Edmunds Answers questions

Front end clunking noise

acor — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:34:35 GMT

I have front end noise near the wheel or steering area that started occasionally and is now constant. When you turn the wheel left and go it makes a clunk sound. When you step on the break immediately after starting out, it clunks again. It almost sounds like a ball joint starting to go. It happens sometimes going straight or right, but it always happens going left. Also there is a softer clunk when backing up and turning the steering wheel left about one full turn. It's a 2006 Toyota Avalon xl. Help!

I have a 06 Avalon and the passenger rear seat won't recline

yova — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 01:35:32 GMT

When you try to lift the reclining lever it feels like the gears are stripped. Will I have to take out the rear seat and or the seat back?

Toyota Avalon converter apparently not locking in top gear

almon — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:39:38 GMT

tried level run, and trany not locking out. i would guess i should see about a 200 rpm drop, but not happenig. what should i try to repair? other than that, car works beautifully.

on my 07 Toyota Avalon the tire rotation is from back to front only ,why is that?

wcallahan — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:10:52 GMT

i have always rotated tires from side to side,right rear to left front and so on,my owners manual says front to back ,back to front,no side to side,the tires aren't directional and neither are the wheels,does anyone know why Toyota eliminates side to side rotation?

My 2007 Toyota Avalon has a soft "thump" noise from somewhere in the rear when accelerating from a stop.

jjwillia3 — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:18:57 GMT

The noise sounds like a bowling ball rolling back there. It's not loud, and is only heard when accelerating from a stop. Just one thump. The dealer replaced the rr shock-no impact on the noise. The svc mgr came for a ride, and wants me to leave it with him for 2 days or so. The car now has 7500 miles, and the noise has been there since it was new. Otherwise, the car is fine. My concern: is this unique to my car? will it lead to future problems? Anyone have the same problem?

Can the '08 Toyota Avalon tow a light trailer?

mwinge — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:54:00 GMT

We tow a light trailer, approx. 1000-1200 lbs from MN to AZ and back once a year. Looking at a new Avalon and dealer says it does not have a tow rating. Will towing void warranty?

97 Avalon, steering is very stiff and jerky. After turning the steering wheel does not return to center. Any help?

ydnic — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:14:43 GMT

While I am driving my Avalon, the steering is very stiff and jerky. After turning the steering wheel does not return to straight.

Any thoughts on what could be causing this?

I used a syringe to extract most of the old power steering fluid and added new Dex III, as recommended by my Toyota manual. This didn't help, still jerky steering.

Anyone know what would cause this steering problem??

I appreciate any help.

How do you replace front and rear struts on1998 Toyoya Avalon?

allenrod — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:48:51 GMT

how do you remove front and rear struts on a 1998 Toyota Avalon

Trailer wiring diagram for 2006 Toyota Avalon

jimmyjud — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:24:41 GMT

how do you hook up trailer lights on a 2006 toyota avalon?

Toyota dealers in Ontario Canada don't know where I can get a cover for my Avalon? Apparently they don't sell them. Give me your info.

winterboy — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:54:26 GMT

reference to my question; Where is the best place to purchase an Avalon exterior cover.

Windshield wipers for a 2007 Toyota Avalon

delpheast — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:46:37 GMT

My 07 Toyota Avalon is in need of new wiper blades. This weekend I went to 4 auto parts stores and could not find a match. One salesperson at AutoZone said that in 2007 many new cars switched to a new type of mechanism and that his store did not carry that type of wiper yet and that I would have to go to the dealership. Here we are with the 09s coming out and I find it hard to believe that no 3d party has come up with such replacements yet. Has anyone else had this problem? Does anyone know of a replacement match? Thanks!

2002 Toyota Avalon - noise coming from rear strut area. Dealer says it is coming from loose strut mount. Replace?

dice50man — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:32:23 GMT

The dealer says that the noise is from the strut mounts being loose. Do the struts need to be replaced to cure this?

How do I read the dipstick on a 2008 Toyota Avalon?

dpm4 — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:51:53 GMT

I have been changing the oil on my cars since my 1950 Chevy with a straight 6 so I know the drill. On this new Avalon, I I cannot, for the life of me, read the dipstick. After wiping the stick, inserting it and pulling it out, it seems to be coated with oil no matter what I do. Any tricks anyone can suggest? Thanks, dpm4

05 Toyota Avalon steering noise.

av05 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:00:38 GMT

I have an 05 Avalon LTD. The steering column has started making a clicking noise. I know there is a TSB for this repair. I have owned the car for 37 months and have 31,000 miles. Will I be charged for the repair?

