Toyota Avalon Hybrid (2019 year). Instruction - part 26

401

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mai
ntenan

ce and care

Pull the hood lock release lever.

The hood will pop up slightly.

Pull up the auxiliary catch lever
and lift the hood.

■

Open hood warning buzzer
If the vehicle reaches a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h), the master warning light
flashes and a buzzer sounds to indicate that the hood is not fully closed.

Hood

Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.

1

2

WARNING

■

Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked. 
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.

402

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

◆

Front

◆

Rear

Positioning a floor jack

When  using  a  floor  jack,  follow  the  instructions  in  the  manual
provided with the jack and perform the operation safely.
When raising your vehicle with a floor jack, position the jack cor-
rectly.  Improper  placement  may  damage  your  vehicle  or  cause
injury.

403

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mai
ntenan

ce and care

Engine compartment

Fuse boxes

(

P. 441)

Engine oil filler cap (

P. 405)

Engine oil level dipstick

(

P. 404)

Brake fluid reservoir

(

P. 409)

Radiator

(

P. 408)

Electric cooling fan
Condenser

(

P. 408)

Power control unit 
coolant reservoir

(

P. 407)

Engine coolant reservoir

(

P. 407)

Washer fluid tank (

P. 410)

1
2
3

4

5

6
7
8

9

10

404

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.

■

Checking the engine oil

Park  the  vehicle  on  level  ground. After  warming  up  the  engine
and turning it off the hybrid system, wait more than 5 minutes for
the oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out.

Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the
oil level.

Low
Normal
Excessive

The  shape  of  the  dipstick  may
differ  depending  on  the  type  of
vehicle or engine.

Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.

Engine oil

1

2

3
4
5

1
2
3

6

405

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mai
ntenan

ce and care

■

Adding engine oil
If  the  oil  level  is  below  or  near
the low level mark, add engine
oil  of  the  same  type  as  that
already in the engine.

Make  sure  to  check  the  oil  type  and  prepare  the  items  needed
before adding oil.

Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.

■

Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following
situations,  oil  consumption  may  increase,  and  engine  oil  may  need  to  be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.

●

When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or
after replacing the engine

●

If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used

●

When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, or when driving
while accelerating or decelerating frequently

●

When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic

Engine oil selection

P. 501

Oil quantity 
(Low 

 Full)

1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)

Items

Clean funnel

1
2
3

406

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

WARNING

■

Used engine oil

●

Used  engine  oil  contains  potentially  harmful  contaminants  which  may
cause  skin  disorders  such  as  inflammation  and  skin  cancer,  so  care
should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used
engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

●

Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground. 
Call your Toyota dealer, service station or auto parts store for information
concerning recycling or disposal.

●

Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.

NOTICE

■

To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.

■

When replacing the engine oil

●

Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.

●

Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.

●

Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.

●

Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

■

If oil is spilled on the engine cover
To  prevent  the  engine cover from being  damaged, remove any engine oil
from the engine cover as soon as possible using a neutral detergent. 
Do not use an organic solvent such as brake cleaner.

407

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mai
ntenan

ce and care



Engine coolant reservoir

The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir when the hybrid system is cold.

Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line

If  the  level  is  on  or  below  the  “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
(

P. 491)



Power control unit coolant reservoir

The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the hybrid system is cold.

Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line

If  the  level  is  on  or  below  the
“LOW”  line,  add  coolant  up  to  the
“FULL” line. (

P. 491)

■

Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -31

F [-35C])

Coolant

1
2
3

1
2
3

408

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

■

If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiators, hoses, engine/power control unit coolant reser-
voir caps, drain cock and water pump. 
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.

Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects. 
If  either of  the  above parts  is  extremely  dirty  or you  are not  sure of
their condition, have your vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

WARNING

■

When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the engine/power control unit coolant reservoir caps or the
radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.

NOTICE

■

When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.

■

If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.

Radiator and condenser

WARNING

■

When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.

409

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mai
ntenan

ce and care

■

Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between  the  “MAX”  and  “MIN”
lines on the tank.

“MAX”
“MIN”

■

Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.

■

Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.

Brake fluid

1
2

Fluid type

SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid
SAE J1704 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 brake fluid

Item

Clean funnel

WARNING

■

When filling the reservoir
Take  care  as  brake  fluid  can  harm  your  hands  and  eyes  and  damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.

