips on both sides
note the position/orientation of the tabs on the bulb as you remove it
Install the new bulb making sure it's seated
push spring clips back into place on both sides
reinstall connector making sure the friction tabs are engaged
turned on the lights to make sure they worked
reinstalled the outer cover

Messages Page 89 of 95

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