I have a 2006 Toyota Avalon and I'm experienceing vibration. I changed the brake pads and had the wheels balanced.

lcomer72 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:56:24 GMT

I had a bent wheel from potholes and I replaced it with a new one. I brought new tires and had them balanced 4 times. I had new brakes put in for the front and back. The individual who put the brakes on said the primary brake caliber pin on the front driver side wheel was froze, therefore, causing the brake pads not to open and close freely. He managed to get the pin to move in and out a little but it doesn't move nowhere as freely as the other caliber pins. I also noticed shiny spots on the rotors the sizes of nickels. The rotors were not scared from the old pads but the front two rotors look slick and shiny. I also brought the pin but I haven't replaces it yet. Before I start repairing the pin, do you have any suggestions as to what this vibrating situation is I'm experiencing. I think it's the brakes but I feel this pulsation even when i'm not braking.

I have an '05 Toyota Avalon with a bumping noise in the rear passenger side of the car. Anyone else with this problem?

flowerscheeney — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:58:01 GMT

Took it to my local, trusted mechanic and he diagnosed a replacement of upper strut supports is needed. Mileage is only 63K. There is a TSB out for it, but local dealer will not replace or repair at a lesser charge. Anyone else with this experience? Did you get any help with the cost from dealers? I was given an estimate of about $300 for repair to one side only.
thanks for any input

Can I change tire sizes on a 2007 Toyota Avalon Touring?

rand855 — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:16:00 GMT

I have a 2007 Toyota Avalon Touring with 215/55 17 all season tires. I would like to mount a set of Michelin Xi2 snow tires on it. I am unable to find a set in the size that is on my Touring. Could I use a tire with a slightly larger profile (215/60 17)?

Does the key fob in the 2007 Toyota Avalon Limited have remote start as well as the push button start?

HSTWXMAN — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:18:08 GMT

I am interested in buying the 2007 Toyota Avalon Limited. I know the car has a push button start, but can I also start the car remotely???

'99 Toyota Avalon exhaust system. Broken flex pipe repair.

cguermont — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 12:31:54 GMT

Local garage says the exhaust pipe system is all one piece, have to replace the entire system to the tune of $$$$. Is this true?
Thanks, CG

How do I snap the engine cover of my Toyota Avalon 2005 back on after I remove it? Can't get the top to secure.

shortgirl — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:44:38 GMT

I took off the plastic (?) engine cover (it just unsnaps and lifts out) to check the connections underneath. I lined it up to replace it and the two lower prongs go into the holes in the cover just fine, but can't get the top or third one to secure back. The cover looks like it should seat itself (at the top area)over two rubber gaskets but will not snap down. The service guy took it off and replaced it easily with me watching.

My 2000 Toyota Avalon XL needs tires. I had Turanza EL400T - got 51K. They suggest getting EL400H now. Any advice?

fsmith10 — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:25:58 GMT

I last had Turanza EL400T which were 80,000 mile tires. I got 51,000 from them. The ride was satisfactory. They are now trying to sell me the Turanza EL400H which is a 50,000 mile tire. I understand it will handle better, has softer tread and stiffer side wall. But this is what is recommended for the car by Toyota. I travel about 40 miles daily on highway at 70mph. I need to stay with Bridgestone to get the prorated credit. Any experiences with these tires?

98 Toyota Avalon camber adjustment.

aguerrini — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:00:34 GMT

My car (135Kmiles) got a negative camber and equally chewed-up the inside of both front tires to the steel belt in about 10Kmiles since tires and struts were replaced.

(Note: Original struts lasted for 120Kmiles)

Shop #1 calls for plain wheel alignment.
Shop #2 call for struts replacement.
Other information sources state 98 Avalon does not have caster-camber adjustment.
What is the correct solution to have this problem fixed?