NOTICE

■

If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.

410

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Add  washer  fluid  in  the  following
situations:
● A washer does not work.
● “Windshield Washer Fluid Low”

is  displayed  on  the  multi-infor-
mation display.

Washer fluid

WARNING

■

When adding washer fluid
Do  not  add  washer  fluid  when  the  hybrid  system  is  hot  or  operating  as
washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine, etc.

NOTICE

■

Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid 
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle's painted surfaces, as well as
damaging the pump leading to problems of the washer fluid not spraying.

■

Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary. 
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bot-
tle.

411

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mai
ntenan

ce and care

The  12-volt  battery  is  located  on
the right-hand side of the trunk.

Remove the 12-volt battery cover.

12-volt battery

Location

Removing the 12-volt battery cover

412

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Make sure that the 12-volt battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.

Terminals
Hold-down clamp

■

Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable  and  explosive.  Therefore,  observe  the  following  precautions  before
recharging:

●

If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to dis-
connect the ground cable.

●

Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and dis-
connecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.

■

After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery

●

Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible imme-
diately after reconnecting the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use the wire-
less remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.

●

Start the hybrid system with the power switch in ACCESSORY mode. The
hybrid system may not start with the power switch turned off. However, the
hybrid system will operate normally from the second attempt.

●

The power switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery is
reconnected, the vehicle will return the power switch mode to the status it
was in before the 12-volt battery was disconnected. Make sure to turn off
the  power  before  disconnecting  the  12-volt  battery. Take  extra  care  when
connecting the 12-volt battery if the power switch mode prior to discharge is
unknown.

If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Toyota
dealer.

Exterior

1
2

413

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mai
ntenan

ce and care

WARNING

■

Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may
produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk
of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or
near the 12-volt battery:

●

Do not cause sparks by touching the 12-volt battery terminals with tools.

●

Do not smoke or light a match near the 12-volt battery.

●

Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.

●

Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.

●

Wear protective safety glasses when working near the 12-volt battery.

●

Keep children away from the 12-volt battery.

■

Where to safely charge the 12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an open area. Do not charge the 12-
volt battery in a garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventila-
tion.

■

How to recharge the 12-volt battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The 12-volt battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.

■

Emergency measures regarding electrolyte

●

If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.

●

If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.

●

If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.

●

If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.

■

When disconnecting the 12-volt battery
Do not disconnect the negative (-) terminal on the body side. The discon-
nected negative (-) terminal may touch the positive (+) terminal, which may
cause a short and result in death or serious injury.

■

When replacing the 12-volt battery
Use a 12-volt battery designed for this vehicle. Failure to do so may cause
gas  (hydrogen)  to  enter  the  passenger  compartment,  causing  a  fire  or
explosion.
For replacement of the 12-volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.

414

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

NOTICE

■

When recharging the 12-volt battery
Never  recharge  the  12-volt  battery  while  the  hybrid  system  is  operating.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.

415

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mai
ntenan

ce and care

Check if the treadwear indicators are showing on the tires. Also check
the tires for uneven wear, such as excessive wear on one side of the
tread.
Check the spare tire condition and pressure if not rotated.

New tread
Worn tread
Treadwear indicator

The location of treadwear indicators is shown by a “TWI” or “

” mark,

etc., molded into the sidewall of each tire. 
Replace the tires if the treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.

Rotate  the  tires  in  the  order
shown.

To equalize tire wear and extend

tire life, Toyota recommends that

tire  rotation  is  carried  out  at  the

same interval as tire inspection.
Do  not  fail  to  initialize  the  tire

pressure  warning  system  after

tire rotation.

Tires

Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance sched-
ules and treadwear.

Checking tires

Tire rotation

1
2
3

Front

416

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses
tire pressure warning valve and transmitters to detect low tire inflation
pressure before serious problems arise.
● The  tire  pressure  detected  by

the  tire  pressure  warning  sys-
tem  can  be  displayed  on  the
multi-information display.

● If the tire pressure drops below

a  predetermined  level,  the
driver  is  warned  by  a  screen
display  and  a  warning  light.
(



P. 455

)

Tire pressure warning system