New Monroe quick struts on 99 Toyota Avalon, After a month left rear strut began knocking loudly. Any known defects with Monroes?

rolchp — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:09:03 GMT

I installed new Monroe quick struts on 99 Avalon, loved the improvement for one month, then loud knocking from l/r strut over slightest bumps and turns. I understand this has happened with Monroe struts often and am awaiting a new one for the l/r. Any solutions? The noises are nearly identical to what caused me to replace the original struts and for 30 days the car was like new so it is surely a prob. with the struts (maybe the isolators inside them?). I read one guy had gone through 8 sets of Monroes with the same prob and I don't want to go through that. Any suggestions would be appreciated. THKS

Best replacement tires for 2005 Toyota Avalon Touring?

vabeckaboo — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:04:28 GMT

I have the original Michelin Energy tires that seemed to wear out at about 34K. Have gotten a different recommendation every time I call a different tire company. Also, is it okay to go from a V-rated tire to an H-rated tire?? Have been told many conflicting things. Thanks a lot for any help!!! I am so confused!

Tire recommendations for 2003 Toyota Avalon XL?

kkovak — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:54:40 GMT

My Avalon has ~60K miles and needs new tires. Driving is split 50/50 highway/city with the highway never above 85 and typ ~ 75 mph.

What subwoofer will be the best fit for my 1999 Toyota Avalon XLS?

bab2009 — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:52:55 GMT

My car is a 1999 Toyota Avalon xls and it came with a factory installed stereo system and I want to replace the whole system. I want to install both amplifier and subwoofer systems.

What year will be the next major model change for the Toyota Avalon?

jimer — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:38:24 GMT

When is the next major model change for the Toyota Avalon?

What year will be the next major change for Toyota Avalon?

jimer — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:21:26 GMT

What year will bring the next major change to Toyota Avalon?

Emission Inspection. problem after passing. engine light on and engine running rough. what happened?

lindaanne — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:02:42 GMT

Vehicle perfectly maintained. Engine fine before emission inspection. What could cause this? 1997 Toyota Avalon 80K miles.

I have a 2001 Avalon that I can't fill the gas without it shutting off unless I run the fuel handle very slow.

cmellen72 — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 07:56:21 GMT

I have a 2001 Avalon and in the last 6 months you can't fill the gas without it continually shutting off. You have to squeeze the handle very slow and stop it when you hear it begin to foam. Dealer checked air vents and said that the line to the gas tank had no kinks. Seems like there is some type of obstruction that the gas is hitting and causing it to foam.

just got 2004 Toyota Avalon. notice rpm is 2300 when cruising at 65mph. is there a problem?

almon — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 09:07:13 GMT

i noticed that at highway speeds, approx. at 65mph, the tach reads 2300rpm, and at 50 mph, i see approx 1700 rpm. is this normal?

2003 Toyota Avalon XL pulls left. 2 new sets of tires,cross rotation and multiple alignments no help. Suggestions?

goose8 — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 07:50:56 GMT

I have a 2003 Toyota Avalon XL that pulls left. I have recently had two new sets of tires installed and three separate alignments were done. In addition, the tires were cross rotated. The car still pulls left. The car has never been wrecked and all three alignment shops have stated that everything is fine with the alignment and front end. Has anyone else had this problem and does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix it? Thanks.

08 Toyota Avalon. I did input destination by phone # p.34 in manual. Now I just get message NO CORRESPONDING NUMBER.

fcross — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 12:29:40 GMT

I just bought my 2008 Toyota Avalon LTD three weeks ago and found that the easiest way to input a new destination was by phone number (page 34 in the 2008 Navigation System Owner's Manual). I had driven a 2000 Avalon since I bought it in 2000, and this is my first navigation system. I was out of town when I first used this feature and it worked fine. Now when I try to input a destination by phone number, I get a message in a white box that states, NO CORRESPONDING PHONE NUMBER. I know I must be missing something simple, but the manual is no help and I have spoken to two different dealerships "experts" who did not even know you could input a destination by phone number. Can someone help?

Navigation system destination input by telephone number; Toyota Avalon

fcross — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 16:12:40 GMT

I asked the question earlier about input of a destination by phone number in my 2008 Toyota Avalon. The "No corresponding phone no." response comes up on the screen on all numbers I try. It doesn't matter if it is a business or a personal number. It happens every time. The navigation manual doesn't help and no one at the dealerships in Oklahoma City seems to know. Can someone help?

How do you fix your rear door on a 1995 Toyota Avalon?

louiskbui — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:00:51 GMT

I can't open my 1995 toyota avalon back door on the passenger side. Anyone out there can help. Thanks.

Any recommendations on where to purchase a 2008 Toyota Avalon exterior car cover. Thanks.

winterboy — Sat, 10 May 2008 08:13:16 GMT

any recommendations on where to best purchase an exterior car cover for a 2008 toyota avalon xls. thanks.

Can a 2006 Toyota Avalon run on flexfuel?

lcomer72 — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:30:13 GMT

I what to know is my Avalon compatible with ethanol blends and what is the car's overall performance on this type of fuel. (alternative fuel)

Are there any performance parts for 2006 Toyoota Avalons?

lcomer72 — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:36:16 GMT

I'm looking for something to boost the hp and performance from engine up grades to suspension components. Ex. exhaust, tires, cold air induction, computer chip and etc...

How do you reset warning light on 1996 Toyota Avalon after replacing burned out bulb?

chooch72 — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 15:07:00 GMT

Nothing further to add

When will the 2009 Toyota Avalon come out

akin — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:12:01 GMT

When will the 2009 Toyota Avalon come out? What will change from 2008?

What would be excellent performance tires for a 2006 Toyota Avalon but reasonable in price?

lcomer72 — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:53:33 GMT

I like how the car performs but the tires could be more aggressive. I would also like to know if someone has used different tires besides the Michillen Energy tires that comes stock on the car.

How to remove Toyota Avalon engine air filter box?

loesshill — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 20:27:08 GMT

2008 Toyota Avalon air filter replacement proceedure
the filter box has three spring clips which are easily removed, however there are two retainers on the back of the air box which I cannot figure out how to release.

Thanks
Ray

2000 Toyota Avalon engine light and VCS lights stay on

mdeal — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:20:59 GMT

Have a 2000 avalon w 89,000 Last year the check engine & vcs light came on
Wife took it local mechanic who replaced battery worked fine until
yesterday when lights came back on.Any suggestions?

1997 Toyota Avalon Check Engine Diagnostic Question

tincan2 — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 11:55:07 GMT

The check engine light came on my wife's 1997 Avalon (it's not flashing). I read about doing a self-diagnostic (similar to one on my Nissan Maxima) but can't seem to get the engine light to flash to get the codes. I "jumped" the E1 and T1 terminals with both a paperclip and a heavy duty staple. Nothing happens. I have the ignition to "on" and even tried starting and restarting the engine. I tried jiggling the clips and staple around to get a good connection. I unplugged the EFI fuse for a few seconds as well. The light stays on. Any ideas? Do I need to bite the bullet and take it in to a mechanic? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Toyota Avalon window jam protection

bbattista — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:35:24 GMT

My passenger side window will only go half way up,my thought is the jam protection is activated,how do I deactivate,any other ideas??

Is the aux option on the Toyota Avalon just for XM etc., or can I plug in my mp3 in it and it will play?

jhk76 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:04:25 GMT

ssia

95 Toyota Avalon passenger seat floods when ac is on.

llorch — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:11:55 GMT

95 Toyota Avalon - water is collecting in the right front passenger area. I believe it is coming from the A/C system but I can't find the interior filter or the drain line to the exterior of the vehicle. my wife hates going anywhere with me in my car because she has to step into the swamp that is occurring on that side of the car. how can I correct this? other then not taking my wife anywhere. and where is the internal filter and how do I access it for change of same.

04 Toyota Avalon XLS with 30,000 miles. Just started pulling to the left terribly on the highway.

lpullen — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:40:58 GMT

Car never wrecked, previous owner had dealer maintenance at regular scheduled times. Put new TOYO tires on last week, that is when problem started. Dealer has balanced and rotated new tires several times problem persists. Alignment is perfect. Now going to try Hercules tires.
We are at a loss.
Thoughts?

What is the most comfortable riding car (for the passenger) in a mid size sedan?

freddye — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:38:43 GMT

I am looking for a mid sized sedan. But I want one that has a comfortable ride for the front seat passenger (my wife mostly). I would like one that has 4 doors and some good trunk space (that's secondary to the ride.) I like Toyota and Honda but want the best ride regardless of make.

My electronic ignition key doesn't work. Toyota Avalon. Any idea what causes that?

rsaari2003 — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 07:53:56 GMT

I have a 08 Avalon with a push start ignition. The electronic ignition key isn't working. It's almost like the battery is dead but i can't find a battery to check.